National Implementation of Agenda 21
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Information Provided by the Government of Nigeria to the
United Nations Department for Policy Coordination and
Sustainable Development
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This country profile has been provided by:
Name of Ministry/Office:
Date:
Submitted by:
Mailing address:
Telephone:
Telefax:
E-mail:
Note from the Secretariat: An effort has been made to present all country profiles within a common format, with an equal number of pages. However, where Governments have not provided information for the tables appended to Chapters 4 and 17, those tables have been omitted entirely in order to reduce the overall length of the profile and save paper. Consequently, there may be some minor inconsistencies among the formats of the different country profiles.
All statistics are rendered as provided by the respective Governments.
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APELL | Awareness and Preparedness for Emergencies at Local Level |
CFC | chlorofluorocarbon |
CGIAR | Consultative Group on International Agriculture Research |
CILSS | Permanent Inter-State Committee on Drought Control in the Sahel |
EEZ | exclusive economic zone |
ECA | Economic Commission for Africa |
ECE | Economic Commission for Europe |
ECLAC | Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean |
ELCI | Environmental Liaison Centre International |
EMINWA | environmentally sound management of inland water |
ESCAP | Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific |
ESCWA | Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia |
FAO | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |
GATT | General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade |
GAW | Global Atmosphere Watch (WMO) |
GEF | Global Environment Facility |
GEMS | Global Environmental Monitoring System (UNEP) |
GEMS/WATER | Global Water Quality Monitoring Programme |
GESAMP | Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Pollution |
GIPME | Global Investigation of Pollution in Marine Environment (UNESCO) |
GIS | Geographical Information System |
GLOBE | Global Legislators Organisation for a Balanced Environment |
GOS | Global Observing System (WMO/WWW) |
GRID | Global Resource Information Database |
GSP | generalized system of preferences |
HIV | human immunodeficiency virus |
IAEA | International Atomic Energy Agency |
IAP-WASAD | International Action Programme on Water and Sustainable Agricultural Development |
IARC | International Agency for Research on Cancer |
IBSRAM | International Board of Soil Resources and Management |
ICCA | International Council of Chemical Associations |
ICES | International Council for the Exploration of the Sea |
ICPIC | International Cleaner Production Information Clearing House |
ICSC | International Civil Service Commission |
ICSU | International Council of Scientific Unions |
IEEA | Integrated environmental and economic accounting |
IFAD | International Fund for Agricultural Development |
IGADD | Intergovernmental Authority for Drought and Development |
IGBP | International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (ICSU) |
IGBP/START | International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme/Global Change System for Analysis, Research and Training |
ILO | International Labour Organisation |
IMF | International Monetary Fund |
IMO | International Maritime Organization |
INFOTERRA | International Environment Information system (UNEP) |
IOC | Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission |
IPCC | Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change |
IPCS | International Programme on Chemical Safety |
IPM | integrated pest management |
IRPTC | International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals |
ITC | International Tin Council |
ITTO | International Tropical Timber Organization |
IUCN | International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources |
MARPOL | International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships |
OECD | Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development |
PGRFA | plant genetic resources for agriculture |
PIC | prior informed consent procedure |
SADCC | South African Development Co-ordination Conference |
SARD | sustainable agriculture and rural development |
UNCTAD | United Nations Conference on Trade and Development |
UNDP | United Nations Development Programme |
UNDRO | Office of the United Nations Disaster Relief Coordinator |
UNEP | United Nations Environment Programme |
UNESCO | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization |
UNFPA | United Nations Population Fund |
UNICEF | United Nations Children's Fund |
UNIDO | United Nations Industrial Development Organization |
UNU | United Nations University |
WCP | World Climate Programme (WMO/UNEP/ICSU/UNESCO) |
WFC | World Food Council |
WHO | World Health Organization |
WMO | World Meteorological Organization |
WWF | World Wide Fund for Nature (also called World Wildlife Fund) |
WWW | World Weather Watch (WMO) |
1. Nigeria has made significant effort since the Rio Conference to address the core environmental and sustainable development issues which were identified and agreed upon at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). However, environmental problems are still visible five years after UNCED.
2. Land degradation remains the greatest problems in Nigeria. In addition, we still witness high levels of water and air pollution while efforts to reduce the rate of natural resources depletion and desertification are yet to yield significant results. Moreover the debt situation in Nigeria is still a major hindrance to sustainable development and poverty alleviation.
3. Apart from the national environmental problems, Nigeria has to contend with global environmental problems such as ozone layer depletion, global warming and the consequent climate change. The toxic wastes dump problem is still prevalent in spite of the relevant provision of the Basel Convention.
4. Despite these problems, Nigeria made progress in setting up the necessary institutional framework geared towards sustainable development. For instance in 1992, the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) was given a broader mandate over natural resources conservation and its functions were enhanced by according it supra-ministerial status within the presidency.
5. The enhanced mandate of FEPA as well as the establishment of the National Planning Commission along with the existing ministries provided the framework for the integration of environmental concerns into physical and socio-economic development policies of the nation. The institutional framework has fostered international cooperation on environmental matters between Nigeria and several overseas countries and international organisations.
6. The unprecedented increase in population and rapid rate of urbanisation have brought about significant settlement problems of housing, overcrowding, traffic congestion, environmental degradation, inadequate infrastructure and services. Recognising these problems, the Government has not only featured in its National Rolling Plan the National Housing Policy but also the strategies for implementing a number of programmes aimed at promoting sustainable human settlement development.
7. Some major landmarks which were already made in Nigeria in the field of environment formed the basis of the new agenda for environmental protection and natural resource conservation in the country. The National Policy on the Environment and appropriate legislation, guidelines and standards for environmental impact assessment are being progressively reviewed and strengthened taking into consideration the challenges of Agenda 21.
8. Realising that climate is slowly and steadily varying due to human activities, systematic monitoring has since been ensured by Government through relevant agencies and departments in order to determine, in quantitative terms, the rate of variation. Such information becomes important for early warnings against natural disasters of flooding, erosion and drought among others. Also, several greenhouse gases are under surveillance for the purpose of determining the others. Also, several greenhouse gases are under surveillance for the purpose of determining the level of atmospheric pollution in the country.
9. The Government has also evolved through relevant agencies sound planning and management of land resources in the country. Various programmes including soil survey, land evaluation, fertiliser testing, fertility management and soil conservation are being pursued with adequate consideration to their environmental implications.
10. One major source of concern to the Federal Government of Nigeria is the persistent decline of national forest at an alarming rate of about 3.5 per cent per annum. Efforts towards sustainable forest management are made through the development of appropriate strategies and an action plan, afforestation programmes, a forest inventory as well as extension and advisory services.
11. The serious ecological and socio-economic implications of desertification and drought in Nigeria have informed the government to take certain steps in mitigating the problems associated with desertification and drought. The hectares of shelterbelts and woodlot are being increased in the marginal semi-arid lands of the country while emergency relief assistance are also provided to ameliorate the effects of ecological problems arising from drought and other natural disasters. 12. The establishment of nationwide drainage basin irrigation projects extensively demonstrate the Government's commitments to promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development. The programme among several others are under the purview of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resource as well as that of Water Resources and Rural Development.
13. The Federal Government policy goal on biological diversity, taking into consideration the relevant provision of the Convention on Biological Diversity, is geared towards conservation of this vital resources, the sustainable utilisation of its components and the equitable sharing of benefits derived therein. Towards achieving this goal, priority programmes of expansion of the network of National Parks and Reserves as well as the compilation of flora and fauna of Nigeria are being pursued in addition to the development of a National Strategy and Action Plan for Biological Diversity.
14. In an attempt to pursue sustainable use of our coastal water and the adjacent land, the Government put in place an Action Plan on water pollution control and biological diversity conservation in the Niger Delta area of the country. Internationally, collaborative efforts are made with the West African sub-region under the Gulf of Guinea Large Marine Ecosystem (GOGLME) Project aimed at monitoring coastal water in terms of pollution and biological diversity conservation. Apart from this project, measurements of some meteorological parameters over the Atlantic Ocean bordering the country are being taken by relevant agencies.
15. Nigeria has given high priority to its freshwater resources due to the growing concern at the increasing stress on water supplies caused by poor use patterns, affecting both water quality and quantity. Consequently, the Government through the Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development, is undertaking a number of programmes designed to protect the quality and supply of freshwater resources in the country. Some of these include the preparation of a National Water Resources Master Plan (1995-2020), water resources assessment, promulgation of enabling decree, rehabilitation of dams and soil erosion sites, and establishment of water quality laboratories. Others include development of a national water supply policy, production of the national rural water supply, Sanitation Sector Strategy and Action Plan, and strengthening of national water quality monitoring networks.
16. Since Rio, Nigeria has also put in place a hazardous chemicals and toxic wastes dump programme and established a FEPA/University of Ibadan Linkage Centre to carry out research and training in the area of industrial, domestic and hazardous waste management.
17. In recognition of the fact that broad public participation in decision making is a fundamental prerequisite for achieving sustainable development, Nigeria has made concerned efforts to involve the relevant groups in all its major activities geared towards implementation of Agenda 21. A Ministry of Women Affairs has been established. The activities and number of NGOs have been increased, local environmental action plans are under preparation, environment units are being established by most manufacturing companies, and the scientific and technological communities are getting increasingly active in environmental matters.
18. The implementation of Agenda 21 in the country is expectedly being funded largely through the national budget and, more specifically, the ecological fund which is 2% of the Federation's Account. International partner agencies also provide some financial assistance. Implementation of Agenda 21 has also been intensified through capacity building and institutional strengthening, promotion of public education, awareness and training and establishment of data management and information centres.
19. In spite of the remarkable progress made, there are still substantial constraints to the effective implementation of Agenda 21. These include uncoordinated policies and legal instruments, weak data base, inadequate enforcement, institutional conflicts, inadequate and untimely funding, and lack of public awareness.
20. Nigeria's preparedness for Agenda 21 received a boost from the establishment of the VISION 2010 Committee, a body charged with the articulation of a long-term sectoral economic development programme designed to usher the nation into the 3rd millennium. The National Agenda 21 document has therefore been prepared to address the environmental implication of this developmental programme. |
21. Specific and local environmental problems which are to be resolved within the context of the priorities identified by the National Committee on Agenda 21 are listed below: Forest Protection Erosion Control. Management of Municipal Solid Wastes Combating Desertification and Mitigating Effect of Drought Rational Use of Oil and Gas Resources Protecting and Managing Water Resources Sustainable Human Settlement Managing Mining Sites and Restoring Mining Wastelands Managing Toxic Chemicals, Hazardous and Radio-active Wastes Emergency Preparedness and Management Flood Management Control of the Infestation of Water Hyacinth and other invasive Weeds Strengthening, Improving and Coordinating Implementation of Environmental Management Strengthening the Legal Basis for Sustainable Development Integrating Environment into Development Plan and Decision Making Harmonising of Federal and State Responsibilities for Environmental Management State and Local Government Responsibilities Creating and Improving Capacity for Sustainable Development Internalising Environmental Costs through the use of Economic Instruments in the Management of Natural Resources Alleviating Poverty Promoting the Research and Development of Environmentally Sound Technology Forging Viable Partnership among various Stakeholders and Interest Groups both at National and International Levels Managing Environmental Information for Sustainable Development Financing Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Conservation through National and International Funding Mechanisms
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The environment provides all life support systems with air, water and land as well as the materials for fulfilling all developmental aspirations of man. As in most other countries of the world, the Nigerian environment today presents a grim litany of woes. Every State of the Federation suffers from one form of environmental problem or the other in varying degrees. The northern part of the country is being literally "blown away" by wind erosion while the southern part is being washed away into the ocean using the description of Mr. McNamara, former president of the World Bank. Wind erosion could be quite severe in States such as Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Borno and Yobe. Farmlands become inundated by drifting sands which bury young crops. Roads and sometimes huts and public buildings may be completely buried by active sand dunes rising sometimes up to 12 metres high.
Desertification and Drought Population pressure, over grazing and the continuous exploitation of marginal lands have aggravated drought and desertification. Nigeria is presently losing about 351,000 square kilometres of its land mass to the desert which is advancing southward at the rate of 0.6 kilometres per year. According to a recent survey by the Centre for Arid Zones Studies in Nigeria, desertification is by far the most pressing environmental problem in the northern states along the Niger Republic border. The outward and visible sign of the desertification process is the gradual shift in vegetation from grasses, bushes and occasional trees, to grass and bush and in the final stages, extensive areas of desert-like sand. Entire villages and major access roads have been buried under sand dunes in the northern portions of Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa and Borno States. With about 55 percent of its land under siege from desert encroachment, Borno State which suffered from a protracted fifteen-year drought in 1972-1978, is one of the most threatened land areas of Nigeria. Perhaps more spectacular, and of grave consequence are the persistent droughts which, a number of times, have resulted in famine in the northern part of the country. During the drought of 1972-1973 for instance, about 300,000 animals died and farm yields dropped by up to 60%.
Land Degradation The intensification of the use of fragile and marginal ecosystems has led to progressive degradation and continued desertification of marginal agricultural lands even in years of normal rainfall. It is feared that the damage by drought and population pressure may have resulted in the genetic loss of a vast array of valuable plant species. Pressure on the dwindling resources in the arid prone areas has caused in a number of devastating socio-political and sectarian conflicts in the country with concomitant death, injury and heavy economic losses. Inappropriate agricultural practices, the destruction of watersheds, and the opening up of river banks and other critical areas have led to silting of river beds and loss of water courses. Uncontrolled use of agro-chemicals and the concomitant problems of chemical persistence in the soil in humid areas and soil-crust formation in arid climates have contributed to salinisation and destruction of vast agricultural lands. Petroleum prospecting with its attendant oil pollution problems (including spills, oil well blow-out, oil blast discharges, improper disposal of drilling mud) has created problems such as: a. the loss of the aesthetic values of natural beaches due to unsightly oil slicks; b. damage to marine wildlife, modification of the ecosystem through species elimination and the delay in biota (faunal and floral) succession; and c. decrease in fishery resources;
Gas flaring and the resultant problems of ecosystem heat stress, acid rain and acid precipitation have prompted destruction of freshwater and forests resources in the coastal areas of the country. A scientist once estimated that the heat and energy emanating from gas flaring in 1986 was equivalent to all the electrical power generated by the Nigerian Electricity Power Authority (NEPA) that year. Global estimates indicate that the flaring of petroleum associated gas in Nigeria alone accounts for 28% of the total gas flares in the world. The problems of exposure to radiation, creation of artificial ponds associated with bad mining practices and non-reclamation of mining waste lands as provided for in the Minerals Acts are common in the mine fields of Jos Plateau, Enugu and other locations. Excessive pressures on available urban resources, infrastructure and space, due to rural urban migration and the resultant problems of urban decay and squatter settlements are evident in Lagos, Port-Harcourt, Ibadan, Umuahia, Kano, Kaduna, Maiduguri and of recent Abuja and its satellite towns.
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Erosion Gully erosion is particularly severe in Abia, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Ondo, Edo, Ebonyi, Kogi, Adamawa, Delta, Jigawa and Gombe States. Anambra and Enugu States alone have over 50 active gully complexes, with some extending over 100 metres long, 20 meters wide and 15 meters deep. Coastal and marine erosion and subsidence occur particularly in the coastal areas of Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. The most significant case of coastal erosion and flooding is the overflow of the Bar Beach of the Atlantic Ocean now a regular feature since 1990, threatening the prime property areas of the Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Flooding Flooding occurs throughout Nigeria in three main forms: coastal flooding, river flooding, and urban flooding, Coastal flooding occurs in the low-lying belt of mangrove and fresh water swamps along the coast. River flooding occurs in the flood plains of the larger rivers, while sudden, short-lived flash floods are associated with rivers in the inland areas where sudden heavy rains can change them into destructive torrents within a short period. Urban flooding occur in towns located on flat or low lying terrain especially where little or no provision has been made for surface drainage, or where existing drainage has been blocked with municipal waste, refuse and eroded soil sediments. Extensive urban flooding is a phenomenon of every rainy session in Lagos, Maiduguri, Aba, Warri, Benin and Ibadan. Virtually every Nigerian is vulnerable to disasters, natural or man-made. Every rainy season, wind gusts arising from tropical storms claim lives and property worth million of Naira across the country. Flash floods from torrential rains wash away thousands of hectares of farmland. Dam bursts are common following such flood. In August 1988 for instance, 142 people died, 18,000 houses were destroyed and 14,000 farms were swept away when the Bagauda Dam collapsed following a flash flood. Urban flooding such as the Ogunpa disaster which claimed over 200 lives and damaged property worth millions of Naira in Ibadan, are common occurrence.
Deforestation Uncontrolled logging and tree felling from which government generate paltry taxes accentuated by lack of re-stocking are the order of the day in many parts of the southern states of Nigeria. This carries with it loss of precious biological diversity. Nigeria's wildlife is rapidly declining due to habitat loss and increased pressure from hunters, poachers and bush burning. Animals that have disappeared from Nigeria in recent times include the cheetah, the pygmy hippopotamus, the giraffe, the black rhinoceros and the giant eland. About 10-12 species of primates including the white throated guenon species of primates and sclater's guenous are under threat. Also an estimated 484 plant species in 112 families are threatened with extinction because of habitat destruction and deforestation. Many of our cities are turning into concrete jungle where plants are no longer used for home landscaping. High rise buildings and other commercial centres have displaced areas earlier earmarked as low density residential areas in Ikoyi and Victoria-Island. The new Federal Capital Territory at Abuja is a pathetic example of this development where the rich and natural vegetation is being systematically depleted as a result of increasing human pressure. The rampant bush burning is threatening the growth of trees and wildlife species and reducing the ecological diversity of the area; gravel mining for construction is aggravating the problem of erosion and surface run-off; while indiscriminate discharge of particulates from construction sites is already leading to pollution and siltation. More recently, areas earmarked as green belts and recreational areas are being systematically converted into building sites.
Pollution The problems of industrial pollution are enormous. Nigeria has about 5,000 registered industrial facilities and some 10,000 small scale industries operating illegally within residential premises. In places like Kano, Kaduna and Lagos, coloured, hot and heavy metal-laden effluents especially from the textile, tannery and paints industries are discharged directly into open drains and water channels, constituting direct dangers to water users and biota downstream. Also disturbing is the practice whereby some industrial facilities bury their expired chemicals and hazardous chemical wastes in their backyard threatening the ground water quality. Stack fumes from industries emit nauseating gases and particulates with grave respiratory and cardiac ailment consequences. Their physical spread often occlude sunlight for hours in several parts of Lagos, Kano, Enugu and Port-Harcourt. Air inversion with its accompanying foggy dispersion and visibility reduction to less than 20 meters has almost become a permanent feature of the Oko Baba mid-section part of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos where saw millers burn away sawdust and other wood shavings. A similar phenomenon is experienced at the toll gate end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway at Oregun, where smoke from a nearby dump site pollutes the air and emits nauseating odour.
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Municipal solid waste heaps dot several parts of our major cities blocking motor roads, alleys and pavements. Municipal wastes and sewage disposal problem are particularly serious in Lagos, Ibadan, Enugu, Kaduna, Aba, Port Harcourt and Owerri and Warri. These unsightly dump sites are characterised by: (i) various non-biodegradable household petrochemical products such as polythene bags, plastic containers, Styrofoam packages and tyres; (ii) crankcase oils discharged by mechanical workshops, industries, power stations and commercial houses estimated at about 20 million gallons per year are discharged carelessly into drains and surface waters, thereby contaminating surface and underground waters. They are also aesthetically unpleasant; (iii) the siting of public buildings and residential quarters on flood-prone areas as well as unsettled and improperly reclaimed dump sites. Such ecologically sensitive areas are often converted into plots for the erection of residential quarters and public buildings such as market stalls.
Poverty Poverty is a cause as well as a consequence of environmental degradation. Poverty, particularly in rural areas, and its attendant malnutrition and undernutrition are closely linked to degradation of the environment, as poverty depletes natural resources which in turn exacerbates the sufferings of the poor. It is often said that the two groups particularly responsible for a disproportionate share of environmental degradation are the world's top richest and bottom billion, that is, the poorest of the poor. The former always tries to satisfy wants and not needs. In contrast, the bottom billion, due to economic necessity born out of survival instinct and lak of options, scavenge marginal lands to survive today at the expense of tomorrow. Thus, they are caught in the perpetual web of poverty and environmental degradation. In the final analysis, the poor are usually both victims and agents of environmental damage. Health related environmental problems in Nigeria vary with the social and economic development achieved by different states and even different towns, and villages within individual states. They are linked to poverty, absence of adequate water supplies, lack of sanitation services, and poor housing conditions. With increasing industrialisation, the risk of respiratory illness and cancer-related deaths also rises. Extensive and rapid development in all industrial and many agricultural sectors have sharply increased the exposure of industrial workers and large segments of the population to these risks. The major public health problems associated with poor environmental sanitation and exposure to communicable diseases and poor personal hygiene predominate and are often compounded by malnutrition which reduces resistance to diseases especially among vulnerable groups i.e children, pregnant and lactating mothers and the aged. Malaria, cholera, schistosomiasis, diarrhoea and other diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and other vectors such as filariasis and parasitic infestations such as guinea worm and onchocerciasis are still mayor public health problems. Many other diseases such as tetanus, whooping cough and tuberculosis are becoming more prevalent in urban areas as a direct result of overcrowding and poor sanitary conditions. Other public health problems are associated with exposure to hazardous chemicals and heavy metals. According to the World Bank Report of 1990, the long term loss to Nigeria from environmental degradation was estimated to be about US$5 billion annually or the equivalent of the nation's annual budget.
