Financing Clean Megacity: Lagos $400M Trash Problem, By Abimbola Gbenjo

June 23, 2026

Every single day, Lagos wakes up to an avalanche of waste. As one of Africa’s most populous megacities, it generates over 13,000 metric tonnes of garbage daily. From the gridlocked streets of Ikeja to the coastal communities of Lekki, managing this sheer volume of trash has pushed traditional state budgets to their absolute limit.
Currently, Lagos relies on an expensive, short-term survival strategy.
Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) office. Lagos needs a full upgrade of its waste management infrastructure from the ground up
The state directs a large share of its waste management spending into recurrent costs such as personnel, waste evacuation operations, and support for Private Sector Participation logistics. This keeps the city functioning on a daily basis, but only a small portion goes into capital investment. As a result, the system is maintained rather than fundamentally upgraded, leaving the deeper infrastructure gaps largely unresolved.
Lagos does not simply need more manpower for cleanup; it needs a full upgrade of its waste management infrastructure from the ground up.
A review of the Lagos State Y2024 Citizens Accountability Report and Audited Financial Statements reveals a waste management system heavily weighted toward day-to-day operations. LAWMA recorded actual expenditure of approximately ₦23.32 billion in 2024, of which about ₦21.8 billion (93.5%) was spent on recurrent costs, while only ₦1.52 billion (6.5%) went into capital infrastructure. This means that for every ₦1 invested in long-term waste infrastructure, more than ₦14 was spent on operational activities such as waste collection, evacuation, personnel, and administrative costs.
While operational spending is essential to keep a megacity functioning, the imbalance highlights a broader challenge: Lagos must simultaneously fund daily waste evacuation and invest in the transfer stations, material recovery facilities, recycling infrastructure, engineered landfills, waste-to-energy plants, and circular economy systems required for long-term sustainability.
To effectively manage a staggering daily waste generation of 13,000 tons, the state requires an active fleet of at least 650 specialised compactor trucks for basic evacuation, alongside a network of 26 large-scale Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) or recycling centres to process the volume sustainably. Funding these assets demands a massive capital expenditure (CAPEX) investment that the state’s fiscal framework simply cannot accommodate.
To bridge this massive logistical deficit, Lagos State requires an estimated initial capital expenditure (CAPEX) of $273 million – or roughly N409.5 billion at current exchange rates. Breaking down these infrastructure requirements, procuring a baseline fleet of 650 heavy-duty compactor trucks at $120,000 each demands an immediate N117 billion ($78 million) investment. Simultaneously, constructing 26 semi-automated Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) to handle the 13,000-ton daily waste stream requires an additional N292.5 billion ($195 million), assuming a baseline development cost of $7.5 million per facility.
When contrasted against the N1.52 billion actually spent on LAWMA’s capital infrastructure, this N409.5 billion deficit exposes a staggering fiscal reality: at the state’s current pace of independent capital allocation, it would take more than 260 years to fund the specialised vehicles and processing facilities desperately needed to stabilise the city’s environment.
This structural financial overhaul is equally critical for the survival of Lagos’s Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators, who are currently trapped in an ecosystem doomed to failure under traditional frameworks. Under the current system, PSPs are systematically undermined by three fatal bottlenecks: first, the total absence of MRFs and the continuous breakdown of overwhelmed dumpsites trap trucks in agonizingly slow turnaround times, resulting in reduced service frequencies, missed collections, and severe revenue loss.
Second, a lack of state finance to strictly enforce waste policies means PSPs suffer from low cost-recovery rates, as free-riding and low patronisation remain rampant in unmonitored neighborhoods. Third, massive, high-density, low-income areas across Lagos are simply not commercially viable for private operators to service under a standard fee-for-service model.
Beyond this initial asset procurement, scaling the total funding to a comprehensive $400 million urban framework will accommodate vital operational buffers. This expanded envelope integrates initial operational expenditure (OPEX) to seed the transition, capitalizes a dedicated low-interest credit line for PSP operator support, and funds a massive increase in policy enforcement to guarantee cost recovery across unviable, low-income neighborhoods.
Financing a clean megacity requires looking past the next fiscal year. Relying on annual budget allocations of the current levels to fight a 13,000-ton daily crisis is like trying to empty the Atlantic Ocean with a bucket.
Attempting to bridge this chasm through traditional commercial debt is highly unfeasible, as prevailing high-interest rates would saddle the state with toxic, short-term debt servicing costs that drain public coffers without allowing the infrastructure time to break even. Ultimately, the scale of Lagos’s daily waste crisis demands a departure from traditional, overstretched public budgeting toward bold, structured climate finance.
By scaling up the subnational green bond framework that the state has already pioneered, Lagos can realistically mobilise the N409.5 billion required to deploy 650 compactor trucks and construct 26 Materials Recovery Facilities. Transforming the city’s waste management system from an operational financial drain into a bankable, low-interest investment ecosystem will do more than just clear the streets of 13,000 tons of trash daily.
By shifting the capital burden off the back of overstretched operators and building the necessary MRF network, the state can transform the PSP model into a resilient, commercially sustainable public utility.
This approach will safeguard the state’s fiscal future, protect public health, and position Lagos as a global model for sustainable megacity infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa. Financing a clean megacity requires answering a $400 million trash problem, and global precedents show that massive municipal green issuances are the definitive roadmap.
Major global entities routinely issue bonds of this magnitude to overhaul urban ecosystems; for example, the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation frequently issues green bonds exceeding $300 million to $400 million to fund clean water and waste infrastructure, while the city of Johannesburg pioneered a multi-billion Rand green bond to finance sustainable urban infrastructure.
By stepping decisively into this international tier of green issuance, Lagos can unlock the deep pockets of global impact capital to finally turn its waste crisis into an economic win.

