Blog | LN247 - Page 1616

IFC, World Bank to Pave Way for Domestic Carbon Storage in Nigeria

Uncategorized

Elizabeth Williams

-

February 15, 2022

IFC, World Bank to Pave Way for Domestic Carbon Storage in Nigeria

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the World Bank are working with the Government of Nigeria to develop a domestic market for carbon capture, utilization, and storage for industrial emissions – an area that could accelerate the energy transition and help Nigeria reach its emissions targets.

The initiative will Produce a nationwide atlas of CO2 emissions sources and potential sites for underground sequestration. IFC will work with the government to identify the most promising sectors and private companies that can pilot new technologies for capturing, using, and storing carbon.

In parallel, the World Bank will collaborate with the Nigerian Government to outline policies and regulations that can accelerate the technologies’ uptake while helping the local CCUS industry meet international standards. The project is funded by the World Bank’s CCS Trust Fund under the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP). The Trust Fund is supported by the Governments of the United Kingdom and Norway.

“The Federal Government, through the Office of the Vice President, is excited to work with the World Bank Group towards developing and implementing Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) as part of the country’s pathways to accelerate energy transition by 2060,” said the Office of the Vice President of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“The country believes that with the World Bank Group’s support and partnership with Nigeria, it’s only a matter of time before CCUS becomes an important force in global technology, innovation policy for climate action and deep decarbonization, especially for hard-to-abate-sectors.”

In 2021, Nigeria’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) set a target of at least 20% and up to 47% reduction of greenhouse gases compared to business as usual by 2030. Capturing carbon, which could help reduce emissions across a range of sectors, has become a key element of the government’s climate plan.

In addition, the West African country is likely to have significant space for geological carbon storage, in part due to the widespread availability of depleted oil and gas fields. Their potential will be mapped using government and industry data. The project will also use geological surveys and closely examine the issue of obtaining the rights to conduct the sequestration.

IFC will work closely with local industries throughout the process. The engagement will not support the development of carbon capture, utilization, and storage in association with fossil fuel production.

Court Papers Filed Against Huawei Technologies in South Africa

Business

Elizabeth Williams

-

February 15, 2022

0

Court Papers Filed Against Huawei Technologies in South Africa

The Department of Employment and Labour has filed court papers against Huawei Technologies South Africa due to non-compliance with the employment equity policy.

In a statement on last Friday, the department said Huawei Technologies South Africa was audited in 2020 and found to be non-compliant in that the company employs approximately 90% foreign nationals, violating the Employment Equity Policy (EAP).

Huawei’s legal department contacted the department in an attempt to reach an amicable resolution.

“When asked about the 90% foreign national employment, the legal person stated that Huawei was granted permission by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to employ the number of foreign nationals they do.

“In investigating this matter, we worked with DHA to determine whether DHA had granted Huawei a permit to employ more than 40% foreign nationals, as required by the Immigration Regulations. It was discovered that Huawei was granted a permit in accordance with the provisions of the Immigration Regulations that required them to employ 60% South Africans and 40% foreign nationals,” the department said.

“If we can combine carbon capture with a decisive push on renewables, countries like Nigeria could be poised for a real breakthrough,” said Vivek Pathak, IFC’s Global Head for Climate Change. “For developing countries, imagine what a game-changer a financially-viable carbon capture industry could be.”

NITDA, Refugees Commission To Train 10,000 Migrants, IDPS

Nigeria

Elizabeth Williams

-

February 15, 2022

0

NITDA, Refugees Commission To Train 10,000 Migrants, IDPS

Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRMIDP) are to train 10,000 refugees, migrants and IDPs on digital skills.

The Director-General NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, disclosed this during the official flag-off of the one-week training of 200 vulnerable persons in Abuja organised by the NCFRMI in collaboration with NITDA.

“The training is underway in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja with 200 beneficiaries and will continue next week in three other states of the federation (Nasarawa, Cross River, and Sokoto States) with 100 beneficiaries each. However, the initiative is designed to train refugees, migrants and IDP’s from across all the 36 states of the Federation including the FCT with a target of a total of 10,000 trainees by the end.”

Inuwa said, they need proper digital skills to enable them to take advantage of the technological space.

“Empirical evidence suggests that citizens require proper and adequate digital skills to take advantage of technological advances. Information Technology is widely regarded as a key enabler of development, and digital skills is a catalyst for stimulating such development in all sectors of the economy.

“All Nigerian citizens, irrespective of status, must be digitally literate so that they can use digital devices and the Internet for their day-to-day activities. The Refugees, Migrants and IDPs, being among the less privileged members of the society, can benefit from this training for future integration back into the larger society, while ensuring that the large skills gap between Nigerian citizens is reduced

“NITDA is poised to actualize its mandate through strategic and inclusive stakeholder management, strong local and international partnerships, and efficient utilisation of resources (most especially human resources) in the interest of Nigeria.”

