Category: Environment

C/River declares total suspension of logging
C/River declares total suspension of logging
Logging
By Christian Njoku
Calabar, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Government of Cross River has declared a total suspension of logging activities in all parts of the state.
This was contained in a statement signed by Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Secretary to the Government (SSG) of Cross River on Saturday and made available to journalists.
It would be recalled that the state government had earlier introduced a permiteeship’ system which empowered the state’s Forestry Commission to give permits to loggers to fell specific trees.
However, this has not worked as illegal logging has continued in the state even in areas under government protection such as the parks.
The SSG said, “In spite of the forbearance by government on the activities of timber loggers in the state, government notes the persisting refusal and or neglect to keep to the terms stipulated by government for the felling of trees.
“Consequently, Gov.. Bassey Otu has suspended further logging activities in the state.
“Security agencies are to arrest offenders and confiscate any log and machinery deployed thereto.”
Owan-Enoh called on the players in the timber logging trade to contact the state forestry commission for further guidance.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the rainforest in Cross River, which accounts for about 50 per cent of the surviving rainforest in the nation, is under serious threats from human activities such farming, illegal logging and illegal mining. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
CBNBRM
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 23, 2024
Gov. AbdulRazaq provides health insurance for road sweepers in Kwara
Sweepers
By Mujidat Oyewole
Ilorin, June 22, 2024 (NAN) Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara has provided health insurance for all street sweepers in the state, saying this was necessary for them to be healthy and active at work.
The state’s Deputy Governor, Mr Kayode Alabi, disclosed this on Saturday in Ilorin during an interactive session with the sweepers.
Alabi, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Malam Shehu Ndanusa, said the sweepers would therefore be registered by the state health insurance officials.
He added that they would be given registration/enrollment cards to be used at state-owned hospitals.
“Most of the sweepers are indigenes and have the opportunity to access the health insurance for free. All they need to do is to get registered.
“This is to encourage them to perform well in their work and make them know that their health is paramount to us,” the Deputy Governor said.
Hajiya Nafisat Buge, the state’s Commissioner for Environment, while speaking during the event said it was to celebrate workers who work tirelessly to make the city clean.
“This is done through prompt release of the monthly allocation used for the operations of sanitation, repair of trucks and payment of these categories of workers.
“An occasion like this will help these workers to pour out their mind on some of the challenges or hazard of keeping the state clean and the way forward,” the Commissioner, who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Ayinla, said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that one of the sweepers, Madam Abosede Amuda, while responding on behalf of others thanked the state government for promptly paying their salaries.
She noted that they received their June payment before the Sallah celebration.
Amuda however said that the 15,000 Naira being paid monthly was too small, saying they hardly have money to feed after removing transport fare to work daily.
“We plead with the government to increase our salary by considering the hike in transportation fare and increase in prices of food stuffs in the market,” she said.
The sweepers also asked for more environmental task force officials to be deployed across the state, to ensure proper disposal of refuse.
They claimed that some residents of the state deliberately pour their wastes on the roads.
NAN reports that 25 sweepers were awarded for their diligent service and were given a sum of 5,000 Naira each, with a big food warmer.
The organisers however gave all the sweepers present at the event with transportation fare back home.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
MOB/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

June 22, 2024
Climate Change: Stakeholders donate 120 trees to mitigate impacts
Climate Change: Stakeholders donate 120 trees to mitigate impacts
Climate
By Abigael Joshua
Gasaki (Nasarawa State), June 22, 2024 (NAN) Stakeholders in the environment sector on Saturday donated 120 trees to mitigate climate change impacts in Gasaki community of Nasarawa State.
Gee Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), on Social Justice and Development, made the donation during a one-day sensitisation.
The donation was in collaboration with the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) and the French Embassy in Nigeria,
The sensitisation had the theme: “Addressing Land Degradation and Enhancing Climate Resilience for improved Women’s livelihood”.
Dr Michael David, Executive-Director GIFSEP, urged the community to always plant trees to replace felling trees and tasked them on climate change adaptation.
He cautioned against the indiscriminate felling of trees to prevent a recurrence of the recent landslide experienced in the area.
The executive director stated that it was good to preserve the land from degradation because livelihoods depended on it.
