A TECHNICAL REPORT ON THE STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK

EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES) TRAINING PROGRAMME

CARRIED OUT AT

EDO STATE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY, SAPELE

ROAD, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE.

BY

OGBEIDE JACOB OSEGHALE

LSC2006686

DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY,

FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES,
UNIVERSITY OF BENIN,
BENIN CITY, EDO STATE.

JANUARY-APRIL 2024

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 CERTIFICATION

This is to certify that OGBEIDE JACOB OSEGHALE, a student of the department of

Animal and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin carried out his
four months industrial training at Edo State Ministry of Environment And Sustainability, Sapele
Road, Benin City, Edo State.

Mr. Kenneth Woghiren Date

Industrial Training Supervisor

Mrs. Blessing Egharevba Date

Director, Dept. of Environmental
Assessment & Climate Change

Dr. Nosakhare Erhunmwense Date

I.T. Coordinator

Prof. Michael Omoigberale Date

Head of Department (AEB)

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 DEDICATION

First of all, I want to dedicate this report to the Almighty God whose I am and whom I serve. I
also want to dedicate this work to my family for their financial and moral support and for
encouraging me the time I needed them the most.

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 ACKNOWLEDEMENT

My industrial training would not have been possible without the efforts of many people. I
express my profound gratitude first to my parents, whose advice and support has helped
guarantee a successful completion of my Industrial Training.
I also appreciate the best cooperative colleagues and friends Victoria, Osasere, Happiness,
Stephanie and Roseline. Their refreshing companionship made my period of Industrial Training.
Also, I appreciate my Director Mrs. Blessing Egharevba, my Industry Training Supervisors Mr.
Kenneth Woghiren, Mr. Solomon, Mr. Paul, Mr. Elvis and Mr. Harrison. I sincerely appreciate
all for the personal efforts made to ensure am equipped with the most relevant knowledge, skills
& practices.

ABSTRACT

Student Industrial work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is a program designed for students of
Tertiary/ Higher Institutions for them to have occupational knowledge that would supplement

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their theoretical learning. This report is a work done at the Edo State Ministry of Environment
and Sustainability, Sapele road, Benin City.

Contained in this report is the background information of the Student Industrial Work Experience
Scheme (SIWES), and the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability where the program was
undertaken. The description of work carried out include lectures on environmental impact
assessment procedures, compliance monitoring and enforcement exercises, environmental impact
assessment n Nigeria etc.

Also, outlined in this report is a description of some important instruments for analysis of various
parameters in the environment including biological oxygen demand, water purity, soil PH, noise
pollution, air quality, heavy metals, soil etc. Information on various visits to some firms for
knowledge gleaning and inspection purposes was also given in this summary. In conclusion,
useful recommendations were made to the Ministry.

TABLE OF CONTENT

CONTENTS PAGES

• Cover page. 1
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• Certification 2

• Dedication 3

• Acknowledgement 4

• Abstract 5

• Table of content 6

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction

1.1 About SIWES

1.2 Main aims and objectives of SIWES.

1.3 Brief history on the Edo state Ministry of Environment and Sustainability

1.4 The Ministry’s Vision, Mission, Mandate and Key functions.

1.5 Organizational Structure of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability.

1.6 Key Activities and Responsibilities of each Department.

1.7 Department of Primary Assignment.

1.8 Functions of the Department.

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 Lecture Series

2.1 Climate Change

2.2 Causes and Effects of Climate Change 2.3

Adaptation and Mitigation of Climate Change.

2.4 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

2.5 Health Impact Assessment (HIA).

2.6 Environmental Management Plan (EMP)

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 CHAPTER THREE

3.1 Instrumentation in the Laboratory

CHAPTER FOUR

4.1 Field Work and Experience

CHAPTER FIVE

5.1 Challenges Encountered

5.2 Recommendation

5.3 Conclusion.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The Industrial Training Programme is a very useful program that prepares students for the future.