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GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Apart from the major national problems catalogued above, Nigeria also has to contend with such global environmental problems as climate change, ozone layer depletion, drought and desertification.
Global Warming Climate Change or Global Warming is caused by increasing concentrations of atmospheric warming gases or Green House Gases (GHG) especially carbon dioxide whose concentrations have increased from 280 ppm in 1800s to about 370 ppm now. These gases warm the atmosphere by their capacity to trap heat and cause changes in the weather pattern of the earth. The increase in temperature causes the polar ice caps to melt and ocean waters to expand. These in turn result in sea level rise leading to submergence of many low-lying areas of the world. An area that is highly prone to this sea level rise is the 29,000 sq km of Nigerian coastline, which houses prime real estate and one of the largest mangrove forests in the world. The area is also very rich in biodiversity.
Ozone Layer Depletion Ozone Layer Depletion is linked with certain "miracle" chemicals of yesteryears, namely Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Halons and Carbon Tetrachloride which destroy the ozone layer. This is nature's shield which filters off ultraviolet B radiation in the stratosphere, protects human beings, animals and plants from the harmful effects of these ultraviolet (UV) rays which could cause skin cancer, eye cataracts, loss of body immune systems etc. Chlorofluorocarbons, Halons and Carbon Tetrachloride are used as freezants, sterilants, solvents, propellants and active ingredients in the pharmaceutical industries, hospitals, electronic, refrigeration, air conditioning, foam and aerosol industries.
Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and Toxic Chemicals Another important environmental problem is the non-natural but trade-related environmental problem of Transboundary movement of toxic chemical wastes, expired and contraband chemicals and pesticides. Over 11 million chemical substances are known of which about 60,000 to 70,000 are in regular use. Only 3,000 chemicals account for 90% by mass of the world's total chemical usage. Adequate toxicological data have been produced for only a small fraction of these chemicals, and data on their environmental and ecotoxicological effects are sparse. Every year, with increasing knowledge, chemicals with grave ecotoxicological and environmental effects are withdrawn and banned from international trade. In addition to this, - obsolete chemicals and other radio-active wastes are expected to be disposed of carefully in an environmentally-sound manner.
Over the past decade, unscrupulous foreign businessmen acting in collaboration with local links have found a new way of making money through illegal trade thriving on these cargoes of death from the developed countries to the poor, helpless and largely illiterate developing countries. 94% of all hazardous waste trade originate from the OECD countries. The sole aim is to avoid the strict environment and health safety regulatory requirements and public opposition of the host developed countries which is deeply rooted in economic calculations. For example, the treatment and disposal of Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB, a highly toxic chemical), costs 3000 US Dollars per tonne in the U.S. compared to a mere 2 Dollars 50 cents including shipment cost and disposal in a developing country, where it is simply buried in dug out pits in the backyard or farms of the* helpless citizens. As Nigerians, we; cannot forget the Koko Saga involving 3,780 tonnes of toxic wastes from Italy in 5 shipments. That incident was nearly a national embarrassment but for the swift and decisive response of our government.
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1. Name of Key National Sustainable Development Coordination Mechanism(s)/Council(s).
Contact point (Name, Title, Office):
Telephone: Fax: e-mail: Mailing address:
2. Membership/Composition/Chairperson:
2a. List of ministries and agencies involved:
2b. Names of para-statal bodies and institutions involved, as well as participating of academic and private sector bodies:
2c. Names of non-governmental organizations involved:
3. Mandate role of above mechanism/council:
4. If available, attach a diagram (organization chart) showing national coordination structure and linkages between ministries:
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NATIONAL PRIORITY: | |
STATUS REPORT: Nigeria has cooperated with
international organisations in general activities aimed at the
implementation of Agenda 21. Shortly after UNCED, a Regional
Workshop on the implementation of Agenda 21 in Africa
was organised in collaboration with the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP). The Workshop, held at the
Centre for Women Development, Abuja, between 22 and 25 January
1993, drew participants from international and
African Region and focused on the mechanisms and strategies for
implementing Agenda 21 in Africa.
As a demonstration of the Government's commitment to the implementation of Agenda 21 and the effective resolution of other particular and global environmental issues, the international environmental conventions signed during the Rio Conference in 1992 were ratified in August 1994. These include the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC). The Convention to Combat Desertification was also signed in October 1994. As a mark of seriousness on the part of the country, Nigeria appointed an Environmental Attaches at the Nigerian Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, Geneva and Nairobi. This is in a bid to facilitate environmentally safe and sound technology transfer, bilateral and multilateral partnerships as well as effective monitoring of international trafficking of hazardous chemicals and toxic wastes.
Nigeria has also signed memoranda of understanding with many countries of the world in the area of environmental management. Collaborative research and development which are critical to the enrichment of the applications of science and technology to the national development efforts was fostered through the participation of the Ministry of Science and Technology in the activities of a number of international organisations including:
- Third World Academy of Science: Nigeria, through the Ministry hosted the 1995 Biennial Conference of the Academy in Abuja; - Third World Network of Scientific Organisations: A Third World Scientific Organisation set up to promote networking of Science and technology information and other activities. The Honourable Minister of Science and Technology is the current Chairman for the African Zone; - International Foundation for Science (IFS): A body set up to fund Research and Development projects in developing countries in both the private and public sectors. The Ministry is the focal point and Nigeria ranks third amount the beneficiaries of the Foundation. - African Regional Centre for Technology: A body set up to cater for the promotion of indigenous technology, technical information dissemination and technology innovation. Nigeria is a major contributor to the funds of the Centre. - International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology: A body that supports the participation of member countries' scientists in training courses in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering. Nigerian scientists have benefited from this programme.
Since the introduction of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) in mid 1986, the Federal Government through the National Planning Commission, built into its Rolling Plans trade and payment liberalization measures aimed at achieving the objectives of SAP. This is in line with the demands of the country's external creditors as expressed through institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the International Development Association (IDA), the International Finance Cooperation (IFC) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (The World Bank). The policy is also in line with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocol on free trade to which Nigeria is a signatory, The objective is to encourage a more efficient and rational allocation of available resources through the interaction of market forces, while at the same time allowing local and foreign investors to jointly participate in the development of the economy. The fundamental idea is that in the new economic climate of a market economy underlying the SAP, it is absolutely essential that the true value of every resources and the long-term costs of exploiting it be known, budgeted and paid for. |
1. Decision-Making Structure: No information available.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information
available.
3. Major Groups: No information available.
4. Finance: No information available.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: See information
provided under STATUS REPORT.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 3: COMBATING POVERTY
These on-going government activities have regularly featured in the
National Rolling Plan beginning with the 1990-1992
Plan. They include programmes such as:
- establishment of the People's Bank, aimed at extending small
credits to people in the informal sector of the economy
with the aim of strengthening informal economic activities cities,
and towns and villages;
- Economic programmes for the Empowerment of Women have featured
consistently in the Rolling Plans;
- Establishment of the National Economic Recovery Fund (NERFUND)
which provides easy access to credit by small and
medium scale enterprises;
- Establishment of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), a
self employment promotion programme which has
largely promoted waste to wealth employment activities;
- Education of itinerant communities such as the Fulani normals,
Ijaws, etc.
- Primary Health Care (PHC) programme, whose purpose is to bring
health care, particularly preventive health care to the
grass roots of the Nigerian Society;
- Establishment of the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) in
all States of Federation;
- Establishment of the River Basin Development Authorities; and
provision of rural access roads;
- Establishment of the National Agricultural Land Development
Authority (NALDA) aimed at promoting integrated rural
development.
There are also specific environmental improvement programmes that
have been integrated with poverty alleviation
programmes. Examples are:
* the Sokoto Desertification Control Programme, and integrated
environmental protection programme jointly funded by
the Federal Government of Nigeria and the European Economic
Community (EEC).
* the Katsina Arid Zone Development Programme, and the North East
Arid Zone Development Programme, an integrated
programme funded by FGN/EEC.
* upgrading and mechanisation of traditional methods of processing
of Nigeria's food resources, a project promoted by the
Federal Ministry of Science and Technology.
Besides, the Family Economic Advancement Programme (FEAP), the
Ministry has designed and produced the following
equipment/plants, among others, for nationwide demonstration and
adaptation:
- Groundnut processing technology consisting of groundnut sheller,
a dehuller and roaster;
- Hydraulic machine for the production of bricks from local
materials;
- Tiles-production machine for producing roofing tiles from local
fibre, cement and sand;
- Lime kiln for the production of lime for leather processing and
school chalk manufacture;
- Soap making process for cottage/small scale production of both
traditional and modern production of soap;
- Mushroom production technology;
- Fat liquor production- a developed process for fat liquor, an
essential product required in the leather tanning industry;
- pottery/ceramic machine, designed and fabricated for the
production of pottery and ceramic wares from local clays;
- Essential Oils Distillation plant for the production of essential
oils from local plants such as eucalyptus and lemon
grass. Essential oils are inputs in the food, confectionary and
pharmaceutical industries.
- Briquetting Technology for sawdust and agricultural wastes
suitable for production of alternate sources to fuel and
wood.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: The thrust of current government
policy in the action against poverty is to enable the poor and more
vulnerable sections of society to achieve sustainable livelihoods.
The approach is to economically empower communities,
families and individuals through a sustained, well coordinated and
comprehensive programme of poverty alleviation.
Accordingly, the National Planing Commission (NPC) in collaboration
with the United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP) is articulating a Community Action Programme for Poverty
Alleviation (CAPPA). The detailed strategies,
activities and targets of the CAPPA are still being worked out. In
broad terms, however, it will among other things
streamline on-going activities by Government and Non-Governmental
Organizations (NGOs).
FUTURE PLANS FOR ALLEVIATING POVERTY
Justification
There is an inextricable link between poverty and environmental
degradation. Poverty can be the cause and/or the effect of
environmental degradation. Poverty itself is a complex
multidimensional problem with origins in both the national and
international domains. While managing resources sustainable, an
environmental policy that focuses mainly on the
conservation and protection of resources must take due account of
those who depend on the resources for their livelihoods
otherwise it could have an adverse impact both on poverty
alleviation and on chances for long-term success in resource
and environmental conservation. Equally, a development policy that
focuses mainly on increasing the production of goods
without addressing the sustainability of the resource base will
sooner or later run into declining productivity, thereby
aggravating poverty. A specific anti-poverty strategy is,
therefore, one of the basic conditions for ensuring sustainable
development. The long-term objective of enabling all people to
achieve sustainable livelihoods should provide an
integrating factor that allows policies to address issues of
development, sustainable resource management and poverty
eradication simultaneously.
Strategy
1. provide all persons with the opportunity to earn a sustainable
livelihood;
2. implement policies and strategies that promote sustainable
adequate levels of funding and focus on integrated
human development policies, including income generation, increased
local control of resources, local institution
strengthening and capacity-building and greater involvement of
nongovernmental organizations and local levels of
government as delivery mechanisms;
3. develop all poverty-stricken areas through integrated
strategies and programmes of sound and sustainable
management of the environment, resource mobilization, poverty
eradication and alleviation, employment and
income generation;
4. creating a focus in national development plans and budgets on
investment in human capital, with special policies
and programmes directed at rural areas, the urban poor, women and
children.
5. Establishing appropriate infrastructure and support system to
facilitate the alleviation of poverty by implementing
projects, programmes, enterprises and life styles sustainable at
grass roots level.
Latest 199_ | |||||
Unemployment (%) | |||||
Population living in absolute poverty | |||||
Public spending on social sector % | |||||
Other data
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AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 4: CHANGING CONSUMPTION
PATTERNS
National policy objectives/focus
No information available.
National targets
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: No information available.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information
available.
3. Major Groups: No information available.
4. Finance: No information available.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information
available.
Latest 199_ | |||||
GDP per capita (current US$) | |||||
Real GDP growth (%) | |||||
Annual energy consumption per capita (Kg. of oil equivalent per capita) | |||||
Motor vehicles in use per 1000 inhabitants | |||||
Other data
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 5: DEMOGRAPHIC DYNAMICS AND
SUSTAINABILITY
NATIONAL PRIORITY: | ||||
STATUS REPORT: No information
available.
|
1. Decision-Making Structure: No information available.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information
available.
3. Major Groups: No information available.
4. Finance: No information available.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information
available.
Latest 199_ | ||||
Population (Thousands) mid-year estimates | ||||
Annual rate of increase (1990-1993) | ||||
Surface area (Km2) | ||||
Population density (people/Km2) | ||||
Other data
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 6: PROTECTING AND PROMOTING
HUMAN HEALTH
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: No information available.
1. Decision-Making Structure: No information available.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information
available.
3. Major Groups: No information available.
4. Finance: No information available.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information
available.
Latest 199_ | ||||
Life expectancy at birth Male Female | ||||
Infant mortality (per 1000 live births) | ||||
Maternal mortality rate (per 100000 live births) | ||||
Access to safe drinking water (% of population) | ||||
Access to sanitation services (% of population) | ||||
Other data
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AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 7: PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE HUMAN
SETTLEMENT DEVELOPMENT
The activities of the Government through the Federal Ministry of
Works and Housing are highlighted under the relevant
programme areas as:
Providing adequate shelter for all;
Improving human settlement management;
Promoting sustainable land use planning and management;
Promoting the integrated provision of environmental infrastructure
such as water, sanitation, drainage and solid waste
management;
Promoting human settlement planning and management in disaster
prone areas;
Promoting sustainable construction industry activities;
Promoting human resource development and capacity building for
human settlement development.
The Government's decision to implement these programmes predicated
on the resolution adopted at the 1st United Nations
Conference on Human Settlement (Habitat) held in Vancouver, Canada
in 1976. The achievements in the Human
Settlement Sector are as follows:
Providing Adequate Shelter for all
The National Housing Policy was formulated and launched in 1991.
The document outlines policies and strategies to
provide decent housing for all by the year 2000 or in the shortest
possible time. A fall-out of the policy is the
establishment of the Housing Policy Council to monitor activities
in the housing sector and evaluate policy impact on the
sector. The council collects data and publishes information on the
state of the housing sector regularly.
The National Housing Fund was established in 1992 to solve the
problem of finance for housing development. All workers
(both public and private sector) earning N3,000 and above per annum
contribute 2.5% of their income to the fund. The
fund is to be disbursed as mortgage loans through primary mortgage
institutions to the subscribers to the fund.
Federal Government, through the Federal Housing Authority (FHA)
started the National Housing Programme in 1994.
The objective is to produce 121,000 housing units for low, medium
and high income earners. So far only about 5% of the
target has been achieved.
Further efforts on direct construction of houses continue to be
made through the National Prototype Housing Programme
aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of constructing functional,
cost effective and affordable housing units. So far 600
housing units in various stages of completion are being constructed
in Lagos, Kaduna, Port-Harcourt, Jos, Kano and
Lafia.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: Nigeria has witnessed rapid rate
of urbanization in the last two decades. It is estimated that over
40% of the Nigerian population now live in urban areas. The rapid
rate of urbanization has brought with it some
significant problems including of shortage of housing,
overcrowding, traffic congestion, environmental degradation,
inadequate infrastructure and services, etc. In recognition of
these problems, the National Rolling Plans since 1990 have
featured in the National Housing Policy instruments for
implementing the National Housing Programme the main thrust of
which policy is to provide cheap and affordable housing for all by
the year 2000. Furthermore, a National Housing Fund
and an Infrastructural Development Fund have been put in place to
facilitate the attainment of the goals of sustainable
human settlements in the country. The plans are being implemented
by the Ministry of Works and Housing.
Urban renewal programme aimed at improving existing neighbourhoods in core areas have been carried out in 18 cities across the nation. A total of about N20 million had been spent on the programme since 1992.
The Federal Government has provided through the National Sites and Services Programme over 15,000 plots at subsidized rate to the public. Over 250m has been committed to the programme in the last six years.
Improving Human Settlements Management To address the goal of strengthening urban data systems, a National Index of Building Starts (NIBS) was established in 1994 to collect data on building starts and other housing indicators. The project is being undertaken by the Nigerian Institute for Social and Economic Research (NISER) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Regional Workshops have been held on the use and implementation of NIBS.
Several policies have been adopted by government to improve Urban Management. These include:
(i) The National Urban Development Policy formulated in 1992 to provide guidelines for urban development and management. Some of the dictates of the policy that have been achieved are: * establishment of the Urban Development Bank * promulgation of the enabling law for the establishment of physical planning units at all levels of government.
(ii) Infrastructure Development Fund Through a U.S. $180 million financial assistance from the World Bank, the Infrastructure Development Fund financed urban development projects in 15 States of the Federation. The loan from the World Bank was matched with 25% counterpart fund sourced locally. The projects cover storm drainage, sanitation, urban roads rehabilitation, water and solid waste management, market development, water rehabilitation, motor part development, river training/ channelization, street lighting.
(iii) Sustainable City Programme Further to the achievement of the goal of improving urban management, the country is participating in the sustainable cities programme under the UNCHS (Habitat)/World Bank/UNDP urban management programme (UMP). Under the programme, the Sustainable Ibadan Project (SIP) is being implemented. Through the initiative, Local Governments, NGOs, CBOs and private individuals are encouraged to participate and contribute to urban improvement and management. The process of replicating the sustainable city programme has already begun. Two other cities, Kano and Enugu have commenced their projects. The sustainable Kano Project has already prepared the Kano Environment profile study forming the basis for consultative actions on the management of Metropolitan Kano.
(iv) Capacity Building Towards enhancing the management capacity of agencies responsible for urban development, technical assistance for human resource development have been received. Under the World Bank Infrastructure Development Fund Programme, Officers of State and Federal agencies were trained in various aspect of urban management and computer literacy. Supply and installation of computer hardware and software were also sponsored. Other international agencies that have offered training assistance include UNDP, UNEP, UNCHS and UNICEF.
Promoting Sustainable Land use Planning Management The following have been put in place to promote sustainable land use, planning and management:
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Land Use Act Efforts have been made to provide land requirements for human settlement development through environmentally sound physical planning and land use. A major action in this direction is the on-going review of the 1978 Land Use Act. The review is geared towards making land resources more readily accessible for sustainable human settlement development. A new statute will be put in place after the review. Federal Land Registry To facilitate the registration of all titles to Federal Government land throughout the country the Federal Land Registry has been established. The Registry is to be computerised. Urban and Regional Planning Decree The Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning law was promulgated in 1992 to regulate and guide spatial planning at all levels of government. The statute has been adopted and is being implemented nationwide at the Federal Level as a model for other levels of government.
Promoting the Integrated provision of environmental infrastructure, water, sanitation, drainage and solid waste management In addition to efforts of the Government toward the achievement of the objectives and goals of programmes under the Infrastructure Development Fund Programme, the Urban Basic Services Programme (UBS) is being undertaken in the country. The project involves the identification of core areas in some Nigerian cities and the packaging of improvement programmes targeted at women and children. This project is being financed with a $3 million grant from UNICEF with matching grant from the Federal Government. Target communities to benefit from the programme have been identified in the cities of Lagos and Ibadan.
Promoting Human Settlement Planning and Management in disaster-prone areas. As a measure towards mitigating the negative impact of natural and man made disasters, the Federal Government has adopted a pre-disaster planning line of action. In this regard the replenishment and reclamation of beaches in high wave areas is being undertaken.
Specifically the Federal Government has so far spent 200m on the replenishment of the sand along the Victoria Beach in Lagos. Proposal for a permanent solution to beach erosion through the construction of break waters has been accepted by the Federal Government. A total of 4 billion is being sourced for the project.
Coastal erosion control measures have been executed in many locations along the coast line of the Bight of Benin, and in the eastern part of the country where gully erosion is prevalent.
Promoting Sustainable Construction Industry Activities To enable the construction sector to meet human settlement development goals while avoiding harmful side effects on human health, the Federal Government of Nigeria has established and commenced the enforcement of the National Building Codes and Standards. Besides, a National Construction Policy was promulgated in 1994 to ensure and enhance the following: - the use of indigenous building materials and industries; - adoption of standards and regulatory measures for increased use of energy-efficient designs; and - use of labour intensive construction and maintenance technologies for the generation of employment.
