Humanity

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

Published

2 years ago

August 8, 2022

Adebayo

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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Humanity

Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s GFF Rolls Out Second Phase of Interest-Free Microfinance

Published

3 weeks ago

September 1, 2024

Adebayo

The Gateway Front Foundation (GFF), under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, FNSE FAEng, is set to launch the second batch of its Interest-Free Microcredit Scheme on September 16, 2024. This initiative, designed to uplift petty traders, artisans, and farmers within the Ogun East Senatorial District, will take place at Obalofin Court, GRA Ijebu-Ode, beginning at 10:00 AM.

The upcoming event continues the momentum established by the highly successful first batch of the program, which saw over 400 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) benefit from interest-free loans. The inaugural edition, launched in the previous year, provided critical financial support that enabled beneficiaries to expand their businesses, create jobs, and contribute to the local economy.

Building on this success, the second batch will not only provide interest-free microcredits but also introduce an agricultural empowerment component. This includes the distribution of fertilisers to farmers, a move aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and supporting food security efforts in Ogun East. The combined impact of these initiatives reflects Senator Gbenga Daniel’s unwavering commitment to economic development and sustainability within the region.

Senator Gbenga Daniel, known for his visionary approach to governance and community development, expressed his enthusiasm for the continued success of the GFF programs. “Our goal is to ensure that every petty trader, artisan, and farmer in Ogun East has the opportunity to grow their business, improve their livelihood, and contribute to the overall prosperity of our community,” he said.

The Gateway Front Foundation invites all eligible petty traders, artisans, and farmers to attend the launch event. Stakeholders and interested parties will have the opportunity to learn more about how they can benefit from this transformative program. Through these targeted interventions, GFF aims to drive economic resilience, enhance agricultural productivity, and foster sustainable growth in the region.

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Humanity

250 Benefit From Odiolowo/Ojuwoye’s Free GCE Form Project

Published

3 weeks ago

August 30, 2024

Adebayo

The Chairman of Odiolowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area, Honourable Razaq Olusola Ajala has advised students to face their studies, work hard and avoid distractions for them to succeed in their chosen professions.

Ajala gave this advice on Thursday, 29 August, 2024, while speaking at the grand finale of the council’s free GCE Form Project which took place at the council secretariat in Ilupeju.

“You’ve to avoid distractions of all forms especially from the social media. You’ve to be focused and be determined. Hard work and diligence are prerequisites for success. You need all these,” he advised.

Ajala, who is also the Secretary General of the Conference 57, congratulated the beneficiaries who scaled through the written examinations put in place by the council to pick the best from thousands of applications received for the forms.

“Things are getting better and you here should thank God for this gesture. During our time, we know what we go through to get money to buy GCE forms. I, in particular, had to do menial jobs for me to get money to purchase the form then,” he said.

Ajala advised the students to ensure that they put in their best during the exam proper, noting that the success of previous beneficiaries has encouraged the council not only to sustain the project but also to increase number of beneficiaries from time to time.

The Free GCE Form Project of Odiolowo/Ojuwoye is unique and stands out from the crowd. Rather than just give out the forms at random, the council put in place a written examination, conducted by the council’s chapter of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT). The scripts were also marked by the teachers leading to the selection of the most successful candidates.

“By initiating the examination process, we were able to remove political interference. Interested candidates are expected to apply and sit for the examination. The questions were put together by the NUT, and they marked the scripts. The process is transparent hence the issue of political interference is completely eliminated,” the Council Boss said.

Ajala expressed appreciation to the teachers for creating time to set the exam questions, supervise the exams and mark the scripts.

“I appreciate you the teachers for your dedication and commitment in ensuring the success of this exercise,” he said.

Over 250 students benefitted from the programme and they were at the council secretariat mostly with their parents and guardians to collect the forms.

The Chairman of Parents’ Forum for Education District 6, Adeyemo Aliu praised the council Chairman for the kind gesture, while also acknowledging the transparent selection system.

“We’re very grateful to Honourable Ajala for this kind gesture. It has reduced the burden of parents in educating their children. We’re equally grateful for the transparency of the selection process, thank you Mr Chairman for this laudable project,” he said.

Aliu urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the opportunity so that others will benefit in future.

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Humanity

International Youth Day: Otunba Gbenga Daniel commends the efforts of youth-led organisations

Published

1 month ago

August 13, 2024

Adebayo

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate International Youth Day, it is essential to recognise the immense potential and contribution of our youth to nation-building. His Excellency, Otunba Gbenga Daniel believes that the youth population in Nigeria is the country’s greatest asset, and if properly harnessed, could transform the nation’s economic, social, and political landscape.

Despite the numerous challenges Nigerian youth face today, from unemployment to insecurity, drug abuse, and other social vices, they have continued to display remarkable resilience and courage. From entrepreneurship to innovation, technology, entertainment, and sports, Nigerian youths have proven time and again that they are capable of achieving great things and making valuable contributions to their communities and the country at large.

As we celebrate International Youth Day, it is crucial for the government, private sector, and civil society organisations to prioritise investments in youth development and empowerment. This includes providing quality education and skills training, creating jobs, supporting entrepreneurship, and promoting social inclusion. By creating an enabling environment, we can enable our youth to reach their full potential and thrive.

Otunba Gbenga Daniel commends the efforts of youth-led organisations, civil society groups, and individuals working tirelessly to promote youth development and empowerment in Nigeria. He calls on all Nigerians to join hands in supporting our youth, creating opportunities and platforms for them to excel and contribute to nation-building.

He said, “The future of Nigeria is in the hands of our youth, and we must do all that is necessary to support and invest in them for a better tomorrow. Let us celebrate and honour our youth on this International Youth Day and commit to working together towards a more prosperous and inclusive Nigeria for all.”

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