The Experience and knowledge I acquired during the course of the programme exposed me to

various issues and factors in the environment and measures employed to address them. It further

opened my eyes to lucrative career opportunities present in the environment sector.

1.1 ABOUT SIWES

SIWES - the students Industrial Work Experience Scheme stands out as one ITF programmes

and its importance to students in various areas of vocational education need be appreciated. ITF

in 1973/1974 established SIWES to make sure the acquisition of appropriate industrial work

experience by university, polytechnics and college of education students whose course are

directly related to industry and to solve the problem of lack of adequate practical skills

preparatory for employment in industries by Nigerian graduates of tertiary institution. SIWES is

a cooperative internship programme, which permit students of technology to spend some part of

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their course for relevant on-the job training practical experience in proper areas of the Nigerian

industry. The internship programme, SIWES, can thus be seen as that which is intended to give

Nigerian students studying, occupationally related courses experience that would supplement

their theoretical learning. E-SIWES since commencement the ITF has strenuously administered

the scheme manually with the growing number of institutions and ever increasing populations of

students who are qualified to participate. It is almost impossible to run a hitch-free administration

of the scheme manually.

1.2 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF SIWES

The objectives of SIWES among others include:

 Prepare the students for a business career by merging their analytical power with selfreliance.
 Provide student with an opportunity to apply their knowledge in real work situation thereby
bridging the gap between theory and practices.
 Enlist and strengthen employer’s involvement in the entire educational process of preparing
student for employment in industry.
 Expose and prepare students for industrial work situation they are likely to meet after
graduation.
 Expose student to work methods and techniques in handling equipment and machinery that
may not be available in the educational institution.
 Provide an avenue for students in institution of higher learning to acquire industrial skills and
experience in their approved course of study (Information and guidelines for SIWES, 2002).

1.2.1 BODIES INVOLVED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SIWES

The bodies involve are: Federal Government, Industrial Training Fund (ITF), other
supervising agencies are: National University Commission (NUC), National Board of
Technical Education (NBTE), Nation Council for Colleges of Education (NCCE). The
functions of the agencies above include the following:

 Ensure SIWES and accredit SIWES unit in the approved institution.

 Ensure adequate funding of the scheme.

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 Formulate policies and guidelines for participating bodies and institutions as well as
appointing SIWES coordinator and supporting staff.

 Supervise student at their place of attachment and sign their log-book and ITF forms.

 Ensure payment of allowances for student and supervisors.

 Vet and process student log-book and forward same to ITF area office.

Hence, the success of the SIWES depend on the efficiency of the Ministries, ITF,
Institutions, employers of labour and general public involved in articulation and
management of the programme. Therefore, the evaluation of SIWES in Tertiary
Institutions in meeting up with the need of the establishment of the programme is
necessary.

1.2.2 BENEFITS OF SIWES

Alabi (2009) assert that SIWES programme affords student the following opportunities:
 Appreciate work method and gain experience in handling equipment and machinery which
may not be available in our institution.
 Bridge the gap between the knowledge acquired in institutions and the relevant production
skills required in work organizations.
 Blend theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom with practical hands-on application of
knowledge.
 Appreciate the connection between their courses of study and other related disciplines in the
production of goods and services.
 Enhance students’ contacts with potential employers while on training.
 Develop and enhance personal attributes such as critical thinking, creativity, initiative,
resourcefulness leadership, time management, presentation skills and interpersonal skills.
 Appreciate the role of professions in their various fields as the creators of change and wealth
and indispensable contributors to growing the economy and national development.

Ekpenyong (2008) stated that SIWES provided an avenue for assessing participating students

both as students and as prospective employees where defect are found in a student’s job

performance or attitude to work, he/she through proper supervision guided to correct such defect

prior to taking up permanent employment. In addition to the above benefit, SIWES also provided
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students the opportunity to work in one or more area of industry and this will enable them to

relate their theoretical knowledge to the practical work situation, which is a realistic way of

determining the relevance of theory to practice.