Abimbola Gbenjo, Founder of Sokedowo wrote in from Lagos.

Dredging Of Lower River Niger: Back To Zero After Sinking Billions, By Yusuf Ozi-Usman

Greenbarge Reporters

June 21, 2026

The story of the Lower River Niger dredging contract began long before the administration of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. Since the colonial era, there had been repeated proposals to dredge the River Niger and make it navigable throughout the year for commercial shipping.
The objective was to create a reliable inland water transport corridor linking the coastal city of Warri to Baro in Niger State, thereby reducing pressure on road transport and stimulating economic activity across riverine communities.
However, successive governments discussed the project without fully implementing it.
When Yar’Adua became president, he revived the long-abandoned plan. In December 2008, his administration approved a contract worth about N34.8 billion for the dredging of the Lower River Niger.
The project covered approximately 572 kilometres from Warri to Baro and was divided into several lots handled by different contractors.
The official flag-off took place in Lokoja on 10 September 2009, with a projected completion period of three years. The project included capital dredging, maintenance dredging, installation of navigational aids, river training works, and community development initiatives along the river corridor.
Following Yar’Adua’s death in May 2010, his successor, President Goodluck Jonathan, continued the project. Jonathan’s administration presented the dredging programme as part of its transportation and infrastructure agenda. During the execution of the project, the contract cost was revised upward.
In November 2011, the Federal Executive Council approved an additional N8.5 billion, raising the total project value to roughly N43.3 billion. Government officials argued that the increase was necessary because of inflation, rising operational costs, and the need to address continuous silting of the river channel.
Officials of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) reported that major dredging works had been completed and that maintenance dredging was underway. The government stated that navigational aids had been installed and that sections of the river were already being used by commercial operators.
The dredging project was divided into five lots, and was awarded to four contractors, with one contractor handling two lots. The contractors and their assigned sections were awarded to Bifurcation of the Nun, Fung Tai Engineering Company Nigeria Limited,
Dredging International Services Nigeria Limited, Van Oord Nigeria Limited,
William Lloyds Technical Company Limited
The five lots covered about 572 km of the river from Warri to Baro. A few notable details emerged during implementation:
Van Oord Nigeria Limited received the largest share of the work, handling both Lots 3 and 4, which together covered 226 km of the river.
William Lloyds Technical Company Limited was responsible for the crucial Baro section (Lot 5), and government officials later said that it had completed the capital dredging and part of the maintenance dredging.

In August 2014, Jonathan formally announced that the Warri–Baro dredging programme had been completed and described it as a major achievement in the development of inland waterways transportation.
However, the project soon became controversial. Critics argued that despite the billions spent, the expected economic transformation did not materialize.
Questions were raised about the actual extent and effectiveness of the dredging. Many communities along the river complained that they had not experienced the promised benefits, while some observers noted that commercial navigation on the route remained limited.
The project’s critics alleged that parts of the work were either incomplete or failed to deliver the anticipated results.
These concerns eventually attracted legislative scrutiny. In 2017, the Nigerian House of Representatives ordered an investigation into aspects of the Lower River Niger dredging project.
The Lawmakers examined allegations that some contract sections were either not fully executed or had been abandoned after partial completion. Questions were also raised regarding specific dredging lots and associated river port projects.
In effect, therefore, the Lower River Niger dredging contract was one of the most ambitious inland water transport projects undertaken by the Nigerian government. It was initiated and launched under President Yar’Adua, expanded and funded further under President Jonathan, and officially declared completed by Jonathan’s administration. Yet, despite the substantial public expenditure, the project remains a subject of debate because of continuing questions about its economic impact, operational success, and value for money.

Yusuf Ozi-Usman

Islamic Group, NASFAT Zakat Agency Lifts Up 40 With ₦11 Million, Pays School Fees For 152 Pupils