According to David, planting of trees prevents erosion, flooding, landslides which mitigates the impact of climate change in an area.
Mrs Gloria Agema, Executive Director, Gee Foundation, said the sensitisation wouldn’t have been possible without the supports of funds from the French Embassy.
Agema, who expressed concern that only one borehole was serving four communities, promised that the NGO would intervene by providing the community with more boreholes to assist nurture the trees planted.
Responding, Chief Zaki Tanko of Gasaki (Gasaki of Jeje), expressed satisfaction over the gestures and efforts made by the stakeholders to mitigate the impacts of climate change in the area.
He assured them that there would be reduction in the felling of trees and appealed for more construction of boreholes to address water scarcity in the area.
One of the beneficiaries in the community, Jummai Abubakar, commended the stakeholders and promised to nurture her tree.
“We are grateful for this assistance; no one has come to our aid in this manner, indeed we have seen light in our community,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that each participant went home with a tree to plant and nurture.
NAN also reports that the event witnessed the planting of palm trees, orange trees, mango trees as well as cultural display by the people of the community. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AIJ/AMM
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Edited by Abiemwense Moru
June 22, 2024
SPP, FMOE to launch subnational climate governance performance

Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke

Environment
By Fabian Ekeruche
Lagos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), in collaboration with the Department of Climate Change (DCC), Federal Ministry of Environment (FMOE) will launch the rating and ranking of the climate governance performance of Nigeria’s 36 states in July.
This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Wole Adegbule, Senior Policy Analyst of SPP, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.
The statement quoted Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, President, SPP, as saying that the project builds on the mapping of the climate change impact, policy, and action of the states, which was executed by the team last year in collaboration with the DCC and the Nigeria Governors Forum.
Okereke said the current project would provide a single rating and ranking report of the performance of the 36 states of Nigeria.
He said the rating and ranking were done based on five governance criteria, namely, climate change governance administrative structure, and the presence or absence of climate policy and action plan.
He listed others as; extent of climate change project implementation; extent of incorporation of climate finance in state budgets; and online visibility of state’ climate activities.
According to him, the ranking and rating exercise is based on the responses provided by the states commissioners, permanent secretaries, and climate desk officers across the 36 states and extensive independent verification done by the research team and the Department of Climate Change staff.
He expressed confidence that the rating and ranking exercise would raise awareness of climate in the states.
He added that it would create an atmosphere of positive competition and a race to the top among the states.
Okereke stated that the states with the highest ranking scores would be recognised during the report’s launch, expected to be held in the last week of July.
The statement also quoted Mahmud Adam Kambari, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, as expressing delight at the official launch of the Subnational Coordination Meeting on Climate Change.
Kambari noted that climate change is a major emergency and one of the most pressing issues in the country.
He said that the conference would strengthen the synergy between national and subnational actors in order to achieve better climate governance in the country in line with the Transformative Agenda of the President.
He described subnational climate change officers as key personnel in the fight against climate change, given their role in translating global climate goals into concrete actions and policies that resonate at the local level.
The statement quoted Dr Iniobong Abiola-Awe, the Director of the Department of Climate Change, as saying that the initiative would help in tackling climate change challenges.
Abiola-Awe listed the objectives to include, improving collaboration and knowledge sharing among Subnational Climate Change Desk Officers, promoting effective climate change action at the subnational level, and targeted training and capacity building of the desk officers.
She urged climate change desk officers to be responsive and on time at all meetings, as they were expected to attend and offer updates on climate change initiatives, successes, problems, and lessons learned in their respective regions during the monthly sessions. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
FBO/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
June 21, 2024
Illegal Mining: Geoscience society urges adequate funding of mines offices.
Mining
By Isaiah Eka
Uyo, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Mining Geosciences Society (NMGS) has called on the Federal Government to ensure adequate funding of mines offices across the federation to tackle illegal mining activities.
NMGS President, Prof. Akinade Olatunji, made the call at a press conference to mark the 255th council meeting of the society in Uyo on Friday.
Olatunji said that there was need for the engagement qualified staff at mines offices to ensure proficiency in service delivery.
He said that illegal mining had led to environmental degradation and deaths in different parts of the country.