1.3 HISTORY OF THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY

The history of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability can be traced back to the days of

EDSEPA (Edo State Environmental Protection Agency) 1999. It was later changed to the

Ministry of Environment and Solid minerals in April, 2000, then the Ministry of Environment

and Transport in 2007. In 2009, it was rebranded the Ministry of Environment and Public

Utilities.

At the inception of this present Administration of His Excellency, Godwin N. Obaseki in 2017,

the name of the Ministry was further changed to Ministry of Environment & Sustainability. This

has been done with a strong belief that issues concerning the Environment must be kept

sustainable in line with International best practices. Perhaps, it should also be emphasized that it

was in regard of this importance that Environmental Sustainability is a lone Pillar of the six (6)

thematic Pillars of this Administration.

The Ministry is a regulatory body saddled with the responsibility of managing the Environment

on behalf of the State Government. In managing the Environment, the Ministry tackles all

Environmental problems ranging from Flood and Erosion Control, Forest Management and

Regeneration, depletion and degradation and general Environmental and Waste Management

issues.

The above Environmental problems are tackled by the following Departments in the Ministry;

 Flood and Erosion Control

 Forest Management and Conservation

 Environmental Sanitation and Safety Services

 Department of Administration and Supplies and

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 Department of Finance and Accounts

In addition to its core functions, the Ministry exercises supervisory roles over several parastatals,

including:

 Edo State Waste Management Board (EWMB).

 Edo State Flood and Erosion Watershed Management Agency.

 Edo State Forestry Commission.

 Edo State Parks and Gardens Agency.

 Edo State Signage and Advertisement Agency.

1.4 THE MINISTRY’S VISION, MISSION, MANDATE AND KEY FUNCTIONS

The Ministry of Environment and sustainability was established on several core pillars: its vision,

mission and mandate. The Ministry also serve various functions and play several key roles in the

sustainability of our Environment.

The Vision

The Vision of the Ministry is to build a sustainable environment that engenders economic

prosperity and productive livelihood.

The Mission

The Mission of the Ministry is to provide services and efficient management of natural resources

for a safe, clean, beautiful and green environment.

The Ministry’s Mandate

The Mandate of the Edo State Ministry of Environment is to;

 Develop standards for resolving Flooding and erosion problems, degradation, reclamation,

regulate waste management and general sanitation in the State

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 Source funding for Forestry activities and conduct regulatory oversight on forest

management, regeneration and degradation

 Resolve Emerging Environmental problems and Monitor Climate Change issues and proffer

solutions

 Create designs for Green and Clean Environment

 Supervise effluent, pollution control and management

 Facilitate and regulate Laboratory Services

The Ministry’s Key Functions

 Enforce compliance with laws, guidelines, policies and standards on water quality,

environmental health and sanitation, including pollution abatement.

 Coordinate and liaise with stakeholders on matters of environmental standards,

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), regulations and enforcement

 Ensure environmental projects funded by donor organizations and external support agencies

adhere to regulations in environmental safety and protection.

 Create public awareness and provide education on sustainable environmental management

and promote private sector compliance with environmental regulations

 Conduct environmental audit and establish data bank on regulatory and enforcement

mechanisms of environmental standards in Edo State

 Accredit and Monitor the activities of Environmental consultants/fumigation agents

 Coordinate the State Climate Change Action Plan and implementation of adaptation activities

on climate change impacts as well as ensure the creation of a policy on climate change in Edo

State

 Participate in EIA site verification, data gathering exercises on proposed project site and

attending EIA panel review meetings

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 Supervise Waste Management Board (ESWMB), Signage & Advertisement Agency

(EDSAA), FEWMA, Flood and erosion control and Forestry Commission

 Promote Green and Clean Environment including beautification of Public spaces through

Parks and Garden development

1.6 ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE OF EDO STATE MINISTRY OF

ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY

Being a State-owned Establishment, the Edo State Ministry of Environment and Sustainability

has a thorough and brief organizational structure with the Permanent secretary at the summit in

control

of the activities of the Ministry.

