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Climate Change: Delivering Objectives Of Act 2021 Without “Humongous Bureaucracy” – By Mardiyyah Omikunle   

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Recent moves by President Buhari to implement Climate Change Act 2021, Nigeria’s framework law to deliver green growth for sustainable economic development, are rubbing against bureaucratic infighting over the form and composition of the implementing mechanism the National Climate Change Council (NCCC) and its secretariat. The NCCC is chaired by the President with broad participation from government and civil society, and is supported by a Secretariat headed by a Director General who is recommended by NCCC and appointed by the President. Because the NCCC is chaired by the President and Vice President and located within the presidency, it signals to the world that Nigeria is taking a whole-of-Government approach to low carbon development and is not merely delegating the issue to a line ministry. Recent pronouncements by the Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi, questioned both the ‘humongous bureaucracy’ CCA created and the composition of the NCCC. Such doubts as COP 27 approaches, may be misinterpreted as sending mixed signals to development partners interested in supporting Nigeria’s energy transition.
Recently, the Minister vented his frustration at the unwieldy ‘humongous bureaucracy” of “state and zonal directors” in the NCCC’s secretariat. He went further adding that “membership of the council also inadvertently takes out commissioners of environment as members of the Climate Change Council. The secretariat has no directorates to support functions of the director-general, no transitional provisions in relation to functions of the department of climate change and the Climate Change Council.” The minister then announced that he had set up a technical review committee within the Ministry of Environment to initiate “amendments of the Act”.
An internal ministry of environment technical review committee to amend the Act is the classic bureaucratic response to a bureaucratic problem. The Act’s implementing structure appear designed to avoid capture by a single ministry and be nimble enough to respond to reform priorities across ministries departments and agencies and between the levels of government. While this may have drawbacks, the more pertinent question relating to structure and institutional transition is whether the NCCC and the secretariat can provide the framework for sustainable economic development achieved through low carbon means to occur across government and society. Here, the ministry of environment has specific inputs to make the climate diagnosis. The treatment plan or cure is actually provided by other stakeholders responsible for the policies, technologies and societal changes that make sustainable economic growth a reality. The treatment aspects of the CCA’s objectives and NCCC’s mandate involve inputs primarily from other agencies such as the petroleum, power, transport, water, works and housing sectors among others. The CCA and NCCC thus require a whole-of-government review, and not just a ministry of environment technical review.
While, the Minister and the ministry are understandably territorial about the CCA and NCCC, the NCCC is unlike other councils or committees superintending particular sectors as with say communications with the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC). The NCCC and its secretariat are crosscutting institutions that resemble the defunct Office of the Senior-Special-Assistant to the President on Millennium-Development-Goals (OSSAP-MDGs) and the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE). The BPE as secretariat to the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) closely resembles the NCCC and its secretariat. Both OSSAP-MDGs and BPE were created within the Presidency and operated on a whole-of-government premise rather than being hived-off from a parent-ministry – a kind of prodigal children as the Minister seems to think the NCCC and secretariat are.
It is worth mentioning that the pioneering Director-Generals or leaders of both OSSAP-MDGs and BPE had successful non-civil service professional and managerial careers and brought that private sector drive, energy, can-do spirit and organisational discipline to the new institution. They also possessed the requisite stakeholder management skills to navigate social and political interests across all levels of government. This does raise questions, given the vast all-encompassing and existential challenge climate change poses, whether the Minister sees the proverbial forest from the ministerial tree.
Seeing the forest from the ministerial tree generates the perspective needed to discern the internal inconsistencies in the Minister’s position. As it is difficult to reconcile the minister’s criticism of the CCA with his proud announcement, in the same breathe, “that just last week, Mr. President appointed the pioneer director-general of the National Climate Change Council.” If the deficiencies in the Act can prompt the minister to review and recommend amendments, why then announce the appointment of a Director-General when the CCA expressly says that such an appointment can only be made after the NCCC recommends a Director-General to the President? Such an appointment and announcement fits squarely into the problems the CCA has that the technical review committee should have also reviewed. It is even more irregular when the appointment is announced by the minister or the ministry rather than the Presidency, which usually announces such appointments. It is unclear whether the appointment has been announced by the President or presidency at all. These irregularities and inconsistencies will not have gone unnoticed by the international community, private sector investors and interested parties to Nigeria’s climate change objectives.
In the end raising issues about the CCA while making unconfirmed pronouncements on staffing this close to the 27th Conference of Parties (COP 27) in November in Egypt sends the signal that Nigeria is not ready politically, institutionally or policy-wise to receive the investment required to transition to a low carbon economy. This ultimately defeats the very objectives of the CCA.
If Nigeria is to achieve the objectives in the CCA, the Minister and Ministry of Environment will need to play their indispensable part by not going it alone, but by being in lock step with the entire government and people of Nigeria. We all go farther on the road to net zero when we go together.
Mardiyyah Omikunle, specialises in Energy Law and Climate Change, she writes from Lagos.