According to him, the partnership is vital because it enables the Agency to reach the vulnerable persons in the country.

“This partnership with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and IDPs is important for us as it gives us access to a large group of underserved Nigerians who need empowerment with digital skills as well as tools. We hope that we will continue to work together to empower Nigerians for a very long time.”

Inuwa further explained that the programme seeks among other things to; “Empower the participants with requisite knowledge and skills needed to drive the digital economy transformation in Nigeria; assist the participants with better career prospects and personal development,

provide participants with the necessary IT tools that will help them practice their skills and create startup businesses; and

to create a sense of belonging for participants in the digital economy.“

The Federal Commissioner Migrants and internally displaced persons, Mrs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, disclosed that beneficiaries would be given starter packs at the end of the training and review the programme with the hope of covering more people.

Lagos begins dumpsite fumigation, targets residents’ safety

Health

-

February 15, 2022

0

Lagos begins dumpsite fumigation, targets residents’ safety

The Lagos State Government, through its Waste Management Authority, has commenced fumigation exercises at various dumpsites across the state to protect residents and prevent health hazards.

In a statement released on its official Facebook page, titled, ‘LAWMA begins fumigation of landfills’ on Monday, the government stated that the move was to make the sites safer for waste management operations.

The Managing Director of LAWMA, Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, said by making the sites safer, there would be a reduction in health risks to the communities housing the dumpsites.

According to him, the dumpsites play critical roles in the waste management chain, paving way for the attainment of the agency’s vision of establishing a consistent cleaner environment.

He said, “Dumpsites are crucial components for the delivery of Solid Waste Management (SWM), as they serve as the final destination for all solid waste collected from residences, businesses, and public spaces. They also support the protection of sanitation and public health”.

Odumboni stated that the fumigation exercise, which started Sunday at Solous dumpsite, Igando, would be extended to other dumpsites across the metropolis to protect immediate and surrounding communities where the sites are located.

“The goal of this exercise is to protect the public and minimise the negative impacts of the sites on the neighbouring communities. Already, several mitigation measures have been put in place by LAWMA.

“These include leachate and stormwater infrastructure, periodic capping of non-active sections, traffic management, monthly fumigation of the dumpsites and immediate environs,” he said

Global Gateway: EU Pledges 820m Euros Digital Package For Nigeria

Business

Elizabeth Williams

-

February 15, 2022

0

Global Gateway: EU Pledges 820m Euros Digital Package For Nigeria

The European Union (EU) has pledged 820 million Euros support for Nigeria’s digital economy.

According to its Executive Vice President, EU Commission, Margrethe Vestager,the pledge, is coming on the heels of an announcement by the President of the Commission, Ursula Von der Leyen, of a Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package worth 150 billion Euros.

The package, expected to subsist till 2024, will help enhance secure connectivity, digitalise public services, support entrepreneurship and build digital skills, while developing a human-centric, democratic governance framework for technology.

Vice President of Nigeria Yemi Osinbajo, who described the initiative as impressive, noted that the use of digital technology is crucial to Nigeria’s recently released National Development Plan.

Besides, Osinbajo emphasised the importance of a renewed Nigeria-EU partnership, including expectations for a successful EU-AU (European Union – African Union) Summit holding in Brussels later this week.

Osinbajo, who spoke while receiving a delegation of the EU Commission led by Vestager, at the Presidential Villa, also expressed the relief of the EU’s support for the country on gas as a transition fuel.

He noted that Nigeria has been in the forefront of the international advocacy on the issue and the Vice President had spoken and written about it in different international fora.

Prior to the visit to Prof. Osinbajo, the delegation of European Union officials had met in Lagos with members of the European Business Chamber Nigeria (EuroCham) to discuss opportunities and challenges of doing business in the country.

EuroCham is a business group uniting the main European investors and corporate organisations in Nigeria. It was launched at the EU-Nigeria Business Forum in October 2018 by the EU ambassador. “The meeting gave us the opportunity again to underline the fact that trade and investment are very much on top of our priorities and they are also key priorities in the partnership between the European Union and Nigeria,” said Samuela Isopi, the EU Ambassador in Nigeria. She assured that the EU would continue its dialogue with the Nigerian government on how to reinforce the economic partnership between the two entities.

Trial For Murder Of Usifo Ataga Continues In Lagos High Court

Nigeria

Angel Gimalo

-

February 15, 2022

0

Trial For Murder Of Usifo Ataga Continues In Lagos High Court" title="Trial For Murder Of Usifo Ataga Continues In Lagos High Court" />

The Lagos State High Court 11, under Honourable Justice Y.A. Adesanya, was again filled to capacity on Monday 14th February as spectators and family members of both the deceased Super Tv boss Michael Ataga Usifo and Chidinma Ojukwu continued their quest for justice.

The case with charge number; LD/16413c/21 had gained so much attention since late last year.

Reports indicate that one Miss Chidinma Ojukwu and two others were charged with the murder of Michael Ataga Usifo, the CEO of Super TV, Nigeria.

Chidinma was represented by senior legal practitioner Onwuka Egwu Esq who appeared with Lazarus Okorie Esq and Itohan Olomu-Agbodo Esq (Mrs).

The prosecution led by Mrs Adeyemi* of the Department of Public Prosecution called in their fifth witness (P.W.5), one Mr. Rahman Saliu Obiora, who identified himself as the business partner and close friend of the deceased.

During his testimony, Obiora who said he was a network engineer, detailed how he had prescribed BP medications for the deceased and that they were as close as blood brothers. He even wept on several occasions, especially while describing the wounds on the deceased’s body.

However, during cross-examination, he could not support his claim of seeing the position of the injuries because he was far away.

In his words; “We were not allowed to touch..I was two feet away”.

After his testimony, the prosecution asked for an adjournment because their next witness was not available.

Meanwhile, lawyers have been reacting to the media attention this case is getting.

Some believe the public have already passed their judgment on Chidinma based on the way she has been painted negatively.

A lawyer, who refused to reveal his identity what the position of the law is on the issue was, he said;

“As lawyers, we have a duty to defend anybody, no matter what crime the person has been accused of committing.

“It is sometimes impossible for a convict of a public court or media trial to be afforded the presumption of innocence guaranteed by the law, as the verdict of the public court or media trial is already in the public domain.

“However, based on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, justice is for everyone and even an accused person in a case of murder is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“In law we rely on the Latin maxim, Fiat Justitia Ruat Coelum, meaning…. Let justice be done even though the heavens fall”.

“Such is the case of Miss Chidinma. She too deserves to be granted fair hearing. I, particularly, am very interested in the outcome of this case. If the victim was a former boxer and black belter, how did this girl I’m seeing in court, disable and kill him”.

Developing story….

Starbucks Faces Backlash In China Over Police Incidents

Global News

faith Jegede

-

February 15, 2022

0

Starbucks Faces Backlash In China Over Police Incidents

U.S Coffee GIANT, Starbucks is battling its second bout of public fury in China. The Company came under scrutiny after a user on Weibo said that a number of police officers had been eating outside a Starbucks store in the southwestern city of Chongqing before they were told by staff to move away.

The user’s description of the incident quickly went viral on the Twitter-like platform, prompting the ruling Communist party’s mouthpiece People’s Daily newspaper to issue a commentary, in which it called Starbucks “arrogant.”

Chinese consumers and media have become more aggressive about protecting customer rights and monitoring the behavior of big brands, especially from overseas.

In December, Starbucks apologized and carried out inspections and staff training across all its roughly 5,400 stores in China after a state-backed newspaper said two of its outlets used expired ingredients.

Starbucks apologized on its Weibo account late on Monday for “inappropriate communications,” saying the whole thing was a misunderstanding.

It however said staff had never chased away policemen or tried to file complaints against them.

It has continued to face criticism online on, with a few small companies announcing on Douyin, the Chinese equivalent of TikTok, that they would “boycott” Starbucks by forbidding employees from arranging meetings in or buying drinks from the shops of the coffee chain.

However, Hu Xijin, a prolific commentator in China who is the former editor-in-chief of the Global Times newspaper, urged his Weibo users to see the Starbucks Chongqing incident as an accident and not more, adding that Starbucks’s status as a foreign brand should not subject it to more criticism. “China is a country that is open to the world,” he said. “To label a mistake as arrogance is not conducive to the bigger environment of opening-up

Lack of funds frustrating national health security –NCDC

Health

Cleopatra Okohai

-

February 15, 2022

0

Lack of funds frustrating national health security –NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has identified paucity of funds as one of the major obstacles frustrating the implementation of the National Action Plan for Health Security.

NCDC Director-General, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, said this while presenting a paper at a two-day retreat on COVID-19 and health security in Nigeria.

The paper was titled, “National Action Plan for Health Security: Challenges of Implementation and Potential Areas where Advocacy is needed.”

The retreat was organised by the Africa Health Budget Network in collaboration with National Advocates for Health and the Nigerian Cancer Society.