The Ministry’s Organogram

1.7 DEPARTMENTS IN THE MINISTRY AND THEIR KEY RESPONSIBILITES.

The Edo State Ministry of Environment and Sustainability is divided into Four (4) Departments

Namely:

 Department of Shared Services

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 Department of Policy, Planning, Research and Statistics.

 Department of Environmental Assessment and Climate Change.

 Department of Monitoring, Enforcement and Compliance.

These Departments consist of other sections or units. The functions of some departments and

units are outlined below.

A. SHARED SERVICES

 Develop, implement and monitor HR and Administration strategies and initiatives across the

organization aligned with the overall Ministry strategy and mandate

 Maintain and update the Ministry database, organizes a filing system for important and

confidential company document.

 Coordinate the proper administration of all procurement, contract or registration, appropriate

pricing and timely delivery of goods and services.

 Formulate and administer the Ministry’s overall financial plans and policies and oversee all

finance and accounting activities such as budgeting, forecasting, account reconciliation and

deficit and surplus reporting.

 Drive the initiative for ICT driven administration, by so doing, ensuring that staff are

sufficiently computer literates and have uninterrupted access to internet connectivity.

B. POLICY, PLANNING, RESEARCH & STATISTICS

 Monitor macroeconomic and relevant trends, analyze their implications on EDSG strategic

direction and operations and identify opportunities

 Manage the articulation of EDSG long-term strategic direction including the preparation of

annual strategy document

 Coordinate the development of annual strategic plan including specific performance goals

and objectives at the EDSG, ministry, departmental and divisional levels as part of the

annual planning and budget preparation process

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 Manage the development and implementation of scorecard/KPI’s and facilitate monthly

performance review meetings including preparation of performance report for monthly and

quarterly review meetings

C. FLOOD AND EROSION CONTROL

 Develop storm water and drainage master plan for the state.

 Ensure free flow of floodwater Design and construct storm water drainage structures in line

with approved designed plan.

 Elimination of flooding and erosion in flood prone areas.

 Control flooding and erosion all over the state.

 Rehabilitate blocked drains in urban centres.

D. FORESTRY COMMISSION

Forestry Conservation and Regeneration

 Forest policy and programme formulation.

 Conservation of the forest estate.

 Identification of HCV and HCSV areas to enhance management of the forestland.

 Regeneration of degraded and deforested areas.

 Enforcement of the forestry laws and regulations in order to checkmate all forms of illegal

activities within and around the forest estate.

 Carry out routine patrol activities in order to block revenue leakage.

Forestry Management and Utilization 

Forest policy and programme formulation.

 Forest exploitation management/regulation.

 Management of areas invaded by cocoa migrant farmers.

 Management of areas under de-reservation.

 Inventory of forest estate, demarcation and mapping of the forestland.

 Maintenance and proper delineation of forest reserve boundaries.

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 Management of invasive aquatic weeds/plants.

 Permit and licensing issuance of forest exploitation equipment.

1.6 DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY ASSIGNMENT

I was posted to work with the Department of Environmental Assessment and Climate Change.

The mandate of the department is to provide adequate mitigation measures on the various

identified negative environmental impact as well as ensure adoption and implementation of the

developed environmental solution by companies/industries/facilities.

1.7 FUNCTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT

The department is saddled with the following responsibilities:

 Accreditation of Environmental Consultants, pest and vector control agent.

 Evaluation of Discharge Monitoring Report and Environmental Audit Report from industries.

 Supervise and monitor Environmental Data Gathering Exercise conducted by Environmental

Consultants right from sample collection to Laboratory analysis.

 Collaborate with Federal Ministry of Environment (FMENV) in the Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA) process which start from EIA site verification, data gathering and impact

mitigation monitoring exercise.

 Monitoring of industries and companies to determine the level of compliance to

environmental standard.

 Collaborate with National Oil Spill Detection Response Agency (NOSDRA) on oil spill

investigation.