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Gbenga Daniel Boosts Atan General Hospital with Solar-Powered Mini Grid

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Gbenga Daniel

Atan General Hospital solar grid project boosts healthcare services as Senator Gbenga Daniel delivers stable power to the Ogun facility

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Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation, Zinox, TD Africa, others donate Multi-Million Naira AI-Tech Centre to Holy Ghost College

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Africa’s foremost serial digital icon, Leo Stan Ekeh, last weekend donated a multi-million-Naira AI-Tech Centre to Holy Ghost College, Owerri, Imo State at a ceremony that added colour to the 77th years anniversary of the school.
The centre was built by the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation in partnership with all the companies under the Zinox Group, namely TD Africa, Zinox Technologies, Task Systems, Konga Group, etc.
The AI -Tech centre construction supervised by Mr. Ekeh himself from block quality standard to final finishing is equipped with highly integrated All-In-One Zinox Computers, 24-hour solar-power and enabled with high speed Starlink corporate internet connectivity signed up for the college for five years. In addition to its Eco-friendly features, like the lifestyle integrated computer tables and chairs, it is fitted with two large AI-active screens for real- time online tutorials, turning the popular Catholic secondary school into one of the global smart tech colleges that will explore infinite possibilities in Africa.
Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, an alumnus of the school, said he was inspired by the desire to turn graduates of the college into 21st Century globally-certified whizzes who can effectively compete with their mates from all over the world.
He said: “It is my prayer that this centre shall produce Nigeria’s tech driven billionaires who can defend their wealth and alter the destinies of millions of Nigerians. Few of us who are wealth creators in Nigeria are miracle kids because during our time we technically lacked everything, but God helped us to emerge as wealth creators. It is my wish that this centre shall create a tech culture for our kids and that the training on AI and certified contents which we have signed with different globally rated consultants shall make the centre a standout tech hub.
“This centre shall earn the status of Microsoft, Cisco, Oracle, Starlink certification centre very soon and a model to other colleges in the Southeastern part of Nigeria and by extension Nigeria. We are hiring a Director for the Tech Centre and few other staff to complement its leadership. We have structured trainings on finishing school, ethics, etc., including retraining the teachers on modern skills of teaching, transparent communication, and digital psychology in dealing with today’s smart kids.
R-L: Catholic Archbishop Rev. Lucius Ugorji, assisted by Mr. Cosmas Ibe, an old boy of the college to cut the tape, while Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh and Mr. Jerry Chukwueke watch in admiration. Top is the exterior and interior of the centre.
“My family and I through the Foundation and companies under the Zinox group have done similar projects including Entrepreneurial centres in over 123 Primary, Secondary, and tertiary institutions across Nigeria quietly since 1996 and when we are done with few committed projects in the next 12 months, we shall now concentrate on our 1000 tech university scholarships project. It is our way of giving back to the society and appreciating those who supported and are still supporting our companies while providing world-class tech human capital that shall drive their growth and defend the nation in future. I also hope other Nigerians can do same in educational institutions around them or their alma mater. We must consciously upgrade Nigeria by investing in tech and the youths.
“We have budgeted to do more. We shall refurbish and create an intelligent hostel with Al-amenities to celebrate wizkids in the college and encourage their mates on healthy living and competition. It will be a privilege to be accommodated in this intelligent hostel and each year, a student accommodated here shall earn a congratulatory letter from the foundation with a token gift. We need to reset the mind set of our kids to earn global citizenship if we must earn a decent future,” he told the audience which included Catholic Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, Bishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, priests, principal of the college, Rev. Dr. Samuel Agu; the state commissioner for education (Primary and Secondary), Professor Bernard Ikegwuoha, old students, parents, and over 1,600 secondary school students drawn from different schools in the state.
Describing the AI-tech centre as the first in the south east, he urged the students to take full advantage of it to make a success in life, stressing that in the 21st century, ICT provides children of the poor the pathway to upset the rich. He urged the students to take advantage of the 1000 tech university scholarship instituted by his Foundation in partnership with Zinox Technologies, TD Africa, Task Systems and Konga Group for Nigerian indigent tech students in Nigerian universities and polytechnics.
The scholarship is now live on konga.com, just click the 1000 tech scholarship banner and get full information regarding the scholarship.
Ekeh promised to ensure that those manning the centre are properly skilled and remunerated. He listed no fewer than seven secondary schools across the country that will benefit from infrastructural development including building residential apartments for some teachers and knowledge workers, and mini-ICT centers to create tech culture in these institutions within the next one year.
Ekeh who shared with the audience his life’s experience, also narrated how ICT has lifted and raised global billionaires like Elon Musk, Bill Gates, among others. He told the students that they can be the next generation game-changers and billionaires if they get serious with ICT, adding that in life
“Many are called but few are chosen. You can become the chosen ones if you acquire the right ICT skills with structured mentality which is an opportunity that the tech-center offers.” He added.

