NCC Thinking Of Establishing Communications Industry Security Trust Fund

June 10, 2026

The Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is thinking of exploring the feasibility of establishing a Communications Industry Security Trust Fund.
Rising from its 109th meeting where it received updates on industry and operational matters, the Board looked at key regulatory, strategic and collaborative issues impacting the telecommunications industry and the broader digital economy.
A Communique from the meeting said that the following resolutions and observations were made.
Infrastructure Expansion Commitments by Operators
The Board acknowledged the significant investments being undertaken by the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to enhance network coverage, capacity and overall Quality of Experience. As part of their commitment, it was noted that operators have planned the deployment of over 12,000 additional coverage and capacity sites towards improving the Quality of Experience, with over 5,000 already completed representing over 40% completion rate.
The Board further noted the continued strengthening of transmission infrastructure, with fiber connectivity extended to more than 700 sites, improving network resilience, backhaul capacity and service reliability. In addition, colocation and infrastructure sharing licensees have sustained their investment in infrastructure upgrades, deploying new equipment across over 2,000 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) to support operators’ network expansion efforts and improve compliance with QoS obligations.
Quality of Service Consumer Compensation and Tower Investment Obligation
The Board reviewed the outcomes of the consumer-focused directive to MNOs to compensate subscribers for poor Quality of Service experiences in areas where prescribed service standards were not met, and the directive to Co-location and Infrastructure Sharing Licensees (TowerCos) to reinvest regulatory fines into infrastructure upgrades with measurable outcomes with a view to improving network resilience and service delivery.
The Board noted substantial progress in the implementation of the Commissions directive, particularly, the full compliance of which has resulted in compensation being offered to over 75 million affected subscribers. The Board further acknowledged ongoing efforts to independently validate operators’ claims and ensure all eligible subscribers receive compensation due to them while encouraging consumers to continue their engagement with the Commission.
With respect to the infrastructure providers, the Board observed that TowerCos have only partially complied with the directive requiring the funding of escrow accounts with the full amount of the regulatory fines for infrastructure reinvestment. While noting the progress made to date, the Board emphasized the importance of full compliance to ensure that the intended infrastructure improvements are realized sustainably.
Expanding Fibre Infrastructure to Support Data Demand and Quality Service
The Board accepted the report on data consumption trends in Nigeria and noted that, while demand continues to accelerate, growth has been constrained by limited infrastructure capacity, a heavy dependence on mobile internet connectivity and the duplication of assets, factors that have invariably compromised quality of service.
The Board noted the encouraging growth in Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) connections, which increased from 84,141 subscribers in Q4 2025 to 210,065 subscribers as at Q5 2025. While the number of connections remains modest relative to the scale of national demand, the upward trend reflects growing adoption of fixed broadband services. Continued expansion of FTTH and other fixed-fibre connections will help to ease pressure on mobile networks, improve service quality and provide consumers with more connectivity options.
The Board also noted the Commission’s ongoing review of the telecommunications market structure to reflect current market realities, including the distinct roles of the wholesale and retail segments and the application of appropriate regulatory measures where necessary. The Board further noted that broader access to wholesale backbone fibre, supported by expanded metropolitan fibre networks, will enable more homes, buildings and businesses to connect to fixed broadband services. Over time, this should help to reduce underlying connectivity costs, create the conditions for more affordable retail data services and improve network resilience.
The Board re-affirms that this structured approach represents the most sustainable pathway to meeting Nigeria’s data needs over the next decade, consistent with the Federal Government’s digital transformation agenda and the target of a $1 trillion economy.
Addressing Continued Infrastructure Damage
The Board noted the prevailing sectoral challenges affecting the operations of licensees of the Commission, including infrastructure vandalism, which has continued to hamper industry growth. The Board acknowledged the ongoing efforts by the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to protect telecommunications infrastructure following its designation as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII). However, it emphasised the need for greater collaboration among industry stakeholders to strengthen the protection and security of network facilities and related infrastructure. In this regard, the Board reaffirmed its commitment to fast-tracking initiatives aimed at enhancing infrastructure security, including exploring the feasibility of establishing a Communications Industry Security Trust Fund.
Zero-rating Educational Platforms and Content
The Board assessed the ongoing engagements with industry players towards developing a framework and determining the best approach to Zero-rate educational platforms and content in the country. The initiative is aimed at promoting digital inclusion, bridging the urban rural divide and improving educational outcomes in the country.
Repositioning of the Digital Bridge Institute
The Board reviewed the status of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), a company limited by guarantee, and noted the governance gaps arising from the expiration of the tenure of the DBI Board Chairman and some Board members.
In order to strengthen governance oversight and reposition DBI to contribute more effectively to Nigeria’s digital economy, the Board approved the appointment of Princess Oforitsenere Emiko, a Non-Executive Commissioner of the Nigerian Communications Commission, as Interim Chairman of the DBI Governing Board.
The Board further approved the appointment of Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, and Ms. Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, as interim members of the DBI Governing Board.
The Meeting ended with a commitment to stakeholders that the Commission will foster a sustainable and inclusive communication sector as an enabler of the digital economy. Furthermore, the identified priorities of Quality of Service and network resilience, consumer protection and transparency, fair competition and market discipline, will continue to be pursued.

