Day: September 12, 2024

Nutrition stakeholders have called for multi-sectoral approach to achieve improved nutrition outcomes in Nigeria.

They made the call at a consultative forum organised by Nigeria Health Watch in Abuja on Wednesday.

Mr Nuhu Kilishi, the Director, Nutrition and Food Safety, Ministry of Agriculture, said there is need to have legislation to aid the implementation of the Five-year National Multi-sectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition (NMPFAN, 2021 – 2025).

The plan, he said, was approved by the National Council on Nutrition in 2021.

He said ‘we need to have enabling laws that will strengthen the implementation of the NMPFAN 2021 – 2025.

‘We have fantastic policies and strategies to address nutrition issues in Nigeria, it is just in implementation and coordination that we have noticed one or two gaps, and these gaps will be addressed.’

Mr Vitalis Obi, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, acknowledged the need for enhanced coordination to ensure that Nigerians are well no
urished.

Obi, who is also the Chairman of the National Committee on Food and Nutrition (NCFN), identified some gaps in coordination of nutrition programmes.

He said ‘one of the challenges is that some development partners do not register with the coordinating ministry to seek areas of support.

‘We’re encouraging them to do that now. Some of the issues noted with the coordination institution included lack of integration and insufficient alignment among nutritional programmes and policies across the country.

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‘There’s also conflict of interest in terms of mandate, and we are appealing that people should get their minds straight to avoid conflict.’

He also stressed the need to ensure that in-country interventions are consistent with Federal Government programmes.

For Dr Fatima Zuntu, the Technical Assistant on Nutrition, Office of the Vice President, one of the major challenges is the issue of funding.

She said that t
hough funds were allocated to nutrition in the budget, it was insufficient.

She said that this gave rise to seeking for partnerships from the private sector, international and local organisations so the country could leverage on their strength.

Zuntu stressed the need for increased advocacy at the grassroots, saying ‘you see higher rates of stunted and malnourished children in rural areas than in urban areas.’

Meanwhile, the Chief of Nutrition, UNICEF Nigeria, Nemat Hajeebhoy, said Nigeria ranks first in Africa and second in the world in terms of the number of malnourished children under five years.

She added that ‘the statistics also meant that Nigeria is currently off track to achieving the 2025 World Health Assembly target and the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) nutrition target.’

Hajeebhoy said that though the statistics were disturbing, they could be changed through coordinated and harmonised action.

The Managing Director, Nigeria Health Watch, Mrs Vivianne Ihekweazu, said that as a cou
ntry, there are many stakeholders supporting nutrition, but there are no outcomes yet.

She said that the aim of the forum was to discuss with the different stakeholders on how to improve nutritional outcomes.

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‘We know that nutrition is not just a purview of one single department in the country, it has to be a collective effort.

‘By offering those solutions, we at Nigeria Health Watch are collating what they are saying and putting out to the community, and push for advocacy.

‘With better coordination, we’re able to hopefully improve our nutritional outcomes.’

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Government has called on states benefiting from the 700 million dollars Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme to improve their implementation strategies to better serve the public.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, made this appeal during the Midterm Review Workshop for the SURWASH programme in collaboration with the World Bank on Tuesday in Abuja.

Utsev expressed concern over the slow progress of the programme in relation to its financial disbursements.

‘By the end of 2023, we had anticipated a cumulative disbursement of 133 million dollars from the allocated 700 million dollars. However, as of December 2023, the total disbursement stood at 80.3 million dollars.

‘Our collective efforts are crucial to accelerating disbursements and ensuring that the funds are used efficiently to achieve the programme’s goals,’ Utsev stated.

This shortfall, according to the minister, calls for urgent reflection and action to ensure
future commitments are met.

The minister noted the improvements across participating states in meeting conditions for disbursement and in preparing the necessary Policy, Institutional and Regulatory (PIR) plans, in spite of the challenges.

Utsev stressed the importance of assessing the achievements so far, identifying areas of progress, and critically evaluating remaining challenges.

