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Climate Change: Delivering Objectives Of Act 2021 Without “Humongous Bureaucracy”

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Climate Change

Climate Change: Delivering Objectives Of Act 2021 Without “Humongous Bureaucracy”

By Mardiyyah Omikunle

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Climate Change

 

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Recent moves by President Buhari to implement Climate Change Act 2021, Nigeria’s framework law to deliver green growth for sustainable economic development, are rubbing against bureaucratic infighting over the form and composition of the implementing mechanism the National Climate Change Council (NCCC) and its secretariat. The NCCC is chaired by the President with broad participation from government and civil society, and is supported by a Secretariat headed by a Director General who is recommended by NCCC and appointed by the President. Because the NCCC is chaired by the President and Vice President and located within the presidency, it signals to the world that Nigeria is taking a whole-of-Government approach to low carbon development and is not merely delegating the issue to a line ministry. Recent pronouncements by the Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi, questioned both the ‘humongous bureaucracy’ CCA created and the composition of the NCCC. Such doubts as COP 27 approaches, may be misinterpreted as sending mixed signals to development partners interested in supporting Nigeria’s energy transition.

Recently, the Minister vented his frustration at the unwieldy ‘humongous bureaucracy” of “state and zonal directors” in the NCCC’s secretariat. He went further adding that “membership of the council also inadvertently takes out commissioners of environment as members of the Climate Change Council. The secretariat has no directorates to support functions of the director-general, no transitional provisions in relation to functions of the department of climate change and the Climate Change Council.” The minister then announced that he had set up a technical review committee within the Ministry of Environment to initiate “amendments of the Act”.

 

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An internal ministry of environment technical review committee to amend the Act is the classic bureaucratic response to a bureaucratic problem. The Act’s implementing structure appear designed to avoid capture by a single ministry and be nimble enough to respond to reform priorities across ministries departments and agencies and between the levels of government. While this may have drawbacks, the more pertinent question relating to structure and institutional transition is whether the NCCC and the secretariat can provide the framework for sustainable economic development achieved through low carbon means to occur across government and society. Here, the ministry of environment has specific inputs to make the climate diagnosis. The treatment plan or cure is actually provided by other stakeholders responsible for the policies, technologies and societal changes that make sustainable economic growth a reality. The treatment aspects of the CCA’s objectives and NCCC’s mandate involve inputs primarily from other agencies such as the petroleum, power, transport, water, works and housing sectors among others. The CCA and NCCC thus require a whole-of-government review, and not just a ministry of environment technical review.

While, the Minister and the ministry are understandably territorial about the CCA and NCCC, the NCCC is unlike other councils or committees superintending particular sectors as with say communications with the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC). The NCCC and its secretariat are crosscutting institutions that resemble the defunct Office of the Senior-Special-Assistant to the President on Millennium-Development-Goals (OSSAP-MDGs) and the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE). The BPE as secretariat to the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) closely resembles the NCCC and its secretariat. Both OSSAP-MDGs and BPE were created within the Presidency and operated on a whole-of-government premise rather than being hived-off from a parent-ministry – a kind of prodigal children as the Minister seems to think the NCCC and secretariat are.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is worth mentioning that the pioneering Director-Generals or leaders of both OSSAP-MDGs and BPE had successful non-civil service professional and managerial careers and brought that private sector drive, energy, can-do spirit and organisational discipline to the new institution. They also possessed the requisite stakeholder management skills to navigate social and political interests across all levels of government. This does raise questions, given the vast all-encompassing and existential challenge climate change poses, whether the Minister sees the proverbial forest from the ministerial tree.

Seeing the forest from the ministerial tree generates the perspective needed to discern the internal inconsistencies in the Minister’s position. As it is difficult to reconcile the minister’s criticism of the CCA with his proud announcement, in the same breathe, “that just last week, Mr. President appointed the pioneer director-general of the National Climate Change Council.” If the deficiencies in the Act can prompt the minister to review and recommend amendments, why then announce the appointment of a Director-General when the CCA expressly says that such an appointment can only be made after the NCCC recommends a Director-General to the President? Such an appointment and announcement fits squarely into the problems the CCA has that the technical review committee should have also reviewed. It is even more irregular when the appointment is announced by the minister or the ministry rather than the Presidency, which usually announces such appointments. It is unclear whether the appointment has been announced by the President or presidency at all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These irregularities and inconsistencies will not have gone unnoticed by the international community, private sector investors and interested parties to Nigeria’s climate change objectives.