NEMA Sends Response Team To Assist Victims Of Train Accident in Delta State

Greenbarge Reporters

June 8, 2026

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has deployed its Emergency Response Team (ERT) to participate in assisting victims of train accident as they were traveling from Itakpe in Kogi Sate to Warri, along the Agbor axis of Delta State earlier today, June 8.
A statement from the Agency’s spokesperson, Ezekiel Manzo said that the Director General of the Agency, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, swung into action immediately she received an alert on the incident, by activating the Agency’s response mechanism and deploying an Emergency Response Team.
The statement said that the Director General has been in contact with the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and assured him of NEMA’s support.
“The Agency’s response team is collaborating with the NRC, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to provide necessary assistance to the passengers, ensure their safety, and support operations.”

World Bank Blames Poor Water Supply Sector In Nigeria To Weak Governance, Others

Greenbarge Reporters

June 8, 2026

The World Bank has identified weak governance, political interference, low cost recovery and infrastructure planning inefficiency to the poor water supply sector in Nigeria.
The World Bank representative in Nigeria, Ms. Judith Warmate made this point today, June 8, on the sideline of a workshop on Urban Water Supply Sector Report in Nigeria: Challenges and Way Forward. The Workshop was organized by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in partnership with the development partners.
Ms. Judith Warmate said that in spite of huge investments, the sector still faces structural challenges, including political control over tariffs, staffing and utility governance, weak cost recovery and high non-revenue water.
She said that power supply constraints, reliance on generators, weak metering systems, poor demand estimation and over-designed infrastructure continue to affect service delivery and sustainability.
Warmate said political economy constraints, weak institutional capacity, poor maintenance culture, and reliance on individual reform champions continue to undermine long-term reforms.
She added that reforms often lose momentum when key champions exit due to weak institutional embedding.
She said that earlier reform programmes improved water connections and collections in some states and placed sector reform on the national agenda.
She recounted that key interventions the World Bank had made include the Kaduna State Water Supply Project and the Anambra Water Supply and Sanitation Project, where the Bank contributed about $67 million, alongside $55 million from the Anambra State Government and $5.5 million from the implementing corporation.
According to her, earlier interventions include the National Water Rehabilitation Project (1992–2001), covering 21 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, followed by the Multi-State Water Supply Project in states such as Taraba and Katsina.
Warmate said that the sector later shifted to reform-focused programmes, including Urban Water Sector Reform Projects I, II and III, which formed the basis for the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme.
She explained that SURWASH is a results-based financing programme under the Programme-for-Results (PforR) instrument, where disbursement is tied to independently verified performance outcomes rather than inputs.
She disclosed that cumulative World Bank financing in the subsector is estimated at about $1.27 billion, while SURWASH funding was revised from about $700 million to $410 million due to non-performance concerns.
She said that at best, Kaduna State recovered about 40 per cent of operation and maintenance costs, while most utilities remain far below sustainable levels.
Warmate said that SURWASH is shifting focus towards results-based financing, linking disbursement to independently verified service delivery outcomes, while combining PforR and Investment Project Financing to strengthen systems.
“The programme also integrates water, sanitation and hygiene interventions at local government level to improve coordination, accountability, and sustainability.”
She said that capacity-building cohorts in Katsina and Gombe States are in their third cycle, focusing on utility creditworthiness, financial management and business planning, with regulators also involved.