 Review of EIA documents and attend EIA panel review meeting with the FMENV.

 Issuance of Environmental permit. ix. Collaborating with FMENV on climate change issues.

 Inventory on Green House Gases sources.

 Climate change awareness, education and publicity.

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 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LECTURE SERIES

At the Department of Environmental Assessment and Climate Change, we were assigned to some

supervisors, experts in their fields. We received lectures on Climate Change and Environmental

Impact Assessment. Below are some of the lectures given.

2.1 CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change is a long-term change in the average weather patterns that have come to define

Earth’s local, regional and global climates. These changes have a broad range of observed effects

that are synonymous with the term. It refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather

patterns. Such shifts can be natural, due to changes in the sun’s activity or large volcanic

eruptions. This changes have been observed over the 20th century till date. They include

increases in global air and ocean temperature, rising global sea levels, long-term sustained

widespread reduction of snow and ice cover, and changes in atmospheric and ocean circulation

as well as regional weather patterns, which influence seasonal rainfall condition

The global climate continues to change rapidly compared to the pace of the natural variations in

climate that have occurred throughout Earth’s history. Trends in globally averaged temperature,

sea level rise, upper-ocean heat content, land-based ice melt, arctic sea ice, depth of seasonal

permafrost thaw, and other climate variables provide consistent evidence of a warming planet.

These observed trends are robust and confirmed by multiple, independent research groups around

the world. Earth’s climate is now changing faster than at any point in the known history of the

climate, primarily as a result of human activities. There is scientific consensus that unmitigated

carbon emissions will lead to global warming of at least several degrees Celsius by 2100,

resulting in high-impacts of local, regional and global risks to human society and natural

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ecosystems. Global climate change has already resulted in a wide range of impacts across every

region of the earth as well as many economic sectors.

Impacts related to climate change are evident across regions and in many sectors important to

society, such as human health, agriculture and food security, water supply, transportation,

energy, and biodiversity and ecosystems; impacts are expected to become increasingly disruptive

in the coming decades. There is very high confidence that the frequency and intensity of extreme

heat and heavy precipitation events are increasing in most continental regions of the world.

These trends are consistent with expected physical responses to a warming climate. The

frequency and intensity of extreme high temperature events are virtually certain to increase in the

future as global temperature increases. There is high confidence that extreme precipitation events

will very likely continue to increase in frequency and intensity throughout most of the world.

2.2 CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Causes of Climate Change

Fossil fuels – coal, oil and gas – are by far the largest contributor to global climate change,

accounting for over 75 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90 per cent of all

carbon dioxide emissions.

As greenhouse gas emissions blanket the Earth, they trap the sun’s heat. This leads to global

warming and climate change. The following are processes through which these emissions are

produced.

Generating power: Generating electricity and heat by burning fossil fuels causes a large chunk

of global emissions. Most electricity is still generated by burning coal, oil, or gas, which

produces carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide – powerful greenhouse gases that blanket the Earth

and trap the sun’s heat. Globally, a bit more than a quarter of electricity comes from wind, solar

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and other renewable sources which, as opposed to fossil fuels, emit little to no greenhouse gases

or pollutants into the air.

Manufacturing goods: Manufacturing and industry produce emissions, mostly from burning

fossil fuels to produce energy for making things like cement, iron, steel, electronics, plastics,

clothes, and other goods. Mining and other industrial processes also release gases, as does the

construction industry. Machines used in the manufacturing process often run on coal, oil, or gas;

and some materials, like plastics, are made from chemicals sourced from fossil fuels. The

manufacturing industry is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.

Cutting down forests: Cutting down forests to create farms or pastures, or for other reasons,

causes emissions, since trees, when they are cut, release the carbon they have been storing. Each

year approximately 12 million hectares of forest are destroyed. Since forests absorb carbon

dioxide, destroying them also limits nature’s ability to keep emissions out of the atmosphere.

