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How Tinubu’s administration is addressing desertification, coastal erosion, flooding – Shettima

Published

9 months ago

August 10, 2023

How Tinubu’s administration is addressing desertification, coastal erosion, flooding – Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima, says the Tinubu administration is prioritising Climate Change interventions to address the menace of desertification, coastal erosion, and flooding in the country.

Shettima, in a statement by Mr Olusola Abiola, Director of Information, Office of the Vice President, on Thursday in Abuja, said the administration was collaborating more with individuals and institutions that share government’s vision for a sustainable future.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this was one of the highlights of Shettima’s remarks, after receiving a presentation titled: “Building Climate Resilience for Enhanced National Security: Strategic Options for Nigeria by 2035”, from the National Defence College (NDC) Course 31 participants.

The Vice President acknowledged the devotion of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and related institutions to the advancement of the nation’s interests.

“Your voices are heard and your contributions valued. Government shares your informed concerns for the security implications of underestimating the devastations of climate change.

“The Green Wall Project, which has been prioritised by the government, stands as a testament to our unyielding resolve to shield our habitat and bolster our nation’s security.

“It is heartening to witness the alignment between your findings and our government’s policy objectives, reinforcing our belief that a holistic and comprehensive approach is essential to tackling these challenges effectively.”

Speaking further about the significance of the NDC Course 31 research report, Shettima said their research findings hold the promise of a more resilient and secure Nigeria.

“And together, we shall forge ahead, united in our pursuit of a better tomorrow. Your research findings also resonate deeply with the government’s ongoing commitment to address the menacing spectres of desertification, coastal erosion, and flooding.

“We recognise that a nation’s security is intricately linked to the environmental challenges it faces. As such, your insights provide a roadmap for charting a course toward a more resilient, secure, and sustainable future for Nigeria.”

He commended the management of the National Defence College for its commitment, zeal, passion and sacrifice in finding solutions to the myriad of challenges confronting the nation.

Shettima also restated the Federal Government’s resolve to adopt additional measures to address the banditry plaguing the northwest region.

Earlier, the Commandant of the College, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, said the research report was among other objectives aimed at proferring solutions to climate change challenges with implications to national security.

While presenting reports on behalf of the Course 31 participants, Col. O N Ejiga emphasized efforts made by the Federal Government to address Climate Change, citing examples of practices in other parts of the world.

The report highlighted policy and institutional frameworks as well as possible funding sources for addressing climate change challenges in Nigeria.

The highpoint of the event was the presentation of Course 31 Research Report and other publications of the NDC to Vice President Shettima by the Commandant of the College.

The Commandant’s delegation included the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies, Maj.-Gen. Lawrence Fejokwu, some directors, directing staff and some course participants.

Related Topics:Bola Tinubu Flooding Kashim Shettima

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EFCC bars dollar transactions, orders embassies to charge in naira

Published

3 hours ago

May 11, 2024

Desmond Ukafor

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has barred foreign missions based in Nigeria from transacting in foreign currencies and mandated them to use Naira in their financial businesses.

The EFCC has also mandated Nigerian foreign missions domiciled abroad to accept Naira in their financial businesses.

The anti-graft agency said the move is to tackle the dollarisation of the Nigerian economy and the degradation of the naira

The Commission, therefore, asked the government to stop foreign missions in Nigeria from charging visa and other consular services in foreign denominations.

The EFCC gave the advisory in a letter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, for onward transmission to all foreign missions in the country.

In the letter, the EFCC said it issued the advisory because the practice of paying for consular services in dollars was in conflict with extant laws and financial regulations in Nigeria.

In a letter dated April 5, 2024, which was addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, titled: “EFCC Advisory to Foreign Missions against Invoicing in US Dollar,” the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede expressed dismay over the invoicing of consular services in Nigeria by foreign missions in dollars.

The EFCC cited Section 20(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, which makes currencies issued by the apex bank the only legal tender in Nigeria.

The letter read, “I present to you the compliments of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and wish to notify you about the commission’s observation, with dismay, regarding the unhealthy practice by some foreign missions to invoice consular services to Nigerians and other foreign nationals in the country in United States dollar ($).

“It states that ‘the currency notes issued by the Bank shall be the legal tender in Nigeria on their face value for the payment of any amount’.

“This presupposes that any transaction in currencies other than the naira anywhere in Nigeria contravenes the law and is, therefore, illegal.”

The commission further stated that the rejection of the naira for consular services in Nigeria by certain missions, along with non-compliance with foreign exchange regulations in determining service costs, is not just unlawful but also undermines the nation’s sovereignty embodied in its official currency.

The letter continues: “This trend can no longer be tolerated, especially in a volatile economic environment where the country’s macroeconomic policies are constantly under attack by all manner of state and non-state actors.

“In light of the above, you may wish to convey the commission’s displeasure to all missions in Nigeria and restate Nigeria’s desire for their operations not to conflict with extant laws and regulations in the country.”

Diplomatic sources said yesterday, May 10, that some embassies were wondering whether the EFCC’s advisory represented the position of the Federal Government.

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Prince Harry visits sick Nigerian soldiers in Kaduna

Published

3 hours ago

May 11, 2024

Alero Danjuma

Prince Harry and his team visited the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna to interact with wounded soldiers who are receiving treatment.

The Duke of Sussex is in Nigeria with his wife to champion the Invictus Games, which Harry founded to aid the rehabilitation of wounded and sick servicemembers and veterans.

Nigeria joined the Invictus Community of Nations in 2022 becoming the first African country to join.

Prince Harry’s visit to Kaduna came 68 years after his late grandmother Queen Elizabeth II visited the state during the time of the late Premier of Northern Region Sir Ahmadu Bello.