He added that the workshop offered an opportunity to adjust strategies and ensure that the programme remained on track to achieve its ambitious goals.

SURWASH National Programme Coordinator, Mr Abdulhamid Gwaram, stated that the meeting aimed to review progress, address implementation challenges, and agree on strategic restructuring to accelerate progress.

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He noted the need to evaluate achievements, identify gaps, and strengthen coordination between federal, state, and development partners.

World Bank representative Ms. Awa Diagne, noted progress i
n policy development, institutional strengthening, and service delivery in water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Diagne emphasised the programme’s role in addressing public health, poverty reduction, and sustainable development.

She called for renewed efforts to accelerate progress and achieve the programme’s goals.

She also commended teams in the seven participating states for their hard work, in spite of challenges, and expressed confidence in the programme’s continued positive impact.

Mr Hassan Kida, the Midterm Review Consultant said Nigeria’s water, sanitation and hygiene sector was in a state of emergency, saying efforts to improve it should not be ‘business as usual’.

Kida, however, called for collaboration between all stakeholders to enhance implementation sustainably.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 700 million dollars SURWASH programme, inaugurated on February 14, 2022, has a six-year implementation period, ending on June 30, 2027.

It aims to strengthen sector policies and institu
tions to improve water and sanitation services, reflecting the government’s commitment to tackling these challenges in urban, small-town, and rural areas.

Currently, the programme is being implemented in seven states: Delta, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Katsina, and Plateau.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Mr Bayode Ogidan, an oil and gas pipeline expert, says gaps in infrastructure, weak regulatory enforcement and competing economic priorities have contributed to the continued gas flaring in Nigeria.

Ogidan, a consultant with Mcdedict Global Services, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

The consultant with over 20 years experience said: ‘Gas flaring in Nigeria continues to pose significant environmental and economic challenges.

‘While efforts have been made to curb the practice, gaps in infrastructure, regulatory enforcement, and economic priorities have allowed it to persist.

‘Addressing these issues through stronger regulations, investment in gas infrastructure, and community involvement is essential to mitigating the harmful impacts of gas flaring.

‘By harnessing the potential of associated gas, Nigeria could not only reduce its environmental footprint but also unlock new economic opportunities that benefit both local communities and the nation as
a whole.’

Speaking on environmental impact, Ogidan noted that gas flaring, the burning of natural gas that accompanied crude oil extraction, remained a practice that had persisted for decades in Nigeria.

The expert highlighted the environmental consequences of gas flaring, delved into the factors driving this practice, examined its economic effects, and proposed possible solutions.

Ogidan noted: ‘This issue not only damages the environment but also represents a loss of potential economic value.

‘Despite a decline in oil production from some fields, gas flaring remains a significant issue in some facilities. While some measures have been implemented, loopholes persist.

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‘The government’s continued reliance on oil may have hindered stricter enforcement of regulations.’

According to him, this process can be hazardous due to the height of the flare stack (10-100 meters) and the potential for missed ignition attempts when the facility has a fau
lty flare ignition system.

‘Due to climate change and increased oil production, fishing is less profitable.

‘The marine life and ecosystem in these areas have been affected by the constant heat generated by the flares,’ he added.

Ogidan listed hazards for these to include air pollution and health concerns, climate change, and acid rain which harmed the soil for agriculture and reduced its fertility.

‘For farmers in the Niger Delta, where gas flaring is most rampant, this means lower crop yields and a threat to food security.

‘Contaminated water sources and damaged farmlands directly affect local economies that depend on agriculture,’ he said.

The consultant added that the practices had also led to the loss of biodiversity.

He said: ‘The heat and pollution from gas flaring also damage nearby ecosystems. Wildlife, plants, and aquatic life suffer as their habitats are destroyed or polluted.

‘This disruption can lead to the loss of species that are critical for maintaining a healthy and balanced environme
nt.

