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Tag: Ibrahim Jibril

  • We have developed framework, timeline towards Ogoniland clean-up – Minister

    Says contractors will move to site by September

     

    The Minister of Environment, Ibrahim Jibril on Monday disclosed that plans have reached an advanced stage for the remediation exercise of the Ogoniland.

    Jibril said a framework and timeline for the clean-up exercise have been developed among other scheduled activities to December 2019.

    The Minister spoke during a national colloquium organised to celebrate 60 years birthday of Arc. Nnimmo Bassey in Abuja. It was themed: Environmental Conflicts and the Quest for National Identity.

    The Minister, who acknowledged impact of environmental pollution in the Niger Delta region stated contractors will move to site by September.

    He state that fishes are being destroyed, farmlands and the entire ecosystem largely affected.

    According to him, he had a change of perception during his visit on February 2016 to the region during a spill at the forcado.

    However, he restated commitment of the current administration to realising the clean-up exercise.

    Jibril noted that the current administration has no option except to do the clean-up exercise.

    He emphasized significant of the remediation saying it became imperative for the sake of the polluted communities.

    “One single trip in February 2016 in the forcados when there was a spill changed my entire perception about pollution in the region. I used to see fish fried with vegetable oil but by my trip that day made me see fish fried with crude oil. This has changed my opinion.  If you allow environmental issues to persist, it will destroy the ecosystem.

    Read Also: FG clears 140 contractors on Ogoniland clean-up

    “But we are determined to right the wrong. It is a promise made by the President.

    “We have developed a framework and close timeline that will take us to December 2019. The problem we are facing and we need Nnimmo to support is that people have been agitating for over 40 Years. A lot of promises have been made and not kept to the extent that they could not believe who will do the right thing anymore.”

    He added that, “We have already advertised and gotten 400 companies. 284 are local and 60 are foreign. Assessments are ongoing and we have delineated about 14 sites as at last week from 26. They have been handled over to the Consultants.

    “On the technical aspects, we have gotten 162 companies and nine of them are foreign who have qualified to the next stage. We intend to move to site and follow up by September.

    “We are under severe pressure to perform. We need to do it for the sake of our people.We have no option than to do the cleanup.”

    He prayed for the celebrant to witness another 60 years.

    In his citation read by Mrs. Bunmi Dipo-Salami, revealed how Bassey emerged Co-founder of Environmental Rights Action and led the advocacy group for over 20 years campaigning for environmental safety.

    He was applauded for his commitment to protecting the ecosystem and advocating for environmental justice.

  • FG denies export racketeering allegations against Amina Mohammed

    FG denies export racketeering allegations against Amina Mohammed

    The Nigerian Government has denied the allegations of wood export racketeering to China levelled against UN Deputy Secretary-General Ms Amina Mohammed.

    The Minister of State for Environment, Mr Ibrahim Jibril, in a statement denied the allegations being widely circulated in the media against the ex-Minister of Environment.

    The statement read: “The report which contained spurious and unsubstantiated allegations against the former Minister, is a pure misrepresentation of facts, baseless and intended to smear not just Mrs Mohammed, but the Nigerian Government.

    “The Ministry of Environment wishes to state unequivocally that the ex-Minister is not under any probe whatsoever over any purported wrongdoing whether locally or internationally.

    “The ex-minister acted within the ambit of the law of both the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the protocols of International Environmental conventions while in office between November 2015 to February 2017”.

    The Nigerian Government noted for clarity the processes involved in issuing approvals for Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species in wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

    It said “potential exporters are required to apply to the Ministry” and for “inspection of factories and premises for compliance by wood experts”.

    The statement said qualified exporters were issued ‘Letters of Supports’, with ‘Invitation of the Ministry by the exporter for the stuffing of the containers”.

    The Ministry stated that all the CITES permits signed by the ex-minister were done in line with stringent guidance and procedures.

    “Specifically, Rosewood (Kosso) is under CITES Appendix II, which allows Sustainable Trade to improve the livelihood of people in line with International best practices.

    “For the records, the CITES permits signed by the ex-minister were in batches from August 2016 to January 2017.

    “In line with established Public Service norms, the ex-minister continued to perform her duties diligently up to the last minute of her last day in office in Feb. 24, 2017.”

    The ministry further stated that Mohammed, during her tenure as Minister of Environment, carried out far-reaching reforms in the environmental sector.

    It cited that of bringing Rosewood from unguided trade of CITES Appendix III to Appendix II, which sanitised the wood industry in Nigeria.

    It added that Mohammed “led the Review of Endangered Species Act, Convention on International Trade in Wild Fauna and Flora and duly signed by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on Dec. 30, 2016.”