The NMGS President further called for the provision of logistic vehicles for federal mines offices to ensure effective operations.
“The issues of inadequate funding and lack of facilities are having adverse effects on the operations of mines offices.
“Illegal mining does not take place in the city centres, they are done in remote areas with bad roads.
“Federal mines offices are supposed to be equipped with vehicles and personnel. They are supposed to have sufficient running costs to do the job,” he said.
Olatunji, said that mines offices must be made functional if the government was serious about curbing illegal mining activities.
“Government should stop paying lip service to the issue illegal mining activities. As society, we frown at illegal mining, it is unproductive,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
IE/AYO/AZU
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Edited by Ayodeji and Azubuike Okeh
June 21, 2024
NGO hosts inter-school debate to inspire youth action on environment
NGO hosts inter-school debate to inspire youth on environment
Environment
By Tosin Kolade
Abuja, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The C-Circle Research Foundation for Sustainable Health and Environment, an NGO, has conducted an inter-school debate competition to promote environmental sustainability and awareness among young people.
The founder of the NGO, Dr Chimere Ohajinwa, stated that the event was part of activities commemorating the 2024 World Environment Day, themed “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience.”
The event, which held in Abuja on Friday was in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Abuja Metro and other partners.
Ohajinwa said that 10 schools participated, engaging in discussions on climate change, environmental impacts, policy solutions, and sustainable practices.
According to her, the debate competition is a way to broaden children’s knowledge about the environment, climate change, and their impacts.
“The debate also aims to improve public speaking and critical thinking skills in the students.
“The competition is planned to be held three times a year, with other topics organised for debate.
“From the presentations, tree planting is used to control erosion, prevent deforestation, and mitigate other natural disasters.”
Ohajinwa explained that the second discussion concluded that both infrastructure and public awareness were important for effective waste management.
He further said that the event would educate participants, raise awareness, and inspire proactive measures among the younger generation.
On his part, Oritsejolomi Ayomike, the President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Metro, said Rotary is a humanitarian organisation that collaborates with the government and educational institutions.
According to him, the club works to create public awareness about harmful environmental practices and their health implications, such as open defecation and deforestation.
Ayomike emphasised that the goal was not to determine the best school but to raise awareness and educate students about environmental maintenance and its health implications.
“Our focus areas are the environment and basic education, which led to bringing students from different schools to debate environmental issues,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 10 schools were invited, but nine participated in the competition.
The debate topics were “Tree Planting Improves Restoration and Reduces Desertification” and “Is the biggest challenge to effective waste management in Nigeria as a result of lack of infrastructure or lack of Public Awareness”.
Regina Pacis College Garki, Abuja won first place, followed by Government Secondary School, Gwagwa, in second place.
Bristol Academy, Karu, took third place, and Government Secondary School, Life-Camp, secured fourth place.
The schools received drought-resistance trees donated by Ecosmart Climate Action Initiatives.
The trees would be planted in the schools to commemorate World Environment Day 2024.
It would be monitored by C-Circle Research, a sister organisation to C-Circle Foundation for Sustainable Health and Environment.
NAN also reports that World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5, encourages awareness and action for environmental protection.
It is supported by numerous non-governmental organisations, businesses, and government entities and represents the primary United Nations outreach day for the environment. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TAK/AMM
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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

June 21, 2024
Lagos hosts African forum on air pollution
Forum
By Fabian Ekeruche
Lagos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The air quality stakeholders in Africa will convene in Lagos for a five-day CLEAN-Air forum to discuss the pressing issue of air pollution in the continent.
The forum is expected to attract over 300 participants from over 40 cities in 40 countries.
This is contained in a statement signed by Dr Rose Alani, Lead, University of Lagos Air Quality Monitoring Research Group (AQMRG), on Friday in Lagos.
The statement said the participants represent the air quality communities in practice in Africa comprising different stakeholders including policymakers, representatives from civil society organisations, the private sector, development partners and the scientific communities.
It said the forum would take place from July 8 to July 12.
The statement said the forum would foster knowledge sharing and transdisciplinary collaborations, while emphasising the need to strengthen regional networks and multi-regional partnerships for sustained interventions for clean air in African cities.
The statement said the forum is organised by AirQo, a pan-African research initiative at Makerere University, Uganda.
