The Nation Newspaper

Tag: SEUN AKIOYE

  • Fertilizer manufacturers illegally exporting products – NSA

    Fertilizer manufacturers illegally exporting products – NSA

    The National Security Adviser, (NSA) Major General Mohammed Babagana Monguno rtd, on Thursday accused two major fertilizer manufacturing companies in Nigeria of illegally exporting 71 percent of their total production thereby starving Nigerian farmers and endangering both food and national security.

    A  visibly angry Monguno said  the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) will not hesitate to close down any company engaged in acts of illegality in the manufacture and distribution of fertilizers in the country.

    The NSA also revealed that 9000kg of high explosives and 16,420 pieces of detonators have been diverted for illegal use in the Niger Delta.

    The explosives have been used in the incessant bombings of oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta.

    Two companies, Notore Chemical Industry limited and Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Chemicals were granted the exclusive rights to manufacture fertilizer for local consumption after the Federal Government banned the importation of fertilizers following discovery that certain grades of fertilizers were being used to manufacture the Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) employed by terrorists in the country.

    Monguno said the ONSA and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development also facilitated necessary importation of raw materials and ensured secured distribution networks with the aim of solving a national security problem and boosting local production of the product thereby boosting the economy.

    He said the cumulative annual production of the two companies is estimated at 2.05 million metric tons while the estimated national consumption rate is 1.1 million metric tons leaving the companies with a cumulative export value of about 47 percent.

    Monguno: “However, the Office of the National Security Adviser has observed with total dismay, some unpatriotic act and abuse of the goodwill of the government, reports of these companies have indicated that about 71 percent of the 2.05 million metric tons cumulative annual production is being exported to the detriment of our national economy. This has resulted in a spike in the price of urea-based fertilizers in Nigeria with obvious implications on food security in the country.

    “In view of the foregoing, I wish to categorically state that the government will continue to adhere to the rule of law, however, it must be noted that the rule of law is not akin to anarchy. Accordingly, this office will not hesitate to close and withdraw the operating license of any company that exports products without first meeting local consumption.  This office and the Ministry will work to put in place measures to access production and determine exportable quantity by the respective companies.”

    Monguno who was flanked by the Hon. Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and other top officials of the ONSA noted that due to the unpatriotic acts of the companies local farmers are suffering due to lack of fertilizers.

    “I must state that the goodwill shown by the government of this country will not be taken for granted, the fact that we are in a difficult complicated situation  in terms of economy and security does not mean that companies and anybody with vested interest should take the government for granted.  The president came to power with specific mandates which is clear to all Nigerians and the international communities, we will view with very serious consequences, whatever any company does to fall out of line and behave in a manner that will ruin the economy and security of this country,” he said.

    The NSA said investigations into the incessant bombings of oil facilities in the Niger Delta region have revealed that commercial explosives and accessories were used for the attacks. In view of that, audit of the records  of explosive magazines and quarries in the region were carried out which revealed a diversion of 9000 kg of high explosives and 16,420 pieces of detonators for illegal use.

    Monguno said the actors including the store man of a major explosives distribution company in Nigeria and five security operatives have been arrested and handed over to appropriate authorities.

    He said: “Right now investigations have been conducted and I can assure you they are deeply culpable and appropriate actions will be taken. Let me once again reiterate that  any individual or company that operates outside the confines of legitimacy and legality will find itself to blame,  I also want to add the government  of the day will not listen to any influence peddler  in society on behalf of any company that decides to sabotage national security.”

    In a reaction, the Head of Sales, Notore Chemicals Industry, Mr. Oscar Okpe who refused to comment on the allegations however said the company is committed to equitable distribution of fertilizers in Nigeria.  In a telephone interview, Oscar said the company is putting fertilizers in the market and farmers will soon begin to access the products.

    However, Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Chemicals said a release would be issued on the matter at other dates.

  • We abide by all financial laws in Nigeria, says First Group

    We abide by all financial laws in Nigeria, says First Group

    The First Group, A British owned international hotel and property development company based in Dubai has denied allegations  that it served as a front for laundering money by politicians and government officials in Nigeria. The company also strongly denied that it is involved in a $200b real estate scam.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday sealed off the premises of the group’s Nigerian agent, TFG Real Estate Limited in Abuja after claims that it was being used as a front for money laundering and involved in property scam to the tune of $200b.

    In a swift reaction, Eve Humphreys, First Group’s director of Brand and Marketing Communication the company always abides by Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws and has never been involved in any illegal business deals in the country.

    In a press statement made available to our correspondent, the company said its agent in Nigeria regularly files  the required reports with the section of the Special Control Unit on Money Laundering (SCUML) of the EFCC in Abuja.

     The statement reads: “The First Group categorically denies the baseless allegations published by certain sections of the Nigerian press regarding its alleged involvement in money laundering or any other form of illegal business dealings in relation to its Nigerian clients.

    “The First Group’s Nigerian agent, TFG Real Estate, Limited, fully abides by Nigeria’s anti-money laundering regulations. In line with this commitment, TFG Real Estate, Limited regularly files the required reports with the section of the Special Control Unit on Money Laundering (SCUML) division of the EFCC in Abuja.

    “Furthermore, The First Group’s Dubai operations, which are indirectly implicated in these

    baseless allegations are governed by UAE Federal Law, and in particular, the country’s anti-money laundering laws, which rank among the world’s most robust.

    “The First Group’s clients are also protected by the Dubai government’s rigorous and world-class real estate regulations, which are designed to protect the interests of local and international investors in this dynamic property market.”

    The First Group  says it will explore all legal options to defend its commercial reputation in Nigeria while protecting the interests of its clients and complying with all legal statutes in the markets in which it operates.

  • Journalist alleges threat to life over “illegal” dredging story

    A freelance broadcast journalist, Augustina Armstrong-Ogbonna has alleged threat to her life by a former Minister of State for Interior  and  Executive Director, Integrated Oil and Gas Limited, Captain Emmanuel Ihenancho.

    Armstrong-Ogbonna, a multimedia and award winning journalist was the first to expose the dredging activities of Integrated Oil and Gas Limited in Irede community close to Apapa which has allegedly caused cracks in the houses. The dredging was part of plans to build a mini refinery on the island by the former Minister.

    More worrying according to the journalist is the fact that the project for the mini refinery has no Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), report and approval.

    Armstrong-Ogbonna said: “On the 5th of February I went to Irede community close to Apapa to investigate a complaint about how a dredging activity was impacting on the community. I met with some executives of Irede Community Developers’ Association who told me how, in 2014, the Executive Director of Integrated Oil and Gas and Former Minister of Interior Captain Emmanuel Ihenancho bought a piece of land bordering Irede community.

    “Ihenancho told the community leaders that he wants to build a mini-refinery and jetty. He started dredging at the last quarter of 2015 and they said this has affected buildings close to the shoreline. I saw houses with cracks on the wall and floor of a house almost caving in.

    “On the 7th of February, I got in touch with Captain Ihenancho through a phone call and he cut the call and said he was in a meeting. I called again on the 8th of February and told him about the allegations against his operations at Irede community. He said he was in London and that I shouldn’t mind those complaining because they are blackmailers.

    “I detailed the allegations against his operations at Irede community and if he had an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for the project. He became defensive and said he has a land close to Irede community and was dredging. That how can the dredging be affecting buildings in the community. He said if he has an EIA or not, is it the business of the community? “Are they the authorities?” he asked.

    “He said he has been an object of blackmail in the past and will not accept any form of blackmail. That he wanted to bring an investment that will create job opportunities. He asked me how the matter in Irede community concerns me and I told him because I am a journalist that is how its concern me. He warned me not to publish any story or else I will put myself in the firing line. He threatened to visit my office and meet with my editor when he returns to Nigeria.”

    Armstrong-Ogbonna said investigations at the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and the Federal Ministry of Environment was conclusive that Integrated Oil and Gas Limited has no EIA report on the project.

    She said the former Minister has since declared a “war” against her after getting officers at Area L Police Command in Lagos to arrest the spokesperson of the community, Chief Raymond Gold on February 22, 2016.

    “As we speak, the Police at Area L are trying to get my details so that they can arrest me, they are asking Chief Raymond for my details. Why will they want to arrest me? I am a journalist, not a criminal,” she said.

  • Nigerian journalist wins UN Foundation Gold Prize

    Nigerian journalist wins UN Foundation Gold Prize

    A Nigerian journalist, Augustina Armstrong-Ogbonna has been awarded the United Nations Foundation Gold Prize for Development and humanitarian reporting.
    Armstrong-Ogbonna, a freelance journalist with Radio Nigeria (Radio One) won the Gold medal for her reportage on neglected coastal communities along the Lagos coastline that are bearing the drastic impact of sea rise as well as threats of displacement.
    She was awarded the United Nations Foundation Gold Prize for print (including online media) and broadcast media (TV & Radio), for Development and Humanitarian Reporting.
    The award and gold medal was presented to her by the Secretary General of the United Nations; Mr Ban Ki-Moon on Monday in New York at the 20th United Nations Correspondents Association (UNCA) Annual Awards for the best print, broadcast (TV & Radio) and online, web-based media coverage of the United Nations, U.N. agencies and field operations.
    The prize was awarded for her report on how climate change and rapid urbanization is affecting coastal communities such as Okun Alfa, Otodo-gbame in Lagos with extinction and eviction respectively.
    According to the UNCA; “Augustina Armstrong-Ogbonna braves dangers to report on Nigeria’s coastal communities ravaged by conflict and degrading environment that affect development and human lives.”
    With almost ten years of experience as a multimedia and Environmental Journalist, Tina has focused her reportage on neglected communities across Nigeria such as Okun Alfa and Otodo Gbame in Eti-Osa local government area, Sagbo Kodji Island and Makoko in Lagos state. Sagbo Kodji has never had power supply despite being located on an island that overlooks high rise of commercial Lagos Island as well as Apapa sea port.
    The report was picked online by a renewable energy company owned by two young Nigerians, whose company approached the community and provided solar power panels and battery to some homes and ventures on the island, thereby lighting up the community for the first time in over a century of its existence.
    Reacting to the prize, Tina said “I am completely humbled by this recognition from the United Nations. It is a major encouragement for me to persist with impacting journalism that affects the common man and development of the environment. I am must obliged for this.”
    Until recently, Tina produced and presented a weekly environmental programme on community development called Community Diary on Radio One 103.5 FM in Lagos. She has also produced content for REUTERS, CNN, German Information Center GIC and EnviroNews Nigeria.

  • Hope rises as world moves towards climate agreement

     

    There was hope at the ongoing Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) conference in Paris following the release of a draft text of agreements on Thursday. The ‘text’ is a set of agreements by the 195 countries that signed up to the UNFCCC.

     The text as released show that the world has agreed (tentatively) to keep global carbon emissions levels between the 1.5 -2 degree benchmark.

     The draft text has been a major source of disagreement between the developed and developing nations with each country seeking to include issues that are most favourable to it.

     Some of the contentious issues which divided the negotiators include an agreement to lower carbon emissions below the 1.5 degree (pre-industrial revolution) benchmark. The African group of negotiators, Small Island states and Asia are pushing for a reduction in carbon emission below 1.5 while many of the developed countries led by the United States of America (USA) want to cap emissions at 2 degrees.

     Another issue of contention was the inclusion of the Loss and Damage in the text; this would have opened up a litany of lawsuits from developing countries against the developed nations and the big polluting states. The issue of finance was also key with the developing countries insisting on the “polluter pays” principle. Nigeria’s conditional Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) also indicates that the country will lower emissions by 45 percent if finances are made available.

     However, in the text released Parties appeared to have taken the agitations of many developed countries into consideration. “Parties hereby establish the global goal of enhancing adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience and reducing

    vulnerability to climate change, [in accordance with the objective, principles and provisions of the Convention, including common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities,] with a view to contributing to

    sustainable development [and ensuring adaptation in the context of the goal of holding the increase in the global average temperature below [2 degrees C] [[2 or] 1.5 degrees C referred to in Article 2].

    The parties also agreed to set machinery in motion that would address the irreversible and permanent damage arising from climate change. While this is well below a well-defined agreement on loss and damage, it is a step towards justice for vulnerable countries.

    “A process to develop approaches to address irreversible and permanent damage resulting from human-induced climate change will be initiated under the [Warsaw International Mechanism] [CMA] with a view to completing this process within four years].

     Also of great importance is the agreement on climate finance which will see $100billion per year contribution towards adaption and mitigation efforts.

     “The provision and mobilization of financial resources by developed country Parties and other developed Parties included in Annex II shall represent a progression beyond their previous efforts with clearly

    Identified pathways to annual expected levels of available resources towards achieving short-term collective quantified goals for the post 2020 period to be periodically established and reviewed.

     “Financial resources shall be scaled up from a floor of US$100 billion per year, including a clear burden sharing formula, and in line with needs and priorities identified by developing country Parties in the context of contributing to the achievement of the purpose as defined in Article 2 of this Agreement. It shall take into account an equitable regional distribution of financial resources and a gender sensitive approach, and include the implementation of Articles 5 and 6 of the Convention.”

     The agreement will also see technology transfer and capacity building for Least Developed Countries including Nigeria from developed countries to help combat the impacts of climate change.

     “Capacity building under this Agreement should enhance the capacity and ability of [countries][developing country Parties, in particular countries with the least capacity, such as LDCs and SIDS and African countries[in accordance with the principles and provisions of the Convention]]to take effective climate change action, including, inter alia, to implement adaptation and mitigation actions, and facilitate technology development,

    dissemination and deployment, access to climate finance, relevant aspects of education, training and public awareness, and the transparent, timely and accurate communication of information.

     In the overall analysis, world leaders seem to have moved many steps ahead of saving the world from carbon emissions by an ambitious move to curb global warming below the 2 degree bench mark. According to Germana Canzi, senior international analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), the negotiations have moved forward.

     “The French Presidency has done a very good job in moving negotiations forwards and ensuring there is positive momentum towards a deal after the ambition generated by global leaders last week.

     “Ministers have clearly made huge progress in the last few days, but there are still issues to be resolved, including on the long-term goal that is ultimately needed to solve climate change.

     “Many countries have come into negotiations recognizing that a clean energy transition and a decoupling of emissions from economic growth are underway already, but Paris could be a key accelerator towards the end of the fossil fuel age.”

     According to Patrick Cage, Coordinator of the ParisAgreement.org media platform, the draft text revealed continued political will from the countries. “Our analytic demonstrate the progress being made towards a final universal Paris Agreement. Countries support of the presidency to develop a new text revealed continued political will and signaled positive momentum in crafting what may become the largest environmental agreement of our lifetime.”

     But Kaisa Kosonen of Greenpeace said the agreement has imprints from the oil companies. “Some of the words in this text are smeared with the fingerprints of the oil-producing states. It’s a mix of the good, the bad and the ugly, but we’ve got three days to force the worst stuff out and get a decent deal. It’s crunch-time now, it’s going be hard, but there’s a lot still to fight for. It’s good that a temperature goal of 1.5 degrees C is still there,” she said.

     The draft shows a progress from the 1,609 open brackets and 228 Options in the pre-COP Nov 10th draft text to 366 open brackets and 47 Options.