Greenbarge Reporters

June 21, 2026

Agency for Zakat and Sadaqat of the famous Islamic group, NASFAT (NAZAS), FCT Zone, has put smiles on the faces of 40 people, distributing a total cash of ₦11.916 million to them, even as it paid school fees for 152 pupils all in Abuja, Nigeria Federal Capital Territory.
According to a statement from the group, the shower of financial blessings on the beneficiaries is part of the Muharram humanitarian intervention programme of the agency. Muharram is the beginning of Muslim New Month/Year.
Speaking at the disbursement ceremony held at the NASFAT Mosque, Utako, Abuja, the Chairman of NAZAS FCT Zone, Alhaji Isiaq Ajibola, said that the intervention is aimed at supporting vulnerable members of society to empower, educate and provide healthcare assistance to the needy.
Ajibola said that the disbursement formed part of activities marking the Islamic New Year and reflected the agency’s commitment to improving the welfare of the less privileged.
According to him, since its establishment in 2014, NAZAS has collected and distributed about ₦1 billion nationwide through various humanitarian programs targeted at the needy.
He added that the FCT Zone, which was inaugurated in 2019, had recorded significant growth, collecting and distributing nearly ₦200 million in cash and material support over the years.
“Our focus has been on empowering the needy, providing scholarships for indigent students and offering medical support to those facing health challenges.”
Ajibola recalled that NAZAS had in previous years undertaken several impactful projects, including the construction of boreholes in underserved communities, securing the release of inmates from the Keffi Correctional Centre and providing beneficiaries with income-generating items such as tricycles, generators, laptops, deep freezers and grinding machines.
He noted that earlier this year, during the Ramadan period, the agency carried out a special humanitarian intervention at the National Hospital, Abuja, where about ₦2 million was spent to offset medical bills of indigent patients.
“That initiative brought relief to many families facing difficult circumstances and further demonstrated our commitment to supporting those in need.”
He disclosed that as part of the day empowerment programme, beneficiaries received deep freezers, industrial sewing machines, generating set, heat press machine and laptops to help them establish or expand their businesses.
“We believe these items will provide beneficiaries with the tools needed to become self-reliant and improve their economic circumstances.”
On education, he said that NAZAS visited Karmo Primary School in Abuja and paid the school fees of 152 pupils whose parents and guardians could not afford the fees.
According to him, the intervention underscores the agency’s belief that every child deserves access to education irrespective of economic background.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Ajibola advised them to regard the support not merely as charity but as an opportunity to improve their lives and contribute positively to society.
“We encourage you to cultivate the culture of giving back. As you become empowered and successful, remember others who may also need assistance. Help others, train others and contribute positively to your communities. We pray that one day you too will become Zakat payers.”
The chairman expressed appreciation to donors who entrusted their Zakat and Sadaqat to the agency, noting that their generosity had enabled NAZAS to touch lives and restore hope to many families.
He also used the occasion to reflect on the achievements of the outgoing FCT Council, whose tenure has ended this year.
Ajibola said that the council was deliberately constituted with credible Muslim professionals drawn from different sectors and not limited to members of NASFAT.
He listed members of the council to include Alhaji Yusuf Ali, Regional Editor of The Nation newspaper; Hajia Maryam Shehu, Deputy Chairperson of the Institute of Directors; Dr. Nasir Raji-Mustapha, former Director-General of the National Productivity Centre; Barrister Shewuden .O.Q. Giwa; Mrs. Suebat Lawal; Dr. Mrs. Lami Salawu; Alh Sharafadeen Alabelewe, a Director at the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS); Ustaz Shuaib M Kasandubu; Imam Abdulafees Suyuti; Alh Adebayo Kilani and Abdulganiyu Balogun.
He thanked the council members for their commitment, support and dedication to the agency’s humanitarian objectives throughout their tenure.
The event was attended by NAZAS officials, beneficiaries, donors, and community leaders.

ECOWAS Adopts Renewable Solution To Regional Energy Crisis

Greenbarge Reporters

June 21, 2026

The Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS) has adopted resolutions and recommendations to accelerate renewable energy initiatives to curb West Africa’s energy crisis and enhance rural development.
The decision by the ECOWAS Parliament’s Joint Committee on Energy and Mines, Infrastructure and Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources was taken at the end of a week-long delocalised meeting in Dakar, Senegal.
The event is themed: “Harnessing Renewable Energy for Rural Electrification and the Revitalisation of Rural Economies in the ECOWAS Region: The Role of the ECOWAS Parliament.”
The report of the regional body was unanimously adopted alongside a set of resolutions and recommendations designed to enhance universal access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy in rural communities across the sub-region.
The regional lawmakers adopted the deployment of decentralised energy initiatives, such as mini-grids and off-grid systems, harmonised regulatory frameworks, strengthened innovative financing mechanisms, and increased parliamentary oversight of energy projects.
They also adopted promoting quality renewable energy equipment, expand access to financing electricity, strengthen youth capacity through technical training, and mainstream gender considerations to ensure women benefit fully from these initiatives.
The Committee also solicited stronger regional coordination mechanisms, increased support for the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), and enhanced consultation with parliament toward implementing and monitoring the projects.
It also adopted immediate action to address the financial challenges facing the West African Power Pool (WAPP), an ECOWAS flagship initiative for electrifying the sub-region with power network.
The Parliament also gave assurance that regional energy projects involving countries of the Alliance of Sahel States would continue in line with existing contractual commitments.
The Joint Committee Chairperson, Fanta Conte, insisted that rural electrification should serve as a catalyst for economic transformation, job creation, agriculture and the empowerment of women and youth.
“The recommendations adopted in Dakar provide a clear roadmap for accelerating the energy transition and achieving universal access to electricity across West Africa.”
She called on the lawmakers to deploy their legislative, oversight and advocacy roles to support the implementation of regional energy policies and mobilise the political will needed to unlock investments in renewable energy.
According to her, the future of West Africa’s rural economies depends on member states’ ability to harness their abundant renewable energy resources and transform them into engines of sustainable development and regional integration.
The Parliamentarians expressed commitment to collaboratively work toward achieving the ECOWAS Vision 2050, which aims to ensure universal access to electricity in the sub-region, especially among its rural communities.

Source: Environ News.