It added that it would be hosted by the Air Quality Monitoring Research Group (AQMRG) and EUEPiN from the University of Lagos, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and UrbanBetter, among other stakeholders.
It added that the forum built on the success of its inaugural event in Kampala, Uganda, in 2023, which brought together participants from over 31 cities worldwide.
“A study from the Global Burden of Disease indicates that air pollution is responsible for around 1.1 million deaths annually in Africa.
“It has become the second leading cause of death on the continent, largely due to rapid urbanisation and industrialisation.
“However, air quality experts point out that Africa lacks the resources and capacity to develop and implement effective measures to address air pollution in its cities,” the statement said.
It quoted Prof. Engineer Bainomugisha, the AirQo Project Lead, as saying that the CLEAN-Air Forum underscores the urgency of addressing and championing clean air in Africa’s urban environments.
“The forum will provide pathways to air quality management for African cities and increase awareness of air quality and air pollution issues for better health outcomes in Africa,” Bainomugisha said.
It quoted Alani as saying that 39 air quality monitors have been installed in Lagos City providing real-time air quality data.
Alani noted that access to real-time air quality data and ongoing research is crucial in developing effective strategies to mitigate air pollution.
“This forum will enhance our efforts to discuss how we can create sustainable air quality interventions and improve public health outcomes not only here in Lagos but across the continent,” Alani said.
The statement said the week-long forum would feature plenary sessions discussing evidence-informed policy development for air quality management in African cities, health impacts of air pollution in Africa and knowledge-sharing sessions to advance science-policy interface and public awareness of air quality.
It said that Dr Babatunde Ajayi, the General Manager, LASEPA, would be one of the keynote speakers.
According to the statement, Ajayi said the forum presents a unique opportunity to accelerate our ongoing efforts to tackle air pollution in Lagos.
“Lagos is Nigeria’s largest city and Africa’s largest megacity, and with its rapid urbanisation comes various challenges.
“We are committed to addressing air quality issues in the city.
“Together with our partners from the University of Lagos, we have installed an air quality monitoring network to provide real-time data on the status of air quality in Lagos.
“With this data we have reliable information that we are using to inform sustainable interventions to improve the quality of air in Lagos,” it said.
The statement also said that the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) will be participating in the forum.
It quoted Mr Abimbola Akinajo, the Managing Director, LAMATA as saying: “At LAMATA, we are committed to transforming urban mobility in Lagos.
“The transport sector plays a vital role in air quality and our participation in the CLEAN-Air Forum underscores our dedication to sustainable transport solutions.”
The statement quoted Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director, Lagos Waste Management Authority, as saying that the authority is committed to implementing effective waste management strategies that not only keep Lagos clean but also significantly improve air quality.
“Proper waste management is crucial in reducing pollutants and ensuring a healthier environment for all.
“Our involvement in the CLEAN-Air forum highlights our commitment to innovative solutions and collaborative efforts that drive sustainable development and protect our communities from the adverse effects of air pollution,” Gbadegesin said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
FBO/OJI/JNC
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Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
June 21, 2024
Global gas flaring rises to highest level since 2019- World Bank
Global gas flaring rises to highest level since 2019- World Bank
Flaring
By Okeoghene Akubuike
Abuja, June 21, 2024(NAN)The amount of gas flared worldwide in 2023 rose by nine billion cubic meters (bcm) to 148 bcm, its highest level since 2019, a World Bank report has said.
This is contained in a statement by the World Bank, on its new satellite data on Global Flaring and Methane Reduction (GFMR) Partnership, a copy of which was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday.
The report said the increase resulted in an additional 23 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, an amount similar to adding about five million cars to the roads,
The statement quoted Demetrios Papathanasiou, World Bank’s Global Director, Energy and Extractives Global Practice, as saying :
“Millions of people still lack access to basic energy and greenhouse gas emissions continue to grow, while huge volumes of gas continue to be wastefully flared every year.
“Capturing and using this wasted gas could displace dirtier energy sources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and generate enough power to double the amount of electricity provided in Sub-Saharan Africa.”
The statement also quoted Zubin Bamji, World Bank GFMR Manager, as saying, “the increase in gas flaring is particularly disheartening as it comes after a long-overdue reduction in 2022.
“This sets global gas flaring levels back to what we experienced in 2019. We’re hopeful that this is somewhat of an anomaly and the longer-term trend will be dramatic reductions.”
The report showed that gas flaring released harmful pollutants, including black carbon and unburned methane, which contribute to climate change and pose risks to both people and the planet.
It also showed that eliminating gas flaring would avert at least 381 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions being released into the atmosphere each year.
“ When productively used, wasted flared gas can help displace dirtier energy sources, increase energy access in some of the world’s poorest countries, and provide many countries with much-needed energy security.”
It added that the World Bank’s annual Global Gas Flaring Tracker Report is a tool for monitoring and understanding the state of flaring worldwide and the progress made towards achieving Zero Routine Flaring by 2030.
It said the World Bank’s GFMR Partnership, together with the Payne Institute at the Colorado School of Mines, had developed global gas flaring estimates based on observations from a satellite.
The satellite, the bank said was launched in 2012 and operated by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
“The advanced sensors of this satellite detect the heat emitted by gas flares as infrared emissions.
“GFMR is a multi-donor trust fund composed of governments, oil companies, and multilateral organisations committed to ending routine gas flaring at oil production sites across the world.
“GFMR is also committed to reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas sector to near zero by 2030.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
OKE/SH
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edited by Sadiya Hamza

June 21, 2024
Wild Africa unveils ‘Music for Wildlife’ on Trace

Wildlife
By Fabian Ekeruche
Lagos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Wild Africa has launched ‘Music for Wildlife’ with OASISONE, a dynamic concert series, bringing African artistes together to protect the continent’s iconic wildlife.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Festus Iyorah, Wild Africa Representative in Nigeria.
Iyorah said the premium live concert on-demand content and live experiences network would be on Trace’s TV broadcast channels and streaming platform.
He said for viewers in Nigeria, the shows could be found on Trace Naija, channel 325 on DSTV.
Iyorah said the show is produced by Wild Africa, a non-profit organisation to inspire the protection of Africa’s wildlife and wild spaces, and with OAS1SONE.
“Music for Wildlife’ now sees Africa’s creative talent and natural heritage celebrated globally, reaching more than 350 million people.
“Music for Wildlife’s engaging blend of studio sessions, interviews and captivating wildlife content will reach viewers in 180+ countries, across 28 localised Trace TV channels and Trace+ global streaming platform.
“These performances will air across Trace’s television and streaming platform from the 21st of June onwards aligned with Trace’s 21st Anniversary.
“Through the intimate concert series, audiences will meet Africa’s finest musicians, including chart-topping stars such as Musa Keys, CKay, Focalistic, and a multitude of other stars and the latest emerging talent, as they tell the story of their music, lives, careers and inspirations, and express their passion for endangered species.
“Each concert also includes special features from African and international stars from music entertainment, sports, comedy, television, and film like Davido, 2Baba, Jacky Chan, Boity, Alex Iwobi, Stonebwoy, Emmanuella, Yao Ming, Sir Richard Branson, Morgan Heritage, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Stephanie Linus, Djimon Hounsou, and many others,” he said.
He added that the concert would feature over 150 musicians from across the continent.
According to him, Music for Wildlife harnesses the emotive power of music to raise awareness and inspire action for wildlife protection.
He noted that Africa which is home to a quarter of the world’s biodiversity, faces enormous challenges – from poaching to habitat loss and the illegal wildlife trade to climate change and human-wildlife conflict.
Quoting World Wildlife Fund Living Planet Report, Iyorah said that Wildlife populations had plunged by 66 per cent in the last 50 years.
“Once home to rhinos, giraffes, and cheetahs, Nigeria faces rapid biodiversity loss rates. With just 50 West African lions, about 100 Cross River gorillas, and a couple hundred elephants, many species stand on the brink.
“According to the UN, the country also has the highest rate of deforestation in the world, losing 3.7 per cent of vitally important forest each year, and has emerged as an export hub for the illegal trade in pangolin scales and ivory.
“But Africa is not staying silent. From Johannesburg to Lagos, Accra to Windhoek, artistes raise their voices, speak out against the threats facing wildlife, and inspire their audiences to connect with their wild spaces in national parks.