In the end raising issues about the CCA while making unconfirmed pronouncements on staffing this close to the 27th Conference of Parties (COP 27) in November in Egypt sends the signal that Nigeria is not ready politically, institutionally or policy-wise to receive the investment required to transition to a low carbon economy. This ultimately defeats the very objectives of the CCA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If Nigeria is to achieve the objectives in the CCA, the Minister and Ministry of Environment will need to play their indispensable part by not going it alone, but by being in lock step with the entire government and people of Nigeria. We all go farther on the road to net zero when we go together.

Mardiyyah Omikunle, specialises in Energy Law and Climate Change, she writes from Lagos.

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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HOW TO MAKE MONEY FROM THE INSUFFICIENT HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

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HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

HOW TO MAKE MONEY FROM THE INSUFFICIENT HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

BY DENNNIS ISONG

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HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

SHELTER which is housing is an indicator of being successful in Nigeria whether built or rented. However, a built one with your money is the height of success that appeals to people’s mentality. The shelter cannot be brushed aside as it is part of how we survive. As such, it’s a crucial and basic human need alongside food and clothing.

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Housing is an important sector that must be given rapt attention as it typically improves the economic growth of a country.

 

 

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However, Nigeria has been lagging in providing an affordable housing plan to a majority of Nigerians. It’s quite difficult for the middle class to afford to buy/build a house. However, they are still trying to do something. Unfortunately, it’s a hopeless journey for the lower class.

Nigeria, a highly-populated country in Africa with over 48% of its people living in the urban centers has less than 10% of available land areas to live in.

 

 

 

Yearly, about 4% of the population migrate to towns and cities to struggle for a better life. What does this mean? There’s a continual need for housing, I mean, where would these people call shelter?

The housing deficit in Nigeria has caused the available ones to skyrocket rent prices up to 60% of annual income, meanwhile, the United Nations recommended 20-30%.

 

However, this issue can be eradicated. Nigeria isn’t the only country suffering from this, developed countries are affected likewise.

WHY DO WE HAVE THESE PROBLEMS?
So many factors are responsible for the housing deficit in Nigeria.
They are;

1.Poverty

Poverty is a disease eating up the country. People can either afford to do something or not. There is barely a middle ground. Affordability is relative. Houses considered affordable may be extremely expensive to some. It’s quite difficult coming to the middle ground in a country where poverty has eaten deep into.

2. Limited access to finance

Not everyone has the finance for housing in Nigeria. A vast population of Nigerians is just trying to make it work with their limited income. That’s why you see abandoned projects almost everywhere. Some people give it a try but end up losing interest when it becomes overwhelming and there’s no feasible way out in sight.

 

 

 

3. Overpopulation in urban centers caused by rural-urban migration

Especially in the urban centers, this might be hard to deal with considering the continuous increase in people migrating day in, and day out. In this kind of situation, the need for housing is paramount and no matter how many available houses are, it can’t be enough. I want to believe this is a good business for anyone interested in the real estate business and who has the money. You already have a field day.

4. High cost of building materials

Incessant inflation and the rise in the dollar keep affecting the cost of building materials. Quotations hardly work now because there’s always going to be an increase in the labor market.

 

 

 

 

 

This is quite discouraging, especially for Nigerians who are still trying to put together money from their income to consider housing projects.

Cement prices in Nigeria are also reportedly about 30-40% higher compared to neighboring countries or the world market prices.

How then is it possible to have a great housing scheme in a country like Nigeria?

5. Inadequate or absence of infrastructural facilities

Infrastructural facilities such as electricity, water, good roads, and good drainage systems are heavily lacking or inadequate. This is not encouraging for the private sector to want to dive into housing provision.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although, times are changing, most especially, in the urban centers. At least, there’s a level of infrastructural facilities there. Rural areas are so much at the receiving end because of this absolute lack of infrastructural facilities, so, whatever private sectors want to do stays within the urban areas.