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Habeeb Okunola Foundation Hosts Visually Impaired Students, Reaffirms Commitment to Educational Development

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The founder of the Habeeb Okunola Foundation, High Chief Dr. Habeeb Olalekan Okunola MON, OFR, has once again demonstrated his dedication to the welfare of the underprivileged. On March 30, 2026, he played host to a group of talented visually impaired students across tertiary institutions in Nigeria whom he is currently covering their tuition fees at the head office of CINI Holdings in Ikoyi, Lagos.

During the gathering, Okunola reaffirmed his commitment to using his God-given resources to uplift humanity through his foundation. According to him, true wealth is proven through empowerment, and supporting the education of visually impaired students ensures that knowledge remains accessible regardless of one’s circumstances.

Addressing the students directly, he said: “I am delighted to host you. I want you to know that my foundation will continue to cover your school fees and provide monthly stipends for your upkeep. Your disability does not diminish your right to education. With your talents, education becomes a platform to showcase your abilities. I am excited that instead of taking to the streets to engage in nefarious activities or begging, you have chosen to do something meaningful and sharpen your talents. Today is not just about support; it is about belief. We see you. We hear you. And we believe in your strength, your talent, and your future. Life may not always be easy. You may face moments where people doubt you or where the path feels difficult. But we want you to remember this: you are not alone. You matter. And you are capable of achieving more than you can even imagine right now.”

He further emphasized that he remains fully committed to consistently covering their tuition fees many of the students are enrolled in various tertiary institutions across the country while also ensuring their overall welfare.

“This support is not just financial,” he added. “It is a promise. A promise that for the rest of this year and beyond, you have the Habeeb Okunola Foundation standing with you, cheering you on, and investing in your journey. Use this opportunity well. Keep learning. Keep pushing. Keep believing in yourself, even on the hard days. One day, when you rise, when you succeed, remember to lift others just as you are being lifted today. We are proud of you. And we are excited to see all that you will become.”

Also present at the event was the founder of the Makemee Elegant Foundation, Mrs. Kehinde Adelaja, who expressed her gratitude to Chief Okunola for covering the students’ school fees and attending to their needs. She noted that if more wealthy individuals took on such responsibilities, Nigeria would be a better place.

“I am excited that you took time to host and dine with them,” she said. “This goes a long way in restoring hope. They did not choose to be in this situation, but seeing someone like you embrace them with love and care is rare. They deeply appreciate your kind gesture.”

During a lunch session held at his office, Chief Okunola further reiterated that philanthropy remains a core part of his lifestyle. He pledged to continue setting aside a portion of his business earnings to impact lives and bring relief to the downtrodden.

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