The Nigerian Government has over the years also invested in raw materials resources development through activities of the Nigerian Building Materials and Road Research Institute (NBRRI). As a result, several local building material options which reduce construction cost considerably have been developed. Sources of funds for these research include government subventions and corporate donations.
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Promoting Human Resource Development Under the various programmes for the promotion of human resource development, Government in collaboration with such agencies as the World Bank, UNDP, UNEP, ILO, UNICEF, and UNCHS have sponsored foreign and local training programmes to acquaint operators of this sector with contemporary ideas, strategies and tools for human resources development.
The Family Support Programme (FSP) Shelter Nigeria's efforts towards sustainable development since 1986 are marked by policy formulation and the establishment of agencies for the implementation. One of such efforts is the establishment of the Family Support Programme initiated by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Mrs. Maryam Sani Abacha. The Family Support Programme recognizes that one of the most important needs for the survival of any family is to promote a healthy family living; the provision of decent and affordable housing is paramount, as most low income families in the cities do not own houses because they cannot afford them.
The Family Support Programme also recognized the fact that women are handicapped in their access to land and property on which hinge the performance of their roles since they need a secure place to live in, carry out their subsistence farming and generate income. The widows and single women are worse off as they are denied rights to inheritance of landed property.
It is in this regard that the FSP set out among others the following objectives to ensure adequate housing for the less privileged in the society - that the on-going Federal Housing Schemes should make provision for all government workers in Nigeria so that on retirement their families will have a place to live in; - that the peculiarities of the disabled in our society should be taken into consideration when designing public buildings and houses to be occupied by them; - that women be encouraged to form neighbourhood based associations which can serve as link agencies for partnership on any voluntary scheme in housing finance.
In all the States of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the FSP has encouraged women to embark on subsistence and large scale farming of crops, vegetables and livestock. The Family Support Programme has procured and distributed agricultural inputs such as fertilisers, farm implements and improved seedlings to women farmers.
Other facilities for survival provided by the FSP at States level include: - Rehabilitation Centres - Widowhood Centres - Home for the handicapped/disabled, abandoned and motherless children - Psychiatric Asylums - Resettlement Homes for the aged, disabled and destitute - Leprosy Patients Homes - Fish Farms - Youth amusement and recreational centres and parks - Medical and Health Centres - Women and Children Multipurpose Development Centres - Rural Water Schemes and deep well pumps - Low cost housing schemes - Agro processing and packaging centres.
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Constraints to the Promotion of Sustainable Human Settlement Development In its various efforts at attaining sustainable human settlement development several constraints to planning and implementation of physical development have been experienced. Though efforts are targeted at resolving these constraints it suffices to mention them: - Rapid rate of urbanisation; - Declining socio-economic standard; - Funds limitation; - Human resources deficiency; - Fluctuating political will; - Un-integrated policy focus; - Dearth of base maps; - Inadequate data base for planning and monitoring, and - Insufficient foreign technical assistance.
Future Programmes to Promote Sustainable Human Settlement Development The Nigerian Government is currently working on some programmes aimed at improving the human settlement development and management sector. These include: * Poverty alleviation programmes in collaboration with the World Bank and UNDP; * A programme support document for Governance in collaboration with UNDP; * A national strategy for the replication of the Sustainable City Programme in other Nigerian cities; * Replication of the Urban Basic Service (UBS) Programme in collaboration with UNICEF.
The Government intends to concentrate efforts in the near future in the following areas: * Capacity building for improved management, * Institutional/policy reforms, * Social re-orientation, * Increased participation of NGOs and private sector, * Promoting appropriate technologies.
FUTURE PLANS IN THE FIELD OF SUSTAINABLE HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
Mission statement Achieve a state of environmentally sound human settlements free Of slum conditions and in which all have access to adequate and affordable shelter, efficient infrastructure and services, which will foster sustainable economic growth, improved standard of living and well-being of all Nigerians.
Justification Over the years, Nigeria has been experiencing a rapid rate of urbanization. In 1952, 10% of the population lived in urban centres with population of 20,000 people and above. This increased to 20% and 38% in 1970 and 1993 respectively. By the year 2010, 60% of the population will live in cities. On the growth in size of cities, the rate has been equally rapid. In 1960, Lagos and Ibadan were the only two cities with more than 500,000 people. These have increased to 9 in 1980. In 1990, about 14 cities have a population of over one million. These are expected to rise to 18 by the year 2000.
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The problems and challenges posed by rapid urbanization in the country are immense, among these are inadequate shelter resulting in over crowding, inadequate and inefficient transportation systems, infra-structural facilities and services, development of slum areas in cities such as Lagos, Ibadan, Kano and Port Harcourt and generally poor environmental conditions. All these problems need to be redressed to improve the well being of the people.
Strategy
1. Adopt an integrated approach to the provision of water, electricity, sanitation, drainage and solid waste management. 2. Ensure appropriate implementation and monitoring of master plans for major towns where they exist and preparation and implementation of new ones where they are non-existent or out of date. 3. Raise awareness on environmental issues needed for sustainable human settlements. 4. Commence and ensure the implementation of the National Plan of Action for sustainable human settlements development in Nigeria. 5. Improve rural economies through the development of cottage and agro-allied industries to create job opportunities for rural dwellers so as to stem the tide of rural-urban migration. 6. Provide not less than 75% of rural communities with social amenities to stimulate and sustain self-reliant development to curb rural-urban migration. 7. Ensure effective implementation and enforcement of all existing relevant sectoral laws, standards and regulations that make for sustainable human settlements. 8. Institutional strengthening with a view of making them more responsive and accountable. 9. Encourage private sector and community participation in urban renewal activities, housing and infra-structural provision. 10. Replicate the Sustainable Cities Programme(SCP) in major urban centres in Nigeria. The SCP emphasizes the two-way relationship between development and environment which promotes better awareness and understanding of the priority issues to be addressed in urban environment and development, better understanding of modern urban and environmental management approaches and the most effective and lasting impact. 11. Develop and implement guidelines and put in place appropriate institutional arrangement for effective land resources management. 12. Establish a National Human Settlement Data Bank (SHSDB) to provide baseline information that can be used to better plan for sustainable human settlements. 13. Renewal of all existing slum areas and prevent conditions that may lead to the development of new ones. 14. Promote the development of parks and gardens and ensure retention of adequate natural green areas within human settlements to maintain ecological balance and amenity. 15. Promote efficient and affordable transportation within urban and rural areas. 16. Promote easy access to land, especially for low income families. 17. Improve the revenue base for human settlement management.
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FUTURE PLANS FOR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND MANAGEMENT
Mission statement
Be able to mitigate promptly the negative impacts of natural and
man-made disasters on human settlements, national
economy and the environment.
Justification
Nigeria has had a number of emergency situations arising from
disasters - natural and man-made. The natural phenomena
include tropical storms, land erosion, windstorms, floods, drought,
desertification, human diseases, coastal erosion,
livestock diseases, crop pests and diseases, wildfire, harmattan
haze and landslides. Other potential hazards include
earthquakes and volcanoes. The major man-made hazards include civil
strife; road, water and air traffic accidents; and
technological episodes such as oil spills, hazardous wastes dumping
and industrial accidents.
All of the above call for urgent action for the strengthening of
our emergency preparedness to reduce our peoples'
vulnerability and cushion the impact of disasters on our
settlements, economy and environment.
Strategy
a) Prepare comprehensive hazard maps and vulnerability analysis
for the country by;
i. compiling historical data of disaster occurrence.
ii. analysis of meteorological, seismological, agricultural
and environmental records.
iii. employing satellite imagery and the GIS system to prepare
the hazard maps.
b) Establish very effective early warning systems for
meteorological, geological, biological, social and industrial
hazards by;
i. enhancing the meteorological services.
ii. effective monitoring of pests and disease epidemics.
iii. resuscitation of seismographic stations and the existing
seismological centres.
iv. development of reliable biological indicators.
v. building of a viable network for early warning
information dissemination.
c) Develop and maintain prompt emergency response mechanisms and
contingency plans by:
i. making an inventory of all existing resources for
emergency response for easy marshaling at times of
disasters.
ii. establish a body to coordinate emergency response to
reduce duplication of efforts and enhance
accountability.
iii. formulate a national emergency policy and an emergency
plan.
d) Mount a sustained public awareness and education programme
hazard preparedness by:
i. engaging military and para military forces as well as
voluntary organisations in drills on emergency
response including search and rescue etc.
ii. preparing and integrating emergency preparedness into
school curriculum.
Urban population in % of total population | |||
Annual rate of growth of urban population (%) | |||
Largest city population (in % of total population) | |||
Other data |
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 8: INTEGRATING ENVIRONMENT AND
DEVELOPMENT IN DECISION-MAKING
Development of National Policy on Environment
The National Policy on the Environment was launched by Government
on 27 November, 1989. It contained specific
guidelines for achieving sustainable development in fourteen vital
sectors of the nation's economy, namely: Human
Population, Land Use and Soil Conservation; Water Resources
Management; Forestry; Wildlife and Protected Natural
Areas, Marine and Coastal Area Resources, Sanitation and Waste
Management, Toxic and Hazardous Substance, Mining
and Mineral Resources, Agricultural Chemicals, Energy Production,
Air Pollution, Noise Working Environment,
Settlements, Recreational Space, Green belts, Monuments and
Cultural Property.
The Policy is currently being reviewed by the Government in line
with the challenges of the Vision 2010 and Agenda 21
programmes.
Establishment of National Council on Environment
The National Council on Environment (NCE) meant to provide a forum
for the consultation and harmonization of
environmental management matters throughout the federation was
established in 1990. Membership includes all the
Commissioners responsible for the environment in all the States of
the Federation as well as the Secretaries to the State
Governments. Some of the achievements recorded include the
harmonization of environmental protection institutions
throughout the Federation and the creation of State Environmental
Protection Agencies in all the States of the Federation.
National Advisory Committee (NAC) on Agenda 21
Following the Regional Workshop on the Implementation of Agenda 21
in Africa held in Abuja, Nigeria, the Federal
Government in 1993 established a National Advisory Committee on the
Implementation of Agenda 21. The Committee is
made up of professionals from relevant private sector and
government organizations, the academic community,
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Community Based
Organizations (CBOs). The Committee is to advise the
Federal Government of Nigeria on sustainable development issues and
strategies for implementing the provision of
Agenda 21.
National Environmental Policy Guidelines and Standards
As part of government efforts towards integrating environmental
concerns into development, the Guidelines and Standards
previously approved prior to UNCED (1992) were reviewed through
Decree 59 of 1992. Apart from expanding the
mandates of FEPA, the Decree legalized the proposed Guidelines and
Standards for Environmental Pollution Control, the
Regulations on Effluent Limitations, Pollution Abatement in
Industries, as well as Regulations for the Management of
Solid and Hazardous Wastes.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Law was enacted by the
Federal Government in 1992 as a tool for
integrating environmental concerns into all major activities
throughout the country. Procedural and Sectoral Guidelines for
Agriculture and Rural Development, Oil and Gas, Infrastructural
Manufacturing and Mining activities in the country were
also put in place.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: Prior to UNCED, Nigeria through
the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) had
achieved the following major milestones in environmental protection
and conservation of natural resources:
Environmental Policies and Programmes of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources Although the main thrust of Nigeria's petroleum policy is to increase the hydrocarbon reserve base through vigorous exploration, spurred by flexible and competitive fiscal incentives, environmental issues were accorded considerable prominence in policy design. The Ministry of Petroleum Resources, through various Petroleum Acts and subsidiary legislation ensures that the petroleum industry carries out its activities safely and in an environmentally sound manner. Consequently, the Ministry has, within the past two decades, established measures to address the environmental problems associated with oil exploration, production, processing, transportation, storage and marketing in the country. Some of these include: (i) Promotion of environmental awareness and consciousness not only amongst the oil operators but in the general public through the organization of the Biennial Seminar on the Petroleum Industry and the Nigerian Environment. The oil companies are also encouraged to organize annual Safety, Health and Environment Week in their operational areas to sensitize their work force. (ii) Ensuring that all companies should have effective contingency plans to combat minor to medium oil spills and coordinating the establishment of a national oil spill contingency plan for major or disastrous oil spills. It is mandatory to report all oil spills promptly to the Ministry. (iii) Carrying out environmental baseline studies and establishing oil pollution monitoring stations in high risk areas. (iv) Establishing guidelines and standards for environmental monitoring and control in the petroleum industry including, carrying out Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Environmental Evaluation Reports (EER) on new projects, control of chemicals such as dispersant and drilling fluids through mandatory testing for toxicity effects on aquatic organisms and measurement of biodegradability. (v) Encouraging the remediation of polluted or contaminated sites though the use of safe and environmentally sound technologies. (vi) Promotion of the utilization of associated gas through the implementation of various projects such as the OSO Condensate Project, the OSO Natural Gas Liquefaction (NGL) Project, the Escravos Gas Project and the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Project. Other projects designed to encourage the utilization of gas with the attendant benefit to the environment, are the Escravos-Lagos Pipeline Project, which supplies gas to Egbin Power Station and to some industrial consumers in Shagamu and Lagos, and the proposed West African Gas Pipeline Project which is to supply gas to Benin Republic, Togo and Ghana. (vii) Promoting the use of clean fuels, by encouraging: (a) a shift from kerosene and wood stove to gas-fired stoves, (b) gradual introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for vehicles as a substitute for petrol (c) phasing out of lead from gasoline and use of other oxygenates such as methanol and methyl-tertiary-butyl-ether (MTBE).
National Energy Policy The Government through the Ministry of Science and Technology, has prepared a National Energy Policy that places emphasizes on the exploitation of Nigeria's renewable and alternative energy sources - wind, solar and biomass, and provides guidelines for environmental protection in the exploitation of Nigeria's fossil energy sources. It will soon be enacted into law. A Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Legislation was enacted in 1995, which sets standards and procedures for the safe use of nuclear radiation.
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CONSTRAINTS TO IMPLEMENTATION OF AGENDA 21
The identified constraints to the effective implementation of
Agenda 21 are briefly discussed below:
Uncoordinated Policy and Legal Instruments in Environmental and
Natural Resources Conservation in Nigeria
The existence of a large number of disparate legislation and policy
documents directed at individual environmental or
resources issues or problems is a major constraint to policy
implementation.
Weak Database
Inadequate/inaccurate data remain a major constraint to policy
formulation, project planning and implementation in
environment and natural resources conservation in Nigeria. The
inadequate and unsystematic inventory of Nigeria's
natural resources is responsible for the dearth of detailed
technical data that could be used to plan the management and
national utilization of the resources.
Inadequate Enforcement
Apart from the inadequacy of both the policy and legal instruments,
the enforcement of the existing environmental rules
and regulations has been problematic especially as there are no
clear demarcation of responsibilities between the Agency,
Federal and State Ministries the inadequacy of the monitoring and
enforcement mechanisms.
Institutional Problems
There is inadequate institutional capacity and inter-sectoral
communication and co-ordination to manage the environmental
and resource management network throughout the country.
Funding
The major constraint to the implementation of Agenda 21 remains the
financial provision for implementation. The average
annual incremental cost of implementing Agenda 21 in developing
countries have been estimated at 600 billion dollars out
of which only 125 billion dollars or 25% is expected to be
contributed by developed countries. This implies that a larger
proportion of the money is to be sourced by the developing
countries including Nigeria. The country's high debt servicing
profile makes this impracticable. Currently about one-third of the
annual budget goes into external debts servicing.
Accordingly, implementation of Agenda 21 in Nigeria will require
the assistance of relevant international, multilateral and
bilateral agencies, such as the United Nations, the World Bank/IDA,
the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the
Global Environmental Facility (GEF).
Possible assistance options that may be considered by the IMF and
the World Bank/lDA is the conversion of the country's
debt service flows into investments in environmental management and
protection programmes and projects.
Manpower
Inadequate of trained manpower in the area of integrated
environmental management is a major constraint. Also, there
is inadequate awareness on the importance of environment and
natural resources management especially in resource
accounting.
Technology
Available technology in the country appears grossly inadequate to
meet with the challenges of implementing Agenda 21
and the programme of transfer of technology is yet to take off
fully.
Inadequate public awareness
Lack of appreciation and involvement of the general public in
environment related issues and development as well as
insufficient popular participation in project design and
implementation will for some time constrain the attainment of the
goals of Agenda 21.
AGENDA 21 AND VISION 2010
During the preliminary appraisal of the implementation of the
national Agenda 21, several gaps were identified. The
observed gaps have been incorporated into the laudable programmes
of VISION 2010. Some of the issues which are to be
addressed under the programme are briefly discussed in the section
that follows.
The Federal Government of Nigeria recently mapped out plans and
strategies toward the implementation of Agenda 21.
The plans and strategies will be spelt out in the detail final
report of the VISION 2010 committee recently inaugurated by
the Government. It is a broad programme of actions aimed at rapid
development of the country in terms of economic
prosperity, political stability and social harmony.
Recognising that Nigeria is confronted by major environmental
problems, the most important of which are: deforestation,
drought and desertification, soil and coastal erosion, water
pollution, oil pollution, water hyacinth invasion, loss of
biodiversity, flooding, urban decay and industrial pollution one
important Sub-committee of VISION 2010 focuses on
redressing these major existing environmental problems in line with
the goals of Agenda 21.
Studies have indicated that the country would suffer large
ecological and economic losses if these major environmental
problems continue unchecked. Initial estimate indicate that the
cost of unsustainable development for Nigeria may be as
high as US $5.1 billion per year. Corrective action and new
investment programmes are needed now to reduce and
eventually prevent these losses.
Measures aimed at redressing the major environmental problems
affecting Nigeria are examined briefly below with
relevant mission statements and strategies.
FUTURE PLANS FOR STRENGTHENING, IMPROVING AND COORDINATING THE
IMPLEMENTATION
OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Justification
In order to build on the gains so far achieved in environmental
protection efforts and ensure that environmental protection
programmes are anchored on solid foundation, the following should
be implemented as part of the necessary pre-requisites
for the achievement of sustainable development in Nigeria:
Strategy
1. Integrating environment into development planning and
decision-making.
2. Strengthening the legal basis for sustainable development.
3. Creating and improving capacity for Sustainable
Development.
4. Harmonizing Federal, States and Local Governments
responsibilities for environmental management.
5. Adopting and promoting the use of existing environmentally
friendly technologies.
6. Promoting Research and Development of environmentally Sound
Technologies.
7. Forging viable Partnerships among various Stakeholders and
Interest Groups both at National and International
levels.
8. Managing Environmental Information and education to generate
adequate public awareness for Decision
Making.
9. Internalizing Environmental Costs through the use of Economic
Instruments in the management of Natural
Resources.
10. Alleviating Poverty.
11. Improving the funding for Sustainable Development.
FUTURE PLANS FOR STRENGTHENING THE LEGAL BASIS FOR SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT
Justification
Towards achieving sustainable development, it is necessary to
enhance the capacity of FEPA and other responsible
organizations to enforce environmentally friendly practices.
Strategy
1. Expand the fundamental objectives and state policy in the
constitution to include the clause on sustainable
development as a national goal.
2. Government to adopt the "Polluter Pays Principle" as an
instrument of environmental protection policy and
management strategy.
3. Ensure speedy translation of international agreement protocols
and conventions on environment and consignation
into national laws and regulations and ensure their enforcement.
FUTURE PLANS FOR INTEGRATING ENVIRONMENT INTO DEVELOPMENT
PLANNING AND DECISION-MAKING
Mission Statement
To integrate environment into economic and sectoral policies,
planning and decision making processes.
Strategy
1. Improve the provisions of the Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA) Decree 86 of 1992, and ensure its proper
implementation.
2. In line with the current practice at the Federal level, State
Governments should establish Sustainable Development
Units (SDU) in their Budget and Economic Office with the same
responsibility and function as the S.D.U. in the
National Planning Commission and the Urban and Regional Planning
Department of the Ministry of Works and
Housing to enable land use management for sustainable
development.
3. Adopt the system of national accounting to adequately reflect
the extent to which economic development activities
have increased or decreased environmental pollution and natural
resources on which future economic and social
development depend.
FUTURE PLANS HARMONIZING FEDERAL AND STATE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT
Justification
To ensure optimum use of our limited technical and financial
resources and to achieve optimum results in meeting the
national goals and guidelines for environmental protection and
sustainable development, the following should be the role
of the Federal, State and Local Governments in Environmental
Management.