‘It can further threatening both local biodiversity and the wellbeing of communities dependent on these ecosystems for sustenance.’

Speaking on the economic impacts of gas flaring, Ogidan said that the practice had also led to wasted economic resources.

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‘The gas flared represents a significant economic resource that could be utilised for energy generation, both for domestic consumption and export.

‘Nigeria loses billions of dollars each year by burning off this valuable resource instead of harnessing it for electricity, industrial use, or export as liquefied natural gas (LNG).

‘Gas that could power homes, industries, and transportation is wasted in the skies above oil fields,’ he said.

He said that the practice had also led to economic hardship for local communities and increased healthcare costs.

‘The health impacts of gas flaring have financial implications as well. Illnesses linked to air pollution, such as respirato
ry problems and cancer, increase healthcare costs for families and burden the country’s medical system.

‘The loss of productivity due to these health issues also dampens economic growth in affected regions,’ he added.

Proffering solutions, he advocated improved regulation and stronger penalties as well as investment in gas utilisation infrastructure and promotion of domestic energy solutions.

He said that the Nigerian government needed to reinforce its regulations on gas flaring, with stricter penalties for violations.

According to him, higher fines and stronger enforcement could pressure oil companies to invest in alternative methods of gas disposal or utilisation.

Ogidan said that eliminating legal loopholes that permitted continued flaring would also send a clear message that environmental degradation would no longer be tolerated.

He said that building pipelines, processing plants, and gas storage facilities would enable the country to utilise the gas for domestic power generation, which could also h
elp alleviate Nigeria’s energy crisis.

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According to him, this investment will also unlock the potential for gas export, providing a significant economic boost.

‘Instead of flaring gas, Nigeria should prioritise its use in generating electricity and powering industries.

‘Expanding gas-to-power projects would not only reduce flaring but also address the country’s electricity shortage.

‘Leveraging natural gas as a cleaner energy source could reduce Nigeria’s reliance on dirtier fuels like diesel and coal, thus lowering overall emissions,’ Ogidan said.

He called for community engagement and awareness, as well as empowering local communities.

This, Ogidan explained would be would be through education and involvement in decision-making processes which is crucial.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A group, Girl Child Values Support Initiative has adopted drama as a strategy to combat child marriage in Dafara community of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Its Executive Director, Ms Precious Wakili, stated this during one of the drama sessions to sensitise members of the community in Kuje Area Council of the FCT, against child marriage.

The drama session, organised with support from HET ActieFonds, was designed to address the menace of child marriage in communities.

The compelling community drama vividly portrayed the harmful effects of child marriage on young girls.

The drama drew the attention of the community members to the serious risks associated with child marriage, including the physical, emotional, and psychological toll it takes on young girls.

Wakili explained that the organisation adopted the use of drama to communicate the realities of child marriage and spark a meaningful conversation within the Dafara community.

‘Child marriage has a lot of consequences, especially on the reproduc
tive health of young girls.

‘Child marriage doesn’t just rob girls of their childhood; it puts their health and future at severe risk.

‘I urge you to consider the dangers posed to the physical and mental well-being of girls forced into marriage at an early age,’ she said.

She encouraged parents to prioritise the education of their daughters, describing it as the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and achieving gender equality in communities.

According to her, the campaign marked a significant step in the fight against child marriage, a practice that has remained prevalent in many parts of Nigeria.

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‘Through continued effort and support from partners like HET ActieFonds, more communities will take up the mantle, in the fight to end child marriage.

‘Girl Child Values Support Initiative and our partners will ensure that every girl child is empowered to live her life to the fullest potential.’

Some of the community memb
ers at the sensitisation campaign expressed commitment to champion the cause to end child marriage.

They pledged to begin a movement that seeks to secure the future of the girl-child, free from the dangers of early marriage.

One of them, Malam Safiyanu Sani, an Imam in the community, expressed a strong stance against child marriage, and promised to use his platform to advocate for change.

Sani equally promised to continue to encourage parents and caregivers to protect their daughters by ensuring that they have access to quality education instead of early marriage.

