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Nations urged to phase out fossil fuels at UN climate talks

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The United Nations climate conference opens in Dubai on Thursday with nations urged to increase the pace of action on global warming and phase out fossil fuels, amid intense scrutiny of oil-rich hosts, the United Arab Emirates.

The two-week-long climate negotiations being held this year in the glitzy Gulf city come at a pivotal moment, with emissions still rising and this year likely to be the hottest in human history.

Britain’s King Charles III, world leaders, activists and lobbyists are among more than 97,000 people expected to attend what is being billed as the largest climate gathering of its kind.

The UN and hosts the United Arab Emirates say these talks, known as COP28, will be the most important since Paris in 2015, when nations agreed to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius since the preindustrial era, and preferably to a safer limit of 1.5C.
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Scientists say the world is not on track to achieve these targets and nations must make faster and deeper cuts to emissions to avert the most disastrous impacts of climate change.

On the eve of the summit, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the conference should aim for a complete “phaseout” of fossil fuels, a contested proposal supported by many nations and scientists that has dogged negotiations past.

“Obviously, I am strongly in favour of language that includes (a) phaseout, even with a reasonable time framework,” Guterres told AFP before flying to Dubai.

A central focus will be a stocktake of the world’s limited progress on curbing global warming, which requires an official response at these talks.

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“Right now, we’re taking baby steps where we should be taking great leaps and great strides to get us to where we need to be,” said UN climate chief Simon Stiell on Wednesday.

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On Friday and Saturday, about 140 heads of state and government — Pope Francis had to cancel at the last minute due to the flu — are expected to articulate their ambition after a year of devastating floods, wildfires and storms across the globe.

Hosts under pressure

On Thursday, nations are expected to formally approve the launch of a “loss and damage” fund to compensate climate-vulnerable countries after a year of hard-fought negotiations over how it would work.

But it remains to be filled, with rich nations urged to make contributions so the money can start flowing.

The UAE sees itself as a bridge between the rich developed nations most responsible for historic emissions and the rest of the world, which has contributed less to global warming but suffers its worst consequences.

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But the decision for it to host has attracted a firestorm of criticism, particularly after the appointment of Sultan Al Jaber — the head of UAE oil giant ADNOC — to steer the talks as COP president.

The 50-year-old Emirati, who also chairs a clean energy company, has defended his record and resisted pressure from European and US lawmakers to stand aside.

Fears of a conflict of interest were given fresh life on the eve of COP28 when Jaber was accused of using the presidency to pursue fossil fuel deals in meetings with governments — accusations he strenuously denied.

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Guterres said Jaber was in a better position to tell the oil industry that the “solution of the climate problems requires the phaseout of fossil fuels” than “if he was the member of an NGO with a very solid pro-climate record.”

Thorny issues

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Nations will navigate a range of thorny issues between November 30 and December 12, and experts say geopolitical tensions and building trust could be a huge challenge.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas may cross paths on Friday, as they are scheduled to speak within minutes of each other.

Neither US President Joe Biden nor Chinese President Xi Jinping — heads of the world’s two biggest polluters — are attending, though Washington and Beijing did strike a rare common note on the climate this month that spurred optimism going into COP.

Sonia Dunlop, CEO of the Global Solar Council, said it was hoped that more than 100 countries would agree to triple renewable energy by 2030 — a flagship proposal being put forward by the COP hosts.

Rallying a common position on the future of fossil fuels will be more challenging.

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Any decisions at COP are made by consensus, meaning nearly 200 nations — whether dependent on oil, sinking beneath rising seas or locked in geopolitical rivalry — must traverse these fault lines to reach any agreement.

“In the end, the proof is in the pudding,” US climate envoy John Kerry said Wednesday.

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Construction on Lagos-Calabar coastal road sections to begin by Mid-December

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Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road construction

The Nigerian Federal Government has announced that construction on sections 3 and 3B of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road will commence by mid-December, following necessary redesigns for safety.

 

 

The Federal Government has announced the upcoming commencement of construction on sections 3 and 3B of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, scheduled for mid-December.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during an inspection tour of the project site, accompanied by members of the National Assembly assessing ongoing infrastructure efforts in the southwest region.

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Also read: Lagos State House of Assembly powers justify suspension of Alimosho chairman

 

Umahi explained that delays in the project were due to the need to reroute the road to avoid areas controlled by militants, which posed significant risks to construction workers.

He stated, “Before the middle of December, we will flag off sections 3 and 3B because the design has been approved by President Bola Tinubu and we are ready.”

The initial design of the road ran through a high-risk area with an active militant presence, prompting a redesign to ensure the safety of construction personnel.

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Umahi noted, “We saw the dangers and the ministry subsequently opted for a safer alternative route, even though it involves challenging terrain with 30-meter-high rock formations that will require blasting. But it is better to blast the rocks than to have the heads of our workers blasted off by militants.”

Addressing environmental concerns related to the project, particularly its impact on aquatic life in the Niger Delta region, Umahi assured stakeholders of strict adherence to environmental guidelines to mitigate disruptions.

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He confirmed, “The ministry is fully compliant with the recommendations from the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment conducted along the entire project corridor.”

While work is ongoing in the Sokoto and Kebbi areas, other segments across various states have yet to commence due to funding constraints. The minister explained the project’s financing structure, stating,

“This project is EPC+F. The commitment in terms of cash by the federal government is 30 per cent. The other 70 per cent has to be sourced through loans which require extensive planning and approval processes.”

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Akin Alabi, Chairman of the House Committee on Works, expressed confidence in Umahi’s leadership, noting that lawmakers are satisfied with the project’s progress.

He appealed to the public for patience and cooperation, adding, “I can assure you that the project is well ahead of schedule and that the federal government is intensifying efforts to enhance the security of key infrastructure nationwide through advanced surveillance systems.”

These state-of-the-art monitoring solutions will be implemented across major highways, including the Lagos-Calabar route, aiming to reduce response times and curb criminal activities.

Senate Deputy Chief Whip Peter Nwebonyi commended the initiative, highlighting its importance for improving safety for motorists and pedestrians. Alabi also reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to overseeing government spending, particularly in relation to the 2024 budget.

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Mastercard, Partners donate over 300,000 meals to schoolchildren in Nigeria and Kenya

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Mastercard school meals initiative Nigeria Kenya

Mastercard partners with Lagos Food Bank Initiative and Glovo to deliver over 300,000 meals to underserved schoolchildren in Nigeria and Kenya.

 

 

Mastercard, in collaboration with the Lagos Food Bank Initiative (LFBI) and the Food for Education Foundation, has launched a substantial programme to combat child hunger by providing over 300,000 meals to schoolchildren across underserved communities in Nigeria and Kenya.

The initiative, part of Mastercard’s February 2024 cause marketing campaign, is supported by Glovo, the multi-category app connecting consumers with essential services like groceries and retail.

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Also read: Suspected food poisoning claims 4 lives in Kwara state

 

The programme follows a unique structure: for each transaction made with a Mastercard-branded card on the Glovo app in Nigeria and Kenya, a meal was donated to a child in need.

This approach channels financial transactions directly into tangible benefits for children in communities that most need support.

Mastercard’s West Africa Country Manager, Folasade Femi-Lawal, shared the company’s motivation: “At Mastercard, doing well by doing good is a core principle that guides our efforts.

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Through our collaboration with Lagos Food Bank Initiative and Glovo, we are addressing one of the most pressing issues in underserved communities—child hunger.

This initiative ensures students can focus on their education, free from the distractions of hunger, and positions them to realise their potential.”

Femi-Lawal’s remarks reflect Mastercard’s commitment to social impact through collaborations that empower communities from within.

By aligning with local partners like LFBI and Glovo, Mastercard is fostering a sustainable network of support for children’s well-being and future.

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Diego Nouet, General Manager for Glovo Sub-Saharan Africa, underscored the importance of the programme: “At Glovo, we believe in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change.

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Working with Mastercard allowed us to go beyond convenience and provide critical support to communities in need. Every meal we delivered brought hope to a child’s future.”

Michael Sunbola, founder and Executive Director of the Lagos Food Bank Initiative, further emphasised the impact of this programme, noting that consistent access to meals can determine a child’s ability to attend school.

He added, “This collaboration with Mastercard helps us reach more children, ensuring they’re nourished and ready to learn. We are proud to work alongside Mastercard to build a foundation for these children’s future success.”

Research from the World Food Programme highlights the significance of these initiatives. According to their findings, malnourished children are 19 per cent less likely to read simple sentences by age eight and 12 per cent less likely to write than their well-nourished peers.

The economic benefits are also profound, with adequately nourished children being 33 per cent more likely to escape poverty in adulthood.

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The Mastercard school meals initiative demonstrates the power of strategic partnerships in creating a sustainable positive impact, helping bridge the nutrition gap for thousands of children in underserved regions of Nigeria and Kenya.

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Nigerian universities face shutdown as staff unions demand withheld salaries, fulfilment of agreements

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Nigerian universities strike over withheld salaries

Nigerian university staff unions declare indefinite strike over four-month withheld salaries, stalling operations nationwide amid calls for reform.

 

 

Nigerian universities remain at a standstill as the indefinite strike by non-academic staff unions continues, following months of withheld salaries and unfulfilled agreements.

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) began the strike on Monday, halting activities across campuses.

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Also read: SSANU, NASU condemn Federal Government’s renegotiation committee inauguration

 

The JAC, representing senior staff such as vice-chancellors, bursars, and registrars, demands payment of the four-month outstanding salaries and improved working conditions.

Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, National President of SSANU, emphasised that university executives are also affected by the withheld salaries.

In an interview, he stated, “This is a long-term battle involving vice-chancellors, bursars, registrars, and other senior administrators who were not paid.”

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Ibrahim revealed that compliance with the strike is overwhelming, with 98 per cent of university staff participating nationwide.

The issue intensified with the recent dismissal of Nigeria’s former Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, replaced by Dr Tunji Alausa, who now faces immediate pressure to address the crisis.

However, union leaders, including Ibrahim and SSANU’s Vice President Abdussobur Salaam, report no formal engagement with the government thus far.

“All our ultimatums have expired, and we still haven’t received any alerts,” Salaam said, voicing frustration with unmet promises.

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A similar protest was declared by the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) on Wednesday. NAAT, which is also owed five months of salaries, announced a protest commencing on 6th November, warning that if issues remain unresolved by 13th November, they would escalate to an indefinite strike.

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NAAT President Ibeji Nwokoma issued a two-week ultimatum to the government, citing repeated broken promises over longstanding demands such as improved allowances, upgraded facilities, and a revised staff-to-student ratio.

NAAT members intend to picket the Ministry of Finance on 14th November if withheld salaries remain unpaid. Nwokoma reiterated, “It is unfortunate that despite President Tinubu’s directive to pay the withheld salaries, the Ministry of Finance has failed to act, questioning the government’s sincerity in addressing these concerns.”

The unions argue that the government’s prolonged inaction risks severe disruption to Nigeria’s tertiary education system, potentially derailing academic calendars and critical research initiatives.

According to Nwokoma, branches across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education will hold congresses and conduct referenda to determine further actions.

The unions demand more than just their salaries, calling for a review of the government’s compliance with multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) dating back to 2017.

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These agreements were meant to address remuneration, resources for practical training, and infrastructure needs. The unions assert that the lack of progress on these agreements demonstrates “government insensitivity” and threatens the stability of higher education in Nigeria.

As Nigeria’s tertiary institutions face a nationwide shutdown, the impact on students and research is significant. Union leaders hope the latest strike will prompt urgent government intervention, while staff prepare to maintain their stand until all outstanding payments and commitments are fulfilled.

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