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  • Secretary-General appoints Fall as UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria

    Secretary-General appoints Fall as UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria

    United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed Mr Mohamed Malick Fall of Senegal as UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, with the host government’s approval.

    Fall has more than 20 years of experience in development, humanitarian, and peacebuilding.

     Prior to his appointment, he served as the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, where he provided oversight and guidance to 21 UNICEF Countries Offices, including on the formulation and implementation of the Country Programme Documents, the UN Reform process, and the engagement with the Regional and Economic Commission and African Union and the private sector.

    Also, Fall has led the response to multiples and complex crisis with massive humanitarian needs and high security challenges, and managed the strategic review of the country documents, research and knowledge-management related activities, ensuring that the results are used to inform programme and policies.

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    Before that, he served as UNICEF representative in Nigeria (2016-2019), Central African Republic (2014-2016) and Mongolia (2012-2014), as their Senior Education Adviser in Haiti (2010-2012), and as Chief of Education in Indonesia (2006-2010) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (2003-2006). He was also temporarily assigned as Education Officer (2001-2003).

     Fall has a master’s degree in Demography from Université de Paris I Panthéon Sorbonne – France and a B.A. Degree in History (Licence d’Histoire) from Université de Dakar, Sénégal.

  • UN warns of worsening hunger in Sudan

    UN warns of worsening hunger in Sudan

    About 25 million people in Sudan, South Sudan and Chad are struggling with hunger and malnutrition as crisis in Sudan persists, UN spokesperson said.

    The ripple effects of Sudan’s instability are palpable, with individuals fleeing to South Sudan and Chad, “hungry and arriving with no resources,” Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.

    Due to hundreds of millions U.S. dollars of funding gaps, World Food Programme (WFP) issued a warning about the dire situation, Dujarric said.

    Read Also: UN’s WFP temporarily suspends food assistance in Sudan

    He noted that WFP’s decision to “prioritise scarce resources to the new arrivals” means that “pre-existing refugees no longer receive assistance.

    The UN’s persistent alarms over the humanitarian situation in Sudan underscore the urgency, with “18 million acutely food insecure people in the country,” many of whoare “trapped in areas of active fighting,” Dujarric said.

    “As the lean season looms, the UN’s plea is clear: agencies need the means to “provide support to families in Sudan” to avert “a hunger catastrophe.

    “The call to action is not just for immediate relief but a reminder of the interconnectedness of regional stability and global responsibility, said the spokesperson.

  • UN appoints independent review of UNRWA amid Israel’s allegations

    UN appoints independent review of UNRWA amid Israel’s allegations

    The United Nations has appointed an “independent Review Group” to examine internal policies at the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), amid allegations some of the agency’s workers participated in the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack in Israel.

    Secretary-General António Guterres and UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said yesterday the group will review whether the agency is remaining neutral in foreign conflicts and is responding appropriately to allegations that this neutrality has been breached.

    The inquiry comes as several countries around the world, including the United States, have suspended payments to UNRWA over Israeli allegations that 12 of its staffers assisted Hamas fighters during the attack on Israeli border communities or held Israelis hostage following the attack.

    Catherine Colonna, the former minister of foreign affairs of France, will lead the inquiry, the officials said. She will work with the Raoul Wallenberg Institute in Sweden, the Chr. Michelsen Institute in Norway, and the Danish Institute for Human Rights.

    The Review Group will begin work on Feb. 14 and is expected to submit its initial findings in a report to the secretary-general at the end of March.

    It will submit a final report, which will be made public, by late April 2024, the UN said.

    According to the UN, the Review Group is tasked with satisfying four objectives. These include identifying “the mechanisms and procedures that the Agency currently has in place to ensure neutrality and to respond to allegations or information indicating that the principle may have been breached.”

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    The group will also “ascertain how those mechanisms and procedures have, or have not, been implemented in practice and whether every practicable effort has been made to apply them to their full potential, taking into account the particular operational, political and security environment in which the Agency works.”

