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.
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.
Nigerian street gospel minister Testimony Jaga has once again shown that his message goes beyond music, turning his recent birthday into a powerful outreach across multiple communities in Lagos.
To celebrate this day, Jaga took his Street Gospel Movement to the grassroots, reaching out to communities, vulnerable groups, and institutions with food, support, and words of encouragement.
The outreach covered several locations, including Oshokoya Community in Ketu, Oridilu Community in Ajegunle, Triple Passion Home Initiative (Optima), an orphanage home, Orile Moshalasi in Alagbado, Idiagbon Street (College Road, Ogba), Agege Pen Cinema, Ifelodun Street in Iju Ishaga, Odo Ogbe in Oniwaya, and Anifowoshe Community in Ikeja.
In a particularly notable stop, Testimony Jaga and his team also visited the National Association of Visually Impaired Students (UNILAG Chapter), where they shared resources and uplifted students, reinforcing his commitment to inclusivity and compassion.
The widespread outreach reflects the core of Testimony Jaga’s ministry—meeting people where they are and using every opportunity to spread hope. For him, the birthday was not just about marking another year, but about making a tangible impact in communities that often go unnoticed.
Coinciding with this act of service is the release of his new single, “Da Ti E Mo,” featuring Ola Best and Mike Abdul. The track blends vibrant street gospel energy with contemporary sounds, continuing the signature style that has made Testimony Jaga a standout voice in Nigeria’s gospel scene.
The song serves as both a celebration and a message mirroring the same spirit of gratitude, faith, and outreach that defined his birthday activities. Known for his energetic delivery and relatable storytelling, Jaga uses “Da Ti E Mo” to connect deeply with listeners while reinforcing his identity as a voice for the streets.
For fans and observers alike, this moment captures the essence of Testimony Jaga: an artist whose life, music, and mission are tightly woven together. His birthday outreach was not just an event; it was a reflection of purpose, proving once again that his impact extends far beyond the stage.
In a nation where access to quality education often hangs delicately between aspiration and affordability, philanthropist and businessman Nasiru Haladu Danu has once again stepped forward—not in search of applause, but driven by an enduring commitment to humanity. For the Sardaunar Dutse, philanthropy is not a gesture; it is a way of life, deeply woven into his identity.
Today, Wednesday, March 18, 2026, that compassion found powerful expression in Jigawa State as the Nasiru Haladu Danu Foundation officially launched a scholarship scheme for over 100 indigent students drawn from the state’s five emirates. It was not just the unveiling of a programme, but the ignition of hope for families whose dreams have long been constrained by financial limitations.
The colourful ceremony, held at the prestigious Nuhu Muhammad Sanusi Auditorium within Federal University Dutse, brought together academia, traditional institutions, and community leaders in a rare convergence of purpose. Leading the academic delegation was the Vice Chancellor, Ahmad Muhammad Gumel, alongside the Registrar, Abubakar Mijinyawa—both bearing witness to what many described as a defining intervention in the state’s educational journey.
At the heart of it all stood Danu, dignified yet deeply passionate, as he reaffirmed his belief in education as the cornerstone of any thriving society. His words carried both conviction and vision.
“Education is the bedrock of any prosperous society,” he declared. “Today we support these hundred students, but tomorrow, we intend to cast our nets wider.”
True to his forward-thinking philosophy, he unveiled plans to extend the initiative to primary school pupils—an ambitious move aimed at nurturing excellence from the earliest stages and ensuring a seamless educational progression.
The event also enjoyed the endorsement of the traditional institution, a testament to its cultural and societal significance. Muhammad Hamim Nuhu Sanusi, though unavoidably absent, was ably represented by a distinguished delegation led by the Chiroman Dutse, Bashir Nuhu Sanusi.
The gathering sparkled with the presence of eminent personalities, including Bashir M. Dalhatu, Mustapha Aminu, Adamu Aliyu Kiyawa, Wada Alhaji, Aliyu Ibrahim, and Aminu Sani Musa—each lending weight and prestige to the occasion.
Coordinating the initiative on ground was the foundation’s Jigawa State Coordinator, Nasiru Sani Musa, who ensured the seamless rollout of a programme designed to cover tuition and essential learning materials for its beneficiaries.
Beyond the ceremony’s elegance and high-profile attendance lies a deeper narrative—one of impact. Across communities, the initiative has been hailed as a timely lifeline, easing financial burdens on families while rekindling belief in the transformative power of education.
For Danu, however, this is only the beginning. And if his track record is anything to go by, the ripple effects of this gesture will travel far beyond the classrooms of Jigawa—shaping futures, restoring dignity, and quietly redefining what it means to give.