Deforestation, together with agriculture and other land use changes, is responsible for roughly a

quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Using transportation: Most cars, trucks, ships, and planes run on fossil fuels. That makes

transportation a major contributor of greenhouse gases, especially carbon-dioxide emissions.

Road vehicles account for the largest part, due to the combustion of petroleum-based products,

like gasoline, in internal combustion engines. But emissions from ships and planes continue to

grow. Transport accounts for nearly one quarter of global energy-related carbon-dioxide

emissions. And trends point to a significant increase in energy use for transport over the coming

years.

Producing food: Producing food causes emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, and other

greenhouse gases in various ways, including through deforestation and clearing of land for

agriculture and grazing, digestion by cows and sheep, the production and use of fertilizers and

manure for growing crops, and the use of energy to run farm equipment or fishing boats, usually
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with fossil fuels. All this makes food production a major contributor to climate change. And

greenhouse gas emissions also come from packaging and distributing food.

Effects of Climate Change

Hotter temperatures: As greenhouse gas concentrations rise, so does the global surface

temperature. The last decade, 2011-2020, is the warmest on record. Since the 1980s, each decade

has been warmer than the previous one. Nearly all land areas are seeing more hot days and heat

waves. Higher temperatures increase heat-related illnesses and make working outdoors more

difficult. Wildfires start more easily and spread more rapidly when conditions are hotter.

Temperatures in the Arctic have warmed at least twice as fast as the global average.

Increased drought: Climate change is changing water availability, making it scarcer in more

regions. Global warming exacerbates water shortages in already water-stressed regions and is

leading to an increased risk of agricultural droughts affecting crops, and ecological droughts

increasing the vulnerability of ecosystems. Droughts can also stir destructive sand and dust

storms that can move billions of tons of sand across continents. Deserts are expanding, reducing

land for growing food. Many people now face the threat of not having enough water on a regular

basis.

A warming, rising ocean: The ocean soaks up most of the heat from global warming. The rate at

which the ocean is warming strongly increased over the past two decades, across all depths of the

ocean. As the ocean warms, its volume increases since water expands as it gets warmer. Melting

ice sheets also cause sea levels to rise, threatening coastal and island communities. In addition,

the ocean absorbs carbon dioxide, keeping it from the atmosphere. But more carbon dioxide

makes the ocean more acidic, which endangers marine life and coral reefs.

Loss of species: Climate change poses risks to the survival of species on land and in the ocean.

These risks increase as temperatures climb. Exacerbated by climate change, the world is losing

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species at a rate 1,000 times greater than at any other time in recorded human history. One

million species are at risk of becoming extinct within the next few decades. Forest fires, extreme

weather, and invasive pests and diseases are among many threats related to climate change. Some

species will be able to relocate and survive, but others will not.

Not enough food: Changes in the climate and increases in extreme weather events are among the

reasons behind a global rise in hunger and poor nutrition. Fisheries, crops, and livestock may be

destroyed or become less productive. With the ocean becoming more acidic, marine resources

that feed billions of people are at risk. Changes in snow and ice cover in many Arctic regions

have disrupted food supplies from herding, hunting, and fishing. Heat stress can diminish water

and grasslands for grazing, causing declining crop yields and affecting livestock.

2.3 ADAPTATION AND MITIGATION OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Adaptation means anticipating the adverse effects of climate change and taking appropriate

action to prevent or minimise the damage they can cause, or taking advantage of opportunities

that may arise. It also means anticipating the adverse effects of climate change and taking

appropriate action to prevent or minimise the damage they can cause, or taking advantage of

opportunities that may

arise.

Examples of adaptation measures include large-scale infrastructure changes, such as building

defenses to protect against sea-level rise, as well behavioral shifts, such as individuals reducing

their food waste. In essence, adaptation can be understood as the process of adjusting to the

current and future effects of climate change.

On the other hand is mitigation. Mitigation means making the impacts of climate change less

severe by preventing or reducing the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) into the atmosphere.

