Category: Environment

Diplomatic Clarity: China Distances Itself from Illegal Mining Activities

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The Federation of China Mining Federation of Nigeria has debunked reports alleging that Chinese mining companies are infiltrating Nigeria’s solid minerals sector and engaging in illegal activities, describing the claims as false and misleading, restating its commitment to Lawful Mining in Nigeria. This was contained in a statement issued by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria on Tuesday, December 23, the federation said it had observed the recirculation of media reports alleging some Chinese nationals of illegal mining, seizure of critical mineral resources, environmental damage, and even fuelling terrorist activities in…

Building Systems That Work: Advancing Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health in Adamawa and Bauchi

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By: Bashir Hassan Abubakar The governments of Adamawa and Bauchi States in Nigeria’s North-East are stepping up efforts to mainstream Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) education into governance, adopting deliberate strategies that place adolescents themselves at the centre of policy implementation. This renewed commitment reflects a growing recognition that sustainable solutions to adolescent health challenges must go beyond policy declarations to include the voices, experiences and leadership of young people. These efforts are unfolding against the backdrop of troubling demographic and health indicators. Government data show that Adamawa State…

Boosting Business Leadership: UK PACT Unveils Clean-Air Transport Initiative

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The United Kingdom (UK) PACT Drives Transport Climate Action in Nigeria. A new UK PACT project, officially launched in Abuja on Tuesday, November 2, will strengthen private sector capacity for clean-air initiatives. The program, titled “Transport Climate Action: Boosting Business Leadership for Clean Air in Nigeria,” aims to deliver significant climate and environmental improvements. To foster a cleaner and more prosperous future, the UK PACT has launched a collaborative initiative focused on reducing carbon emissions and driving inclusive, low-carbon economic growth, particularly within the transport sector. Dr. Emmanuel Onwodi, Project…

Bauchi, Shandong Minsheng Group Strengthen Partnership to Develop Mineral Resources

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By: Bashir Hassan Abubakar Bauchi State has taken a major step toward economic diversification and industrial expansion as Governor Bala Mohammed hosted the leadership of China’s Shandong Minsheng Group at the Government House, Bauchi. The high-level visit followed the groundbreaking of the BMCC Nigeria Limited mining project in Baraza, Dass Local Government Area — a landmark joint venture expected to redefine the state’s mining and industrial profile. BMCC Nigeria Limited, co-owned by the Bauchi State Government and Shandong Minsheng Group, aims to tap into the state’s abundant mineral reserves while…

Nigeria Returns to IMO Council in Category C, Commits to Global Maritime Governance

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History Made as Nigeria secures International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Category C Council seat with 116 votes after sixteen years of failed attempts. The Nigerian delegation, led by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, attended the 34th Session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly in London, where the successful election for the 2026–2027 Category C seat was held on Friday, November 28. Voting was conducted using a physical secret ballot, and the results were announced immediately after the close of the polls and the subsequent tallying…

Bauchi Governor Presents N878.1bn 2026 Budget to State Assembly

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By Bashir Hassan Abubakar Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, on Thursday presented a budget proposal of N878,152,907,900 for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly for consideration. Tagged the “Budget of Consolidation and Sustainability,” the governor said the proposal is designed to strengthen financial reporting, boost revenue generation, and sustain ongoing development programmes. Mohammed said the fiscal plan is premised on an oil production estimate of 1.6 million barrels per day, a benchmark oil price of $68 per barrel, and an exchange rate of N1,440 to the…

CSO Trains Vulnerable Women in Waste-to-Wealth Skills in Bauchi

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By: Bashir Hassan Abubakar A Bauchi-based Civil Society Organisation, Community Advocate for Rural Development (CARD), in partnership with the Development Exchange Center (DEC), has launched a six-day intensive training on converting biodegradable plastics and textiles waste into finished products in Gwallameji community. The initiative aims to equip selected vulnerable beneficiaries with skills to boost self-reliance and local economic development. Executive Director of CARD, Habiba Bello Ajufoh, said that, through it’s partnership DEC and Bread for the World Germany, CARD will train and supports rural women to: Recycle plastic and textile…

WASH Experts Chart New Roadmap at World Toilet Day Webinar

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By: Bashir Hassan Abubakar As the global community marks World Toilet Day 2025, Mangrove & Partners, a leading institutional strengthening consultancy, convened a high-level national webinar to accelerate efforts toward ending open defecation in Nigeria. Speaking at the virtual workshop, Managing Partner/CEO Timeyin Uwejamomere said the session was designed to unite key WASH stakeholders to examine strategies for scaling up sanitation interventions at national and subnational levels. He stressed the urgency of fast-tracking Nigeria’s journey toward an Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. The webinar spotlighted the country’s two ODF-certified states—Jigawa…

Clear Passage: NIWA Launches Swift Cleanup of Water Hyacinth to Clear Ikorodu Waterways.

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The National Inland Waterways Authority,(NIWA), has concluded arrangements to clear a widespread water hyacinth infestation affecting the Ikpakodo and Ebutte jetties in the Ikorodu Waterways, Lagos. Confirming the action, the Lagos Area Manager for the authority, Engr. Sarat Braimah, said the exercise was a preventive measure to curb the recurring menace of the invasive weed before it disrupts transportation and fishing activities. ” We have carefully studied the pattern and spread of the water hyacinth and decided to act swiftly to mitigate its impact before it causes disruptions to boat…

Lagos Govt Justifies Trade Fair Demolition, Refutes Ethnic Targeting Allegations

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The Lagos State Government has defended the demolition of buildings at the Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, insisting the demolition was purely technical and not targeted at any ethnic group. Recall, the State Government, in September, began demolition of unsafe and illegal buildings at the Trade Fair Complex. Olumide Oluyinka, Hon. Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development dismissed claims of ethnic victimisation during an interview on Channels Television’s the Morning Brief on Thursday. “That is not true,” he argued, claiming that “We have been to Owode Onirin, Idumota, and Ikeja.…