    The Environmental Investigation Agency ( EIA ) had earlier claimed that the former Nigerian Minister might have benefited personally from signing thousands of allegedly backdated permits in January 2017 which were allegedly used to clear illegal rosewood exports to China.

    EIA further claimed this happened at the time Mohammed was preparing to leave as Nigeria’s minister of environment following her UN appointment.

    EIA’s report said over 1.4 million illegal rosewood logs from Nigeria worth $300 million were detained at the ports in China in 2016 but were released after the presentation of CITES certificates signed by the ex-minister.

    NAN

  • ‘Nigeria needs $142bn to meet NDC’s target’

    ‘Nigeria needs $142bn to meet NDC’s target’

    The Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions’ ( NDC ) ambition under Climate Change Accord will cost estimated 142 billion dollars,  to meet the 2030 target.

    Minister of State for Environment Ibrahim Jibril disclosed this at the UN while presenting Nigeria’s progress report on climate change goal under the Sustainable Development Goals.

    The NDC is a binding agreement, which spelt out the actions a country intends to take to address climate change – both in terms of adaptation and mitigation – when it ratifies the Paris Agreement.

    The Minister said: “The delivery of our NDC will require a fundamental re-orientation of financial flows within the economy.

    “It is estimated that Nigeria will require around 142 billion dollars , translating to about 10 billion dollars per annum to meet her NDC target by 2030,” he said.

    He said Nigeria had recognised that climate change presented one of the greatest challenges of the world today.

    “In the midst of this vulnerability, an opportunity resides for Nigerian economy to grow in a manner that is climate resilient and empowers people whilst meeting its energy deficiency.

    “One of the innovative means of exploring this opportunity is through the issuance of green bonds, which has gained recognition as means of raising finance for climate friendly purposes.

    “Accordingly, the Federal Government has advance plans to issue a program of N150 billion in green bonds over the next few months.

    “This is with a pilot issue of N12.384 billion in the third quarter of 2017 and the balance over the course of the budget year.

    “Collaboration between Ministry of Environment and Finance continues to pull together the institutional partners necessary to achieve what would be Nigeria and Africa’s first sovereign green bond and the worlds third.”

    Jibril said Nigeria was partnering with the Lake Chad basin countries to address the challenges of drying up of the lake which will have adverse consequences on  the people and the ecosystem.

    “Equally, actions to fast track the environmental clean-up of the Niger Delta beginning with Ogoniland are undoubtedly one of the most significant decisions taken by the President Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration.

    “The President’s action has now breathed new life into a four-year report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), which hitherto had experienced a series of false starts since it was published on Aug. 4, 2011.”

    The Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, said Nigeria’s progress towards localising the SDGs was with an emphasis on ensuring implementation across all levels of government.

    “Specifically, the Ministry incorporated and ensured policy linkages between the SDGs and the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, a four-year medium term development plan launched on April 5, 2017.

    “The plan is aimed at ensuring sustained and inclusive growth; building a globally competitive and diversified Nigerian economy, investing in our people and building strong governance institutions to drive change.”

    Additionally, specific programmes and projects aimed at achieving the SDGS have been integrated into the 2017 National Budget, and will be included in future budgeting frameworks, she said.

  • Buhari arrives in New York for UN Summit

    Buhari arrives in New York for UN Summit

    President Muhammadu Buhari has arrived in New York, United States, to join other world leaders for the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) high-level events starting on Tuesday.

    The President was accompanied by governors Abdul’aziz Yari (Zamfara), David Umahi (Ebonyi) and Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo).

    He was received at the JF Kennedy Airport by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative  to the UN, Prof. Tijjani Bande.

    The President was thereafter, received at 8:30 p.m. at his lodge by three ministers – Kayode Fayemi (Solid Minerals), Adamu Adamu (Education), and Okechukwu Enelamah (Industry, Trade and Investment).

    The others were the Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Jibril; his Budget and National Planning counterpart, Zainab Ahmed, presidential aides as well as members of staff of the Nigerian Missions in the U.S.

    Buhari will deliver Nigeria’s National Statement on Tuesday, the first day of the general debate.

    He has been listed as the eighth speaker of the 193 Head of States expected to address the General Debate of the General Assembly.

    The theme for this year’s debate is ‘Focusing on People: Striving for Peace and a Decent Life for All on a Sustainable Planet’.

    The President will also join other world leaders at the welcoming reception to be hosted by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and hold a bilateral meeting with the UN chief.

    Aside other high-level engagement, he will have a lunch meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, along with other world leaders.