How To Adequately Predict Floods, Manage Climate Risks – Prof Okedeyi

Greenbarge Reporters

June 8, 2026

An Environmental Physicist, Professor Sakiru Okedeyi has suggested a stronger investment in atmospheric and environmental physics to Adequately improve Nigeria’s ability to predict floods, manage climate risks and protect lives and property.
Professor Okedeyi, who is also the Provost of the Postgraduate College at the Lagos State University of Education, in an interview in Lagos, said that physics remains central to modern weather forecasting, disaster risk reduction and the development of early warning systems.
He said that physicists use advanced models to predict rainfall intensity, simulate river flows and identify communities vulnerable to flooding.
According to him, the models also help forecast flood inundation areas and provide early warnings that enable authorities to respond before disasters occur.
“Radar systems, satellite imagery, Geographic Information Systems and Earth observation technologies are critical tools for monitoring extreme weather events.
“The technologies track storms, rainfall patterns, soil moisture levels and flood-prone locations across the country.
“Coastal cities such as Lagos and other vulnerable communities can benefit significantly from improved monitoring and forecasting capabilities.’’
Professor Okedeyi identified climate change impact studies, flood and drought prediction, renewable energy resource assessment and carbon monitoring as priority areas for research.
He called also for increased investment in environmental sustainability and radiation studies to strengthen Nigeria’s climate resilience efforts.
He said that current funding for atmospheric and environmental physics research falls short of what is required to address the country’s growing environmental challenges.
Professor Okedeyi said that many universities and research institutions lack advanced atmospheric observation and environmental monitoring equipment.
The expert noted that Nigeria’s challenge is not a lack of scientific expertise but insufficient investment, infrastructure and policy support.
He advised government, development partners and the private sector to strengthen support for climate and environmental research to improve disaster preparedness and reduce the impact of extreme weather events.
Source: Stellamaris Ashinze

Prof Ikechukwu Gives Nigeria Media Marching Order To Safeguarde National Security

Greenbarge Reporters

June 8, 2026

Executive Director of Development Specs Academy, Professor Okey Ikechukwu has stressed the importance of the media in Nigeria safeguarding national security.
He said that journalists must balance the public’s right to information with the responsibility to protect sensitive information that could endanger the country.
Speaking at an interactive session with journalists in Abuja at the weekend, Ikechukwu said that the realities of terrorism, cyber threats, insurgency and the rapid spread of digital communication have brought the media and national information security into closer and more complex interaction.
He cautioned against the misconception that the Freedom of Information Act grants unrestricted access to all categories of information, stressing that the Act does not supersede constitutional provisions and other laws aimed at protecting the integrity and security of the state. According to him, journalists have a duty to prevent the dissemination of information capable of undermining national interests, including classified government data, military and intelligence operations, and critical infrastructure.
The professor said responsible journalism entails informing the public without running afoul of laws against defamation, libel and actions capable of causing public disorder. He added that the media must continue to verify facts, expose falsehoods and prevent the spread of misinformation and disinformation that could threaten national stability.
Ikechukwu further stated that the media has a responsibility to educate citizens on cybersecurity risks, online fraud, terrorism radicalisation techniques and other emerging threats. He said media practitioners guided by the principles of responsible journalism should be conversant with manipulated images and videos, coordinated disinformation campaigns and other forms of digital deception.
Commenting on recent controversies surrounding media coverage of the military, Ikechukwu said access to military facilities should not be misconstrued as a licence to disregard established traditions or compromise security. He urged journalists to consider the implications of sensitive reports, avoid inflammatory language and rumours, and embrace constructive engagement with security institutions. “The media is a critical stakeholder in national information security. Through accurate reporting, fact-checking, public education and responsible journalism, the media contributes significantly to national stability and resilience.”
He warned that irresponsible reporting and the disclosure of sensitive information could undermine the delicate balance between press freedom and national security.