With all these, if you are considering focusing on providing housing as your real estate business, then you have the floor. Nigeria is lacking in the aspect of housing development meanwhile, the population keeps rising each day.

The main agenda is urbanization which has made thousands of people focus on towns and cities they believe can benefit them. This massive migration has put a stall on the availability of houses. So, it’s a great idea if you can get this on board.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There may be affordability problems, however, people are doing all they can to have a roof over their heads. Please note, that this is a business that requires a lot of money to get together.
My Name is Dennis Isong and I am a Real Estate Professional.I have a GIFT for YOU. Before you buy any property in Nigeria read this Real Estate Guide.CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO DOWNLOAD FOR FREE https://landproperty.ng/free

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WHY YOU SHOULD FOCUS ON BUYING A HOME

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How to Avoid Your Property from Being Demolished or Collapsing by Dennis Isong 

WHY YOU SHOULD FOCUS ON BUYING A HOME

BY DENNIS ISONG

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BUYING A HOME

 

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Martins had lived in rented apartments at different times before making up his mind to own a home.

All his experiences weren’t pleasant. He had lived with lousy people, dirty people, criminals, etc. the last straw that broke the Camel’s back was when he had a fight with the landlord due to prepaid meter payment.

 

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He had bought a freezer then, so the landlord said he dared not use it because they always had to buy light. Mind you, the landlord had every form of home appliance you could think of, yet, he insisted that Martins must do away with the freezer.

Initially, Martins thought it was a joke until the landlord began to make life a living hell for him. It got to a point where Martins had to get him arrested.

 

 

At the end of the day, Martins bought a home out of frustration which he paid by installment.

Buying or renting a home has so many diverse views from people. Each person’s opinion of it largely depends on experience. Both options are not bad, however, owning a home saves you a lot of problems. Forget the soothing idea that you are now a landlord/lady, many benefits come with it.

 

 

Renting is an agreement where a payment is made to the owner of the house (landlord) to reside for an agreed period. Some people consider renting a waste of money which is untrue.

Before you buy a home, you have somewhere to shelter in the meantime. It becomes a waste of money if you have the finances to buy a home, yet, you are not giving it some consideration.

 

 

Renting has its advantages and downsides. A few of the downsides are unexpected increases, living with toxic people or homeowners, and having to live with unpleasant instances. That’s why you need to consider buying a home. These things are avoidable only if you are in your home.

It’s a great financial decision. There are so many benefits that come with it such as security, peace of mind, fewer worries about co-tenants, privacy, you have your space without having to share, etc.

 

 

WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BUYING A HOME

1. Buying a home is a long-term investment

Renting a home requires continuous payment to maintain the place either monthly or yearly. You are at the risk of an exorbitant increase that leaves your incoshookken which you can’t avoid than pay if you still want to live in the house.
Homeownership is a permanent asset that doesn’t require being scared of any increase coming from anyone. Meanwhile, it appreciates over time.

2. Rent continues to increase

The fear of rent increase is the beginning of wisdom. Rent increase is a common thing in Nigeria, unfortunately, it’s not an event you can fight. It’s either you pay or move out so that someone that can pay can move in. With your home, this can’t happen. All you need to do is maintain it.

 

 

3. You feel secured

There’s worthwhile security with homeownership. Unlike a rented apartment, the Landlord might just wake up one day and serve everyone quit notice unprovoked or sell the house. And when this happens, you would start trying to look for a way to find another house. Owning a home takes away the fear of being evicted unexpectedly.

4. It’s your home, you call the shots

There’s a level to what you can do in a rented home and whatever alteration you want to do needs to be permitted by the landlord first before you can do anything. It’s his house, he has the exclusive rights to it. You can’t change a particular thing (major adjustments) without asking for a go-ahead from him/her.

 

 

5. Homeownership comes with sustainability

Having a home helps in sustaining your financial gains and income. You can easily plan how /where to divert your income unlike when a large chunk of it used to go for rent which you even have to be careful of spending because you are expecting an increase. Apart from rent, other unforeseen circumstances need to be considered. Renting a home eats deeper into your income than having your home. If you feel it isn’t, pick a pen and paper and calculate all you have had to spend on your rental home since the beginning of the year.