My Bitter Experience With Fraud Star And First Bank, By Yusuf Ozi-Usman

Greenbarge Reporters

June 19, 2026

The date was June 13, 2026 and the time was 1.30 pm. I was busy, as online newspaper editor, downloading news items for editing from sources around the internet, including items sent by our accredited and freelance reporters from across the world. I used to do that twice a day; from 11.30 am to 3pm and 9.30pm to 11.30pm for publication.
Just as I was browsing the internet, a strange code suddenly appeared on the screen of my Android phone, blocking me from further access to the screen. Just as I was wondering what was happening, a sound of Bank alert rang out at the background of the blocked screen. Because the strange code had shut me out of the screen, I couldn’t immediately know what was the alert for and from which of my two Banks: First Bank Nigeria and United Bank for Africa (UBA). After some maneuvering, I was able to capture the message as coming from First Bank Nigeria and the amount that was debited, which was reasonably large. The fraud star, whose name I captured as Ishaq Ibrahim left only N3,000 balance in the account.
Within 15 minutes, I sent a message about what happened via my wife’s phone to the customized customers’ service email. I gave details of the strange and unauthorized transactions on my account to the online customer service. There was a quick response from the email to let me know that action was being taken.
I was curious to know the account details into which my money was moved, for I only got the name of the fraud star; Ishaq Ibrahim but not the account number and the Bank to which the money was moved.
As there was no immediate response and because it was weekend (Saturday and Sunday), I patiently waited for Monday, June 15, to go physically to formally lodge the report.
And, on that Monday, I was one of the early arrivals at the Bank’s branch in Kuje, in Abuja, the Nigeria Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
I was surprised when the branch manager, after listening to me, said that he would have to put a request to the Head office of the Bank before he would supply me the account details into which my money was transfered, eventhough he confirmed the name of the fraud star as Ishaq Ibrahim.
About three hours later, another message, dated June 15 with reference code CRM:0132718 was sent through the Bank’s customer service on the internet, titled: “Case has been resolved.”
The message went on:
Please note that your Complaint with reference number FBN-0130626190241010698025 titled FirstMobile – Unauthorised withdrawals_ Mobile Banking has been Solved with the resolution provided.
We empathize with the customer.
Kindly note that the investigation is ongoing, and mail has been sent to PAGA for possible recoup of funds
The disputed transaction was carried out via the First Mobile app.
The enrolment dynamics on the First Mobile app requires the submission of the ATM card PAN linked to the account, ATM card PIN, OTP before the profile can be created and linked to the account.
The details of the beneficiaries have been attached
ENTRY DATE: 06/13/2026 13:30:58
DESTINATION BANK CODE: 100002
SESSIONID: 000016260613133054002174056195
ACCOUNT NAME: Ishaq Ibrahim
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 0088243601
AMOUNT: – provided
We have requested that a PND be placed on the account for possible arrest and recovery of funds from the beneficiary bank.
Kindly deactivate the unauthorized First Mobile profile and ATM card linked to the account.
The Bank is not liable for the fraudulent transaction as the customer compromised her confidential details in variance with the Bank’s directives.
We appreciate your patience.
Should you have any further concerns regarding the resolution provided or any dissatisfaction with how your Complaint was handled, please visit the nearest branch or send an e-mail to complaintsunit@firstbanknigeria.com within 48 hours of receiving this notification.
We value your feedback and are committed to addressing any outstanding issues promptly.
You can also send your escalation to contact@fccpc.gov.ng or cpd@cbn.gov.ng.
If we do not hear from you within the specified time frame, the request will be marked as RESOLVED and closed.
Kindly note that this is a no-reply email address.
Thank you for choosing FirstBank.
I was being soothed by the words from the Bank until I got to the passage which goes thus: “The Bank is not liable for the fraudulent transaction as the customer compromised her confidential details in variance with the Bank’s directives.”
Because I knew for sure that I have never ever compromised my Bank details even with my wife who’s the closest to me, in the past over 20 years with the First Bank, I was forced to write to the Bank, demanding the refund of my money within 36 hours. One of the sentences in my letter goes thus: “I therefore wonder how and why the system of the First Bank Nigeria Plc would allow such easy penetration of my account as stated above.”
By providing me the email address of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and advising me to”escalate” my complain to it, I felt challenged. And apart from heeding the advice and laying my complaint to the CBN, I have asked my lawyer to start the process of seeking redress and probably claiming damages in the court of law.
To say the least, I’m highly disappointed in the First Bank which I had so trusted that I could give it the most valuable thing in my life to keep without looking back.

Nigeria Committed To Sustaining Mangrove Ecosystem, Blue Economy – Minister

Greenbarge Reporters

June 17, 2026

Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal has made it clear that the country is determined to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to sustain mangrove ecosystem and boost its blue economy through the promotion of climate-resilient livelihoods.

The Minister who, spoke at a workshop on the final evaluation and closure of the UK PACT-UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) project in Abuja, expressed Nigeria’s appreciation for the valuable partnership of the UK government through the project.
The workshop is themed: “Sustaining integrated mangrove ecosystem management in Nigeria: From achievements to future pathways.”
The event marked the end of the project, which focused on integrated management of mangrove ecosystems and expansion of social protection for fisheries and forest dependents in the coastal communities of Cross River.
Balarabe Lawal said that the workshop helped in promoting climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods.
“As this project comes to a close, our focus must shift to sustaining and scaling its achievements.
“We must strengthen community ownership, expand restoration efforts, promote climate-resilient livelihoods.
“We must leverage emerging opportunities in the blue economy and carbon markets.
“Our ministry remains steadfast working with all stakeholders; to consolidate and scale up the gains achieved under this project.”
He said that Nigeria would advance implementation of its Nationally Determined Contributions, National Adaptation Plan, commitments under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, and obligations under the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals.

He decried the challenges of increased environmental pressure, unsustainable resource utilisation, and climate-related issues, which threaten the ecosystem.
He said that the project demonstrated that environmental collaboration and socio-economic development could be pursued simultaneously.
“The project paved the way for mangrove restoration and sustainable management initiative, capacity building, promotion of alternative land use, strengthening of community institutions, and support for biodiversity-free and forest-dependent households.
Dr Hussein Gadain, UN FAO Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS said that the project demonstrated that when communities, governments, development partners and other stakeholders work together, transformative change is possible.
“The project has laid a strong foundation for sustainability through the registration of 50 cooperatives, thereby strengthening local institutions and supporting alignment with national climate, environmental, and social protection priorities,” Gadain said.
The project, which started in 2023 ended yesterday, June 16, with a total of 4,827 beneficiaries, 66 per cent of them women, trained on climate-smart agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.
It was funded by the UK and Northern Ireland, and implemented by FAO, in partnership with the British High Commission in Nigeria, and the Government of Cross River State.
The project aimed to strengthen climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods across 50 coastal communities, which included Akpabuyo, Bakassi, Calabar Municipality, Calabar South, and Odukpani Local Government Areas.