Also, the Women Leader of the community, Mrs Munsirat Lawal, commended the NGO for the initiative to prevent child marriage in communities.

Lawal, who acknowledged the prevalence of child marriage in Dafara community, expressed optimism that the awareness campaign would help the community to turn over a new leaf.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu was received on Wednesday at Buckingham Palace, London, UK, by King Charles III for a private meeting.

Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, in a statement on Thursday, said the meeting highlighted the enduring and cherished relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

He said this was the two leaders’ first meeting since they met in Dubai at the COP 28 Climate Summit last year.

‘The latest meeting was at the King’s request.

‘Both leaders discussed global and regional matters of shared priority, focusing on the urgent and complex challenge of climate change,’ said Onanuga.

He said Tinubu and King Charles also explored opportunities for collaboration in anticipation of the upcoming COP 29 Summit in Azerbaijan and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa.

‘President Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s firm commitment to addressing climate change in a manner that aligns with the country’s energy security objectives whilst aff
irming Nigeria’s readiness to adopt global strategies for sustainability.

‘During their dialogue, the two leaders shared ideas for innovative approaches to climate financing and funding, expressing mutual interest in strengthening partnerships by harnessing Nigeria’s leadership position in Africa and the Commonwealth,’ Onanuga stated.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the latest report on the country’s trade balance by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

According to the report, Nigeria recorded another trade surplus in the second quarter of 2024, hitting N6.95 trillion, which is 6.60 per cent higher than the N6.52 trillion surplus recorded in the first quarter.

The latest NBS report came just days after the country recorded almost 100 per cent oversubscription of its first 500 million dollars domestic bond and half-year revenue of N9.1 trillion.

In a statement by Mr Bayo Onanuga, his Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, the President said the latest report underscored the increasing positive shifts in the economy over the last year.

‘President Tinubu expresses confidence in the reforms his administration is pursuing and believes they will create a more robust economy that will usher in a new era of prosperity for Nigerians.

‘The NBS report reflects the country’s strong export performance in the second quarter.

‘Although
total merchandise trade in Q2 2024 stood at N31.89 trillion, a 3.76 per cent decline compared to the preceding quarter (Q1 2024), it marked a 150.39 per cent rise from the corresponding period in 2023,’ said Onanuga.

The NBS reported that the Q2 surplus was essentially driven by exports to Europe, the United States and Asia.

It said total exports stood at N19.42 trillion, accounting for 60.89 per cent of the country’s total trade.

This represents a 1.31 per cent increase from N19.17 trillion in the first quarter and a 201.76 per cent surge from N6.44 trillion recorded in Q2 2023.

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The report noted that the dominance of crude oil exports remained a key factor in this performance, contributing N14.56 trillion, or 74.98 per cent of total exports.

Non-crude oil exports, valued at N4.86 trillion, constituted 25.02 per cent of the total export value, with non-oil products contributing N1.94 trillion.

The report stated that strong export performanc
e, particularly in crude oil, ensured Nigeria maintained a favourable trade balance.

In Q2 2024, European and American countries dominated Nigeria’s top export destinations.

Spain emerged as the largest export partner, receiving goods valued at N2.01 trillion, and accounting for 10.34 per cent of Nigeria’s total exports.

The United States followed closely with N1.86 trillion (9.56 per cent), while France imported N1.82 trillion of Nigerian goods, representing 9.37 per cent of total exports.

Nigeria’s other major export partners include India (N1.65 trillion or 8.50 per cent) and the Netherlands (N1.38 trillion).

‘Generally, the economic indicators, which were very low when President Tinubu assumed office last year, are turning positive.

‘The government will continue to consolidate on the gains of the reforms as more fiscal and tax policy reforms already embarked upon by the administration come to fruition.

‘President Tinubu is determined to confront the inhibitions that have stunted the growth and deve
lopment necessary to unlock the country’s full potential,’ said Onanuga.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria