Abuja: Stakeholders in Nigeria’s environmental sector have called for the adoption of real-time data and low-cost technology to strengthen environmental governance, climate action, accountability, and evidence-based policymaking across communities and institutions nationwide.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the call was made during a National Stakeholder Discussion organized by the Media Awareness and Justice Initiative (MAJI) under its Strengthening Data for Climate Action in Nigeria project. The event in Abuja was organized in collaboration with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) and supported by the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF), bringing together government agencies, civil society groups, and environmental experts.
The Executive Coordinator of MAJI, Mr. Onyekachi Okoro, emphasized that the initiative aims to bridge existing gaps in environmental governance through technology-driven monitoring and data collection systems. He highlighted the environmental degradation in the Niger Delta, exacerbated by oil spills, gas flaring, and pollution, with climate change further worsening conditions such as flooding and ecosystem loss.
Okoro noted the lack of credible environmental data hampers the ability of government agencies, journalists, civil society organizations, and communities to effectively address environmental challenges. The project introduced low-cost, real-time air quality monitoring devices in environmentally vulnerable communities across Rivers, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom states to gather reliable environmental data.
Information from the sensors is transmitted remotely to the organization’s DataCab online portal, where it is analyzed and presented in visual and infographic formats for stakeholders. Okoro stressed the importance of real-time data in providing a platform for accountability, inclusion, and policy development, ensuring data-oriented strategies in environmental governance.
MAJI has organized capacity-building programs on data analysis, reporting, and utilization for journalists, civil society organizations, government environmental agencies, and community actors across the Niger Delta. The initiative has also engaged regulatory agencies, organized radio awareness campaigns, and promoted partnerships to improve environmental monitoring and governance.
The coordinator expressed gratitude to the United Nations Democracy Fund and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung for their support and called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, development partners, and civil society organizations. He presented an air-quality monitoring device to government representatives, explaining its role in collecting environmental information for public use.
Mrs. Chioma Amadi, the National Desk Officer of the Nigerian Climate Change Council (NCCC), highlighted the significance of credible data in supporting climate commitments and policies. She stressed the need for improved technology deployment and capacity building to enhance civic participation and strengthen transparency, accountability, and decision-making in climate governance.
Ms. Ngozi Nwodo from the Environmental Quality Control Department of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) stated that the agency is enhancing technological capacity and manpower to improve environmental data collection and utilization. NESREA remains committed to strengthening regulatory enforcement and environmental management systems.
Mr. Mohammed Gumsuri, Assistant Director of the Oil Field Assessment Department at the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), described data as the foundation of regulation. He revealed that NOSDRA had established a remote sensing and detection team to monitor satellite imagery and identify pollution incidents, particularly unreported oil spills.
Government stakeholders unanimously emphasized the importance of collaboration among government agencies, civil society organizations, and development partners in achieving effective environmental governance and climate resilience. They called for stronger partnerships involving NOSDRA, NESREA, NCCC, and the Federal Ministry of Environment, among others.