“Nigeria’s musicians, 2Baba, Ckay, Laycon, and more, are especially vocal and are working with Wild Africa as part of a wider campaign beyond Music for Wildlife.
“They are taking a stand against illegal bushmeat, deforestation, the illegal wildlife trade and promoting wildlife tourism. And it’s having an impact,” Iyorah said.
He said that a recent survey of 1,000 Nigerians conducted by Lagos-based Market Surveys International found that 88 per cent are aware of Wild Africa’s campaign.
He said that 97 per cent of people aged 10-17 report that they remember the campaign.
He added that 86 per cent said they would no longer kill or consume because of learnings from the campaign, and 31 per cent said they have stopped consuming bushmeat due to the campaign.
He noted that such testimonies of impact underscores the aim of partnership between artists Trace, OASISONE, and Wild Africa.
Iyorah quoted Olivier Laouchez, Co-founder and Executive Chairman of the Trace Group, as saying that the company is proud to open its global network to host the Music for Wildlife shows.
Laouchez said that it perfectly aligned with its values and initiatives.
“Trace partners with one of the leading conservation communications organisations in the world, to collectively lend their voices for Africa’s future, for its wildlife conservation.
“We are thrilled to be part of this game-changing partnership, both for the massive audience reach in protecting Africa’s wildlife:
“But also the unprecedented push this will achieve for Africa’s amazing artistes and music, to audiences of millions around the globe,” says Jandre Louw, Founder and CEO of OAS1SONE.
Also, Mr Peter Knights, Wild Africa Chief Executive Officer, said they were excited to partner with Trace in the launch of Music for Wildlife across their varied and far-reaching channels.
“This collaboration allows us to leverage the power of music to connect with a continent-wide and even global audience, turning up the volume on the issues that affect not only wildlife but the natural foundation on which human life depends,” Knights said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
FBO/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
June 21, 2024
FG begins water quality analysis to curtail cholera outbreak
FG begins water quality analysis to curtail cholera outbreak
Cholera
By Tosin Kolade
Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has initiated a water quality analysis following a cholera outbreak that has resulted in the deaths of 30 people across several states.
Alhaji Aliyu Shinkafi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday said this was necessary following continued reports of outbreak in many parts of the country.
According to him, the ministry’s concern highlights the severity of this waterborne disease, which is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and spreads rapidly through contaminated water or food.
He said the symptoms of cholera include vomiting, severe dehydration, and diarrhea, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.
“In response to the outbreak, teams from the National Water Quality Reference Laboratories in Lagos, Enugu, and Sokoto have been dispatched to collect water samples and investigate the presence of Vibrio cholerae in the affected areas.
“Additionally, the ministry is coordinating with State Technical Working Groups and Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agencies (RUWASSAs) through the WASH in Emergency Technical Working Group (WiETWG) to address the outbreak comprehensively”.
Shinkafi said that before the outbreak, the National WASH in Emergency Technical Working Group had already trained state working groups on preparedness, prevention, and response strategies, as well as hygiene promotion and water safety planning.
These states, he said have now intensified their community sensitisation efforts to reduce cholera cases and are promoting campaigns against open defecation, a known transmission route for the disease.
He however urged Nigerians to take precautions to protect themselves and their families by boiling or treating drinking water before consumption.
The permanent secretary called on all Nigerians to take wash hands with soap under clean, running water regularly, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
He said the ministry will continue to provide updates in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) as the situation evolves.
“Let’s wash fruits and vegetables with safe water and salt before eating.
“Let’s also seek medical attention immediately if experiencing symptoms of cholera, such as vomiting, severe dehydration, and diarrhea.
“Together, we can overcome this challenge and prevent further loss of lives”.
NAN quotes the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention as saying “as of 11 June 2024, 1,141 suspected cholera cases had been recorded across 30 states in Nigeria since January 2024.’’
The 10 states that recorded 90 per cent of the cases are mostly located in the South (Bayelsa—over 400 cases, Lagos, Abia, Cross River, Delta, Imo States), with some situated further north (Katsina, Nasarawa, Zamfara.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TAK/SH
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edited by Sadiya Hamza
June 20, 2024