Federal Responsibilities
The Federal responsibilities and functions should include:
1. the establishment of environmental quality standards and
regulatory guide lines and procedures for implementing,
enforcing and evaluating them;
2. the establishment of guidelines and procedures for project and
policy environmental assessment screening and
environmental impact assessment as well as the necessary capacity
to initiate and review them;
3. the establishment of a Federal Environmental Action Plans for
execution by Federal Institutions;
4. the establishment of consistent guidelines for state
environmental management plans and action programmes and
the coordination of national and inter-State programmes, projects
and exchanges of information on environment;
5. the review of federal policies which might have significant
adverse impacts on the environment or natural
resource base;
6. the collection, analysis and distribution of data of relevance
to environmental impact assessment policy analysis
and environmental monitoring within the country as well as the
preparation of periodic national reports on the
state of the environment;
7. the allocation and evaluation of the use of Federal funds for
special environmental restoration, protection and
improvement programs and projects;
8. the establishment and coordination of exchanges of
environmental information and expertise with relevant
international agencies and international nongovernmental
organizations;
9. the development of special training programs for upgrading
knowledge and skills in the various disciplines
required for environmental management.
State and Local Governments Responsibilities
State responsibilities should include the following:
1. the monitoring and enforcement of environmental quality
standards and regulations as may be designated by
FEPA to states;
2. the regular assessment of environmental conditions and trends
in rural areas and identification of programs and
actions needed to reduce or avoid further environmental degradation
and pollution;
3. the application of the national environmental assessment
guidelines and procedures for all development policies
and projects likely to have adverse environmental impacts within
the State;
4. the development of a State environmental management plan with
priorities for action to reverse environmental
degradation, protect human health and the environment and
accelerate progress towards environmental
improvement and sustainable development;
5. the development of contingency plans and capabilities to
respond quickly and effectively to environmental
emergencies such as natural disasters or major industrial
accidents;
6. the collection, analysis and distribution of data of relevance
to environmental impact assessments, policy
analysis and environmental monitoring within the State and Local
governments;
7. the preparation of periodic reports on the State of the
Environment in their State or community for submission
to the National Council on the Environment.
FUTURE PLANS FOR FORGING VIABLE PARTNERSHIPS AMONG VARIOUS
STAKEHOLDERS AND
INTEREST GROUPS BOTH AT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEVELS
Justification
Government might be well committed to the objectives, policies and
mechanisms for achieving sustainable development,
but it will take the commitment and genuine involvement of all
groups in society to make this goal a reality. It requires the
forging of a partnership of not only shareholders, but the
stakeholders in environmental issues as well. Broad public
participation in policy development combined with greater
accountability, is essential to achieving sustainable
development. Individuals, groups and organizations need to know
about and participate in environment and development
decisions, particularly those which can affect their
communities.
For people to make informed decisions, they must have access to all
relevant information on environment and
development issues. This includes information on products and
activities that have or are likely to have significant impact
on the environment, and information on environmental protection
measures.
Considering the transboundary nature of environmental problems and
the fact that no nation on its own can achieve
sustainable development, there is also the need to foster bilateral
and multilateral cooperation to facilitate exchange of
ideas and the transfer of sound environmental technologies and
concerted global action affordable and adaptable to local
needs.
Strategy
1. Mount very effective machinery to enhance environmental
awareness through public enlightenment and
environmental education at all levels of the society.
2. Establish environmental data banks and information
networks.
3. Create fora for building consensus and for exchange of
information among all stakeholders and interest groups on
sustainable development decisions.
4. Strengthen/establish mutually beneficial relationship with
bilateral and multilateral environmental bodies including
regional and international NGOs.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 9: PROTECTION OF THE
ATMOSPHERE
The Montreal Protocol was ratified in 1988. United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was ratified
in 1994.
The post-UNCED activities of the Nigerian government in the area of
protecting the atmosphere include:
Background Atmospheric Pollution Monitoring
The Federal Government of Nigeria established in 1993 a Regional
Environmental Monitoring Station at Oshogbo under
the auspices of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Global
Atmospheric Watch (GAW) programme. The
station monitors background atmospheric pollution. About 15
elements including surface ozone carbon dioxide, chemical
composition of rain water, dry and wet depositions, dust loading,
solar radiation and other conventional meteorological
elements are currently being observed. The station has the
potential of being upgraded to a global monitoring station
capable of monitoring other greenhouse gases, such as NO2, NO, CH4
and sulphur.
Total Column Ozone
The Department of Meteorological Services is monitoring Total
Column Ozone with the Dobson Spectro Photometer since
March 1993 at Oshodi, Lagos. This is the only such measurement
taking place in Sub-Sahara Africa. The average value
(about 240-280 Du Dobson Units) conforms to the expected value for
the equatorial belt.
Data Bank
The Department is in the process of computerising its data bank.
Phasing out of Ozone Depleting Substances
In compliance with requirements of the Montreal Protocol and the
provision of the global Agenda 21, the phasing out of
Ozone Depleting Substances in Nigeria has been given priority among
the programmes being implemented by the Federal
Environmental Protection Agency. The on-going activities
include:
I. Institutional strengthening for the phase-out of ODSs in
Nigeria with a $3,000,000.00 grant from the Multilateral
Fund (MF) spread over a period of 3 years to assist Nigeria set up
an effective and lasting institutional
mechanism for coordinating national efforts for the protection of
the Ozone Layer.
II. CFC phase-out in Debo Industries Ltd. and Thermocool
Engineering PLC with a combined grant of US
$2,840,598.00 from the MF.
III. CFC phase-out in 4 flexible and rigid foam industries namely,
Eleganza, Teju foam, Sara foam and Royal foam
with a combined grant of US $540,000.00 from the MF.
IV. The Country Programme for ODS phase-out is being prepared with
a grant of US $ l20,000.00 from the
Multilateral Fund.
Greenhouse Gas Inventory
The inventory of Greenhouse gases and determination of their
concentration in the atmospheric funded by the United
Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) commenced in 1993. It
involved the determination of the concentration of
carbon dioxide, oxides of nitrogen and sulphur and other
chloroflourocarbon gases in the country. Due to delays at the
implementation phase, funding for the project was terminated.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
Climate Change
The FEPA-University of Technology, Minna, Niger State Linkage
Centre undertakes training and research in the areas of
climate change and water resources. Specifics include:
* Climate Science and Data Bank;
* Assessment of the impact of Climate Change on water resources
development;
* environmental monitoring of hydro-climatic elements for
special locations such as dams and reservoirs for power
generation;
* Early warning systems and vulnerability assessment of climate
change impacts; and
* Conservation of ecological systems of water bodies.
A proposal on capacity building for the development of a National
Strategy and Implementation of the Country's
Obligation to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC) has been approved for funding
by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF). The programmes will
cover greenhouse gases, public awareness, impact
assessment, adaptation options, integrating climate concerns into
planning processes and identification of abatement
practices.
Promotion of Environmentally Friendly Energy Practice
Under this programme, the Ministry of Science and Technology
through its Energy Centres has supported research on the
use of solar and wind energy. It is envisaged that by the year 2010
the following would have been produced and
distributed:
- 15,000 solar water heaters;
- 450 solar stills;
- 225 solar dryers;
- 10-village wind energy electrification projects;
- 11,000 photo-voltaic water pumping stations;
- 2,000-village solar energy electrification project;
- 20,000 solar power refrigerators for rural health
centers.
Global Environment Monitoring Systems(GEMS)/Air Nigeria
GEMS/Air Nigeria is a component of the Global Environment
Monitoring System whose specific goal is to monitor and
assess urban air quality. The programme commenced in 1995 with FEPA
as the focal point.
The programme focuses on:
i. air pollution in major cities such as Lagos, Kano, Kaduna,
Port Harcourt, Warri, Ibadan etc.,
ii. capacity building in forms of training and provision of
laboratory equipment,
iii. establishment of pathways for emission in order to evolve
spatial and temporal emission models for urban
centres in Nigeria based on long-term measurement of air quality at
designated monitoring network locations.
As of now, a National GEMS/Air Implementation Committee has been
constituted and major industrial cities have been
identified. A few studies have been commissioned to assess the
constituents of air in major urban centres of the country.
Energy and Mineral Resources
Wood, petroleum, coal, gas and water are the main energy sources in
the country. Although solar and wind energies are
abundant, they remained untapped in commercial quantity. The
principal energy sources is fossil fuels with
hydrocarbons accounting for over 90% of Nigeria's export earnings
and 80% of government revenue.
The principal mineral resources include fossil fuels (e.g.
Petroleum, natural gas, coal and lignite), metallic minerals
(e.g. tin, columbite, iron, lead, zinc, gold), radioactive minerals
(e.g. uranium, thorite, monazite and zircon) and
non-metallic minerals (e.g. Limestone, marble, gravel, clay, shale,
feldspar etc.).
The overall management of the country's mineral and natural
resources remains the primary assignment of the
government through its various organs. Their the development is,
however, either by individuals, private corporations
or government organizations. All these developmental activities,
impact on the state of the environment and have
contributed to environmental deterioration.
FUTURE PLANS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND AIR POLLUTION MANAGEMENT
Mission Statement Attain full compliance with pollution abatement standards in industries, motor vehicles, air crafts and generating plants.
Justification The unpleasant side effect of industrialization is the waste generated from industrial processes. These include liquid, gaseous, noise, heat, and solid wastes. Several reports confirm the non-inclusion of waste management provisions in industries sited in Nigeria. However, since the inception of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency, progress has been made in enacting laws and creating awareness of the need to install waste handling facilities in industries. These efforts have yielded fruits and the compliance level of industries with national industrial waste management requirements stand at about 20%. This is good progress in 2 years of the expiration of the moratorium for compliance. The progress should continue and mechanisms to achieve 80% compliance is being proposed for emplacement.
Another source of pollution is gaseous emissions, most especially from fossil fuel burning processes and processes using gas. The obnoxious gases of concern include CO, NOx, SOx, VOC, HC, ODS, smoke and particulates originating from exhausts of vehicles, generators, aircraft, boilers, etc.
The pollution source in this Sector is a major health hazard in view of the fact that around these facilities, the highways and runways, the levels of the gases emitted are sometimes 10 times higher than permissible levels in Nigeria, Ghana, Europe and many other countries. In order to reduce the levels of these gases to tolerable ambient limits. It is important to single out these sources of gaseous emissions and maintain them at the level of full compliance by the year 2010.
Strategy
1. review existing national guidelines and standards to include vehicles, generating sets, aircraft etc.; 2. intensify public enlightenment campaign at all levels on the benefits of adequate maintenance, retrofitting, adopting effective technology, ensuring efficient energy use and increased cost benefit; 3. maintain effective data base on industries and compliance status; 4. maintain register of technologies, vehicles, generating sets, aircrafts for approval for manufacturing and importation; 5. introduce and enforce emission control certificates for vehicles, generating sets, aircraft by 1999; 6. eliminate ODS consuming processes; 7. enforce laws relating to the siting of new industries; 8. instal a minimum of primary treatment on all new industries; 9. build secondary central treatment facilities in all major industrial estates in cities such as Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Port-Harcourt, Warri, Ibadan and Enugu by 2005; 10. invoke polluter pays principle immediately; 11. ensure 100% waste segregation, recycle and re-use by 1999; 12. promote research in Best Available Technology Effective for Local Adoption (BATELA); 13. make Eco-labelling compulsory for all products by the year 2000; 14. promote commercialization of sanitary landfill and incineration as appropriate; 15. encourage citizen empowerment in pollution control; 16. introduce green technologies and promote Environmental Management Systems (EMS) in all industrial facilities; 17. create environment fund for soft loans as economic incentives for environmentally friendly industries; 18. promote tax rebates for industries installing pollution abatement facilities.
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FUTURE PLANS FOR THE RATIONAL USE OF OIL AND GAS RESOURCES
Mission statement Produce oil and gas in an environmentally responsible and socially non-disruptive way, endorse long term optimum returns from its exploitation and invest its proceeds in the development of sustainable societal objectives and projects.
Justification The oil and gas sector has continued to be the backbone of the Nigerian economy, contributing over 90% of the nation's foreign exchange earnings and at least 80% of the GDP. This situation is likely to continue unchallenged in the near future and well into the third millennium. The development of the oil and gas sector is, therefore, of utmost importance, especially since virtually all of the activities in both upstream and downstream-sectors are not only pollution prone, but readily provoke social discord.
Strategy
1. develop and implement environmental assessment methodology, taking into account the economic, socio-cultural and conservational values of the environment; 2. develop a comprehensive set of measures to mitigate any negative impact; 3. ensure strict compliance with Environmental Impact Assessment Laws; 4. implement Health, Safety and Environmental Management Systems and Quality Assurance Control; 5. establish comprehensive waste management programmes; 6. implement and continually update fully operational oil spill prevention programmes; 7. enforce environmental risk assessment, to predict eventual consequences of accidents and take appropriate mitigation measures; 8. design an appropriate facility and operational procedures; 9. implement and continually update the national oil spill contingency plan for control, containment and cleanup; 10. review and implement procedures to timely and adequately address the damage to the third parties; 11. encourage the general public to report emergency incidents to regulatory bodies; 12. ensure an internal and external market for gas; 13. stop gas flaring; 14. put in place continuous public awareness programme; 15. ensure full compliance with legislation and Regulations and Standards of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) and Department of Petroleum Resources; 16. plan long term rational exploitation of both oil and gas reserves and draw up investment strategies.
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CO2 emissions (eq. million tons) | ||||
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Consumption of ozone depleting substances (Tons) | ||||
Expenditure on air pollution abatement in US$ equivalents (million) | ||||
Other data
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AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 10: INTEGRATED APPROACH TO
THE PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT OF LAND
RESOURCES
Soil and Land Resources
Soils in Nigeria are variable due to variations in the geological
for nations and climate. More predominant in the country
is the utisols which covers about 46% of the total area of the
country. Though it is of moderate to low productivity, it
performs very well under good management. Only 6% of the country is
covered by entisol - the high productive soil.
Nigeria has also been classified into 8 Land Resources Zones,
namely: semi arid, dry sub-humid. sub-humid, humid, very
humid, ultra-humid, plateau and mountain zones. Most, if not all of
the these ecological niches have witnessed pressure
resulting from uncontrolled socio-economic activities leaving a
large proportion of the land barren. From ecological and
economic standpoints. ~ail erosion is probably the most serious
environmental problem affecting the nation's soil and
land resources.
The policy objectives and mandate of the Department of Agricultural
Land Resources established in 1980 have been
refocussed after UNCED to evolve sound planning and management of
land resources in the country in line with the
provision of Agenda 21. Several activities which are on-going in
this programme area are highlighted below.
Soil Survey and Land Evaluation Programme
The Department has already completed Phase One of this project,
which include reconnaissance surveys at a scale of
1:650,000 and l:l,000,000 in 1990. In view of the objective of the
World Food Summit, Phase Two of the project is
focusing on semi-detailed and detailed surveys at scales of
1:50,000 and 1:10,000 respectively. The more detailed surveys
will provide more reliable characterization, classification and
detailed information necessary for the prioritization of
farming operations and utilization of lands for what they are best
suited and optimum conservation of land resources. All
the data collected will be stored at a National Soil Museum under
the National Soil Reference Information Centre
(NSRIC) and used as a reference base for students, researchers,
farmers and all land users desiring information on the
nation's soils and environmental studies.
National Soil and Fertilizer Testing Programme
The existing regional soil laboratories located in Kaduna, Ibadan
and Umudike are to monitor the soil fertility levels and
quality of Nigeria's soils. These laboratories will be equipped for
the following objectives:
(i) offer routine services in soil, plant and fertilizer analyses
to farmers and other land users,
(ii) provide back-up services to National Agriculture, Land Use,
and Environmental Programmes,
(iii) monitor soil degradation due to nutrient depletion in
soil, plant and the environment.
It is expected that the laboratories, when fully operational, will
also carry out water quality tests.
Soil Fertility Management and Fertilizer Development
Programme
Various soil fertility management and fertilizer development
projects have hitherto been carried out in different parts of
the country. Efforts are now being made to ameliorate special
problems of acid soil with low pH value which exists in
the soils of the south eastern zone of the country. Medium level
technology viz: application of lime, organic matter and
industrial waste is being adopted to ameliorate this condition in
order to grow crops profitably.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
Soil Conservation Programme
Apart from the special problems of soil acidity mentioned above,
there is a need to conserve these soils from being
degraded, either by soil and wind erosion or the intensive
activities of man in the area of uncontrolled deforestation. One
of the technologies being used to monitor this problem is sheet
erosion control trails, which is aimed at monitoring the
occurrence, intensity and mode of control of sheet erosion on
farmlands. Trials of this nature have successfully been
completed in the parts of the Eastern States, while similar trials
are being initiated in the north-western part of the
country.
In the course of implementing this projects, natural waterways
would be enhanced while drainage channels would be
improved. Grass bund, wicker works and use of vetiver grass as well
as other agronomic measures like crop rotation
would be introduced in an effort to create a viable environment for
profitable food production.
Geographic Information System
The objective of this programme is to ensure adequate and regular
monitoring of environmental components in soil
resources management. The programme is being implemented under
bilateral co-operation with the World Bank under the
World Bank Assisted Environmental Management Project for Nigeria.
The Geographic Information System (GIS) will
enable increased capacity for monitoring environmental components.
Arrangements, are in progress to install Soil Erosion
Monitoring Posts (SEMP) in the six ecological zones of the country
with Headquarters in Kaduna, which is in the Sudan
savanna zone. The efforts also include local and overseas training
of technical and managerial manpower needs.
FUTURE PLANS ON EROSION CONTROL
Mission statement
Stabilize all gully and coastal erosion sites nation-wide, restore
all amenable erosion sites and enforce management
practices aimed at preventing/minimising the incidence of
erosion.
Justification
It is estimated that over 90% of the total land area of Nigeria is
under severe sheet, rill and gully erosion with the severest
gully erosion accounting for 80% of Nigeria's total land area.
Sheet erosion leads to impoverishment of the soil as
nutrients are washed away, loss of livelihood as farmlands become
wasteland thus increasing the menace of rural-urban
migration and pollution and siltation of available sources of
drinking water. Human lives and properties especially
buildings are endangered as they collapse into gullies. There are
currently over 2,000 active gully erosion sites spread
around the country.
Gully erosion is widespread in Abia, Imo, Anambra and Bayelsa
States while coastal erosion is commonly found along
the nation's 853km long coastline with estimated mean shoreline
retreats of 2 - 30 metres per year. The worst affected
areas include Victoria Beach in Lagos, Awoye/Molume in Ondo State,
Ogborodo/Escravos and Forcados in Delta State,
Brass in Bayelsa State and Ibeno - Eket in Akwa Ibom State. In
recent years, the Federal Government spent almost 91.0
billion on the periodic rehabilitation aid sand replenishment
projects of the Bar Beach in Lagos. In the far north where
vegetation cover is scarce, wind erosion is a common land
degradation factor which frequently sweeps away the top
soil.
Erosion is a continuous process. Once it sets in, there is urgent
need to stabilize all existing erosion sites if we are to
stem the rate of soil degradation and loss of lands, forest
resources and property and also restore all those erosional
badlands and gullies that are amenable to restoration.
Strategy
1. Prepare and implement a comprehensive national policy on soil
and coastal erosion and flood control.
2. Formulate and enforce regulations for soil and water
conservation especially in erosion-prone areas.
3. Carry out national watershed delineation and characterization
for use as a basis for development of an aggressive
management and enforcement programme to protect and maintain the
quality of the nation's lands water and
coastal resources and implement the programme.
4. Prepare periodic masterplan on the management of soil and
coastline erosion and flood, and advise the Federal
Government on the financial requirements for the implementation of
such plans.
5. Carry out feasibility and scientific studies on soil erosion
and related flood problems for the design of appropriate
integrated remedial control measures.
6. Carry out public enlightenment campaigns on environmental
degradation arising from poor land and water
management practices.
7. Provide and promote training on environmental issues as they
relate to flood, erosion, land degradation and water
conservation.
8. Promote integrated ecosystem management with other agencies
connected with agriculture, land use, soil and
water conservation, rural development and coastal resources
management including environmentally sound
recreational use.
9. Strengthen national capacity through personnel development,
provision of training facilities and research on
combating climate-related ecological problems.
10. Strengthen capacity of the Environmental Management Support
System (EMSS) for Remote Sensing data
gathering, GIS facilities and development of disaster/environmental
data bank.
11. Support agro-forestry and integrated Coastal Zone
Management.
12. Encourage planted fallow in abandoned farmlands using soil
enriching species.
13. Promote conservation farming and use of organic fertilizer and
soil conditioners.
14. Establish viable contingency plans for tackling socio-economic
and other problems resulting from coastal and
other erosional disasters.
FUTURE PLANS FOR MANAGING MINING SITES AND RESTORING MINING
WASTELANDS
Mission Statement
Prevent and redress mining-related pollution and environmental
degradation; reclaim and restore all identified degraded
mining wastelands.
Justification
Mining and its associated activities are a source of considerable
environmental damage to surface water, groundwater and
land. Health and safety risks are also considerable for people
working in mines or living close by. The resulting
deterioration of the environment and human health, are evidenced in
existing mining wastelands all over the country,
especially in the Middle Belt States, including Plateau, Bauchi,
Niger, as well as Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Enugu
States. The degradation of the natural environment has a negative
effect on the long term growth potential of the country,
even though immediate economic benefits are being derived by
individual enterprises.