    It will also “assess the adequacy of those mechanisms and procedures and whether they are fit for purpose… taking into account the particular operational, political and security context in which the Agency works,” and to “make recommendations for the improvement and strengthening, if necessary, of the mechanisms and procedures that are currently in place or for the creation of new and alternative mechanisms and procedures that would be better fit for purpose.”

    UNRWA, which contributes to the largest humanitarian relief effort in the Middle East, has said it is delivering life-saving assistance to roughly 2.3 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

    U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the U.S. supports “the work that UNRWA does,” and called it “critical” for the survival of the civilians who have been impacted by Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza.

  • 1.3 children affected by attacks on schools

    1.3 children affected by attacks on schools

    • UN agency urges Northeast to increase funding for education

    The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) has said recent attacks on schools, particularly in the Northeast and Northwest regions in 2021, have led to learning disruptions for over 1.3 million children, necessitating precautionary school closures.

    This is as the UN agency highlighted the urgency of addressing schools’ safety comprehensively.

    In a statement to mark the International Day of Education yesterday, Cristian Munduate, UNICEF representative in Nigeria, said there was a need for collaboration to improve school safety.

    Munduate said only 6,000 schools met the 43 per cent minimum standard of safety in learning environment in Nigeria.

    The UNICEF chief called for a multi-sectoral approach to enhance school safety, emphasising comprehensive planning and resource allocation.

    She stated  that despite progress in providing education access for 7.2 million children in humanitarian settings, challenges persist in meeting minimum safety standards for schools.

    Munduate, however, praised Nigeria’s commitment to creating safe school environments, but urged collective responsibility to safeguard education, especially for girls facing disruptions due to attacks.

    She suggested  alternative  learning platforms like the Nigerian Learning Passport, with over 750,000 users to ensure educational continuity during closures of schools.

    The statement reads: “A recent evaluation indicates that, on average, only 43 per cent of the Minimum Standards for Safe Schools are being met in about 6,000 assessed schools.

    “This finding particularly highlights challenges in ensuring the safety of school infrastructure and in mitigating risks such as violence, conflict and natural hazards.

    “Nigeria had shown a commitment to creating safe school environments by endorsing the Safe Schools Declaration and developing the Minimum Standards for Safe Schools.

     “Their educational journey is often disrupted by attacks on communities and schools, including the abduction of students.

    “These challenges are particularly acute for adolescent girls, potentially stalling the progress made in girls’ education in Nigeria,” Munduate said.

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    1“To complement these efforts, UNICEF emphasises the importance of alternative learning platforms, such as the Nigerian Learning Passport. This digital platform, with over 750,000 users, offers curriculum-aligned materials and is crucial for ensuring continuity of education, especially during school closures.

    “UNICEF remains committed to working with the Nigerian government, donors, and all partners to ensure that every child has access to a safe, inclusive, and quality education,” Munduate added.

    Also, the United Nations (UN) system in Nigeria has urged the Federal Government to place education at the centre of the peace-building efforts to build an enduring culture of peace in the country.

    In a joint statement by UNESCO, UNICEF and UNIC to mark the International Day of Education in Nigeria, the UN emphasised the urgent need to prioritise education as a tool for promoting human dignity tolerance and peace.

    “If education is placed at the centre of our commitment to peace, it can help empower learners with the necessary knowledge, competencies and attitudes to become agents of peace in their immediate communities,” said the Head of UNESCO Abuja Office and UNESCO Representative to Nigeria, Abdourahamane Diallo.

    Diallo added: “While encouraging government to prioritise education at the top of its political agenda, a strong call is being made to rally influencers and wider civil society to push forward the movement to bring education into the centre of peace-building at all levels.”

    The UNICEF has urged governments at all levels in the Northeast to increase funding for education.

    Ms Phuong Nguyen, the Chief of UNICEF Field Office in Borno State,  made the call at an event in Maiduguri to commemorate the International Day of Education (IDE).

    “We must make sizable and sustainable investment in teachers’ recruitment and training; school and security, including fortification of schools infrastructure against climate change disruption.

    “UNICEF will continue to work with the government, donors and other partners to raise the bar of education for girls and boys affected by conflict and give them a future,” Nguyen said.