Meanwhile, we consider that not everyone can afford to buy a home at once, that’s why installment plans are common with property vendors these days. There’s nothing that’s not possible. Even with your income, owning a home is doable. Just try to focus on planning!

 

 

My Name is Dennis Isong and I am a Real Estate Professional.I have a GIFT for YOU. Before you buy any property in Nigeria read this Real Estate Guide.CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO DOWNLOAD FOR FREE https://landproperty.ng/free

 

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HOW TO AVOID OMO-ONILE TROUBLES IN LAGOS

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OMO-ONILE

HOW TO AVOID OMO-ONILE TROUBLES IN LAGOS

BY DENNIS ISONG

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OMO-ONILE

If you ask anyone that has bought or hoping to buy land in Lagos about their obstacles in buying such land, they would tell you about the fear of an encounter with omo-onile. Some people have vowed never to buy in Lagos again because of the bitter experience with these people. No matter where you hope to buy land in Lagos, you are highly likely to have an encounter with them.

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Who then are the omo-oniles?

 

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Omo-oniles are people who claim ownership of land. A land can belong to a family, someone sells it and gives you its papers. Then, other members of the family get wind of it and instead of fighting the seller, they decide to harass you. And if care is not taken, you may end up paying for and multiple times because they just keep showing up.

 

Omo-onile are not calm people you can take with leniency. They can be a big bone in your throat. You have to stand firm and serious if you don’t want your land property taken away from you.

 

 

 

 

 

Buying land is not that simple -it involves a lot. This omo-onile may sell to multiple people, thereby causing serious trouble. And if you are not the type that likes while you may end up leaving that land out of frustration.

 

Alhaji Dauda, for the past 6 years is still having issues with them. Alhaji is a very tough man and the more they give him troubles, the more he is bent on not leaving the land. It even got to the point of going diabolical, yet, he didn’t budge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

One thing about other mo-online groups is that prevention is better than cure. Avoid them as much as you can and how you do this, I will highlight them in this article.

 

 

 

  1. You need a property Lawyer

 

Not all Lawyers can handle this for you, that’s why you need a Lawyer who specializes in property Law. He/she will be able to handle it properly based on professionalism and experience.

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Go to the site with the land surveyor and your lawyer

 

A land surveyor should:

 

-Read the coordinate of the plot with his GPS (Global Positioning System) and other instruments

-Compare the coordinate readings with the ones in the land survey if there is a copy already.

If it corresponds, then your lawyer/agent should go to Alausa with a copy to find out if the land is under Government acquisition or not. The response from Alausa will determine if you should move to the next stage or not.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Your Lawyer sees to proper paperwork

 

 

These papers are important to be properly done:

-The land surveys

-Deeds of Assignment

-Land receipt

-Certificate of Occupancy

-Government consent should be prepared.

When an omo-onile sees a Lawyer who knows her onion, they are hesitant to mess up, so they comply level-headed. Your Lawyer will organize a meeting between you and representatives of omo-one and all families involved in the said land transaction and make sure they append their signatures for proper documentation. You can go ahead with developing your land because after all these are achieved, it means that your property is safe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Your Lawyer comes in again by negotiating a settlement with the omo-one of that neighborhood.

 

Each stage of development might involve the interference of omo-onile. That is why your Lawyer should meet them for negotiation before you start development at all just to avoid waste of materials because they could beat and harass your workers on site and that’s entirely a major issue.

 

If the news spreads, site workers may be unwilling to work on your site even if it’s all settled. Now, another issue is that if anyone is killed or maimed in the process of chaos, this issue might drain you for years because definitely, it will end up in court.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile, you should also put into consideration the “Community Development Association.” You don’t want to keep having issues with these people because having so much trouble with them may end up extending your project to the stage of getting tempted to abandon it. so, it’s advisable that your Lawyer meets them ahead and discusses and negotiates a settlement.

 

Once this is done and the original receipt is given, you don’t have any problem going forward. Then your project will certainly move on smoothly without any interference/ disruption and will be completed within the stipulated time frame.

 

 

 

 

 

My Name is Dennis Isong and I am a Real Estate Professional.I have a GIFT for YOU. Before you buy any property in Nigeria read this Real Estate Guide.CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO  DOWNLOAD  FOR FREE  https://landproperty.ng/free

 

 

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