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It refers to the preventing or reducing of the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) into the

atmosphere to make the impacts of climate change less severe.

Mitigation is achieved either by reducing the sources of these gases — e.g. by increasing the

share of renewable energies, or establishing a cleaner mobility system — or by enhancing the

storage of these gases — e.g. by increasing the size of forests. In short, mitigation is a human

intervention that reduces the sources of GHG emissions and/or enhances the sinks.

The Nigerian Situation

The 2017 Climate Change Vulnerability Index (CCVI) published by the UK-based risk company,

Verisk Maplesoft, classifies Nigeria as a region of high risk, and indicated that the country is one

of the topmost vulnerable countries in the world. If no adaptation is implemented, DFID (2009)1

estimated that between 2-11% of Nigeria’s GDP could potentially be lost by 2020, thereby

hampering the national development goal of becoming one of the top 20 economies in the world.

Worse still, the same study indicated that climate change could result in a loss in GDP of
between

6% and 30% by 2050, worth an estimated US$ 100 to 460 billion dollars. Kompas et al (2018)

further indicated that, with a 3o C rise in global temperature, Nigeria will, in the long-term
(beyond

2067), experience up to 16% reduction in its GDP2. Climate projections for the coming decades
also reveal a significant increase in temperature over cities across all the ecological zones3.

Overcoming the development challenge of climate change requires that extensive adaptation and

mitigation measures that are necessary to reduce vulnerability to future climate change are put in

place (FGoN, 2017)). Addressing the challenge climate change poses to national development in

a sustainable manner requires that Nigeria moves its economy into a more environment-friendly,

climate resilient, green, and sustainable path.

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As a result of its relatively low economic development, Nigeria’s GHG emissions remain
relatively

low. The total GHG emission in 2018 from various sectors (agriculture, electricity, forestry,

industry, oil and gas, transport, waste etc) was 336 million tons of CO2-equivalent (Figure 1)4.

With this level of emission, Nigeria compares favourably with South Africa in terms of emitting

less than 1% of global emissions, However, as its economy is expected to grow rapidly by at
least

7% per annum, particularly in the post COVID-19 period, to meet the demands of its large

population that is projected to increase to about 402 million by 2050, Nigeria is expected to emit

more GHGs in the very near future. This calls for a more ambitious future mitigation efforts in

keeping with the country’s international climate commitments and with massively increasing

adaptation finance to contribute to the global efforts to achieve a net zero emission by 2050.
Nigeria’s relationship with climate change is further complicated by the fact that the nation’s
mono

economy is almost entirely dependent on oil mining and export which does not only make it hard

to decouple emissions from economic growth trajectory but also leaves Nigeria in a highly
unstable

and vulnerable fiscal and macroeconomic condition with high fluctuations in global oil price
linked

to global transition to the green economy and other factors driving energy demand.

However, global trends suggest that ambitious transitions towards low emissions development
will

further skew the energy outlook with devastating impacts on Nigeria’s economy if there are no

sustainable low carbon implementation plans for alternative growth. Thus, addressing the

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challenge that climate change poses to national development remains one of the most important
and fundamental requirements for long term economic planning effectiveness in Nigeria. Long

Term Low-Emissions Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) or Long-Term Strategies (LTS) have

emerged as a veritable tool and approach with which countries explore the GHG emissions

implications of their development aspirations aa options for that can help to decouple economic

growth from emissions to bridge sustainable development and climate goals.

Steps the Government is Taking to Mitigate Climate Change Impacts

In February 2023, Nigeria elected a new president, Bola Tinubu. Climate change was not a
prominent issue in the election; however, Tinubu has emphasised Nigeria’s need for climate
finance from developed countries and, similar to the Buhari administration, has given mixed
messages on energy priorities (Lo, 2023). While Tinubu has acknowledged the need to reduce
reliance on the oil and gas sector and develop solar power, he has also expressed support for
increased oil and gas production for domestic consumption and export to Europe.