Delta: Gov Oborevwori, A Model In Discipline, Transparency, Accountability, By Jackson Ekwugum

Greenbarge Reporters

June 6, 2026

Just a little over three years ago, traveling from Asaba, the capital of Delta State, to Warri via Ughelli on the Asaba-Ughelli Expressway, was a journey that lasted a minimum of three hours, sometimes stretching to four or more hours depending on the mood of the persistent traffic gridlock at Otovwodo Junction, Ughelli. The 148-kilometre strategic highway, carved into three sectors, was conceived and started by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan in 2007. It was continued by Uduaghan’s successor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa. However, as at May 29, 2023, when Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori assumed office as Governor of Delta State, the road was only about 33% completed, leading to murmurings, complaints, frustration, and hardship among commuters and residents in the state.
In his typical no-nonsense approach to life and governance, Governor Oborevwori got all the contractors back on track and a little over two years into his administration, the road was completed to the astonishment of Deltans and the dismay of his detractors. Today, travelling from Asaba to Ughelli, previously a journey of more than two hours, takes only ninety minutes or less, while travel time to Warri is expected to be significantly shortened once the Otovwodo Junction Flyover is completed.
The story is the same across the three senatorial districts of the state. It has been three amazing years of record-breaking achievements, giant strides in public sector efficiency, and transformational leadership. Gifted with boldness and bulldog tenacity, Governor Oborevwori is an exemplar when it comes to project execution and delivery. In the not-too-distant future, the flagship Trans Warri-Ode Itsekiri Bridges (comprising 15 bridges) and Access Roads, which was previously thought jinxed, will be commissioned. This critical road infrastructure that leads to ten riverine communities was awarded in 2006 by the administration of Governor James Ibori. The Uduaghan administration got it off the drawing board while the Okowa administration approved a re-appraisal of the scope of work after offsetting some inherited contractual liabilities. Driven by his passion to change the development narrative in the riverine areas of the state, Governor Oborevwori took the bold step of clearing all outstanding contractor liabilities and pumped in the resources needed to complete the Trans Warri-Ode Itsekiri Bridges and Access Roads. Today, this mega project stands tall as a testament to Oborevwori’s audacity and strong leadership.
Some cynics speak contemptuously of the governor’s giant infrastructural strides, vainly attempting to diminish it by claiming that governance is beyond building flyover bridges. That certainly is true, and Governor Oborevwori’s phenomenal achievements in the social services sector and human capital development are ample evidences that his administration is more than brick and mortal. His administration has expanded the coverage and reach of the Delta Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES) programme. This is a World Bank–supported social protection and economic recovery initiative being implemented by the state government as part of the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus Programme (NG-CARES).
Under the Oborevwori administration, direct beneficiaries increased from 31,130 that he met on ground to 307,491. This represents an addition of 276,361 beneficiaries and an increase of 887.8% over the initial figure, reflecting a remarkable expansion in programme coverage. The D-CARES programme is executed through the disbursement of cash transfers to poor and vulnerable individuals, the engagement of unemployed youths in labour-intensive public work, disbursement of livelihood grants for household enterprises, supply of agricultural input and asset support to farmers, and the provision of operational support grants to micro and small business owners. In the health sector, Delta State has maintained its leadership position in health insurance with over three million subscribers. Meanwhile, scores of primary and tertiary health institutions have been upgraded and equipped with state-of-the-art health infrastructure.
Having said that, it is obvious that these cynics and mischief makers conveniently gloss over the fact that the many legacy infrastructure projects of this administration are needs-based, not driven by personal ego or the desire to trend by the governor. There is nobody in his right mind who would argue that the three flyover bridges and slip ways in the Warri-Effurun axis are an economic and social necessity. For decades, residents and commuters have suffered untold hardship because of the agonising traffic gridlock on the East-West Road. Today, even before the projects have been completed, we have seen a vast improvement in vehicular movement and a boost in socio-economic activities.
The people are happy and the glory of Warri is being restored, as the Governor promised in his 2023 Inaugural Address. As stated earlier in this article, the Otovwodo Junction Flyover is also an economic and social imperative. The same goes for the Uromi Junction Flyover, which was conceived to stem the incidents of pedestrians being run over by speeding vehicles, as they tried to cross the Lagos-Benin-Asaba Expressway. Governor Oborevwori deserves plaudits for these strategic and essential infrastructure projects, not cheap shots from perennial faultfinders and political jobbers in desperate search for relevance.
In the leadership department, Oborevwori is a model in personal discipline, transparency, and accountability. The worst thing that can happen to an organisation, community, state, or country, is to have a leader who puts politics above everything. The political instincts of such leaders are anchored on expediency and self-preservation. In their world, politics trumps merit or competence. On the contrary, when you have a politician who is a leader, the benefits are immense. Merit is recognised, performance is rewarded, and decisions are based on what is right, instead of what is politically expedient.
Governor Oborevwori is a politician who is also a leader. A straight talker, he is not afraid to take tough but necessary actions no mater whose ox is gored. It is for this singular reason that many government contractors in the state are up and doing. With Oborevwori, they have realised that it is no longer business as usual. You either perform or you are shown the way out no matter how entrenched you may think you are within the system. And woe betide the talebearer who comes to the governor to carry out his or her trade. Before he or she finishes the tale, the governor would place a call to whomever they are ratting on to inform them of the development. That is Oborevwori for you – forthright, transparent, bold, sincere, just, and fair to all.
– Ekwugum is Manager, Communications, Government House, Asaba.