It is important, therefore, that all approvals to initiate mining
should be carried out in an environmentally sound manner,
so as to minimize the negative impacts, and reclaim all abandoned
and closed mining sites.
Strategy
1. Inventorise all existing and closed mining sites.
2. Enforce compliance with all National Mining Laws and
Regulations, especially the EIA Law, Safety Code and
Accident Prevention Regulations.
3. Enforce mining Wasteland Reclamation measures for closed
mining sites.
4. Provide financial incentives to assist and encourage the
reclamation of abandoned mining sites.
5. Encourage public participation through dialogue with affected
communities and other directly interested parties on
the environmental aspects of different phases of mining
activities.
6. Adopt environmentally sound mining technologies and practices
in all phases of mining activities, especially
appropriate technologies to mitigate environmental impacts,
including those from small-scale mining operations.
7. Build capacity in environmental management in the mining
industry.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 11: COMBATING
DEFORESTATION
Reforestation Afforestation
In order to address the problem of deforestation several on-going
programmes and projects on reforestation and
afforestation were initiated. Some of the projects which are line
projects, are directly financed by the Federal Government
while others are being jointly executed by the FGN and State
Governments. African Development Bank (ADB) and the
World Bank are the main funding agencies. The ADB assisted Forestry
Project started in 1987 and is still on-going with a
loan of US $100 million. Before Forestry II Programme of 1987, a
World Bank Forestry I Programme was earlier
concluded in 1986.
The following have been achieved:
(i) about 445 forest estates located in different ecological zones
of the country covering a total of about 9,652,000 ha
have been legally constituted;
(ii) establishment and maintenance of over 7,194 ha of tree
plantations;
(iii) installation of 2 new sawmills with capacity to
efficiently convert small diameter logs into large ones;
(iv) various studies were concluded on rural sociology,
agro-forestry and markets for Gmelina which is a short-fibre
pulp species;
(v) provision of raw materials for pulp and paper for the next 20
years.
Tropical Forestry Action Programme (TFAP)
This programme was initiated in 1985 by the FAO, the World
Resources Institute (WRI) and the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) as a framework for halting
deforestation and the associated destructive impact in
tropical countries. The TFAP is a veritable instrument in the
successful implementation of Agenda 21.
National Forestry Action Plan
Nigeria launched the TFAP in 1990 and started implementing the
National Forestry Action Plan (NFAP) with the
assistance of FAO and a grant of US $690,000 from UNDP. In order to
ensure the greatest commitment at the highest and
all levels of Government, the National Advisory Council to be
assisted by a National Technical Committee was
inaugurated in 1994. The project was concluded in 1995 and the
final NFAP report has been submitted. The next stage is
to use the report to shop for international funding from donors to
implement the plans of action.
The Forestry Component of Environmental Management Project (EMP)
has the following objectives:
(i) updating the Land Use and Vegetation Maps (LW) of the country;
(ii) establishing the mechanism for environmental monitoring;
(iii) creating environmental awareness; and
(iv) strengthening institutional and manpower capacities.
It is being financed by the Federal Government and the World Bank.
The loan value is US $3.5 million. Most of the
objectives have been achieved.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: Nigeria was once covered by an
extensive vegetation varying from humid tropical forests in the
south to savanna grassland in the north. A greater percentage of
this luxurious vegetation has been removed in the course
of various human activities. Presently, forest reserves cover about
10% of the national territory, mostly of the savanna
woodland type. The southern rain forest, the source of the country'
s timber resources covers only 2% of the total land
area in Nigeria. It is being depleted at an annual rate of 3.5% per
year nationally. This implies deforestation on a large
scale. The persistent decline in national forest has been a source
of concern to the Federal Government. In order to arrest
this situation, the Government has embarked on several programmes
and projects on reforestation and afforestation.
National Forest Resources Study
As a result of the serious dearth of data and very weak resource
planning base, the National Forest Resources project was
embarked upon in 1996. The objectives of the study are:
(i) data collection and analysis on the country's forest resources
in order to overcome problems of rational planning
arising from serious dearth of reliable and up-to-date data,
(ii) preparation of management plans for sustainable development,
management and utilization of forest resources,
(iii) institutional and man-power capacities building.
This project started in 1995 with a grant of US$4.0 million from
the African Development Bank and contributions from
the Federal and State Governments. This project is on course and it
is a veritable instrument for the realization of the
ideals and goals of Agenda 21.
Forestry Extension and Advisory Services
This was actively pursued through enlightenment programmes and
activities to break down the general serious public
apathy towards environmental conservation ethics and practices,
thus ensuring wider receptivity and pursuit of sustainable
development principles by all and sundry including the grass roots.
Towards this end, the inclusion of environment and
forestry conservation issues in secondary schools curricular was
actively encouraged. In the pursuit of the principle of
catching them young, Young Foresters Clubs were established and
promoted through the provision of inputs, incentives
and technical support. On a more grandiose scale, the measures
received the required boost and inputs through FGN
Annual Tree Planting Campaigns which are personally launched at the
Federal Government level by the Head of State and
Commander-in-Chief and by the Military Administrators and Local
Government Chairmen at the State and Local
Government levels to ensure grass root participation. National Tree
Planting Campaign has also been admitted as regular
line projects into the Federal Government and State Government
Annual Capital Budgets.
In view of the fact that most of the State forestry and wildlife
laws are obsolete, a National Forestry and Wildlife Law is
to be formulated. The World Bank has already granted a loan (1996)
in this regard and the FAO has also shown interest to
be involved in the development. The project is in advanced
preparatory stage and will be completed within 6 months of
take off.
Manpower Development
As a result of the serious dearth of manpower in quantitative and
qualitative terms, some training facilities, institutions and
programmes have been put in place. Formal training could either be
at the professional, technical or vocational level.
In Service Training
In order to upgrade the skills of serving officers and enhance
their efficiency some other in-service short training courses
are introduced. This programme, in particular, has enhanced the
executive capacity of serving officers. In this category
alone, the World Bank loan aided Forestry II project under capacity
building provided training in 1996 to 219
staff internationally, and to 116 staff locally. In addition, about
35,000 individuals and farmers benefitted from in-house
courses.
Professional Manpower Training
Forestry training at the professional level was initially available
in one of the universities up till the late 1970s. The
number of universities offering single honours and post graduate
degree programmes including those offering forestry
electives have continued to increase.
Technical Manpower Training
At the technical level, the number of Colleges of Forestry offering
diplomas has increased from one to three. Other
Colleges of Agriculture also offer electives in forestry and
forestry related courses.
Vocational Training
The number of vocational training institutions has also continued
to increase for subtechnical manpower development.
Furthermore, the Energy Programme of the Ministry of Science and
Technology as envisaged through the installation of
REs as stated under Chapter 9 is aimed at provision of cheaper and
smaller units of energy to rural and remote areas of
the country thereby, providing alternative energy sources to the
use of forest resources, thus combating deforestation,
desert encroachment and soil erosion. Energy supply to rural areas
will lead to increased economic and industrial activities
in the rural areas and hence rural development.
Latest 199- | ||||
Forest Area (Km2) | ||||
Protected forest area | ||||
Roundwood production (solid volume of roundwood without bark in mill m3) | ||||
Deforestation rate (Km2/annum) | ||||
Reforestation rate (Km2/annum) | ||||
Other data
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FUTURE PLANS ON FOREST PROTECTION
Mission statement Increase forest reserve from the present 10% to 25% of the total land area by the Year 2010.
Justification World-wide forest reserves are intended to secure and retain land under forest. It is a prerequisite for effective and prudent forest estate development. In many developed and developing countries, the forest estates cover at least 25% of the total land area, the minimum level required by international standard. The first indicative forest inventory project completed in Nigeria in 1977 put reserved forest at approximately 10% of the total land area. Between 1976 and 1990, deforestation proceeded at an average rate of 400,000 ha. per annum, in 1981-1985 at 3.48% while in 1986-1990 it was 3.57% including some forest reserves. The FAO concluded that if this rate was maintained, the remaining forest area in Nigeria would disappear by the year 2020. The value of lost forest cover has been estimated at US$750 million annually at 1989 prices. The degradation and depletion of the forest reserve base has major effects on other sectors of the economy. The disappearance of forest cover leads to erosion, soil degradation and unfavourable hydrological changes. The World Bank in 1990 estimates the value of forest cover which protects and regulates soil, water, wildlife, biodiversity and carbon fixation (in terms of value of avoided costs) at over US$5 billion annually (World Bank, 1990). There is need to address this enormous loss to ensure sustainable provision of goods and services including wood, protection of soil and water catchment areas, stabilization of hydrological regime, carbon sequestration and provision of habitat to numerous fauna and flora. In addressing the problem, at least the minimum international standards of 25% of the land area should be the target.
Strategy 1. Ban the export of log wood until the 25% reserve forest cover is achieved. 2. Provide a policy and institutional environment favourable for private investment in trees and forest resource management. 3. Increase community participation in forest management and utilization. 4. Encourage afforestation with species which provide other forest produce such as fruits, gum, etc. as an incentive to community participation in afforestation programmes. 5. Undertake scientific management of the 10 million ha. of existing forest, including the existing 37,800 ha. of plantations and rehabilitation of existing 590 woodlots. 6. Establish a total of 15 million hectares of plantation comprising plantings for various purposes such as shelterbelt, watershed conservation, rehabilitation of degraded sites, forest fruit trees, Gum Arabic etc. 7. Promote agro-forestry with multi-purpose tree species to diversify farm produce and improve the soil environment. 8. Encourage private sector industrial plantation establishment especially in already degraded forest estates. 9. Adopt protection forestry development strategies which includes shelterbelt establishment, afforestation of eroded site, stabilization of sand dunes etc. 10. Promote community woodlot which could include forest fruit trees, fuel wood plantation. 11. Improve efficiency of use of fuel wood. 12. Manufacture affordable bio-mass stoves. 13. Develop other alternative sources of energy such as solar energy. 14. Support research into conservation and improvement of soil, genetic resources, silviculture, utilization of forest products, agro-forestry, wildlife, afforestation of difficult sites. 15. Encourage inter-sectoral collaboration between forestry and related productive sectors. 16. Strengthen planning, monitoring and evaluation. 17. Support human resources development.
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AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 12: MANAGING FRAGILE
ECOSYSTEMS: COMBATING DESERTIFICATION AND
DROUGHT
The International Convention to Combat Desertification in
Countries Experiencing Drought and/or Desertification
Particularly in Africa was ratified in 1997.
In view of the serious ecological and socio-economic implications
of desertification and drought, programmes and
activities have been conceptualised in line with the provision of
Agenda 21. These include Shelterbelt Establishment and
Ecological Disaster Relief Programmes.
Reforestation: Shelterbelt Establishment
The programmes are either directly financed through the regular
funding of line projects by government or implemented
jointly by the FGN and State governments in collaboration with
bilateral or multilateral aid organizations. In this regards,
the FGN has enjoyed the support of the European Economic Community
(EEC) and the World Bank. The EEC
grant-aided project was implemented in Katsina State between 1987
- 1995 under the Lome II Agreement. The value of
the grant was 90 million. The World Bank granted a loan of US $71
million to both the Federal and State Governments to
implement the Forestry II programme through this Department. The
Forestry II Programme included the Environmental
Forestry and Forest Management components.
In all, the following were achieved:
(i) establishment of over 201 nursery units,
(ii) establishment of over 3515 community nurseries,
(iii) establishment of over 891 institutional and 936 private
nurseries,
(iv) production and distribution of over 75 million tree
seedlings,
(v) establishment of over 2,298 km of shelter belts and 600 ha of
woodlot,
(vi) over 320,000 farm families benefitted from the programme.
Ecological Disaster Relief Programme
The objective of this programme is to assist disaster prone areas
in ameliorating various forms of ecological problems
ranging from soil erosion, flooding, desertification, oil spillage
and general pollution. This programme is being financed
by the National Ecological Fund instituted in 1989. The Fund is
administered by the National Committee on Ecological
Problems under the Presidency.
FEPA-University of Maiduguri Linkage Programme
The objective of this programme is to generate credible data and
train manpower for planning purposes in environmental
management of natural resources and, in particular, to develop
practical measures for combating desertification and
mitigating the effects of drought in the semi arid and arid areas
of the country. Specifically, the Linkage Centre
undertakes research and training in:
* vegetation and land use management
* arid land human ecology
* management of range land
* arid land soil/water management.
FUTURE PLANS TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION AND MITIGATING EFFECTS OF
DROUGHT
Mission Statement
Arrest desert-like conditions, rehabilitate affected areas and
institutionalize drought amelioration measures.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
Justification Drought and desertification are the most important twin environmental problems affecting the 15 northernmost states of the country. The Government, and at some instances in collaboration with donor countries, international organizations and institutions, has done a lot to combat desertification, and mitigate the effects of drought since the beginning of the 1970s. Efforts have been made through more efficient utilization and alternative sources of fuel wood, promulgation of State Edicts, afforestation and reforestation programmes. Despite all these efforts, desertification has continued its down-south movement which currently renders the areas north of latitude 15 either desertified or prone to desertification. This process coupled with the effects of drought have continued to cripple the socio-economic lives of the people living in the affected areas. The negative impacts on the people call for urgent actions to check the desert encroachment currently estimated at about 1 km annually, and institutionalize drought ameliorating measures which should be periodically reviewed.
Strategy
1. implement the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (CCD); 2. strengthen political and financial commitment of government towards drought and desertification control programmes in the country's national development plans; 3. intensify public awareness and education on causes and dangers associated with drought and desertification, as well as the contents of the CCD; 4. develop National Action Programmes (NAPs) in accordance with the spirit and aspiration of the CCD; 5. strengthen national and state institutions involved in drought and desertification control programmes; 6. promote sustainable agricultural practices and management of water resources; 7. encourage the development and adoption of efficient wood stoves and alternative sources of fuel wood; 8. establish drought early warning systems; 9. involve the local people in the designing, implementation and management of natural resources conservation programmes inimical to combating desertification and ameliorating the effects of drought; 10. encourage viable afforestation and reforestation programmes using tested drought resistant and/or economic tree species; 11. encourage international cooperation and partnership arrangements in the areas of training, research, development and transfer of affordable and acceptable environmentally sound technology and provision of new and additional technical and financial resources; 12. carry out surveys of degraded lands, and implement preventive measures for lands that are not yet degraded or which are slightly degraded; 13. adopt an integrated approach addressing physical, biological and socioeconomic aspects of desertification and drought; 14. cooperate with relevant Inter-and Non-governmental Organizations in combating desertification and mitigating the effects of drought; 15. strengthen the nation's food security system; 16. establish, review and enforce cattle routes and grazing reserves.
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Latest 199_ | ||||
Land affected by desertification (Km2) | ||||
Other data
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AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 13: MANAGING FRAGILE
ECOSYSTEMS: SUSTAINABLE MOUNTAIN DEVELOPMENT
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: No information available.
1. Decision-Making Structure: No information available.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information
available.
3. Major Groups: No information available.
4. Finance: No information available.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information
available.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 14: PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE
AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Nationwide River Basins Irrigation Planning Study
The study is to enable the improvement of the efficiency and
effectiveness of investments in irrigation development in the
country. The required data have been collected and are now being
subjected to analysis. The study is expected to be
completed in 1998.
Surface and Groundwater Monitoring Under the National Fatima
Development Programme
The main objective of the programme is to monitor and study the
effect of groundwater exploitation in flood plains in the
semi-arid areas of the country for irrigation in order to design
effective and sustainable exploitation regimes for the
various aquifers encountered. Work started in 5 pilot states in
1995 and is scheduled to be completed by September, 1997.
For 1997/98, the Ministry, with the assistance of the International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is to use isotope
hydrology to study the recharge situation in a pilot Fatima area in
Warn, Sokoto State. The study will also seek to
ascertain the pollution potentials of the saturated groundwater
zone due to the irrigation activities in the project area. The
study, which will ultimately assist in the design of the
groundwater exploitation plan for the project area is expected to
be
completed by the end of 1998.
Survey and Inventory of Irrigation Projects in Nigeria
he aim of the project is to have up to date information on
irrigation development in Nigeria. It involves the collection,
collation, compilation and classification of irrigation projects in
the country. The first study was completed in 1985,
updated in 1992 and the 2nd update is billed for execution in
1997.
Applied Research into Identified Problems in Existing Irrigation
Projects
This research programme came into being to address the peculiar
problems encountered, such as waterlogging, salinity,
aquatic weeds etc. thrown up in the operations of the irrigation
projects. The programme will start this year with 2 pilot
studies on the Kano River Irrigation Project and the Lower-Anambra
Irrigation Project. As funds become available, other
projects and their problems will be tackled.
Formulation of Irrigation Policy for Nigeria
Formal irrigation started in Nigeria 21 years ago. However, a
national policy on irrigation has not yet been produced.
This situation is being corrected by the preparation of an
irrigation policy for the country. Data has been collected and are
presently being analysed with the hope of completing the project
this year. However funds have been a serious constraints
to the speedy completion of the policy document.
In its effort to create the enabling environment for food
self-sufficiency, the Government, through the Ministry of
Agriculture and Natural Resources has embarked on a number of
programmes geared towards promotion of sustainable
agriculture and rural development. The programmes and their
associated activities are:
Agricultural Land Resource Programme Objective
The objective of this programme is to ensure the choice of suitable
lands for production of specific crops through soil
survey and land evaluation; monitor and improve their quality
through soil fertility management and ensure the
conservation of the fertility of agricultural lands through
rehabilitation of the degraded lands.
A soil survey of the country at a reconnaissance survey of
1.650,000 has been completed. However, this gives
information only of a generalized nature. A more detailed survey
which would yield information necessary for intensive
agriculture has been planned since 1994 and could not take off due
to financial and personnel constraint.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: Currently, several activities are
being implemented by the Ministry of Water Resources and Rural
Development under the programme of water supply, sustainable food
production and rural development. These include:
Monitoring of the fertility status of the country's
soil as well as the establishment of practices for special problem
areas
have equally not progressed due to inadequate fund release.
Similarly, effective soil conservation practices and
rehabilitation of degraded lands suffered for lack of adequate
capital and necessary field equipments.
Although the execution of the project has been constrained for some time, the Environmental Management World Bank Assisted Project (EMP) commenced in 1995 helped in establishing the machinery for monitoring land degradation in the country. Through this project, resource personnel are receiving training while equipment, computers, GlS etc. have been received for enhanced data acquisition and processing. Project vehicles have also been received to increase efficiency of field operation.
National Seed Service (NSS) Programme The objective of this programme is to produce high quality seeds for Nigerian farmers within a commercial environment of sound certification and quality control and to sell high quality seeds and seedlings of selected arable tree crops, namely oil palm, rubber, cotton, groundnut, soybeans, gum arabic etc.
* Over 2,460 kg of foundation seeds has been produced by the project to the Research Institutes and out growers respectively. * The Seed Certification and Quality Control Programme of NSS tested a total of 2,425 seed samples in 1996. * Rehabilitation of seed testing laboratories and seed processing plants at NSS Jos, Ibadan, Zaria and Umudike has been completed. * Under the Community Seed Development Programme, demonstration plots were set up to create awareness of modern varieties of maize, cowpea, sorghum, rice and soyabean and to offer easy access good seeds produced by the contract grower.
There are, however, constraints of low uptake of Foundation Seed by ADP and private seed companies, inadequate mobility for officers to carry out seed industry development activities in the states and ultimately release of counterpart funds.
Establishment of the Federal Agricultural Coordinating Unit (FACU) Further effort by the Nigerian Government to promote sustainable agricultural and rural development has led to the establishment of the Federal Agricultural Coordinating Unit (FACU). This unit is primarily responsible for the provision of planning and implementation support to the activities of the Agricultural Development Projects (ADP) in the country. The following activities were undertaken in 1996: * The mid-term review of the National Agricultural Technology Support Project (NATSP) for five States implementation agencies for Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Sokoto and Kebbi. * Implementation support to ADP through joint bank/FACU supervising missions to various ADP covering all programme: supervision mission on the activities of the National Accelerated Industrial Crops Production Programme (NATCPP) in 11 ADP States; participation in the National Artisanal Fisheries Statistical data base, survey covering FCT, Kwara, Kogi, Benue, Niger, Taraba and Plateau; assistance in the strengthening of agro-forestry and land management activities of ADP; assistance in the rehabilitation of existing of ADP; assistance in the rehabilitation of existing Animal Traction Centres in the 5 NATSP States: supported the video documentation programmes in agriculture to widen understanding in this area; organized workshop and - training on fisheries promotion programme, maize production and rural institution development, * Review of External Assisted Projects including pipeline programme and on going loans. * The unit continued with production of its regular publications while the library received many publications from many sources. The major drawback are due to poor funding and support by both, the Federal and State Governments; inadequate staff in key areas and shortage of vehicles and major office equipment.