Raising New generation Of Green Ambassadors Through Climate Education In Nigeria

Greenbarge Reporters

June 12, 2026

The climate crisis has often been described as a race against time, but it is also a race against ignorance. Too many people still lack a clear understanding of the causes of climate change, its real-life consequences, and the practical solutions available to slow its impact. Since climate change is fundamentally a human-induced crisis, addressing it requires changes in human behaviour, and behavioural change begins with awareness.
In recognition of this, The Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP) developed a Climate Education Manual, a long-term resource, designed for schools to equip teachers and students with the knowledge and tools to understand climate science and promote sustainable living. The manual was co-created with students, teachers and education stakeholders, and officially unveiled in March 2025, with support from the University of Bristol, UK. The goal was not merely to publish a document, but to institutionalize climate literacy among the younger generation.
SPP ManualProf. Chukwumerije Okereke, handing out the Climate Education Manual to Students at the Manual Launch
Following the unveiling of the climate education manual, SPP commenced a series of climate education engagements, taking the message directly to students through school outreaches, interactive learning sessions, and tree-planting exercises that connect climate knowledge with practical environmental stewardship. SPP has reached over 20, 000 students across 70 schools.
In recognition of the critical role that teachers play in shaping young minds, and the need to ensure that accurate climate knowledge is effectively passed on to future generations, SPP expanded the initiative through capacity-building programmes for teachers. Working in partnership with education authorities, the organisation equipped teachers with the knowledge and resources needed to serve as climate education multipliers, integrating climate education into classroom learning.
In Abuja, SPP worked with the Secondary Education Board to begin the training of teachers across the Federal Capital Territory, starting with schools in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). Also, SPP entered into a strategic partnership with DCR Ambassadors to train teachers, with a focus on the North East, beginning with Adamawa as a pilot state. The programme was a six-month climate education effort for junior and senior secondary school teachers in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States respectively.
SPP Tree PlantingTree planting campaign with students of Community Secondary School Edem, Enugu State
By 2026, this capacity building model for educators had matured into deeper state-level engagements. In Enugu State, SPP worked with the Office of the First Lady and the Office of the Senior Adviser to the Governor on Climate Policy and Sustainable Development to train 40 Climate Champions on the use of the Climate Education Manual, with support from UNICEF, Enugu Field Office. These climate Champions are expected to drive a pilot climate education campaign in selected secondary schools across Enugu State.
This capacity-building campaign was also extended to young Nigerians serving under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). In Abuja, SPP took the climate education campaign to the NYSC orientation camp in Kubwa, presenting climate change not as a distant policy issue but as a practical challenge that young Nigerians will inherit and help solve. Beyond introducing Corps Members to the fundamentals of climate change, the engagement highlighted the growing importance of green skills in an evolving global economy. Over 4,000 youth corpers and officials were exposed to emerging opportunities in sustainability and the broader green economy, helping them to see climate action not only as a responsibility, but also as a pathway for innovation, entrepreneurship, and employment.
Most recently, the organisation has focused on sustainability through school-based green clubs. In Abuja, SPP collaborated with Army Day Secondary School, Mogadishu Cantonment, to strengthen Green Environment Clubs as part of the World Environment Day 2026 outreach. The programme increased students’ interest, attended by over 100 participants, led to the establishment of a new club, and helped refine the club’s action areas around composting, recycling, open-burning reduction, and afforestation. The engagement opened further opportunities for the students, including an invitation to participate in the Nigeria Youth Climate Summit.
Green Club Army Sec. School, AbujaInauguration of the Green Club at Army Day Secondary School, Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja
The real significance of SPP’s climate education campaign lies not only in the number of people reached, but in the structures and systems it is helping to build for the future. A trained teacher carries climate knowledge into the classroom year after year. A climate champion takes the message into communities. A green club turns awareness into everyday practice, and together, they demonstrate that climate education is most effective when it moves beyond information-sharing to become embedded in the institutions and people that shape society for sustainable development.
In a climate conversation often dominated by finance, technology and infrastructure, SPP’s Climate Education Initiative is a reminder that lasting change also depends on educating and creating awareness to engage people, especially teens and children, to understand the climate and environmental challenge and be equipped to respond to it. SPP is determined to carry on with these far-reaching climate education campaign across Nigeria to build awareness and inspire action among its teeming young population for sustainable development.

By Timothy Ogenyi (Senior Policy Analyst, SPP) and Ugochukwu Uzuegbu (Communications Specialist, SPP)

Tinubu Declares State Of Emergency On Security, Says Democracy Without Security Is Not Solid

Greenbarge Reporters

June 12, 2026

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared what he called “security emergency,” admitting that democracy without security is not solid enough.
In his message to the nation today, June 12, to mark the Democracy Day, President Tinubu admitted too that this year’s mood has been dampened “by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno.”
Announcing the security emergency, the President approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military recruits.
“Our 2026 budget commits N5.41 trillion—our largest ever—to defence and security. Our administration is ever ready to do much more to secure our people.”
He said that his government has moved from training with Nigeria’s allies, the United States, France and other European countries, to precision targeting.
“In Arege, Borno State, we degraded ISWAP’s command centre. Terror-related deaths are down by 81% since 2015. “Over 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised in the past year. But we also keep the door of surrender open.
“Over 124,000 fighters and dependents have laid down their arms since 2023 through Operation Safe Corridor.”
President Tinubu advised bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terror to surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State.
He said that these windows of surrender would not remain open forever, saying that no mercy would be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.
He begged Nigerians not to engage in blame game or point fingers.
According to him, crime has no ethnicity, calling on the citizens stand united and be assured that the enemies of the nation shall soon be history.
We reproduce hereunder, the full text of President Tinubu’s Democracy Day address:

Fellow Nigerians
Today, we celebrate democracy and the enduring Nigerian spirit. For 27 unbroken years, since May 29, 1999, Nigerians have chosen their leaders through the ballot, witnessed peaceful transitions of power, and resolved disagreements in courtrooms and legislative chambers—not through violence. We have experienced the longest stretch of civilian rule in our history. Our democracy is not perfect, but it is ours, and we must continue to defend and strengthen it.
In the coming days, Ekiti and Osun States will hold elections. I urge INEC, security agencies, and all parties to ensure these polls are peaceful and credible. Democracy fails when citizens doubt the process. To our National Assembly, Judiciary, the Press, and Civil Society: you are the guardrails of our republic. Criticise me, disagree with me, but never stop believing in Nigeria.
To our young people: Nigeria is your home and your future. Build here, code here, work here, and vote here. Every great nation was built by those who stayed to solve problems, not by those who abandoned ship.
To our armed forces, police, and intelligence services: Nigeria salutes your sacrifice. To our traditional rulers, faith leaders, and community heads: thank you for your support of peace and reconciliation. The government cannot do it alone.
Today, we honour the resilience of Nigerians who refused to surrender their faith in freedom, and the courage of those who stood firm against intimidation. We pay tribute to patriots who endured persecution, imprisonment, exile, and even death so that future generations could enjoy democracy. I salute labour leaders, journalists, activists, students, women, professionals, political leaders, and soldiers—both those who have passed and those still with us—for their patriotic contributions.
Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return. Democracy without security is not solid enough. That is why this administration declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military recruits. Our 2026 budget commits N5.41 trillion—our largest ever—to defence and security. Our administration is ever ready to do much more to secure our people.
We have moved from training with our allies, the United States, France and other European countries, to precision targeting. In Arege, Borno State, we degraded ISWAP’s command centre. Terror-related deaths are down by 81% since 2015. Over 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised in the past year. But we also keep the door of surrender open. Over 124,000 fighters and dependents have laid down their arms since 2023 through Operation Safe Corridor.
To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.
At a time like this, let us not assign blame or point fingers. Crime has no ethnicity. We must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation.
June 12 occupies a sacred place in our national memory. It represents more than an election; it is a defining chapter in our story. We remember Chief M.K.O. Abiola, who won a pan-Nigerian mandate transcending ethnicity and religion. We remember Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.
We also remember Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Alfred Rewane, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, Frank Kokori, Arthur Nwankwo, Chima Ubani, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and the many other heroes and heroines of democracy whose sacrifices helped secure the freedoms we enjoy today.
As beneficiaries of their struggle, we have a duty to strengthen and deepen the democratic institutions for which they fought. The greatest tribute we can pay is to build a Nigeria where freedom is protected, justice is upheld, opportunity is expanded, and government is accountable.
June 12, 1993, revealed the possibility of a true Nigerian nation. The heroes of June 12 secured political freedom. Our challenge is to secure economic freedom. Democracy must be felt in the quality of people’s lives—in opportunities for youth, in prosperous farmers, successful entrepreneurs, and the dignity of our workers.
The reforms we are undertaking were not chosen for ease, but for necessity. Three years ago, our public finances were under severe strain, investment was discouraged, and economic uncertainty threatened our future. We chose to act, embracing reforms to advance Nigeria’s economic freedom.
Since 2023, our reforms have restored stability and credibility to economic management. Federation revenues have risen, providing states and local governments with more resources for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security. Fiscal transparency has improved, leakage has been reduced, and public funds are better directed to national priorities. Investor confidence has returned, with investments in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology, mining, transportation, and the creative industries growing.
Domestic refining capacity has increased, strengthening energy security and reducing our reliance on imported petroleum products.
By 2023, when we came on board, the electricity sector was characterised by chronic generation shortfalls, an unreliable gas supply, and transmission infrastructure so fragile that it could not evacuate available power. Distribution companies were burdened by massive losses and a metering deficit of over four million. Worst of all, the value chain was drowning in legacy debt. The result was a sector that generated less than the 13,500 Megawatts installed capacity, a sector that transmitted less than it generated, distributed less than it transmitted and collected revenue far below what it needed to sustain itself.
To address the problems besetting the sector, I signed the Electricity Act, which grants states authority to generate, transmit, and distribute power. The Presidential Power Sector Task Force is working hard to reduce the metering deficit. It has also been authorised to raise N4 trillion bond to settle verified legacy debts. The Rural Electrification Agency, supported by the World Bank and the African Development Bank, has deployed off-grid and mini-grid power to underserved communities, universities, markets, and hospitals. Electricity is a democratic dividend we owe every Nigerian. We intend to deliver it.
Across the country, infrastructure projects are connecting producers to markets and creating opportunities for enterprise and employment. The National Agricultural Development Fund is deploying 10,000 tractors over five years. Over 1,000 SMEs have been certified for export. Non-oil exports grew by 21% last year.
Yet, many Nigerians still face economic hardship. We remain focused on reducing inflation, expanding food production, creating jobs, improving living standards, rebuilding confidence in our economy, and creating conditions for sustainable prosperity.
We are moving from uncertainty to stability. The next phase is about accelerating growth and ensuring the benefits are felt in every home, every community, and every region. We believe that Democracy must be felt in the pocket.
Recognising that democracy is undermined when people do not feel its impact, my administration has sought financial autonomy for our 774 local councils. A fundamental challenge to our nation’s advancement has been ineffective local government administration. The insecurity we are addressing is partly due to the collapse of grassroots governance. The Renewed Hope Agenda is about ensuring that all Nigerians benefit from governance.
Every generation has a defining responsibility. The generation of our founding fathers secured independence—the generation of June 12 secured democracy. Our generation must secure prosperity.
Let us move forward together—rejecting division, cynicism, and despair; embracing unity, hope, and confidence. Let us build a Nigeria united by a common purpose, strengthened by diversity, where justice is accessible, liberty is secure, and opportunity is abundant.
Among the architects of modern democratic Nigeria, we honour General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua for his vision of national partnership. In recognition of his contributions, the Federal Government has approved the revitalisation and renaming of the completed Institute of Petroleum Studies, Kaduna, as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology.
I am also pleased to announce national awards to the following Nigerians, who suffered persecution, endured indignities, exile, incarceration, and, at times, solitary confinement, so that we have democracy today.
Barrister Ayoka Lawani
Tunde Fagbenle
Oladele Alake
Olatunji Bello
Louis Odion
Segun Babatope
Sam Omatseye
Sir Ademola Osinubi
Bola Bolawole
Lade Bonuola
Femi Kusa
Debo Adeniran
Chief Ayo Opadokun
Chief Ralph Obiora
Ose Osayande
Barrister Osa Director
Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine
Dr Arthur Nwankwo (Posthumous)
Dr Osagie Obayuwana
Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin
Barrister Titus Mann
Joe Igbokwe
Richard Akinnola
Ben Charles-Obi (Posthumous)
George Mbah
Dr Niran Malaolu
Major-General Ishola Williams (rtd)
Femi Aborisade
Jenkins Alumona
Gbemiga Ogunleye
Muyiwa Adekeye
Babajide Kolade-Otitoju
Ike Okonta
We also recognise the soldier-democrats of the June 12 struggle:
Major General MA Garba
Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa
Col Umar Farouk Ahmed;
Col Sambo Dasuki;
Col Lawan Gwadabe;
Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong
Col Musa Shehu;
Major General Chris Eze;
Major General Harris Dzarma;
Col Isa Jibrin;
Maj. General Joseph Oshanupin;
Col Olusegun Oloruntoba, Olugbede of Gbede Kingdom)
Lieutenant Colonel Happy Kefas Bulus
Col J Okai;
Col Emmanuel Ndubueze;
Lt Col Yakubu Muazu
Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the Current Etsu Nupe, who is already the holder of the CFR title.
The honours list will be released in the next few days.
Fellow Nigerians, 27 years ago, many doubted democracy would survive here because of our diversity. Today, our diversity sustains our democracy. The road ahead is steep. But June 12 reminds us: Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break.
Let us renew our covenant: That the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from this land.
May God bless the heroes of our democracy. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. May God continue to bless us all.
Happy Democracy Day.
BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria

How Religious, Ethnic Sentiments Fuel Banditry, Kidnapping In Nigeria, By Abdulkarim Abdulmalik

Greenbarge Reporters

June 12, 2026

At a time when Nigerians should be standing shoulder to shoulder against insecurity, many are unfortunately turning against one another. Every major security incident is increasingly followed by a familiar pattern: accusations, counter-accusations, ethnic profiling and religious finger-pointing.
A village is attacked, and before security agencies complete their investigations, social media courts have already delivered judgments. A kidnapping occurs, and entire ethnic groups are blamed. A terrorist attack takes place, and religious sentiments immediately overshadow objective analysis.
While such reactions may be driven by anger, grief and frustration, they are also giving criminals exactly what they want.
Banditry, kidnapping and terrorism thrive when societies are divided. Nothing serves their interests better than a nation whose citizens are busy blaming one another instead of confronting the real enemy.
The painful reality is that insecurity in Nigeria has no tribe and no religion.
The victims of kidnapping are Muslims and Christians alike. Bandits attack communities without asking for ethnic identity cards. Terrorists do not spare worshippers in mosques, churches, markets, schools or motor parks. Their violence affects everyone. Their bullets do not discriminate. Their ransom demands do not consider religion.
Yet, despite this obvious reality, many Nigerians continue to view security challenges through ethnic and religious lenses.
This trend is becoming increasingly dangerous.
When insecurity is reduced to a contest between tribes or faiths, attention shifts away from the criminals themselves. Public conversations become emotional rather than factual. Genuine security concerns become politicized. Communities that should be cooperating begin to distrust one another.
And in that atmosphere of suspicion, criminals find room to operate.
Security experts across the world agree on one fact: no government can successfully fight insecurity without the cooperation of its citizens. Intelligence gathering remains one of the most effective weapons against criminal networks. Information from local communities often helps security agencies prevent attacks, rescue victims, and dismantle criminal hideouts.
But intelligence sharing becomes difficult when citizens are divided by suspicion.
Imagine a community where neighbours no longer trust one another because of ethnicity or religion. Imagine villages where people are unwilling to share information because they fear being misunderstood or accused. Imagine a nation where every security operation is interpreted through the prism of identity politics.
Such conditions do not weaken criminals; they strengthen them.
Nigeria’s enemies understand this very well.
Criminal groups know that a divided society is easier to exploit. They know that once public attention shifts to ethnic and religious arguments, pressure on criminal networks reduces. Instead of focusing on identifying perpetrators, citizens become occupied with defending their identities and attacking others.
That is why Nigerians must resist the temptation to generalize.
No ethnic group should be criminalized because of the actions of a few individuals. No religion should be blamed for crimes committed by criminals. To do so is not only unfair; it is counterproductive.
Every ethnic group in Nigeria has produced heroes and villains. Every religious community contains law-abiding citizens and lawbreakers. Criminality is a personal choice, not an ethnic inheritance or religious obligation.
This is where leadership becomes crucial.
Political leaders must avoid inflammatory statements capable of worsening tensions. Religious leaders should continue preaching peace, tolerance, and national unity. Traditional rulers must strengthen dialogue among communities and encourage cooperation with security agencies.
The media also has a vital responsibility.
In today’s digital age, a single misleading headline can spread across the country within minutes. Unverified claims can fuel fear and resentment. Journalists must therefore remain committed to professional ethics, responsible reporting, and fact-based analysis.
Nigeria has already paid a heavy price for division.
For decades, ethnic and religious tensions have distracted the nation from addressing many of its real challenges. Instead of building consensus, citizens often retreat into competing camps. Instead of seeing themselves first as Nigerians, many choose narrower identities.
But insecurity should remind us of a simple truth: when bandits attack, they attack Nigerians. When kidnappers abduct travellers, they abduct Nigerians. When terrorists strike communities, they kill Nigerians.
The pain is shared. The loss is shared. The fear is shared.
Therefore, the response must also be shared.
This is not the time for mutual suspicion. It is not the time for inflammatory rhetoric. It is not the time for narratives that divide communities already struggling under economic hardship and security pressures.
Rather, this is the time for national solidarity.
Citizens should support legitimate security efforts by providing useful information, remaining vigilant, and cooperating with law enforcement agencies. Communities should strengthen local peace-building initiatives and reject attempts by criminals to exploit ethnic or religious differences.
Government, on its part, must continue improving intelligence capabilities, strengthening law enforcement institutions, and addressing socioeconomic conditions that make criminal recruitment easier.
Above all, Nigerians must recognize that unity is not merely a patriotic slogan; it is a security necessity.
There is an old saying that an ill wind blows no one any good. The current wave of banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism is certainly such a wind. It has devastated families, disrupted livelihoods, discouraged investment, and deepened fear across the country.
No tribe benefits from insecurity. No religion prospers from kidnapping. No region develops under the shadow of violence.
The only beneficiaries are the criminals themselves.
That is why every blame game rooted in ethnicity or religion becomes an unintended gift to those who profit from chaos.
If Nigeria is to defeat insecurity, citizens must rise above sentiments and emotional manipulation. They must reject narratives that divide and embrace a common purpose that unites.
The enemy is not our neighbour because he worships differently. The enemy is not our fellow citizen because she speaks a different language. The enemy is criminality.
And the sooner Nigerians speak with one voice against it, the sooner the country can reclaim the peace, stability, and unity that its people so desperately deserve.

– Abdulkarim Abdulmalik is an Abuja-based Journalist. Email: nowmalik@gmail.com

Modern Security Operations No Longer Based Solely On Military Capability, Firepower, But Media – Dr. Duru

Greenbarge Reporters

June 11, 2026

Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Achievers University, Owo, Dr. Chike Walter Duru, has described media as one of the most powerful force multipliers in modern security operations.
According to him, effective communication is indispensable to achieving operational success in contemporary security environments.
Dr. Duru, who spoke as a Guest Lecture at a Media Workshop organised by the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Headquarters Nigerian Army, at the Army War College Nigeria, Asokoro, Abuja, stressed that modern security operations are no longer determined solely by military capability and firepower.
Speaking on the theme: “Media as a Force Multiplier: Leveraging Integrated Platforms to Enhance Public Trust, Inter-Agency Synergy and Operational Outcomes,” Dr. Duru said: “Today, the success or failure of security operations is influenced not only by military capability, but also by how effectively institutions communicate with citizens, shape public perception, counter misinformation, and sustain public confidence.”
He explained that in military and strategic studies, a force multiplier refers to any capability that significantly enhances operational effectiveness beyond the numerical strength of personnel or equipment.
He said that media has emerged as a strategic asset capable of strengthening institutional credibility, building public trust, promoting national unity, and improving operational legitimacy.
The communication scholar observed that the rapid evolution of digital media has transformed the information environment, creating both opportunities and challenges for security institutions.
He warned that misinformation, fake news, deepfakes, online propaganda and coordinated disinformation campaigns now constitute major threats to national security and operational effectiveness.
According to him, information management has become an integral component of national security management, making proactive communication, transparency, and credibility essential requirements for security institutions.
Dr. Duru further highlighted the importance of integrated communication platforms, arguing that coordinated use of television, radio, newspapers, online media, social media, and community engagement channels enables security agencies to deliver accurate, timely, and strategic messaging capable of strengthening public confidence and enhancing operational outcomes.
He also emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among security agencies, noting that modern threats such as terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime, and transnational crimes require coordinated communication and unified narratives.
To strengthen media integration as a force multiplier, Dr. Duru presented several recommendations, including the integration of strategic communication into operational planning, institutionalisation of periodic security-media dialogue platforms, development of early warning communication systems, promotion of citizen-centred security communication, capacity building in counter-disinformation and information warfare, strengthening collaboration with digital platforms and online publishers, development of indigenous language communication strategies, establishment of joint communication frameworks during emergencies, strengthening digital media capacity, investment in communication technology, improved transparency, development of crisis communication protocols, strengthening community-based strategic communication, and enhancement of media literacy campaigns.
He maintained that public trust remains a strategic security asset and that effective communication is critical to sustaining cooperation between citizens and security institutions.
“Modern security victories are achieved not only through superior force, but through superior communication. Whoever shapes the narrative strengthens operational success.”
The lecture generated robust discussions led by Major General Chris Olukolade (Rtd) and Professor Okey Ikechukwu as discussants, while Lt. Col. D.J. Danjuma served as moderator.
Participants commended the presentation for its relevance to contemporary security realities and its practical recommendations for strengthening communication, media engagement, and inter-agency collaboration within Nigeria’s security architecture.
The workshop forms part of ongoing efforts by the Directorate of Army Public Relations to strengthen military-media relations, improve strategic communication capabilities, and promote effective public engagement in support of national security objectives.

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