    Nigeria will also participate in high-level meetings on “Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse: Building Momentum for Change,” the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, a High Level Event organised by African Union under its theme of the Year: “Roadmap on the Demographic Dividend:From Commitment to Action,” among others.

    It is expected that the President and members of his delegation will project Nigeria as a strong moral force and responsible member of the international community.

     

  • UK Envoy worried over carbon emissions in Nigeria

    UK Envoy worried over carbon emissions in Nigeria

    • Says Climate Change will drop Nigeria’s GDP to 30 per cent by 2050

    United Kingdom High Commission to Nigeria has expressed concerns over the influence of carbon emissions in Nigeria due to climate change impact.

    Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Harriet Thompson during the event to commemorate World Environment Day (WED), organised by the Federal Ministry of Environment in Abuja advised the country to strive and protect the environment to achieve sustainable development.

    The 2017 WED was themed, “Connecting with nature.” She noted that even though the country is endowed with good vegetation and human resources, “there are challenges about getting right-security, transport access, and facilities and protecting the nature will be key to sustaining it. As a tourist attraction -no one will want to come and see a decayed broken landscape.”

    While quoting the 2011 Climate Change Vulnerability Index (CCVI), Thompson said the country could lose Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of between 6 per cent and 30 per cent by 2050 due to climate change. She further estimated the loss to an amount between $100 to 460 billion.

    “Agriculture and farming, which are the key focus for economic development in Nigeria, give daily opportunity to connect with nature. Nigeria’s focus on rebuilding its agricultural capacity growth would help to provide more employment and earning opportunities .“For 2017, theme could not have come to at a better time than this-

    “For 2017, the theme could not have come at a better time than this, time to rethink just how much time spend ‘in nature’, how much nature nourishes ‎us daily and throughout our lives.

    “Around the globe, billions are fed by nature itself, from the dependence on natural water to the fertile soils in the grounds in which our food are grown. Everyone and everything eat from the surplus of the ground.Unfortunately, those down the food chain are the first to suffer when ecosystems are threatened, from climate change, loss of biodiversity and policies,” Thompson added.

    “Unfortunately, those down the food chain are the first to suffer when ecosystems are threatened, from climate change, loss of biodiversity and policies,” Thompson added.

    She restated commitment of the UK government to tackling global climate change and the Paris Agreement ‘as strong as ever’.

    According to her, UK government would continue to play a leading role internationally and also in delivering her commitments to create a safer and more prosperous future for all.

    In his remark, the Environment Minister, Ibrahim Jibril admitted that the rural dweller that largely depends on nature for their livelihood are most hit by climate change impacts.

    He added that most times they are affected by pollution, and over-exploitation of the natural resources.“Even in the face of many environmental challenges that are confronting our dear country Nigeria; from desertification in the north to coastal erosion in the South East and

    “Even in the face of many environmental challenges that are confronting our dear country Nigeria; from desertification in the north, to coastal erosion in the South East and south- west and decades of Oil Pollution in the Niger Delta – We are reminded that when we come together as one people, collectively we can resolve to protect our environment and the resources we are blessed with,” he said.

    Earlier, Resident Coordinator, Mr. Edward Kallon‎, said the collaboration with Federal government had resulted into the signing of the Paris Agreement and its ratification by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He said the UNDP Nigeria had commenced work with the ministry to develop the third National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

    According to him, this will assist in controlling emissions and the building of information and knowledge regarding national sources of the Green House Gasses (GHGs)‎, and the impacts of climate change on sustainable social and economic development.

  • FG to recruit NYSC members as anti-malaria taskforce

    FG to recruit NYSC members as anti-malaria taskforce

    The Federal Government is to engage the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members as advocates against malaria infection.

    Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Jibril, at the launch of National Mosquito Control and Liquid Waste Management Programme, yesterday in Abuja said that the recruited members will serve in the capacity of the defunct War Against Indiscipline (WAI).

    He disclosed in Abuja that the ministry may partner with State governments to also register community health officers in Public Health Departments in the 774 local governments, to eliminate the breeding places of mosquitoes and reducing incidences of malaria parasites across the country.

    The Minister condemned increasing rate of malaria infection as a result of poor environmental sanitation, stressing that it was becoming worrisome as it contributed to high child and maternal mortality.

    Jubril said: “I remember in my days as a youth corper, we were in the WAI brigade and now I can see people (NYSC) that we can recruit for the anti-malaria brigade. This is worth commending because it is of serious health concern.