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Agricultural Finance Programmes This is another programme whose objective is to provide loans and credits to small scale farmers. This is done through some agricultural oriented financial institutions such as Nigerian Agricultural Co-operative Bank (NACB), Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme (ACGS) and Farmers Credit Scheme (FCS). Farmers have been supported financially through this programme for the purpose of increasing crop production.
The National Agricultural Research Project (NARP) The National Agricultural Research Project was set up to strengthen the country's agricultural research system and ensure availability of food through adequate domestic production.
Within the network of Agricultural Research Institutions, five of them handle food crops; three for livestock; one of them (NSPRI) researches on storage of agricultural and food products while three handle mechanization research including designing, fabrication, and servicing of food processing machines.
The impact of the NARP in boosting food production has not been sufficiently felt perhaps due to lack of adequate support and ineffective programme co-ordination. With recent reorganization and assured funding, NARP is expected to increase food production during the next decade.
The Strategic Reserve Scheme The objective of the Strategic Grains Reserve Scheme at its second inception is to undertake the storage of excess grains in the market during the harvest and to release some when prices are high in the market thus stabilising the price and making grains available all year round.
Of the thirty-three (33) medium and large scale silos commissioned for construction, seven (7) have been completed. At present, there is gross under-utilization of these silos due to lack of available grains for storage. Only 3 of the silos contain grains. Measures have been taken to restore the storage efficiency of the silos in the 1997 season. Steps are also being taken to ensure high production of grains and minimize illegal export arid smuggling across the border. Direct purchase for farmers is expected to bring about increase in the quantity of grains reaching the silos.
Establishment of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) The Government's main objective of establishing NALDA is to transform rural peasantry by mobilizing human resources and other support services to open up new lands for increased food production. The Authority has embarked on some activities such as bush clearing, land preparation, farm infrastructural facilities soil conservation and environmental issues, soil survey, evaluation, soil testing and capacity to provide base line data for agricultural related activities and advisory services to agricultural land users.
The NALDA 1997 work-plan envisaged opening up more enclave farming communities during the operating season and will focus on land development in cooperation with Agricultural Land Resource, Forestry, Department of Agriculture and Agricultural Co-operative.
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Latest 199_ | ||||
Agricultural land (Km2) | ||||
Agricultural land as % of total land area | ||||
Agricultural land per capita | ||||
Latest 199_ | ||||
Consumption of fertilizers per Km2 of agricultural land as of 1990 | ||||
Other data
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AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 15: CONSERVATION OF
BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
The Convention on Biological Diversity was ratified in 1994. The
Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was ratified in
1974.
The policy goal on the conservation of biodiversity programme is to
ensure sustainable use of forest resources and
preserve the many benefits accruing from soil, water and wildlife
conservation for economic development. Among the
priority programmes currently on-going are the extension of
National Parks and Reserves and the compilation of the flora
and fauna of Nigeria.
Country Study on Biological Diversity
A Country Study on Biological Diversity in Nigeria was carried out
from 1991 - 1992. It produced a report titled:
Biological Diversity in Nigeria. The study addressed a full range
of biological diversity conservation problems. Most of
the recommendations made are currently being implemented by the
Government.
The Federal Environmental Protection Agency also established a link
with the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta under
the FEPA-University Linkage Programme to undertake further training
and research activities on biodiversity
conservation.
Nigerian Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)
This programme reviews the status of biodiversity conservation in
Nigeria in an attempt to fill the gaps identified in the
country study programme and develop strategies and action plans to
bridge the gaps in the conservation effort. The first
draft report to be discussed by stakeholders in the identified four
eco-regions has been produced and circulated among
stakeholders for their inputs. The inputs from the planned
stakeholders workshop would be incorporated into the Second
Draft Report to be discussed at a National Workshop pending the
presentation of the final report to the Government for
approval.
Protected Area Programme
This programme is to identify areas and sites of conservation
interest and to classify the areas identified using IOCW
criteria. Only 4 states (Delta, Edo, Kogi and Kwara) have been
visited so far.
Botanical survey (Flora of Nigeria)
The outcome of this survey is the production of the checklist of
Nigeria's flora. A survey of biodiversity hotspots to
identify new species has also been carried out.
Zoological survey (Fauna of Nigeria)
The objective of this survey is to produce a list of Nigeria's
fauna. By now only the aquatic fauna has been documented.
Establishment of Gene Bank
The Government has established a gene-bank for the collection and
preservation of Nigeria's plant species with the
following objectives:
- establishment of a database on national bio-resources;
- development and adoption of a comprehensive biodiversity and
conservation strategy;
- the training of personnel as the essential catalysts for
better understanding of environmental issues and
commitment to sustainable use of resources.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
Resulting from the Government's effort in biodiversity conservation, the following achievements have been made: (I) there are in place 32 game reserves/sanctuaries and 6 National Parks covering a total parts of about 4,293,800 ha scattered in different areas of the country; (ii) there are 12 strict Nature Reserves; (iii) there are 13 proposed Game Reserves/National Parks covering about 372,000 ha located across the country.
FUTURE PLANS ON BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
Mission Statement By the Year 2010, Nigeria's rich biological endowment together with the diverse ecosystems will be secured, its conservation and management assured through appreciation and sustainable utilization. Nigeria will continue to be active at the international arena while at the local level infra-structural, human and institutional capabilities are developed to ensure equitable sharing of its benefits over time.
Justification The continual depletion of plant and animal species and the degradation of ecosystem due mostly to economic motives, have become an important issue of growing global concern. Despite the unbridled rate of increase in the exploitation of biodiversity globally, the rate of replacement has not been commensurate with use. Thus, the number of threatened and endangered species is continuously increasing. Biodiversity being the economic and socio-cultural base of human systems, providing unquantifiable benefits to man and the environment including shelter, food, clothing, medicine, recreation and resources for the industry, need to be conserved and managed sustainable for the present and future generations.
Strategy
1. Inventorise, identify and rehabilitate all threatened and endangered species of fauna and flora. 2. Increase the network of protected areas to include all ecosystem types in consonance with internationally accepted categorization. 3. Promote and enhance measures for both in-situ, and ex-situ conservation through identification, inventories, evaluation, monitoring, research, education, public awareness and training. 4. Increase the nation's biodiversity management capability (human, infrastructural, institutional and technological). 5. Develop economically and culturally sound strategies to combat biodiversity loss. 6. Protect and promote policy guidance for bioprospecting and indigenous knowledge (intellectual property right). 7. Rehabilitate degraded ecosystems.
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Latest 199_ | |||
Protected area as % of total land area | |||
Latest 199_ | |||
Number of threatened species | |||
Other data
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AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 16: ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
MANAGEMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: In recent times, the Government
has designed a biotechnology programme for application in
industry, agriculture and medicine. Among the objectives of the
programme are capacity building and human resources
development and promotion of biotechnology infrastructure.
1. Decision-Making Structure: No information available.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: For the purpose of
capacity building, workshops and training seminars have
been held. These include:
- National Workshop on the National Programme on
Biotechnology;
- Training workshop for scientists on fermentation technology
and enzyme production;
- National Training Workshop on Cell and Plant Tissue Culture
for 20 scientists;
- International Training Course on Biotechnology, Cell and
Tissue Culture Techniques held at International
Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan.
3. Major Groups: No information available.
4. Finance: No information available.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: See information
provided under CAPACITY-BUILDING.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 17: PROTECTION OF THE
OCEANS, ALL KINDS OF SEAS, INCLUDING ENCLOSED
AND SEMI-ENCLOSED SEAS, AND COASTAL AREAS AND THE PROTECTION,
RATIONAL USE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR LIVING RESOURCES
The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea was ratified in
1986.
Gulf of Guinea Large Marine Ecosystem
The project was formulated on the realisation of the need to
control water pollution and conserve biodiversity in the Gulf
of Guinea. The project is regional in outlook for it cuts across
countries like Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Benin,
Togo, Guinea and Nigeria. Participating agencies in Nigeria include
the federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA)
and the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research
(NIOMR). The project is being funded by Global
Environmental Facility (GEF) with UNIDO as the executing agency.
Several activities have been carried out since the commencement of
the project. These include:
(a) Reconnaissance survey of coastal areas in Lagos and Port
Harcourt by a team comprising of GEF, UNIDO,
FEPA, NIOMR and the River State Government representatives;
(b) Training of officers of the participating agencies through
workshops and seminars as provided for in the project;
(c) Creating awareness among the communities and non-governmental
organisations through environmental
enlightenment campaigns;
(d) Studies on pollution and natural resources conservation by
various universities in the country in the area of:
i. Plankton survey
ii. Mangrove study
iii. Coastal pollution
iv. Industrial pollution
v. Standards and legislation
vi. Socio-economics
Increased participation by stakeholders has boosted the success of
its implementation in Nigeria especially since 1996.
Marine Observatories
The Department of Meteorological Services operates two marine
stations at the Institute of Oceanography, Victoria Island
in Lagos and at Eket in Akwa Ibom State. Regular measurements of
sea surface temperature (SST), wave height, sea level
rise and other conventional meteorological elements are being
undertaken. Data obtained from such systematic
observations are expected to complement the existing oceanographic
database of the country.
Niger Delta Action Plan
Niger Delta is one of the largest deltas in the world and the third
largest in Africa. This large expanse of wetlands
covering about 20,000 square kilometres and located in southeastern
Nigeria houses most valuable renewable and
non-renewable natural resources. Unsustainable exploitation and
environmental degradation are increasingly impairing the
natural resource base on which the rural communities depend. In
recognition of the fact that sustainable development
will require a balance between accelerated economic growth and
environmental protection to ensure that the people of
the Niger Delta benefit as much as possible from exploitation of
the resources in the area, Government and other
stakeholders developed a long-term Integrated Environmental Action
Plan, "the Niger Delta Action Plan", that will
address priority environmental issues in the area.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
Studies have been commissioned to assess the extent of land and
renewable resource degradation and environmental
pollution and to proffer adequate mitigating measures. Relevant
workshops/seminars, drawing participants from the local
communities, have been held to discuss views expressed by the
scientists in their various submissions on various aspects of
the Niger Delta ecosystem.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Transport, has
initiated the ratification of the Oil Spill Convention. This
is expected to provide legal framework for Nigeria as a maritime
nation to effectively police its waters against pollution
and other environmentally unfriendly activities in the coastal
areas. Apart from this, the Ministry has developed pollution
prevention officer's course and curriculum for the training of
Maritime Surveyors of Nautical Machinery and Hull
Specialisation to enhance capacity for oil spill management.
Latest 199- | ||||
Catches of marine species (metric tons) | ||||
Population in coastal areas | ||||
Population served by waste water treatment (% of
country's total population) | ||||
Discharges of oil into coastal waters (metric tons) | ||||
Releases of phosphate into coastal waters (metric tons) | ||||
Releases of nitrate into coastal waters (metric tons) | ||||
Other data
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AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 18: PROTECTION OF THE
QUALITY AND SUPPLY OF FRESHWATER RESOURCES:
APPLICATION OF INTEGRATED APPROACHES TO THE DEVELOPMENT,
MANAGEMENT AND USE OF WATER RESOURCES
* The Niger River Basin drainage system with its major
tributaries of Benue, Sokoto-Rima, Kaduna, Gongola,
Katsina-Ala, Dongo, Taraba, Hawal and Anambra Rivers;
* The Lake Chad inland drainage system comprising Kano, Hadejia,
Jama'are, Misau, Koma dongou-Yobe,
Yedseram and Ebeji Rivers;
* The Atlantic drainage system to the east of the Niger made up
of the Cross, Imo, Qua Iboe and Kwa Rivers; and
* The Atlantic drainage system to the west of the Niger
consisting of the Ogun, Osun, Owena and Benin Rivers.
While the various human activities draw on the surface resources,
the groundwater resource potential in the country has
not been fully tapped. This is partly due to the fact that it is
comparatively more expensive to harness groundwater
resource than surface water resources. Also it is technologically
more demanding to exploit the crystalline rock aquifers
for water.
The Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Water Resources
and Rural Development, is undertaking a number
of programmes designed to protect the quality and supply of
freshwater resources in the country. On-going activities in
these programme areas are briefly summarised below:
Integrated Water Resources Development and Management
In this programme area, the Ministry of Water Resources and Rural
Development has carried out two activities. These
are:
(i) Preparation of the Nation's Water Resources Master Plan for
the period 1995- 2020
This was done with technical assistance of the Japanese
Government through the Japanese international
Cooperation Agency (JICA). Preparation of the Master Plan started
in 1992 and was concluded in 1995.
(ii) Water Resources Decree 101 of 1993
This Decree gives the legal framework for the development of
the water resources of the country. It places
ultimate responsibility for the proper development of the nation's
water resources on the Ministry of Water
Resources and Rural Development.
Water Resources Assessment
In this programme area, the following activities have been carried
out:
(i) Inventory of Water Resources Facilities
This was done as the initial take off activity for the
preparation of the National Water Resources Masterplan in
1992/93.
(ii) Hydrogeological Mapping of the Country
This programme seeks to produce the hydrogeological maps of
the country in 100 sheets. Between 1992 and
1995, 11 of the 100 sheets were mapped. It is intended to complete
the remaining 89 sheets in the next 3 years.
The Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) is being approached for funding to
complete the project.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: The country is endowed with
abundant surface and groundwater resources whose availability vary
with respect to rainfall, location and geological formations. The
highest annual precipitation of about 3,000mm occurs in
the Niger Delta and Mangrove Swamp belt of the southeast where
rainfall lasts for almost 10 months of the year. Rainfall
decreases in amount progressively towards the north. The variation
in rainfall also determines the drainage regime in the
country, the most important drainage systems being:
(iii) Hydrological Network Programme Based on the WMO standard for the establishment of primary hydrological network stations, Nigeria is to have 482 stations. Of these, 163 have been installed with 53 of them presently functional. The constraints towards early completion of the installation of the outstanding stations and the maintenance of the existing stations have been lack of funds. To ameliorate this, the National Council on Water Resources and Rural Development in October 1996, decided that each state of the Federation should, for the next three years, spend 1% of its annual budgetary allocation for water resources on data gathering and processing, while the Federal Government should similarly spend 3% of its annual budgetary allocation to the water resources sector in the first three years. In the subsequent years both the state and the Federal governments should commit 1 % of their respective annual budgets on water resource to data collection and processing.
(iv) The JICA assisted Hydrogeological Mapping of old Sokoto State This project was conceived to investigate the groundwater potentials of the old Sokoto State, which comprises the present Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States, with a view of providing water supply to villages in this semi-arid area. The project started in 1988 and the hydrogeological aspect was completed in 1993, with the production of the hydrogeological map of the old Sokoto State and the provision of water for 13 villages. Eight villages are outstanding. JICA funding was stopped in 1993 because of the political situation of the country.
(v) Borehole Inventory Survey This project was carried out to document all boreholes in the country. It involved a record of their design, construction methods, operations and maintenance. The work, handled by a consultant, started in 1991 and was concluded in 1996.
Protection of Water Resources, Water Quality and Aquatic Ecosystem In this programme area the Ministry has carried out five activities. These are:
(i) Nigeria Register of Dams Faced with the dangers of dam breaks as was epitomized by the failure of the Bagauda Dam in 1988 and the attendant destruction of lives, property and downstream ecology, the Government decided to complete the inventory and register of dams The objective of the project was to verify the location and distribution and the vital statistics of dams. The project was successfully completed in 1995 with the production of the maiden edition of the Nigeria Register of Dams.
(ii) Programme for Rehabilitation of Dams During the preparation of the Register of Dams and inspections, it became clear that a number of dams were under distress and rehabilitation works were required to restore them to safety. The Ministry has since 1993 requested for funds to rehabilitate the dams under its River Basin and Rural Development Authorities, while also persuading other dam owners to keep funds aside for the maintenance of their dams, and the rehabilitation of those under distress. Rehabilitation works on the most critical dams will commence this year.
(iii) Rehabilitation of Soil Erosion Sites The heavy monsoon rainfall and the f agile nature of soils in a number of places in the country, particularly in the eastern parts of the country, causes hundreds of gully erosion sites to develop annually. The Ministry has a programme for arresting the massive ecological problems of the in the rural areas and restoring the land as much as possible. This is an on-going programme which draws its funds from the 2 percent Ecological Fund.
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(iv) Flood Control Programme The low-lying, flood-prone areas near rivers and streams and in inland areas also receive attention from the Ministry. The twin problems of soil erosion and flood control are addressed through the Department of Soil Erosion and Flood Control created in 1991 to oversee the mitigation of these problems and the restoration of devastated lands. The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development handles inland erosion and flooding, while the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing handles marine flood control and erosion.
(v) Water Quality Laboratories Project In order to ensure that water supplied to the Nigerian populace is wholesome, the Ministry in 1986 established the Regional Water Quality Laboratories and some Reference Laboratories, serve as Centres of Excellence and training of water quality personnel. In 1991 ADB funding was sought for equipment purchase and expert training for the Regional Laboratories and two Reference Laboratories located at Dadin Kowa, Minna, Akure, Enugu, Lagos and Kaduna, respectively. The ADB loan was approved and signed in July 1994, but could not be drawn down because of a Presidential directive to source the funds internally. Budgetary provisions have been very meager and have only enabled the Ministry to construct three of the buildings to completion, while a 4th one is 30% completed. The construction of the outstanding two have not yet been commenced. The laboratory equipment are yet to be procured due to funds constraints. The PTF has been approached for assistance.
Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation In this programme area, the Ministry has made significant impact through five local and two international activities. These activities are:
(i) Production of the National Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Strategy and Action Plan The Rural Water Supply and Sanitation sub-sector was totally uncoordinated. Various methods and equipment were used with little or no thought given to the sustainability of the systems nor the ability of the benefitting communities to operate and maintain them. This document prescribed standards for the methods and equipment to be used. The document was finalized in 1992 and formed the basis for the next three programmes/projects.
(ii) Nation-wide Rural Water Supply Programme In order to assist the States to attain at least 50% national coverage for rural water supply by the year 2000, the Ministry provided funds to States that have set up their Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agencies, as the sole agencies for coordinating rural water and sanitation projects. The Agencies are expected to have functional drilling outfits to rehabilitate 20 broken down handpump schemes and construct 4 mini water supply schemes. The programme started in 1995 and will go on to the year 2000. So far, 16 states have benefitted. Others are to come on stream as soon as they meet the criteria for participation.
(iii) Handpump Development Programme Due to the maintenance problems presented by the proliferation of assorted hand pumps in the country, the Ministry in 1987 commissioned a handpump study programme in Missau LGA then of Bauchi State. The study recommended the standardization and use within the country of two handpump makes, the India Mark III and the Afridev as Village Level Operated and Maintained (VLOM) pumps. Both have been modified to improve their efficiency and durability and are now produced locally, through a deliberate programme of technical assistance to local manufacturers.
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(iv) The FGN-UNICEF Joint Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Programme This programme uses the provisions of the National Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Strategy and Action Plan to fashion out rapid intervention in water supply and sanitation in the rural areas with the States, Local Governments and the Communities contributing financially to the capital cost of the systems provided. The Communities are involved in the planning and execution of their projects and are adequately trained to sustain the systems. They also collect revenue to be able to fund the operation and maintain the systems. The programme came into effect in 1995 and has already provided 3,583 boreholes and 25,349 sanplats latrines to various communities in 18 states within the last 2 years.
(v) The National Water Supply Policy This policy was completed and approved at the National Council on Water Resources and Rural Development meeting held in November 1995 in Kaduna. It provides the guidelines for water supply development up to the year 2015.
(vi) International Ministerial Conference on Drinking Water and Environmental Sanitation Nigeria participated actively in both the Steering Committee and the Ministerial Conference on Drinking water held in Noordwijk, Holland in March 1994 under the auspices of the Royal Netherlands Government. The Conference was a direct follow-up on Agenda 21. The Ministry of Water Resources was also active in the subsequent meeting on "Forward Looking Assessment on the Implementation of the Action Programme on Drinking Water and Sanitation" meeting held in the Hague under the auspices of the Royal Netherlands Government.
(vii) UN Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council The Ministry took active part in the work of this Council and actively participated in the Working Groups that produced the Country Level Collaboration, and the Information, Education and Communication documents that were presented and accepted at the Council's 2nd biennial meeting held in Rabbat, Morocco in 1993. Presently a staff member of the Ministry is the Chairperson of the Working Group on the Water Supply and Sanitation Development in Africa set up to focus on the water supply and sanitation problems in Africa and to set the stage for donors sensitization on the needs of Africa.
Water and Sustainable Urban Development In this programme area, the Ministry has been involved in basically two activities. These are:
(i) National Water Rehabilitation Project This project came about from the realization that most of the operating water systems hardly produce up to 40 percent of their installed capacity. With the assistance of the World Bank, the rehabilitation of some selected systems in the then 21 states of the Federation and Abuja were scheduled at total project cost of US $256.00 million. The project implementation started in 1991 and is scheduled to be completed by next year, at the end of which over 250 systems would have been rehabilitated.