Dangote Refinery Raises Output To 700,000bpd, Asserting Itself As World’s Largest

Greenbarge Reporters

June 5, 2026

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has announced a major increase of its crude oil processing capacity to 700,000 barrels per day (bpd).
The increase followed a performance test conducted by the Process Licensors, marking a significant milestone in the company’s operational expansion and further cementing its position as World’s Largest Single Train Petroleum Refinery.
The refinery has now surpasses its nameplate capacity of 650,000 bpd, underlining the facility’s engineering capability and operational efficiency.
The achievement demonstrates the refinery’s ability to process additional feedstock while optimizing performance across its production units.
Vice-President of the oil and Gas, in Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin said that the increase is part of a broader and ambitious strategy to more than double capacity to 1.4 million bpd within 30 months, positioning the facility as potentially the largest refinery globally.
According to him; the expansion is expected to boost Nigeria’s energy self-sufficiency, eliminate the country’s dependence on imported refined products and strengthen its position as a regional export hub pointing out that the Refinery’s growth trajectory reflects a deliberate move toward continental and global refining dominance, not just domestic supply sufficiency.
Owned by Nigerian industrialist and philanthropist, Aliko Dangote, the refinery commenced fuel production in 2024 and has steadily increased output of petrol, diesel, aviation fuel and other refined petroleum products. The company has rapidly established itself as a major supplier to both domestic and international markets, exporting refined petroleum products to several African countries and key European destinations, including the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands, among others.
It has supplied gasoline to the American market and jet fuel to Saudi Arabia among others.
Dangote Refinery has strengthened its role as a stabilizer in the oil and gas industry given the on-going disruptions caused by the Middle-East tension as a result of which many African countries are now patronizing the Refinery for energy security.
In a further demonstration of its growing global significance, Dangote Petroleum Refinery became the world’s largest exporter of jet fuel in April, according to S&P Global Commodities.
The refinery has played a pivotal role in stabilizing fuel supplies in Nigeria, helping to eliminate dependence on imported petroleum products and easing pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves. Its expansion also aligns with broader national objectives to enhance local refining capacity and maximize value from Nigeria’s abundant crude oil resources.
Growing production volumes have also attracted increased interest from global crude suppliers and commodity trading firms, with the refinery sourcing feedstock from both domestic and international producers to sustain its rising output.
President and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote outlined ambitious plans to transform the facility into the world’s largest refinery by 2028, targeting a processing capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day. Such expansion is expected to deliver substantial economic benefits, including job creation, increased industrial activity and improved trade balances.
The refinery is also expected to strengthen downstream manufacturing by ensuring a reliable supply of LPG and other key industrial feedstocks, including polypropylene which are widely used in the production of packaging materials and other consumer goods as well as the future plan for the supply of Linear Alkylbenzene (LAB) used in the production of detergents.

Coordinator, Barr. Ladi Wants Stronger Commitment To Environmental Protection, Climate Action