  • UN predicts petrol price drop in 2024

    UN predicts petrol price drop in 2024

    The United Nations (UN) has predicted a decline in Nigeria’s price of petrol in 2024.

    According to the United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) report for 2024, Nigeria will achieve that with an increased domestic oil refining capacity.

    “Efforts to increase in-country oil refining capacity would likely reduce domestic fuel costs in 2024 and beyond,” the report stated.

    The report produced by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), in partnership with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the five United Nations regional commissions, also projected a slight increase in Nigeria’s growth rate, from 2.9 percent in 202 to 3.1 percent in 2024.

    A moderate improvement in Nigeria’s growth prospects for 2024, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth prediction of 3.1 percent, was attributed to policy reforms implemented by the government in 2023, particularly in the hydrocarbon industry.

    “Policy reforms enacted by the government of Nigeria in 2023, especially in the hydrocarbon sector, have contributed to a moderate improvement in the country’s growth prospects for 2024, with GDP growth forecast at 3.1 percent.

    With Nigeria’s inflation rate currently at 28.2 percent and a public debt of N87.38 trillion in Q2, 2023, from N49.85 trillion in Q1, according to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the report however, mentioned that the nation’s increasing public debt, persistent inflation as well as its rising cost of living pose serious risks to the country’s economic growth this year.

    “However, ballooning public debt, persistent inflation, and a rising cost of living, together with a weak business environment, will pose a downward risk to growth prospects,” the report stated.

    International trade remained sluggish globally in 2023, as indicated in the report with Africa accounting for a portion of the trend and experiencing almost no year-over-year rise in the volume of commercial trade in the continent.

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    The UN report likewise stated that the external environment is expected to remain unfavourable for the African economies because of a weak outlook for the global economy and limited opportunities for external financing, even though the average GDP growth of African economies is predicted to improve moderately in 2024, reaching 3.5 per cent.

    With overall GDP growth in African economies forecast to register moderate improvement in 2024, increasing to 3.5 per cent on average, the UN report added that external conditions are projected to remain unfavourable for the African economies due to a weak global economic outlook and limited external financing opportunities.

    “However, a recovery in domestic demand is projected for those countries that experienced economic shocks stemming from currency depreciations, electricity shortages, or armed conflict,” it added.

    The report further asserts that African economies have fewer options for refinancing and external funding due to the stringent financing conditions in international capital markets, which are a result of the monetary policy positions of the European Central Bank and the US Federal Reserve.

    “Consequently, African currencies – with the exception of the institutionally pegged CFA Franc – faced a depreciation pressures due to weak export earnings and limited external financing inflows.

    “While these deteriorating external conditions limited the scope for economic expansion, factor such as armed conflicts, political instabilities, extreme climate events, and infrastructure bottlenecks also depressed domestic demand growth,” it stated.

  • UN’s WFP temporarily suspends food assistance in Sudan

    UN’s WFP temporarily suspends food assistance in Sudan

    The United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) has temporarily suspended food assistance in some parts of Sudan’s state of Gezira as fighting spreads south and east of Sudan’s capital Khartoum, the aid agency said in a statement.

    WFP has put food deliveries on hold in some locations in Gezira, said Eddie Rowe, WFP’s representative and country director in Sudan, adding that its teams are working around the clock to provide food aid in locations where it is still possible.

    As many as 300,000 people are fleeing Sudan’s second-biggest city, Wad Madani, in the latest wave of large-scale displacement after fighting spread across the region, the UN migration agency said on Thursday.

    According to initial estimates by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), more than half a million people had taken refuge in the Al Jazirah state since the start of the crisis in April and they are again on move following a fighting which broke out in the outskirts of Wad Madani last week.

    “This is a human tragedy of immense proportions, deepening the country’s already dire humanitarian crisis,” IOM Director General Amy Pope said in a statement, adding that the intensifying conflict and growing displacement underscore “the urgency of a peaceful resolution, the need for a cease-fire and a robust response to avert a wider catastrophe.”?

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    The latest movements will push Sudan’s total displaced population beyond 7.1 million – “the world’s largest displacement crisis,” the IOM said.