(ii) Peri-Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Programme This programme is to provide drinking water and sanitation facilities to the marginalised inhabitants of urban areas. The project which is to be assisted by UNICEF was to carry out pilot schemes in Calabar, Maraba (near FCT) and Kaduna. The preliminary study at Maraba has been carried out but funding has been a constraint as the UNICEF appears to have had problems with classification of the project vis-a-vis their global mandate. It is still a very important programme that would help alleviate the suffering of the urban poor and also help in poverty alleviation and improvement of health in the poor urban settlements.
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Impacts of Climate Change on Water Resources
Approval is being awaited for the study of the Impact of Climate
Change on Water Resources with Particular Reference to
Flood Susceptible and Drought Prone Areas submitted to the UNESCO
Participation.
Global Environmental Monitoring Systems(GEMS)/Water
Nigeria
GEMS/Water Nigeria is a component of the Global Environmental
Monitoring Systems whose overall goal is to monitor
the quality of freshwater supply throughout the country. The
programme is sponsored by the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP) and World Health Organisation(WHO). It involves
monitoring of several water parameters and
provide information on the suitability of water for human
consumption, agricultural, commercial and industrial uses. Some
of the activities under the programme focuses on:
i. strengthening of national water quality monitoring networks in
Nigeria;
ii. improving analytical capabilities and data quality
assurance,
iii. addressing critical freshwater quality issues in order to
propose policy options and control measures
iv. assisting participating laboratories through the provision of
technical advice, analytical reference samples and
training opportunities.
The Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) is coordinating
the programme within the country. Participating
agencies include the National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries
Research (NIFFR), New Busa and the National Wata
Resources Institute (NWRI), Kaduna.
A network of stations on rivers, lakes and reservoirs has been
established and instrumented for the purpose of collecting
samples for analyses.
FUTURE PLANS FOR PROTECTING AND MANAGING WATER RESOURCES
Mission Statement
Ensure optimal development of water resources on an environmentally
sound and sustainable basis for food production,
water supply, hydro-power generation, transportation and
recreational uses.
Justification
The earth is a water planet and it is the abundance of this unique
liquid that has made life possible on earth. Water has
numerous physical, chemical and biological uses, and it could be
used most efficiently when it is in its purest form. This
purity, however, is threatened by human activities. In order to
avert this trend, several countries instituted minimum water
quality standards. Nigeria has not been left behind in this
process. ln Nigeria, there exists water quality standards for
several uses, but despite this, the pollution and degradation of
water quality continues unabated due to discharge of
untreated effluent from industries, sewers, non protection of water
sheds, hydrocarbon contamination of ground water,
saline intrusion of ground water, irresponsible mining activities
to name a few. This is aggravated by the reckless and
unregulated abstraction of ground water. These trends have to be
arrested to ensure sufficient quality water.
Strategy
1. Establish the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Water Shed and
Water Quality Management.
2. Provide potable water in all urban and rural areas.
3. Eliminate discharge of untreated effluent.
4. Ensure the implementation of the Water Resources Decree 101 of
1993.
5. Develop water quality inventories and maps.
6. Restore polluted water, both surface and ground water
especially in the large cities and the Delta.
7. Promote research in ground water recharge and saline water
intrusion.
8. Develop sustainable irrigation practices for food production.
9. Ensure the establishment of fisheries projects in relevant
water resources management programmes.
FUTURE PLANS FOR FLOOD MANAGEMENT
Mission Statement Achieve effective management of urban, river and coastal flooding.
Justification Flooding in one form or other affects at least 20% of the nation's population. It cuts across the society from the urban residents to the rural dwellers. Flooding is a threat to physical infrastructures, including residential accommodation, commercial, and industrial properties, roads, rail lines, bridges, port installations etc. It also destroys farmlands, including standing crops. Losses due to flooding run into billions of Naira per year.
Strategy
1. Enforce compliance with town planning/urban laws/edicts. 2. Build embankments and levies along rivers and coastlines prone to flood. 3. Establish rainstorm early warning system. 4. Establish and monitor weather stations, river and tidal gauges. 5. Ensure appropriate management and maintenance of dams. 6. Ensure proper maintenance of existing drainage channels. 7. Enforce environmental sanitation laws in towns and cities.
FUTURE PLANS FOR CONTROL OF THE INFESTATION OF WATER HYACINTH AND OTHER INVASIVE WEEDS
Mission statement Eliminate the water hyacinth and other invasive plant in all water systems.
Justification Water hyacinth and other invasive weeds menace currently hampers normal economic activities in the riverine areas where the spread of the weeds has been established. They also impend free river communication in water ways and above all, the spread of the weed obstructs fishing activities and degrades water quality.
Strategy 1. Inventorise the spread of water hyacinth and other invasive weeds in all the river systems. 2. Develop an infestation index map to determine control options. 3. Adopt an appropriate integrated control option to ensure that the weeds are no longer a menace. 4. Encourage sub-regional cooperation.
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Latest 199- | ||||
Fresh water availability (total domestic/external in million m3) | ||||
Annual withdrawal of freshwater as % of available water | ||||
Other data
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AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 19: ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
MANAGEMENT OF TOXIC CHEMICALS, INCLUDING
PREVENTION OF ILLEGAL INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC IN TOXIC AND DANGEROUS
PRODUCTS
Under this programme, Federal Environmental Protection Agency
(FEPA), officials operating at the sea ports in the
country can take samples of any suspicious consignment camouflaged
as industrial materials for analysis in the Reference
Laboratory of the Agency. Besides, FEPA has embarked on chemical
tracking by monitoring warehouses and outlets for
the safe handling, storage and disposal of imported chemicals. The
effort has succeeded in intercepting a host of banned
and expired chemicals as well as toxic wastes camouflaged as raw
materials and products.
In line with the some of the provisions of the Basel Convention,
the Federal Government approved a FEPA-University of
Ibadan based Centre of Excellence to carry out training and
research in the areas of:
- industrial, domestic and hazardous wastes management;
- development or adaption of cleaner production technology for
Nigeria;
- reduction of gaseous emissions; and
- incorporation of "waste to wealth" strategy into waste
management practices.
In a similar development, the Ministry of Science and Technology
has initiated a programme for the:
- identification of major pollutants,
- monitoring and controlling the effect of pollutants on the
environment,
- developing process technologies for combating industrial
pollutants,
- establishing model treatment plants for demonstration and
skill acquisition,
- converting solid wastes into energy and other useful
purposes.
It is envisaged that by the year 2010, the programme would have
achieved:
- the provision of a clean and healthy environment,
- a reduction in the extent of natural ecological damage.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: Following the provisions of the
Waste Management Regulations S.I. 15 of 1991, the Hazardous
Chemicals and Toxic Wastes Dump Waste Programme was put in place in
1992 in addition to the total ban of importation,
transit, transportation, deposit and storage of harmful wastes that
has existed since 1988.
FUTURE PLANS FOR MANAGING CHEMICALS, HAZARDOUS AND RADIOACTIVE WASTES
Mission statement Achieve 100% compliance with both international and national regulations, standards and guidelines on hazardous/toxic chemicals and radioactive waste management.
Justification Nigeria has national regulations on hazardous/toxic chemicals and wastes and is also involved in the implementation of some of the International Convention, Procedures and Protocols on Hazardous/Toxic Wastes and Chemicals and Radioactive Waste Management. By the year 1998, Nigeria shall develop national regulations on the Basel Convention on Transboundary Movement of Toxic Wastes; Procedures/Protocols on "Prior Informed Consents" on Hazardous Chemicals in International Trade, etc.
Strategies for the management of hazardous wastes
1. Require and assist industries to change to cleaner production methods and adopt preventive and recycling technologies. 2. Encourage the phasing out of processes that produce high risks because of hazardous waste generation. 3. Carry out environmental audits of existing industries to improve hazardous waste management. 4. Producers to be responsible for the environmentally sound disposal of the hazardous wastes they generate. 5. Establish public awareness and training programmes for industries and government workers on hazardous waste issues, especially waste minimization. 6. Build treatment centres for hazardous waste either at national or state level. Industries should treat, recycle, re-use and dispose of wastes at or close to the site where they are created. 7. Create alert systems to detect illegal traffic in hazardous wastes.
Strategies for the Management of Toxic Chemicals
1. Control chemical hazards through pollution prevention, emission inventories, product labelling, use limitation procedures for safe handling and exposure regulations. 2. Phase out/ban high risk chemicals that are toxic persistent and bioaccumulative and whose use cannot be adequately controlled or monitored. 3. Develop policies which will be based on principles of producer/ polluter liability. 4. Emphasize the use of biological control methods for pest-control. 5. Provide information on chemical hazard in local languages. 6. Establish emergency-response centres including poison-control centres. 7. Control the importation of banned or restricted chemicals/pesticides. 8. Adopt community right-to-know programmes that provide information on accidental releases and annual routine emissions of toxic chemicals.
Strategies for the Management of Radioactive Waste
1. Promote ways to minimise and limit the generation of radioactive wastes. 2. Develop/acquire technology for safe handling of radioactive waste. 3. Develop policy which will make mandatory for used radioactive materials to be returned to suppliers. 4. Prohibit unauthorized storage or disposal of radioactive wastes.
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AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 20: ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
MANAGEMENT OF HAZARDOUS WASTES,
INCLUDING PREVENTION OF ILLEGAL INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC IN HAZARDOUS
WASTES
The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements
of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal was
ratified in 1991.
Additional comments relevant to this chapter
Please refer to the information provided under Chapter
19.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure:
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues:
3. Major Groups:
4. Finance:
5. Regional/International Cooperation:
Latest 199- | ||||
Generation of hazardous waste (t) | ||||
Import of hazardous wastes (t) | ||||
Export of hazardous wastes (t) | ||||
Area of land contaminated by hazardous waste (km2) | ||||
Expenditure on hazardous waste treatment (US$) | ||||
Other data
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AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 21: ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
MANAGEMENT OF SOLID WASTES AND SEWAGE-RELATED ISSUES
FUTURE PLANS ON THE MANAGEMENT OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE
Mission Statement
Achieve not less than 80% reduction in volume of municipal solid
waste generated at all levels and ensure its
environmentally sound management.
Justification
a) Need to minimise wastes generated at all levels - this is a
clean and environmentally sound approach which will
reduce the volume of wastes destined for disposal particularly in
the face of increasing population and the
concomitant value attached to land.
b) Need to ensure environmentally sound waste management of
municipal solid waste including elimination of litter
on Nigerian streets and promote basic sanitation;
c) Need to combat indiscipline and promote responsible care;
d) Need to secure for all Nigerians a quality of environment
adequate for their health and well being.
Strategy
1. Promote education and awareness on waste prevention,
separation of waste at source of generation and other
environmentally sound Municipal Waste management approaches.
2. Develop and implement through the collaborative approach
national guidelines and blue print for integrated
management of Municipal Solid Waste, encourage markets for
recovered waste products and ensure that those
who generate wastes pay the full cost of environmentally safe
disposal.
3. Promote strict compliance with anti-litter laws and
regulations including ensuring provision of waste collection
facilities.
4. Promote the development and adoption of appropriate
technologies for the conversion of organic municipal solid
waste to compost and encourage markets for its use as soil
conditioners.
5. Review and strengthen existing laws and regulations for
environmentally sound management of Municipal Solid
Waste.
6. Ensure provision, upgrading and maintenance of necessary
infrastructure for environmentally sound collection,
transportation and disposal of Municipal Solid Waste.
7. Encourage and provide enabling environment for active private
sector participation and commercialization of
municipal solid waste management.
8. Ensure and promote establishment of sanitary landfill
sites.
9. Strengthen local and state capabilities for environmentally
sound management of Municipal Solid-Waste through
effective collaboration, cooperation and provision of.necessary
technical support;
10. Promote simple, inexpensive, easy use of community/locally
based technological initiatives for recovery,
recycling, and re-use of municipal solid waste at all levels.
11. Encourage active participation of Non-Governmental
Organizations (NGOs) and Community Based Organisations
(CBOs) in promoting sound management of municipal solid waste.
12. Promote environmentally sound collection, handling,
transportation and disposal of other non-hazardous wastes.
13. Encourage industries to produce bio-degradable packaging
materials.
14. Assess, monitor and improve strategies for environmentally
sound management of Municipal Solid Waste and
non hazardous wastes.
15. Devote reasonable amount of the budget to addressing municipal
solid waste management and ensure safe and
healthy environment.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: Please refer to the
information provided under Chapter 19.
Latest 199- | ||||
Generation of industrial and municipal waste (t) | ||||
Waste disposed(Kg/capita) | ||||
Expenditure on waste collection and treatment (US$) | ||||
Waste recycling rates (%) | ||||
Municipal waste disposal (Kg/capita) | ||||
Waste reduction rates per unit of GDP (t/year) | ||||
Other data
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AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 22: SAFE AND
ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE WASTES
Please refer to the information provided under Chapter
19.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure:
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues:
3. Major Groups:
4. Finance:
5. Regional/International Cooperation:
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Ch. 24: GLOBAL ACTION FOR WOMEN TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE AND
EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women was ratified in 1985.
24.a Increasing the proportion of women decision makers.
No information available.
24.b assessing, reviewing, revising and implementing curricula and other educational material with a view to promoting dissemination of gender-relevant knowledge. Curricula and educational material
No information available.
24.c and 24.d formulating and implementing policies, guidelines, strategies and plans for achievement of equality in all aspects of society including issuing a strategy by year 2000 to eliminate obstacles to full participation of women in sustainable development. Policies/strategies etc.
No information available.
24.e establishing mechanisms by 1995 to assess implementation and impact of development and environment policies and programmes on women
No information available.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page): In order to tap women s knowledge on issues related to the environment, FEPA has strengthened the Women Environment Desk within its structure. The Agency was very active in the National Preparatory Committee set up by the National Commission for Women to prepare the national position for the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing, China in 1995.
As a further demonstration of Government's recognition of gender initiatives in the sustainable development effort, the National Women Commission has been upgraded to the Ministry of Women Affairs. The new Ministry recently organised a post-Beijing national Workshop held in April 1996 in Maiduguri. Technical and financial assistance were given by FEPA to demonstrate its support for Women s efforts in raising the level of environmental awareness in Nigeria.
Several of the activities embarked upon have continued to yield positive results. For instance as a result of increased level of awareness, women have been mobilised to undertake various projects on resources conservation especially in the area of waste recycling. |
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Ch. 25: CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT. 25.a establishing processes that promote dialogue between the youth and government at all levels and mechanisms that permit youth access to information and opportunity to present their views on implementing A21.
Describe their role in the national process: 25.b reducing youth unemployment
25.c ensuring that by year 2000 more than 50% of youth -- gender balanced -- have access to appropriate secondary education or vocational training.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
No information available.
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Ch. 26: RECOGNIZING AND STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AND THEIR
COMMUNITIES.
26.a establishing a process to empower indigenous people and their communities -- through policies and legal instruments:
26.b strengthening arrangements for active participation in national policies
26.c involving indigenous people in resource management strategies and programmes at the national and local level.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page): No information available.
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Ch. 27: STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS: PARTNERS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. 27.a developing mechanisms that allow NGOs to play their partnership role responsibly and effectively. 27.b reviewing formal procedures and mechanisms to involve NGOs in decision making and implementation. 27.c promoting and allowing NGOs to participate in the conception, establishment and evaluation of official mechanisms to review Agenda 21 implementation.
No information available.
27.d establishing a mutually productive dialogue by 1995 at the national level between NGOs and governments.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page): Government collaborative efforts with NGOs has been a most valued instrument for information and a catalyst for grassroot participation in the activities aimed at implementing Agenda 21.
There has been a steady increase in the number of Non-governmental Organisations concerned with environment over the past two decades. The principal ones include the Forestry Association of Nigeria (FAN), Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), the Nigerian Environmental Study/Action Team (NEST), Foundation for Environmental Development and Education in Nigeria (FEDEN), Country Women Association of Nigeria (COWAN), the Ecological Society of Nigeria (ECOSON), the Friends of the Environment (FOTE), CASSAD, EANET Africa, the Media Practitioners Environment Group and the Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON), Nigeria Regional Group of the International Bar Association of Nigeria, (NRG/IBA).
A number of key-NGOs located in different parts of the country have been consistently implementing different aspects of Agenda 21 in different communities working in collaboration with Community Based Organisations.
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Ch. 28: LOCAL AUTHORITIES' INITIATIVES IN SUPPORT OF
AGENDA 21.
28.a encouraging local authorities to implement and monitor programmes that aim to ensure participation of women and youth in local decision making.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page): In line with the National Policy on Environment, the Government stipulated that all States of the Federation that have established their Environmental Protection Agencies should carry out the mandate of implementing the National Policy and enforce environmental standards and regulations within their area of jurisdiction.
Virtually all the States of the Federation have almost completed the preparation of their long-term State Environmental Action Plan (SEAP) under the World Bank assisted Environmental Management Project for Nigeria. The overall goal of SEAP is to strengthen the capacity of SEPAs to identify and prioritise environmental problems in their domains and formulate projects necessary to mitigate the identified problems.
Apart from the States Environmental Protection Agencies (SEPAs), line ministries/agencies at local levels are responsible for compliance monitoring of environment guidelines and standards. These include Urban Planning and Development Departments, Environmental Sanitation Task Forces and Forestry Guards.
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Ch. 29: STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF WORKERS AND
THEIR TRADE UNIONS. 29.a full participation of workers in implementation and evaluation of A21. 29.b (By year 2000, (a) promoting ratification of ILO conventions; (b) establishing bipartite and tripartite mechanism on safety, health and sustainable development; (c) increasing number of environmental collective agreements; (d) reducing occupational accidents and injuries; (e) increasing workers' education and training efforts.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
No information available.
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30: STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF BUSINESS
AND INDUSTRY. | 30.a increasing the efficiency of resource use, including reuse, recycling, and reduction of waste per unit of economic output.
30.b encouraging the concept of stewardship in management and use of natural resources by entrepreneurs.
List any actions taken in this area:
30.c increasing number of enterprises that subscribe to and implement sustainable development policies.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page): The Government is actively encouraging the setting up of environmental desks by some organised private sectors such as the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), the Oil Producers Trade Sector (OPTS), Clean Nigerian Associates (CNA), etc. Environment Units have been established by most Oil Companies and manufacturing industries for more effective monitoring and protection of environment and for health and safety matters.
|
| |
Ch. 31: SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL
COMMUNITY. 31.a improving exchange of knowledge and concerns between s&t community and the general public. Scientific community has already established ways in which to address the general public and deal with sustainable development.
31.b developing, improving and promoting international acceptance of codes of practice and guidelines related to science and technology and its role in reconciling environment and development.
Brief comments on this chapter not already described in chapter 35 (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page): In this programme area the Government, through the Ministry of Science and Technology is carrying out, on a continuous basis, the following activities: - training of manpower in leather production, foundry and equipment fabrication; - organisation of workshops and seminars for personnel from the industries in the areas of assessment and management of technology.
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Ch. 32: STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF
FARMERS. 32.a promoting and encouraging sustainable farming practices and technologies.
32.b developing a policy framework that provides incentives and motivation among farmers for sustainable and efficient farming practices.
32.c enhancing participation of organizations of farmers in design and implementation of sustainable development policies.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
No information available.
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 33: FINANCIAL RESOURCES
AND MECHANISMS
Financial resources and mechanisms are also covered under each
sectoral chapter of Agenda 21 where
relevant. This summary highlights broader national financial
policies, domestic and external
(including ODA)
CHANGES IN NATIONAL BUDGET TO ADDRESS SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT:
The implementation of Agenda 21 in the country would expectedly be
funded from the national treasury as part of the
annual budgets. To some extent this has been so with the
institution of the Ecological Fund, which is aimed at combating
ecological disasters in the country; the Oil Mineral Producing
Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC), which
essentially is a fund created to ameliorate and mitigate the
environmental degradation of oil and mineral producing areas
of the country with 3 percent share of the Federation Account going
into it. In spite of these, there is need to commit more
budgetary funds to the implementation of Agenda 21.
In the light of this, Government has increased the Ecological Fund
for tackling national environmental problems from 1
percent to 2 percent of the annual budget.
Recently provision was made for enabling activities towards the
implementation of Agenda 21 in the National Programme
for Environmental and Natural Resources Management for Nigeria by
the UNDP. In addition, International financing
through Global Environmental Facility (GEF), the United Nations
Environment Programme is already established. The
budgets of line Ministries and State Governments have been also
prepared to take care of environmental concerns.
Resources have equally been mobilised from the organised private
sector.