Adetifa, who was represented by Dr. Bola Lawal, an Epidemiologist in the NCDC, noted that NAPHS if implemented according to best practices, would promote the One Health Animal-Human-Environment Interphase.

“The NAPHS is poorly funded and as a result, poorly implemented.

“The impact of COVID-19 is huge. The estimated cost to the global economy is 28 trillion dollars by 2025. Having NAPHS is great, effective implementation is a must,” Adetifa said.

He, therefore, called for the creation of a special budget for the NAPHS.

Adetifa said the NCDC needed support in the areas of investment in national and sub-national health security by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

He also called for sustained private sector investment, community engagement and regional cooperation, and trans-border collaboration.

Earlier, the organisers said the two-day retreat was to brainstorm strategies to strengthen accountability and response at national and sub-national levels for COVID-19 and health security.

They noted that lack of advocacy was one of the key missing gaps in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

They added that participants would review key recommendations from papers presented to address some of the gaps at national and sub-national levels.

According to them, this is necessary to galvanise actions in the areas of accountability strengthening, equitable recovery, and building back better sustainable financing to address COVID-19 and health security.

“This is also necessary to ramp up vaccination, testing and treatment, and local vaccine production,” the organisers said.

Liberia Marks 200-Year Anniversary In Year-Long Celebrations.

Africa

faith Jegede

-

February 15, 2022

0

Liberia Marks 200-Year Anniversary In Year-Long Celebrations.

Liberia has begun a year-long celebration to commemorate the time when freed slaves from the US first arrived there two centuries ago.

The country was then established as an independent republic in 1847.

Thousands were at a ceremony on Monday in the capital, Monrovia, led by President George Weah and attended by a number of West African heads of state, star singers, and people from the diaspora – mostly African-Americans.

Liberia’s current economic frustrations under Weah’s presidency prompted many people to ask that the celebrations be canceled.

But Information Minister Ledgerhood Rennie said that Liberia needed to showcase its “rich history and culture – and we should tell the rest of the world that we’re back as a country, shining as the oldest black independent country south of the Sahara”.

“Liberia stood as the pedestal for black independence south of the Sahara and also – far afield – where other nations of black people were looking up to Liberia as a glowing nation on the continent of Africa,” he said.

Celebrations are happening as hospitals run out of drugs as well as fuel to power the generators that are needed to deal with frequent blackouts.

While University and secondary school teachers go on strike regularly over salary cuts and delays, the cost of transportation has become unaffordable while underpaid police have developed a habit of erecting checkpoints to collect money from motorists in the name of highway patrol. Mr Rennie insisted “the economic situation of our country is not as bad – the economic boom is going on.”

US envoy Dana Banks, who spoke at the ceremony, urged Liberia to do more to “root out corruption”.

Lagos Waste Management Authority Commences Fumigation Of Landfills

Environment

Angel Gimalo

-

February 15, 2022

0

Lagos Waste Management Authority Commences Fumigation Of Landfills" title="Lagos Waste Management Authority Commences Fumigation Of Landfills" />

Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has commenced fumigation exercise at various dumpsites in the state, starting with the Solous landfill at Igando, to make the sites safer for waste management operations, and reduce health risks to the communities where they are located.

This was made known on Monday, February 14, 2022, by the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, who said that dumpsites played critical roles in the waste management chain, paving way for the attainment of the authority’s vision of establishing a consistent cleaner environment.

He said: “Dumpsites are crucial component for the delivery of Solid Waste Management (SWM), as they serve as final destination for all solid waste collected from residences, businesses and public spaces. They also support the protection of sanitation and public health.”

Odumboni stated that the fumigation exercise, which started on Sunday, February 13 at Solous dumpsite in Igando, would be extended to other dumpsites across the metropolis, to protect immediate and surrounding communities where the sites were situated.

“The goal of this exercise is to protect the public, and minimize the negative impacts of these sites to the neighbouring communities. Already, several mitigation measures have been put in place by LAWMA. These include leachate and stormwater infrastructure, periodic capping of non-active sections, traffic management, monthly fumigation of the dumpsites and immediate environs,” he said.

The LAWMA helmsman pointed out that, due to their intended use, the initial locations of dumpsites in the state were far removed from residential communities, before rapid population and urban expansion resulted to these dumpsites being surrounded by residential communities, commercial establishments and other sensitive land uses.

He expressed the authority’s unalloyed commitment towards protecting public health and minimising the discomfort which might be caused by the dumpsites to neighbouring communities, adding that the agency planned to close the dumpsites in the near future.

He appealed to residents to shun all practices capable of having a negative on the environment, such as indiscriminate disposal of waste and refuse burning, which was hazardous to public health.