    It added that more than 1.5 million people have fled to neighboring countries due to the conflict,? food insecurity,? and economic collapse.

    Sudan has been mired by fighting between the army, led by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the country’s ruling Sovereign Council, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since April.

    Several cease-fire agreements brokered by Saudi and US mediators have failed to end the violence.

  • UN extends Nigeria’s maritime border

    The Federal Government has welcomed the decision by the United Nations (UN) to extend Nigeria’s continental shelf from 200 Nautical Miles to 220 Nautical Miles.

     The decision coincides with the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which will give a boost to the nation’s maritime sector.

    The Chairman, United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS), Adnan Rashid Nasser Al-Azri, disclosed the development in a statement regarding Nigeria’s submission.

     This approval allows Nigeria to redraw the territorial map of its sovereignty in the Gulf of Guinea, thereby granting the right to exploit the abundant carbon and marine resources believed to be present in the area.

    Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency’s (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh lauded the decision by the UN to approve a request for the extension of Nigeria’s maritime territory beyond the standard 200 nautical miles from the country’s coast.

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    Jamoh said the extension of the nation’s maritime area has the potential to bring economic benefits to the country.

     “To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time the United Nations has ever approved additional maritime territory for Nigeria. We welcome this development, as it would boost our economic fortunes considerably. It is a plus for the Bola Ahmed Tinubu led Administration and I extend my congratulations to our Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola CON,” he wrote in his reaction.

    According to the UN, the Continental Shelf of a coastal state comprises the seabed and subsoil of the submarine areas that extend beyond its territorial sea throughout the natural prolongation of its land territory to the outer edge of the continental margin. Also, a distance of 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured, where the outer edge of the continental margin does not extend up to that distance.

  • PCNGi, UN Agency to enhance Nigeria’s greener, sustainable future

    PCNGi, UN Agency to enhance Nigeria’s greener, sustainable future

    The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi) has partnered with the United Nations Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) for a greener and more sustainable future in Nigeria.

    The Programme Director/Chief Executive of PCNGi, Michael Oluwagbemi, who announced the collaboration in a statement in Lagos, said, the partnership followed a workshop support in UK recently.

    According to Oluwagbemi, the workshop, that also had Mr. Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the President’s Sustainable Mobility Initiative and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) featured, led stakeholders to resolve delivering the country’s green project soon.

    PCNGi collaborated with SEforALL, under the leadership of Damilola Ogunbiyi, the CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All.

    Oluwagbemi added that the workshop focused on reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable strategies that would lead the nation towards a greener future in line with global efforts.

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    According to him, the workshop marks a significant milestone in the commitment of the nation to join the rest of the world in the enhancement of sustainable energy access.

    The Program Director said the workshop was a follow-up to a previous meeting between SEforALL CEO and PCNGi Chairman in Abuja, to showcase the progress and key initiatives contributing to Nigeria’s sustainable development agenda.

    “These initiatives, presented with impact and relevance, are pivotal in steering Nigeria towards a more sustainable future, aligning with global goals and impacting the nation’s development landscape,” he said.

    He added that PCNGi plays a crucial role in steering Nigeria towards a greener and more sustainable future.

    “The workshop aimed to identify opportunities for collaboration and outline concrete next steps for forging impactful partnerships between SEforALL and FIRS/PCNGi.

    “From PCNGi’s perspective, the goal was to contribute actively to Nigeria’s green growth by fostering sustainable practices in the nation’s energy landscape.

    “The committee envisions a future where these initiatives significantly contribute to economic growth, environmental conservation, and enhanced energy access.

    “As Nigeria’s sustainable development progresses, PCNGI remains a driving force, ensuring that the nation’s green growth goals are met and exceeded.

  • Secretary-General appoints Nigeria’s Ahonsi as UN Resident Coordinator in Türkiye

    Secretary-General appoints Nigeria’s Ahonsi as UN Resident Coordinator in Türkiye

    The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Nigeria’s Babatunde A. Ahonsi as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Türkiye, with the host Government’s approval. 

    Ahonsi has 26 years of experience in international development within and outside the United Nations.  

    Prior to his current appointment, he served as the UN Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone where he coordinated and facilitated the UN’s operational activities for development in the country.

    During his tenure he led the UN country team and ensured system-wide accountability on the ground for the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.

    He has also coordinated UN support to Sierra Leone in its implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the UN Secretary General’s Prevention Agenda.  

    Prior to this, he served UN Resident Coordinator in China from June-September 2020. In addition, he served as UNFPA Representative in China/Country Director for Mongolia from January 2017-June 2020 and as UNFPA Representative in Ghana from 2014-2016.

    Between 1997 and 2014, he held senior management positions with the Ford Foundation (covering West Africa) and Population Council (covering Nigeria) overseeing reproductive health, women’s empowerment, and youth development programmes and initiatives. 

    He had also lectured at federal universities in Ilorin, Calabar, and Lagos, Nigeria during the 1980s and 1990s. 

    Ahonsi holds a BSc (First Class Honors) degree in Sociology from the University of Lagos and a Ph.D. in Population Studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London, England.  

    The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Nigeria’s Babatunde A. Ahonsi as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Türkiye, with the host Government’s approval. 

    Ahonsi has 26 years of experience in international development within and outside the United Nations.  

    Prior to his current appointment, he served as the UN Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone where he coordinated and facilitated the UN’s operational activities for development in the country.

    During his tenure he led the UN country team and ensured system-wide accountability on the ground for the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.

    He has also coordinated UN support to Sierra Leone in its implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the UN Secretary General’s Prevention Agenda.  

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    Prior to this, he served UN Resident Coordinator in China from June-September 2020. In addition, he served as UNFPA Representative in China/Country Director for Mongolia from January 2017-June 2020 and as UNFPA Representative in Ghana from 2014-2016.

    Between 1997 and 2014, he held senior management positions with the Ford Foundation (covering West Africa) and Population Council (covering Nigeria) overseeing reproductive health, women’s empowerment, and youth development programmes and initiatives. 

    He had also lectured at federal universities in Ilorin, Calabar, and Lagos, Nigeria during the 1980s and 1990s. 

    Ahonsi holds a BSc (First Class Honors) degree in Sociology from the University of Lagos and a Ph.D. in Population Studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London, England.  

  • UN military adviser decorates three Nigerian soldiers for gallantry

    UN military adviser decorates three Nigerian soldiers for gallantry

    Three Nigerians soldiers serving in the United Nations Interim Security Force (UNISFA) in Abyei, South Sudan, have been decorated with higher ranks.

    The soldiers, who were recently promoted after they were found worthy in character and gallantry, were decorated by the Military Adviser (MILAD) Office of Military Affairs, Department of Peace Operations, United Nations, General Birame Diop, during his visit to the mission.

    A statement from the mission yesterday said the three soldiers include Warrant Officer Suleiman Abubakar, Warrant Officer Lawal Saleh and Warrant Officer Balarabe Mamman.

    The statement said that Gen. Diop, who was accompanied by Acting Head of Mission/Force Commander UNISFA in South Sudan, Maj Gen Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr, commended Nigerians Contingent 1 (NIGCON) in the mission for their “professionalism, steadfastness, discipline and commitment in the discharge of their duties towards ensuring peace in Abyei despite the visible challenges and conditions in which the unit is operating.”

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    “He also commended the Contingent Commander Col. EJ Nkereuwem for the valuable contributions he has made since the deployment of NIGCON 1,” the statement said.

    “Gen. Diop also assured them of the support of the Department of Peace Operations at the UN headquarters in ensuring the unit fulfils its mandate successfully in Abyei.

     “He said the aim of his visit was to assess the operational readiness of the troops and to interact with them to get firsthand feedback from troops in the field.”

    While briefing the MILAD, Col Nkereuwem highlighted the activities of the Unit and the successes recorded since its deployment including the aspect of civil military cooperation to win the hearts and minds of the local populace in Abyei. 

    He assured the MILAD of Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring international peace and security through its peacekeeping efforts.