  • Nigeria is committed to emission reduction says Minister

    Nigeria is determined to reduce hydro carbon emissions in 2030 by 20 percent rising to 45 percent with the support of the international community. The country is also committed to an economic transformation that will put green growth at the core.

     Minister of Environment, Mrs. Anima Muhammed on Tuesday made the declaration at a High Level Meeting of Ministers at the 21st session of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) holding in Paris, France.

    Muhammed said Nigeria is ready to take actions that will address the global climate change. Some of these actions are already embedded in Nigeria’s Intentional Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) which is an instrument used by countries to make pledges on how to reduce carbon emission.

    The minister said Nigeria will are reduce emissions by 20% while the country will reduce emissions by 45% with the help of the international communities providing finance and technical help. The Minister told world leaders that Nigeria is aware of the disastrous effect of climate change a point well made during the 2012 flooding that displaced more than 2.1 million Nigerians.

    She said the Lake Chad in the Northeast of the country is no longer  more than 10 % of its original size leaving millions of people who depended on it for their livelihood in poverty.

    Muhammed: “Our renewed urgency comes from recognition of the grave social, economic and environmental threats that climate change poses to our country. Climate change impacts are already threatening the livelihoods of our people. The devastating floods the country suffered in 2012 displaced more than 2.1 million Nigerians are a stark reminder of our vulnerability.

    “Furthermore, we are acutely aware of how climate variability can aggravate social unrest and provide a breeding ground for conflict and mass migration. For example, Lake Chad in the North East of our country is today a mere 10% of its original size, having shrunk from 25,000 sq. km to barely 2,500 sq. km in 25 years and livelihoods have been lost thus exacerbating poverty.”

    She reinstated Nigeria’s position on climate justice to achieve a human-centered approach towards safeguarding the rights of the most vulnerable including women and children.

    “Paris must give us an agreement that will equitably promote climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience based on effective means of implementation through adequate financing, technology transfer and capacity development.

    “Developed countries have a further responsibility of taking the lead in emission reductions, and also to fulfill obligations to provide finance, technology and capacity to developing countries in support of their own mitigation and adaptation obligations,” she said.

  • Nigeria cannot stop crude extraction for renewable energy, says Ayade

    Nigeria cannot stop crude extraction for renewable energy, says Ayade

    The Cross River state governor, Prof. Ben Ayade on Tuesday described calls by some developed countries for an end to fossil fuel extraction as a mitigative action against climate change as harmful to the Nigerian economy.

    Ayade spoke at the sidelines of the ongoing 21st Conference of Parties to the United Nation’s  Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) holding in Paris France. The governor who is also the President of African Governors Forum on Climate Change said use of renewable energy must follow the pace of development by developing nations whose economy depends on oil.

    Ayade’s position comes in great contrast to that of many developed countries that have canvassed for an end to fossil fuel extraction. Also, many civil society organizations have identified ‘big oil’ as a primary cause of climate change.

    But Ayade, who is also a Professor of Environmental Science said without alternatives, Nigeria would continue to develop her fossil fuel economy but with controlled measure. This he said would ensure that those who depend on the oil would continue to be protected without the huge exposure of the atmosphere to hydro carbon.

    “Renewable energy is not the way for Africans at this point in time, renewable energy means put an end to the sale of your hydro carbon, it means Nigeria should stop exporting crude oil, but they are busy doing research, inventing technology using solar energy and wind power. When all of that happens, when the oil price goes down, when you stop producing oil, what are you going to use as an alternative? The misbalancing of the livelihood, what is the alternative to that? Renewable energy must follow with development, it must follow with technology, Africa cannot be in a haste to adopt renewable technology,” Ayade said.

    The governor decried the attitude by African countries where everything adopted in the West is copied without adequate reflection whether it works for the African environment. “We must go in pace with our own technology at our pace and that is the problem we have also taken into politics. We practice presidential system of government that is being practiced by advanced western world who have 200 years of democracy,” he said.

    Explaining further, the governor explained that taking the hydro carbon out of the soil is necessary to avoid natural disasters. “When you talk about renewable energy, it is complaining against the economy of developing countries. Don’t forget, as we refuse to take off the hydro carbon, geothermal pressure occurs in the sub soil and in the span of years, volcanic eruptions will naturally occur. So you need to actually take them out

    “You must have controlled utilization and the focus will be if you are taking off hydrocarbon can you plant more trees particularly carnivorous species like pines and oak trees that have the capacity to take off the carbon dioxide. I would rather have you use fossil fuel with mitigate measures than to cap it and focus on renewable energy. While that technology works for them, it is harmful for our economy,” he said.

    The governor decried the beggarly attitude of African countries saying Africa has a key resource in her forests which must be developed to conserve carbon.

    Ayade said: “As Africans, we must shut our doors and reinvent ourselves; adaptation is not the way to go because it is adjusting yourself to live with the situation, mitigation is the way to go and when you are dealing with mitigation, the focus would have been planting more trees, seeing how you can go for greener technology.

    “But I ask you as we come here for COP21 what is Africa’s position, what have we brought to the negotiation table, we cannot continue to play the role of a victim, Africans own the largest tropical rainforest, and we stand at the middle between the West and the East. It is that place that sinks all the carbon dioxide that comes even from the US, Canada, Asia, they all come into Africa.

    “So Africa is the sink, Africa must have a stronger say and have their own pre-COP conference before they come to COP. Africa’s negotiation must be single, firm, clear. Africa cannot come cap in hand always looking for alms. That is what I want to say that Africa must stop coming to the international community to seek funds, we must seek technology, seek equality and relevance, because indeed, it is one of the most blessed continent.”

    Meanwhile, this year’s Calabar festival will have Climate Change as its theme. The governor explained that it is to call attention to the issue of a changing world. “We are using the carnival to create practical solution. I am looking at green police, a massive number of young men and women whose business is to grow new trees and safeguard existing ones,” Ayade said.

  • Nigeria needs off-grid solution to power problems – Okonjo- Iweala

    Former Minister for Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has said the solution to Nigeria’s power problem lies in off-grid initiatives that are climate friendly and also promotes sustainable development.

    Okonjo-Iweala, who spoke at the Conference of Parties (COP 21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, (UNFCCC) in Paris, Franc, said Nigeria needs to get the private sector involved in the power sector, adding that government must look at renewable and off-grid solutions like the solar power generation.

    She said: “Almost three quarters of infrastructure that Africa needs, we still don’t have it. This means that the power we need, the road and the railway, we can still get these infrastructures and have it in a way that is friendly to climate change that lowers emission and puts us on a low carbon growth path. How do we do that?

    “We have to get the private sector, we are looking at power, look at renewable energy, we are not saying renewable should be everything because Africa should have a mix. We can still use gas to some extent, but we should increase the renewable. Our companies that are investing should look at off- grid solutions, let our companies get off -grid solar solutions for our people before other people come into it because that is what always happens. Instead of flaring, we can use the gas, we can convert this gas for our use and I know government has the power to do that.”

    The former minister, who is also the Commissioner, Global Commission on the Economy and Climate spoke at a session titled: Climate Change in Africa: Financing Sustainable Pathways for Development at the ongoing Climate Change talks.

    She said the solution for climate change lies in Africa because of the opportunity to build renewable infrastructures on the continent.

    “Africa should stop playing the victim game. We are not supposed to be going to the West to beg as victims, we should be telling them that the solution is in Africa. Our infrastructures are just developing we have the opportunity to build in a climate friendly way and avoid the mistakes of the developed nations, “she added.

    Okonjo-Iweala said African countries should divert funds used in fossil fuel subsidy towards the generation of renewable energy.

  • Nigeria makes strong demands at Climate Change talks

    Nigeria makes strong demands at Climate Change talks

    Nigeria has made strong demands at the ongoing climate change talks in Paris following the submission of her Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) and the ensuing  negotiations between Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

    The INDC are a set of nationally determined contributions which a country intends to make towards the reduction of carbon emission and reduction of climate change. Nigeria submitted her INDC on November 28, 2015.

    Nigeria has also taken the lead in the African negotiating team pushing for strong measure to help developing countries combat and build resilience against the effects of climate change on the continent.

    According to Nigeria’s lead negotiator,  Dr. Adeoye Adejuwon, Nigeria has a strong voice in Africa and has taken a leadership role in the negotiations for the final draft of agreements which would determine the success of the climate change talks in Paris.

    “We are a force to reckon with  and we are very critical to the negotiations, Nigeria would only support a final agreement that would put food on the table of Nigerians, increase our infrastructure, improve power supply and mitigate against the effects of climate change, give us finance to end gas flaring and would be legally binding on all parties,” Adejuwon told The Nation on the sidelines of the negotiations.

    Adejuwon who was also a key part of the team that drafted the INDC said Nigeria has made an unconditional offer to end greenhouse gas emission by 20% by the year 2030. But if given the required assistance, Nigeria will reduce emission by 45% in the same target year.

    “This is one of the most ambitious contributions, if the developed countries can provide the finance and assistance needed we are ready to reduce emission by 45 percent, but our unconditional contribution will be 20 % which is still a very generous offer,” Adejuwon said.

    Also Nigeria has thrown her weight behind a 1.5 degrees ceiling of carbon exposure as against the 2.0 degrees being promoted by many of the developed world. The Nation learnt that from the current voluntary contributions of 158 nations to reducing carbon emission, the best the world would get is 2.7 degree.

    “ That is dangerous for the world and vulnerable countries like Nigeria with our 853 kilometers stretch of coastal line will be in great danger,” Adejuwon revealed.

    Meanwhile, negotiations for the final draft of the Paris agreements.

  • Foreign investors besiege Nigeria at climate talks

    Foreign investors besiege Nigeria at climate talks

    The determination of President Muhammadu Buhari to put square pegs in square holes in his ministerial appointments may have paid off as Nigeria emerges the sought after bride at the ongoing climate change negotiations in Paris, France.

    Contrary to the undesirable and unenviable position of Nigeria in previous climate change talks, Nigeria has emerged  as the leading negotiator for Africa and a much sought after party for other countries. This change it was learnt has to do with the international clout of the Minister for the Environment, Amina Mohammed.

    Prior to her appointment, Mohammed has been a special adviser to the United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon on the Millennium Development Goal and a well-respected figure in the international community of social and development work.

    Unlike in the last two climate change conferences where no pavilion or offices were allotted to the country, Nigeria has a strategic office in Paris, a situation which registered her seriousness and announced her return to the international community.

    Also, a steady stream of international companies and governments of developed nations wishing to do business with Nigeria have been trooping into the Nigerian pavilion to talk with the minister. The Nation observed at least six different delegations which visited the Minister on Saturday to discuss bilateral issues with a view to investing in the country.

    According to a source, who was knowledgeable about the visits, Nigeria has announced her strong arrival in the committee of nations to be taken seriously by the way the country has conducted herself at the climate talks.

    “ They see we are serious, gone are the days when Nigeria would have no office and the officials would only be roaming around. Now we are serious and the international community has noticed. All these people are coming because they want to come into Nigeria, the clout and integrity of our Minister also counts because the international community would only do business with someone they know and trust and she is one,” the source said.

    Nigeria also has a lean delegation with only about 40 officials sponsored to the climate talks, it was learnt that only those who are essential to the meeting were sponsored to Paris. It was also observed that the officials have conducted themselves in a respectable manner, promptly attending to visitors in a business-like but friendly manner, a situation which was almost unheard of.

    “Things have changed as you can see, this is no longer a market place where officials would be laughing and joking without doing the work. Now Nigeria is open for business and we have registered our presence to the world in a big way,” a source said.