Expert Decry 3.5% Annual Deforestation In Nigeria

As climate change wreaks havoc across the 36 States and FCT, an expert has raised the alarm over continued depletion of forests through illegal tree logging. The Publisher and Editor-in-chief of Development Agenda Magazine, Mr Paddy Ezeala, said this at a one-day seminar organised by Development Agenda in collaboration with Environmental Media Correspondents Association of Nigeria recently in Abuja. The seminar had as its theme: “Climate Change and COP28: The Way Forward For Nigeria.” He estimated that 1.5 million trees are felled daily through illegal logging, thereby leading to 3.5 percent deforestation annually. Ezeala stated that the establishment of a foreign privately-owned charcoal producing factory in Nsukka, Enugu state worsened the destruction caused by the foreigners, adding that the adjoining states were affected by the massive logging.  The publisher lamented that Nigeria is experiencing four percent forest loss annually, which is about the highest globally, as people continue to cut down trees in Cross Rivers, Ondo, Ogun, as well as in some North Central States. Ezeala hinted that between 1981 and 2000, Nigeria lost 3.7 million hectares of forests which implied colossal loss of biodiversity.  The forest cover had depleted to less than 10 percent as against the mandate of the Food and Agricultural Organizations’ (FAO) that each state is expected to keep its forest cover to a minimum of 25 percent of its land area. While about 484 plant species are threatened with extinction, the publisher lamented the absence of measures aimed at encouraging forest regeneration “Related to this is the absence of a valuation system to place a value on forest resources so that when forests are destroyed through individual or corporate negligence, adequate compensation will be paid,” he said.  He stated that there is a need to develop more environmentally and socially equitable approaches to forest management in Nigeria, noting that the wanton destruction of forests across the country must be checked. Ezeala added: “Forests perform a broad range of critical environmental and climatic functions, including the maintenance of constant supply of water. Forests harbour species and at the same time have very deep economic, aesthetic, industrial and religious significance for humans.  “However, economic development pressures often lead to the conversion of forest ecosystems without consideration for both the long-term economic costs and the implications of the immediate loss of biodiversity, ecosystem structure and function.”  The publisher maintained that Nigeria’s remaining rainforests harbour about 4000 different species of plants, including those effective in the development of alternative medicine.  Ezela harped on the need to priortise tree planting and secure protected areas, noting that the National Park Service and others managing the protected areas should be supported.  The Emir of Nasarawa, Alhaji Ibrahim Usman Jibril hinted that the rising sea level at the coastal areas, climate change, deforestation, drought and desertification are some of the environmental challenges affecting Nigeria.  He said though charcoal has been banned that the government cannot stop households from cooking with charcoal without providing alternative means of fuel.  The Chairman of EMCAN, Mr Chuks Oyema said that the essence of the seminar was to showcase how Nigeria is tackling climate change and how the government is prepared for COP28.  He urged the media to publish more stories on climate change and embark on collective actions toward mitigating the impact of climate change on the environment.

NANTS Unveils Modern Abattoir, Meat Factory In Abuja

The National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) has inaugurated its state-of-the-art integrated abattoir and meat factory in Giri, located within the Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This milestone was marked with a ceremony attended by prominent figures and representatives from various sectors. Madam Massanje Toure-Litse, the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture in ECOWAS, presided over the inauguration ceremony and expressed her enthusiasm for the project’s potential impact. She noted that this innovative endeavor would serve as a model to be replicated in other ECOWAS member countries. The ECOWAS commissioner emphasized the organization’s commitment to collaborating with NANTS to enhance regional livestock trade, thereby contributing to the economic development of the West African region. Dr. Ken Ukaoha, the National President of NANTS, explained the primary objectives behind this ambitious project. He highlighted the urgent need for modernizing traditional methods of meat slaughtering and processing to meet stringent hygiene standards. The high capital investment required to establish modern facilities had long been a hindrance to achieving this goal. However, NANTS, with support from ECOWAS-RAAF and the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC), embarked on this project to establish a cutting-edge abattoir. Ukaoha emphasized that the new abattoir would revolutionize the entire process of animal slaughtering, ensuring the sale of healthy meat to the public under meticulously hygienic conditions, prioritizing human health and safety. This integrated concept, implemented by NANTS, not only focuses on humane animal slaughter but also incorporates mechanisms for profitable waste conversion and capacity building initiatives involving public abattoir butchers. It is estimated that the project will generate approximately 500 job opportunities and significantly boost economic activities within the FCT. Moreover, the abattoir will serve as a training centre, imparting international best practices to butchers. Several state governments have already expressed interest in collaborating with NANTS to replicate similar projects in their regions. Alhaji Abu Giri, Chairman of the Gwagwalada Area Council, commended NANTS for its visionary project, emphasizing its potential as a training and consultancy centre for local institutions like the University of Abuja. He pledged continued support from the council for initiatives that promote trade and economic development in the area. Alhaji Musa Wakili, the Aguma of Giri, also hailed the project’s potential to empower youth within the community. He encouraged other associations to follow NANTS’ lead in pursuing similar economic development initiatives. NANTS had previously organized a capacity-building program, providing training on integrated modern abattoir practices, standards, and meat health safety regulations for 40 prospective workers at the facility. This training aimed to ensure the highest standards of meat hygiene, handling, processing, preservation, packaging, and logistics.