Greenbarge Reporters

June 5, 2026

The National Coordinator of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project in Kogi State, Barrister Ladi Ahmed Jatto has called for stronger commitment to environmental protection and climate action as the world marks the 2026 World Environment Day.
In a message to commemorate the annual event today, June 5, Barrister Ladi Jatto emphasized the importance of nature-based solutions in addressing the growing challenges of climate change.
Barrister Ladi Ahmed Jatto spoke against the background of this year’s United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) theme: “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”
The Coordinator said that the realities of climate change are evident across communities in Kogi State and beyond.
According to her, forests, wetlands and trees remain critical natural assets in combating environmental degradation, controlling erosion, reducing flooding and improving urban living conditions.
Barrister Ladi Jatto said that the ACReSAL Project has been actively restoring degraded landscapes through watershed management, large-scale tree planting campaigns, community awareness programmes and the promotion of climate-smart livelihoods.
“Nature is our best defense against climate change. We don’t fight climate change with speeches; we fight it with trees, policy, and action.”
Barrister Ladi Jatto said that meaningful climate action requires government policies that are guided by science, effective implementation of environmental projects, and active participation of citizens in preserving natural resources.
The ACReSAL coordinator described environmental protection as a critical component of national development, saying that climate stability is directly linked to food security, safer communities, and improved public health.
“Environmental work is nation-building work. A stable climate means stable farms, safer cities, and healthier families in Kogi State and across Nigeria.”
Barrister Ladi Jatto reaffirmed the commitment of the organisation to advancing climate resilience through policy advocacy, project delivery, and personal environmental responsibility.
“The earth is not inherited from our ancestors; it is borrowed from our children. Let us return it better.”

School, Others Begin Planting Of 4,000 Trees In Abuja To Mark World Environment Day

Greenbarge Reporters

June 5, 2026

The World of Faith Group of Schools (WOFGOS), a Christian-based institution, has begun the planting of 4,000 exotic trees in Abuja, towards building climate-resilient urban communities.
The Administrator-General of WOFGOS, Mrs. Daisy Idahosa, said in an Abuja, that the initiative was part of events to commemorate the 2026 World Environment Day (WED).
Mrs. Daisy Idahosa said that the initiative would be implemented in partnership with the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) and other stakeholders with the theme: “Urbanisation and Climate Change: Building Resilient Cities for a Sustainable Future.”
She said that the trees would be planted in designated urban spaces, schools and communities, to boost the Federal Capital Territory’s green canopy and combat the devastating effects of climate change.
“This will create natural cooling zones against rising city temperatures.”
She said that the 2026 WED theme, “Inspired by Nature, for Climate, for our Future,” was to advocate urgent climate action and nature-based resolutions.
She called on the urban communities to take proactive steps toward environmental conservation, describing green spaces as “crucial” for human survival.
Mrs. Daisy Idahosa commended school children for spearheading the school-led climate action, indicating their commitment toward building climate-resilient communities.
The Director, UNIC Centre, Mr. Ronald Kayanja, lamented the escalating global temperatures, saying: “now is the time to act.”
Ronald Kayanja, who said that the tree planting campaign would significantly mitigate the impact of climate change, called on developed nations to fulfill their climate-finance promises to developing countries.
This, he said, would help in protecting livelihoods and strengthening vulnerable economies.
He warned that the world faces a temporary overshoot of the 1.5-degree Celsius global threshold, which he said has continued to destroy homes and deepen hunger.
“Local actions, such as urban afforestation are important to protecting vulnerable economies while developed nations fulfill their climate finance promises.”
The Chairman, Parent-Teacher Association in the school, Joe Ukairo emphasised communities’ role in building urban resilience to climate change.
According to him, securing the future of the younger generation requires active participation in local climate solutions.
The first tree was planted at the WOFGOS premises by Mrs. Kachalla Fatima, President, Association of Flowers, Nursery and Landscaping Practitioners of Abuja.
A School Friends of the Environment Club was also inaugurated at the event while awards were presented to the cleanest classroom in the school, winners of the essay writing competition on environment and materials recovery competition.

Experts Move To Address Looming Full-Blown Climate Catastrophe On Planet

Greenbarge Reporters

June 5, 2026

Scientists who predicted that the Earth is likely to shoot past a key global warming target within the next decade, are believed to be working on several climate-friendly technologies to address what they called “full-blown climate catastrophe.”
The climate-friendly technologies include renewable energy that is said to be approaching tipping points.
A new report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) said that these transitions could allow humanity to break free of fossil fuels in some sectors and make a meaningful dent in the greenhouse gas emissions that are driving global warming.
The report said that the tipping points are not guaranteed.
The report is titled: “Cheaper. Cleaner. Unstoppable. Clean technologies that are delivering for the Climate,” and hinge on clear and sustained policies, investment, and public support to fulfill the potential.
The approach gives those on the frontlines of the climate battle, reason for hope because once progress reaches a certain point, it can become self-reinforcing.
The Director of the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre, Anne Olhoff reasoned that world economies and societies have been tied to fossil fuels for so long.
“But we’re finally at the point where, at least in some cases, we’re poised to break the iron grip of coil, oil and gas.”