FUTURE PLANS FOR INTERNALIZING ENVIRONMENTAL COSTS THROUGH THE
USE OF ECONOMIC
INSTRUMENTS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Justification
Environmental laws and regulations are important but cannot alone
be expected t deal with the problems of environment
and development. Prices, markets and governmental fiscal and
economic policies also play a complementary role in
shaping attitudes and behaviour to towards the environment. There
is the tendency by the market to treat the resources of
the atmosphere, internal waters, the oceans, etc. as free goods. It
"externalises" or transfers to the broader community,
the costs of air, water, land and noise pollution and of resource
depletion. The broader community shoulders the costs in
the form of damages to health, property and ecosystems. At the
national level, these various forms of damage including
declining human, industrial and agricultural productivity translate
into drastic reduction in the GNP.
Strategy
1. incorporate environmental costs in the decisions of producers
and consumers so as to reverse the tendency to treat
the environment as "free goods" and to stop passing these costs on
to other parts of society or to future
generations;
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: The General Assembly, in
resolution 44/228 of 22 December, 1989, inter alia, decided that
the
United Nations Conference on Environment and Development should
identify ways and means of providing additional
financial resources for measures directed towards solving major
environmental problems of global concern and especially
of supporting those countries in particular, developing countries,
for which implementation of such measures would entail
a special or abnormal burden, owing, in particular, to lack of
financial resources, expertise or technical capacity. Based of
this decision, it was stipulated that Agenda 21 is to be financed
through States and International funding especially through
Capacity 21 Fund.
2. move more fully towards integration of social and environmental costs into economic activities so that prices will appropriately reflect the true and total value of resources and contribute towards the prevention of environmental degradation. Towards this end, the following are scheduled implementation: * Study and campaign 1998 - 1999, * Phased implementation 2000 - 2005 * Full reflection of cost 2010. 3. include, wherever appropriate, the use of market principles in the framing of economic instruments and policies to pursue sustainable development, in particular, to consider gradually building on experience with economic instruments and market mechanisms by undertaking to reorient policies, keeping in mind national plans, priorities and objectives. 4. Achieve full compliance of the "Polluter Pays Principle" by 2010.
FUTURE PLANS FOR FINANCING ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION THROUGH NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL FUNDING MECHANISMS
Justification
Huge financial investments are needed to implement the various programmes and activities for Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Conservation. The cost of inaction far outweigh the financial implication of ensuring a safe and healthy environment for the present and future generations. A World Bank Report in 1990 estimated the cost of ameliorating only six out of the numerous environmental problems in Nigeria at about US $5 billion annually which is the equivalent of the national budget. At present, this estimated cost has more than doubled. With the increasing pressure on the environment and natural resources, the cost of in-action would rise exponentially and manifest in the expansion of desertified areas loss of our agricultural and natural resources, declining agricultural productivity, impaired health of the citizenry, polluted surface and underground waters, expansion of coastlines into prime property and agricultural areas, etc.
While appreciating government, non-governmental, international and individual efforts at providing current financial requirements for environmental protection and natural resources conservation, there is the need to streamline the current funding mechanism to make them more efficient and responsive to the core objective of environmental protection and natural resources conservation. Also, in view of the magnitude of environmental problems and the rising cost of amelioration, there is need to provide new and additional financial resources that are both adequate and predictable to halt and reverse the current menace of environment and natural resources degradation and seek full use and continuing improvement of current funding mechanisms.
The 2% Ecological Funds is a welcome development, but not adequate. The Fund should be promptly disbursed for the amelioration of ecological problems beginning this fiscal year.
Strategy
1. ensure adequate annual budgetary provision for policy formulation and implementation of the National Policy on Environment; 2. include, in particular, the amelioration of key environmental problems; 3. There is a need to create a Fund for FEPA to administer for the rapid response to industrial accidents with significant adverse environmental impact; 4. Devote greater resources to the alleviation of the critical ecological problem in the oil producing areas; 5. Take full advantage of bilateral and multilateral technical and financial assistance in environmental protection and ensure maximum benefits from the financial mechanisms for the implementation of the Conventions-and Protocols ratified by Nigeria.
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ODA funding provided or received (Total US$million) | ||||||
Net flow of external capital from all sources as % of GDP | ||||||
Other data
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 34: TRANSFER OF
ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND TECHNOLOGY, COOPERATION AND
CAPACITY-BUILDING
Transfer of environmentally sound technology, cooperation and
capacity-building is also covered under each sectoral
chapter of Agenda 21 where relevant. This summary highlights
broader national policies and actions relating to chapter
34.
No information available.
MEANS OF IMPLEMENTATION: In this programme area, the
Ministry of Science and Technology has established a
new Department for Technology Assessment and Acquisition whose
function is to ensure that all technologies acquired for
industrial and commercial uses are environmentally friendly. Such
acquisition should also be made at fair and competitive
prices with non-restrictive clauses with regard to adaptions based
on Research and Development in the use of local raw
materials and existing technologies.
FUTURE PLANS TO PROMOTE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
TECHNOLOGIES
Justification
Environmentally sound technologies protect the environment, by
being less polluting, using all resources in a more
sustainable manner, recycling more of their wastes and products,
and handling residual wastes in a more acceptable
manner than the technologies for which they were substitutes.
Environmentally sound technologies are not just individual
technologies, but total systems which include know-how, procedures,
goods and services, equipment as well as
organizational and managerial procedures. This implies that our
technology acquisition initiative should address the human
resource development and local and indigenous capacity-building
aspects of technology options.
Strategy
1. ensure access to scientific and technological information,
including information on state-of-the-art technologies;
2. promote, facilitate, and finance, as appropriate, the access
to and the acquisition of environmentally sound
technologies and corresponding know-how;
3. facilitate the maintenance and promotion of environmentally
sound indigenous technologies that may have been
neglected or displaced, paying particular attention to their
priority needs and taking into account the
complementary roles of men and women;
4. support local capacity-building so as to assess, adopt, manage
and apply environmentally sound technologies.
This could be achieved largely by:
i) human resource development;
ii) strengthening of institutional capacities for research and
development and programme implementation;
iii) integrated sector assessments of technology needs, in
accordance with our national plans, objectives and
priorities; promote long-term technological partnerships between
holders of environmentally sound technologies
and potential users.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT ON LINKS BETWEEN NATIONAL, REGIONAL
AND INTERNATIONAL INFORMATION
NETWORKS/SYSTEMS:
Describe any work being undertaken at the national or
local level regarding efforts to promote clean production
processes and/or the concepts of eco-efficiency. These processes
may include training, preferential financial
arrangements, information dissemination and changes in legal or
regulatory frameworks. No information
Provide information on the adoption of environmental management systems. National reaction to environmental management system standards such as the ISO 14000 Series and others. Please note efforts made at the national level to promote their adoption and the creation of certification infrastructure in order to facilitate access to these standards to local industry. No information
List and describe programs or work under way to facilitate the transfer of ESTs to small and medium sized enterprises. Please note efforts to facilitate access to financial resources and other transfer strategies. No information
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 35: SCIENCE FOR
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Science and
Technology, is currently undertaking the review of the
National Policy on Science and Technology (enacted in 1986) with a
view to using it as a key instrument for sustainable
development.
STEPS TAKEN TO ENHANCE SCIENTIFIC UNDERSTANDING, IMPROVE LONG
TERM SCIENTIFIC
ASSESSMENT, BUILDING OF CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY: No
information
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT ON NATIONAL SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE,
RESEARCH NEEDS AND PRIORITIES:
Year | |||
Number of scientists, engineers and technicians engaged in research and experimental development | # | 19-- | |
Total expenditure for research and experimental development (US$eq.) | $ | 19-- | |
Other data
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 36: PROMOTING EDUCATION,
PUBLIC AWARENESS AND TRAINING
Public Education and Awareness
The Government, through FEPA and other relevant agencies, has
undertaken programmes to enlighten, educate and raise
awareness of the Nigerian populace through media (both print and
electronic) campaigns on environmental issues.
Identification, education and training of officials that would form
the core of the Environmental Education Network
nationwide are being undertaken. In addition the Agency has
encouraged the setting up of Environmental Conservation
Clubs in Secondary Schools, and has well as collaborated with the
Federal Ministry of Education through the National
Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) on the
development of Environmental Educational Masterplan
and Curricula for both formal and informal educational system in
Nigeria.
For the purpose of further educating the Nigerian society as to the
benefits of frugal use of the environment for sustainable
development, FEPA has produced a number of publications on key
environmental issues in Nigeria. Some of these
publications include:
a. FEPA Monograph l: The making of the Nigerian Environment
Policy, 1992
b. FEPA Monograph 2: Industrial Pollution Abatement in Nigeria,
1993
c. FEPA Monograph 3: Environmental Consciousness for National
Development, 1993
d. FEPA Monograph 4: Industry and Ozone Layer Protection in
Nigeria
e. The Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) Corporate
Profile.
f. Green book
Apart from these publications, FEPA has always engaged in social
activities-aimed at raising the level of public
environmental awareness. For instance, the Agency has always joined
the world in the commemoration of the World
Environment Day (WED)) during which the attention of the public,
children and youths are drawn to the importance of
safe and sound environment.
FUTURE PLANS FOR CREATING AND IMPROVING CAPACITY FOR SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT
Justification
The ability to develop more sustainably depends on the capacity of
Nigerian citizens and institutions to understand the
complex environment and development issues s that they can make the
right development choices. Citizens need to have
the expertise to understand the potential and the limits of the
environment. This will require scientific, technological,
organizational, institutional and other skills. There is also the
need to increase the sensitivity of the Nigerian populace to,
and involvement in finding solutions for environmental and ethical
awareness, values and attitudes, skills and behaviour
needed for sustainable development.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
Strategy
1. By 1998, develop a blueprint for environmental education and public awareness. 2. By 1999, ensure that environmental education is a core ingredient of the educational system at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels of education. 3. Make environment and development education available to people of all ages. 4. Involve school children in local studies on environmental health, including safe drinking water, sanitation, food and the environmental and economic impacts of resource use. 5. Encourage all sectors of society, including industries, universities, governments, non-governmental organizations, and community organizations to train people in environmental management. 6. Work with the media, theatre groups, entertainment and advertising industries to promote a more active public debate on the environment. 7. Train decision-makers on the basic tenets of environment and sustainable programmes for different strata of the environment on a continuing basis; 8. Develop and implement tailor-made environmental education and awareness programmes for different strata of the environment on a continuing basis. 9. Institutionalize environmental responsibility through regular competitions and awards such as cleanest village in each local government, cleanest local government in each State and cleanest State in the Federation, as well as the most environmentally-friendly industries on a sectoral basis.
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Latest 199- | ||||
Adult literacy rate (%) Male | ||||
Adult literacy rate (%) Female | ||||
% of primary school children reaching grade 5 (1986-97) | ||||
Mean number of years of schooling | ||||
% of GNP spent on education | ||||
Females per 100 males in secondary school | ||||
Women per 100 men in the labour force | ||||
Other data
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 37: NATIONAL MECHANISMS
AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION FOR CAPACITY-BUILDING IN DEVELOPING
COUNTRIES
National capacity building is also covered under sectoral
chapters.
Donors: You may wish to describe here how Agenda 21 has
influenced your ODA policies in this area.
Developing countries: You may wish to describe any new
national mechanisms for capacity building - and any changes
in technical cooperation.
Capacity Building and Institutional Strengthening: Cooperation
with other United Nations Agencies
In this programme area, the Government has cooperated with other
international organisations such as the World Bank,
UNEP, UNDP, UNIDO etc especially in the areas of capacity building
and institutional strengthening. This is to ensure
manpower development for environmental protection and natural
resources conservation in the country.
World Bank Assisted Environmental Management Project (EMP) for
Nigeria
The main objective of the environmental Management Project (EMP) is
to assist the country in its efforts toward
sustainable environmental, and hence, human development through the
following specific activities:
i. Institutional Strengthening: Provision of Laboratories at both
Federal and State Environmental Agencies in order
to enhance monitoring of environmental components. Also vehicles
and communication equipment have been
provided under the programme to facilitate access to stakeholders
and local communities .
ii. Capacity Building: Officers from both Federal and State
Environmental Protection Agencies have benefitted from
some training programmes in Environmental Impact Assessment,
Environmental Management, Environmental
Education and Awareness and Media Education.
iii. Feasibility Studies: Studies have been carried out in the
areas of Hazardous Wastes, Solid Waste Management
and Coastal Zone Management.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
In 1993, the UNDP offered to support the National Programme on
Environmental and Natural Resources Management for
Nigeria. The support focused essentially on capacity building in
all the programme areas identified. This is to enable the
environmental agencies of the government of Nigeria at both Federal
and State level, Non-governmental Organisations
(NGOs) and local communities design, formulate, manage, implement
and sustain their own environmental protection
programmes Specifically, the tour target objectives of the
programme include the strengthening of national capacity for:
i formulation of environmental policies, legislation and
enforcement;
ii. increased awareness and conservation of the environment;
iii. preparing national Agenda 21 and an action plan for its
implementation;
iv. training of staff of FEPA, State Environmental Protection
Agencies and other national bodies to enable them
carry out their work programmes on a self-sustaining basis.
The implementation of the programme areas is decentralised among
the relevant organisations not only in compliance with
the national policies on environment but also to enhance
stakeholders participation. The Executing Agency has being the
Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) which also
implements three programme outputs while the fourth
output the development of Master Plan and curricula for
Environmental Education in all our schools - is being
implemented by the Nigeria Educational Research and Development
Council (NERDC). The activities of the
implementing Agencies are being guided by the National Planning
Implementation and Review Committee (NPIRC)
comprising of relevant organisations.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
Apart from in-house capacity development, FEPA in its bid to implement Agenda 21, has not only strengthened the existing State Environmental Protection Agencies, but also encouraged the establishment of new SEPAs in the newly created states. Guidelines for the establishment of State Environmental Protection Agencies have been developed and forwarded to these States. Apart from regular meetings between the Agency and Directors/General Managers of the State Environmental Protection Agencies, members of staff of the SEPAs have started to benefit from overseas training programmes under the Technical Assistance Training Programme and the World Bank Assisted Environmental Management Project for Nigeria. Training of staff from other line ministries and private sector in specialised areas such as Environmental Law and Environmental Impact Assessment EIA is already in progress.
Presently, an Environmental Enforcement Training Centre (EETC) is being established in FEPA to train environmental officers at both federal and state levels as welt as those in the private sector.
In addition, review of the National Policy on the Nigerian Environment is almost at completion stage under the National Programme on Environmental and Natural Resources Management for Nigeria. Besides, equipment such as vehicles, computers, audio-visual aids and public address systems have been procured by UNDP for the implementing agencies.
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 38: INTERNATIONAL
INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS
Ch. 38: Brief summary of any particular UN System
response affecting this country/state:
See information provided under Chapter 37.
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 39: INTERNATIONAL LEGAL
INSTRUMENTS AND MECHANISMS
Ch. 39: International Legal Instruments are covered
under the relevant sectoral chapters. This is a listing of major
agreements/conventions (not already covered) entered into and
relevant to Agenda 21:
No information available.
|
2. | International cooperation and trade | |||||
3. | Combating poverty | |||||
4. | Changing consumption patterns | |||||
5. | Demographic dynamics and sustainability | |||||
6. | Human health | |||||
7. | Human settlements | |||||
8. | Integrating E & D in decision-making | |||||
9. | Protection of the atmosphere | |||||
10. | Integrated planning and management of land resources | |||||
11. | Combating deforestation | |||||
12. | Combating desertification and drought | |||||
13. | Sustainable mountain development | |||||
14. | Sustainable agriculture and rural development | |||||
15. | Conservation of biological diversity | |||||
16. | Biotechnology | |||||
17. | Oceans, seas, coastal areas and their living resources | |||||
18. | Freshwater resources | |||||
19. | Toxic chemicals | |||||
20. | Hazardous wastes | |||||
21. | Solid wastes | |||||
22. | Radioactive wastes | |||||
24. | Women in sustainable development | |||||
25. | Children and youth | |||||
26. | Indigenous people | |||||
27. | Non-governmental organizations | |||||
28. | Local authorities | |||||
29. | Workers and trade unions | |||||
30. | Business and industry | |||||
31. | Scientific and technological community | |||||
32. | Farmers | |||||
33. | Financial resources and mechanisms | |||||
34. | Technology, cooperation and capacity-building | |||||
35. | Science for sustainable development | |||||
36. | Education, public awareness and training | |||||
37. | International cooperation for capacity-building | |||||
38. | International institutional arrangements | |||||
39. | International legal instruments | |||||
40. | Information for decision-making |
Sustainable development requires intelligent environmental
decisions. Sound environmental decisions can only be made
with the help of timely, relevant and reliable information. Bearing
these facts in mind and, in line with recommendation
101 of the 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment as
well as the concern expressed at the UNCED in
1992, the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) as the
coordinating Agency for environmental issues in
Nigeria has taken concrete steps to facilitate the acquisition and
exchange of environmental information before and since
after the UNCED at Rio in 1992. Efforts of the Agency in this
regard include:
i. The establishment of a Data Management and Information Unit;
ii. The establishment of an environmental reference library;
iii. Nigeria's active participation in the UNEP/INFOTERRA
Network.
Data Management and Information Unit
The Data Management and Information Unit was established as one of
the major components of the World Bank assisted
Environmental Management Project in Nigeria. The project commenced
in 1992 shortly after the UNCED.
The Data Management and Information Unit is a network in which FEPA
as the cental node would be connected to other
sectoral nodes dealing with:forestry, natural resources, land and
water resources conservation.
Environmental Reference Library
In its efforts to provide the public with excellent and up-to-date
reading materials on environmental issues, the Agency
established an environmental reference Library at its Headquarters
in Abuja in 1994 in addition to the existing Library in
Lagos Office. The Headquarters Library are stocked mainly with. the
publications of the Agency and those from UNEP,
UNESCO and other global donor Agencies. The Library has 30 serial
publications, 33 FEPA publications and 2,!00
Monograph titles. The Library is currently being expanded and
computerized under the World Bank Assisted
Environmental Management Project in Nigeria The facility is being
consulted from various Government Agencies,
Universities, the private sector and individual consultants all
over Nigeria.
Infoterra Services
As part of its efforts to encourage information exchange on the
environment, FEPA continues to be an active member of
INFOTERRA. INFOTERRA is the global environmental information
exchange network with National Focal Point in 174
Countries coordinated by UNEP. Nigeria joined the network in
1974.
To date the Agency has forwarded to UNEP 25 local sources of
environmental information for inclusion in the
International Directory of sources. Additional 35 sources have been
identified for registration while a national directory of
sources is being compiled for publication. Also, plans are underway
to establish sub-focal points in Environmental
Protection Agencies in the 36 States of the Federation and the
Federal Capital Territory. FEPA is also consulting with
UNEP/INFOTERRA on the possibility of establishing an INFOTERRA
Regional Service Centre for the Anglophone West
African Countries in Nigeria.
As part of this programme, the Ministry of Science and Technology
has established a 3-tier (Federal, State, Local
Government) linkage for disseminating timely technical data for
decision-making applicable to the setting up of cottage,
small and medium scale industries. In addition, the Ministry is in
the process of establishing a wide area network to link
all the Research Institutes for the purpose of information exchange
and to facilitate institutional linkages.
FUTURE PLANS FOR MANAGING ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Justification A wealth of information that could be used for the management of sustainable development are available with various organizations and individuals in Nigeria.
However, many people, including decision makers have difficulties in finding the information they need, when they need it and in formats that are useful to them. The existing environmental information is yet to be adequately managed due to shortages of needed technology and trained specialists, lack of awareness of the value and availability of such information and the narrow demands of data collecting individuals and organizations.
There is also a need for different types of information. Commonly used indicators such as GNP and measurements of individual resource or pollution flows do not provide enough information about sustainability.
Strategy
1. By 1998, establish a functional data management and information systems capable of managing environmental trends over time; 2. By 1999, develop a baseline database on the state of urban air, freshwater, forests and rangelands, desertification, soil degradation, biodiversity, industrial pollution, oil pollution; 3. Monitor the state of the Nigerian environment on a continuous basis and publish regular bulletins to guide policy formulation and decision-making processes; 4. Acquire and/or seek necessary assistance for direct access to information systems such as data from satellites; 5, Create greater harmonization among different environmental data gathering organizations; 6. Develop inter-sectoral framework and infrastructure for sharing of data, expertise and resources on environmental information; 7. Promote standardization of data formats, and minimize and/or eliminate duplication of efforts in environmental information management; 8. Develop an information access and use policy, including copy-right issues for environmental information; 9. Develop a core of indigenous professionals for the efficient management of Geographical Information Systems and other spatial information technologies. |
Latest 199- | ||||
Number of telephones in use per 100 inhabitants | ||||
Other data
|
Copyright © United Nations
Department of Economic and Social Affairs
Comments and suggestions: esa@un.org
1 November 1997