    “In the 1960s, 70s, we had the privilege of having the wole-woles… so the federal ministry of environment in partnership andelsta limited has decided to re-launch this programme with the sole objective of achieving a clean and green environment, free of mosquitoes and other diseases in the country.

    “We know of the menace of malaria vectors causing diseases in the country as well as poor management of the environment in rural, semi-rural and urban areas that constitute serious threat to human health.”

    However, he said the responsibility to maintain a healthy environment should be collective and participatory as the ministry cannot solely perform the public sanitary functions.

    According to him, there was the need for partnership with the public and private sector in the campaign against malaria infection.

    In his remark, the Managing Director, Andelsta Limited, Engr. Fintan Ibeshi called for the abolition of monthly sanitation stressing that sanitations should be daily activity rather than monthly exercise.

    He said the firm in partnership with the ministry will roll out campaigns, seminars, trainings for volunteer corps in order to promote sanitation advocacy in schools, health centers and other public places.

    Ibeshi noted that the success in the war against mosquito, access to clean water and sanitation for everyone cannot be achieved by the public sector alone without the involvement and strong participation of private sector.

    He explained that through its Decentralised Waste Water Treatment System (DEWATS), waste water in densely populated areas, villages and slums would be treated.

    “The DEWATS solution constitutes primary, secondary and tertiary treatment for waste water and also provides biogas for cooking, lighting and power generation,” he added.

  • Nigeria, now a dumping ground for inferior, substandard foods – Minister

    Minister of State for Environment Ibrahim Jibril says Nigeria has become a dumping ground for inferior, substandard, expired and poisonous foods and feeds from countries across the globe.

    The minister said this on Monday in Abuja at a workshop organised by National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) and Program for Biosafety Systems (PBS) to stimulate the collaboration of regulatory agencies.

    He, however, noted that there might be some machinations by some affluent nations to keep Nigeria a food-dependent nation perpetually.

    “Nigeria has been marginalised and ostracised by many rich nations in the European Union which suspended some of our agricultural products, citing high volume of dichlorvos pesticide as its reason.“This is a reflection of our inability to adhere to global standards, which has come to hunt us at the international level.

    “And I made bold to say that we — the regulatory Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) — all contributed our fair share to this deplorable state of affairs.

    “Although we all have our specific mandates; the lack of collaboration in carrying out the mandates in the face of limited resources has hampered and reduced our efficiency and effectiveness,’’ he said.

    Jibril said that now that modern biotechnology was becoming increasingly significant in addressing the emerging challenges of food security and renewable energy demand; stakeholders must work together for the good of the country.

    “With its perceived and real unintended consequences, we the regulatory agencies must unite with a sense of purpose, vision, mission and determination to ensure that our nation do not become a dumping ground.

    “And we must as well not run away from the benefits of the application of modern biotechnology and the use of genetically modified foods and feeds,’’ he said.

    In his remarks, Dr Rufus Ebegba, the Director-General, NBMA, said that the agency had been advocating inter-agency collaboration to ensure that

    Nigeria would not be termed a dumping ground for unwholesome products anymore.

    “Collaboration is key to success and we want to succeed in the use and application of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in the country.

    “That is why we are collaborating with line agencies to keep the country safe and healthy,’’ he added.

    Mr John Komen, the Coordinator of PBS in Africa, pledged his organisation’s support for efforts to adopt modern biotechnology applications in Nigeria.

    “The workshop will discuss and analyse the responsibilities, use and legal mandates of relevant agencies as well as the impact of the commercial releases of genetically modified crops.

    “It will also define the areas of collaboration and potential of these agencies,’’ he said.

    Highlights of the event include the inauguration of the Biosafety Detection Laboratory at the headquarters of National Biosafety Management Agency in Abuja.

  • Court jails 49-year-old man for stealing purse

    A Gudu Upper Area Court, Abuja, has sentenced a 49-year-old man, Ibrahim Jibril to six weeks imprisonment for stealing a purse.

    Jibril of no fixed address pleaded guilty and was subsequently convicted on a two-count charge of criminal trespass and theft levelled against him.

    The judge, Mr Umar Kagarko, however, gave the convict an option of N6,000 fine.

    Kagarko said he considered the convict’s age in giving him light sentence, and also because he did not waste the time of the court as he quickly admitted committing the crime.

    Prosecutor Fidelis Ogbobe had told the court that on March 27, the convict “criminally trespassed into the building of the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF).

    “He went into the office and stole a purse belonging to one Mrs Oloruyonu Maria, a staff of the office of the AGF.

    “During police investigation, the said purse was recovered from him,’’ he said.

    The prosecutor said the offence was contrary to Sections 348 and 284 of the Penal Code.