The new UNEP report offers the following five areas to watch,
1. Renewable energy, which described as the cheapest option.
Over the past decade, the cost of renewable energy has fallen dramatically. In most parts of the world, installing solar power is now cheaper than building new coal or gas plants. As a result, renewables have become the largest destination for global energy investment, reaching around US$450 billion in 2024, according to the International Energy Agency.
Since 2020, more than 75 per cent of new power capacity added globally has come from renewable sources, with solar and wind growing faster than any other energy technologies in history. In some countries, they now generate most electricity.
The electricity sector accounts for roughly one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. But the quick expansion of renewables, supported by rapidly expanding battery storage, is reshaping entire energy systems, as costs continue to fall, and investment and political support increase.
2. Electric vehicles that are are accelerating into the mainstream
In 2025, electric vehicles accounted for more than a quarter of global new car sales, up from less than 3 per cent in 2019. This shift has been driven by falling battery costs, expanding charging infrastructure, and stronger policies.
In Norway, electric cars now make up almost all new vehicle sales. China has scaled manufacturing at unprecedented speed, creating global supply chain momentum. Ethiopia, where electric vehicles make up 60 per cent of new car sales, is leading among the developing countries. Meanwhile, countries like Vietnam and Uruguay are also seeing rapid growth, faster than in many developed economies.
Electric buses, delivery fleets, and two- and three-wheelers are also expanding quickly, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where they play a major role in everyday mobility.  Positive effects, beyond lower emissions, include cleaner air, lower fuel costs, reduced dependence on oil and gas, and integration with renewable electricity systems.
3. Smarter buildings to reduce the need for air conditioning
Extreme heat is becoming one of the most pressing climate risks, particularly in cities, where temperatures can be 5–10°C warmer than in surrounding areas, placing a disproportionate burden on lower-income communities. One of the most effective responses relies on better design of buildings and urban spaces.
A “passive-first” approach, using shading, ventilation, insulation, and reflective materials, can significantly reduce indoor temperatures without mechanical cooling. The low cost of this solution makes it available in a wide range of economic contexts.
In some climates, these measures can lower indoor temperatures by 6–9°C, reducing or even eliminating the need for air conditioning. At scale, passive cooling strategies, combined with urban green spaces, such as parks and green roofs, could cut urban emissions by up to 25 per cent while also improving air quality, biodiversity, public health and quality of life.
With nearly three billion people lacking access to adequate cooling, adopting these solutions at a wider scale is critical for emission reductions and for better health and climate resilience. When embedded in building codes and urban planning, their adoption can accelerate quickly, helping reduce energy demand and ease pressure on electricity systems during heatwaves.
4. Heat pumps for transforming how we heat and cool buildings
Buildings are responsible for around 21 per cent of global emissions, and a large part of them are linked to heating and cooling. Heat pumps offer a more efficient alternative. They can both heat and cool buildings while using significantly less energy than conventional systems, and they are becoming increasingly affordable and cost competitive as production scales.
Adoption is already widespread in parts of Northern Europe thanks to supportive policy frameworks. In other parts of the world, governments are strengthening appliance energy performance standards to accelerate the transition.
This shift is particularly important in rapidly urbanizing regions across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, where cooling demand is expected to rise sharply, potentially driving a surge in electricity use. Getting ahead of this demand with technologies like heat pumps will be critical for managing both emissions and energy costs.
5. Cutting food waste as one of the fastest climate wins
Food systems account for around 30 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. However, roughly one-third of all food produced globally is wasted, contributing to up to 10 per cent of emissions. Reducing food waste is one of the biggest opportunities to cut emissions, improve food security, and conserve land and water resources.
Interestingly, cities are emerging as important drivers of change. They consume around 70 per cent of the world’s food supply and face a growing pressure to reduce and manage waste. From financial incentives for waste reduction in Bangkok to awareness campaigns in Rio de Janeiro and Yokohama’s innovative “SDG lockers” that redistribute surplus food, cities are testing solutions that could be scaled globally.
Combined with better food literacy, improved tracking systems, and technologies that connect surplus food with consumers, these initiatives have the potential to reduce food waste and make food systems more sustainable.

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