Under the Buhari administration, several climate measures progressed; however, the government
largely pursued fossil fuel-based strategies. Initially under the 2018 draft National Energy Policy,
the government pushed for the development of coal resources to expand the power supply, but
eventually shifted focus to fossil gas as coal projects were delayed and shelved.

Former Vice President Osinbajo has proposed debt for climate action swaps as one mechanism to
mobilise more climate finance for developing countries (Anyaogu, 2022). This would allow
developing countries to receive debt forgiveness from creditors and enable them to reallocate
those resources to measures to achieve their NDC targets. This could go a long way towards
mobilising resources for climate action, expanding energy access and reducing Nigeria’s debt
burden. However, climate finance, including through debt swapping, should not be used to
finance gas development: gas is a fossil fuel and needs to be phased out of the global energy
system.

In November 2021, Nigeria passed the Climate Change Act that seeks to achieve low greenhouse
gas emission, green and sustainable growth by providing the framework to set a target to reach
net zero between 2050 and 2070 (Okereke & Onuigbo, 2021).

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2.4 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Environmental Impact assessment (EIA) is the assessment of the environmental consequences of

a plan, policy, program, or actual projects prior to the decision to move forward with the
proposed action. In this context, the term "environmental impact assessment" is usually used
when applied to actual projects by individuals or companies and the term "strategic
environmental assessment" (SEA) applies to policies, plans and programmes most often
proposed by organs of state. It is a tool of environmental management forming a part of project
approval and decision-making. Environmental assessments may be governed by rules of
administrative procedure regarding public participation and documentation of decision making,
and may be subject to judicial review.

The purpose of the assessment is to ensure that decision-makers consider the environmental
impacts when deciding whether or not to proceed with a project. The International Association
for Impact Assessment (IAIA) defines an environmental impact assessment as "the process of
identifying, predicting, evaluating and mitigating the biophysical, social, and other relevant
effects of development proposals prior to major decisions being taken and commitments made"
EIAs are unique in that they do not require adherence to a predetermined environmental
outcome, but rather they require decision-makers to account for environmental values in their
decisions and to justify those decisions in light of detailed environmental studies and public
comments on the potential environmental impacts.

2.5 HEALTH IMPACT ASSESSMENT (HIA)

Health Impact Assessment (HIA) serves as a practical method to evaluate how policies,
programs, or projects may affect the health of a population, especially vulnerable or
disadvantaged groups. It offers recommendations to decision-makers and stakeholders to
enhance positive health outcomes and minimize negative ones. Utilizing a combination of
quantitative, qualitative, and participatory techniques, HIA can be applied across various
economic sectors. Additionally, HIA facilitates public engagement and assists decision-makers in
selecting alternatives and enhancements to prevent diseases or injuries and actively promote
health. Grounded in the values of democracy, equity, sustainable development, and ethical
evidence utilization, HIA prioritizes stakeholder participation, considers impacts on the entire
population, and emphasizes the responsible use of evidence.

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2.6 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP)

Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is a guidance document to measure and achieve

compliance with the environmental protection and mitigation requirements of a project, which
are typically requirements for project permits/approvals. EMP guidance documents can be
presented at the project planning and approval application stage to inform regulatory agencies
that the proponent has agreed to follow management strategies to avoid and mitigate
environmental impacts during project works.

EIA in Nigeria

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has developed into a crucial component of project
mandates across many nations. Nonetheless, its role in fostering sustainable development and
alleviating poverty among affected populations in developing countries remains unexamined.
EIA serves as the recognized evaluation procedure to assess, forecast, evaluate, and validate the
environmental, social, and associated biophysical impacts of proposed policies, programs, or
projects.

Below are screen shots taken from a document published on the Federal republic of Nigeria
Official Gazette. It contains the Environmental Impact Assessment procedures and charges
regulations as at 2021.

CHAPTER THREE

3.1 INSRUMENTATION IN THE LABORATORY.

In the course of the training, I was made to understand by my industrial training supervisor that
EIA carries out baseline study, studying various parameters like microbial count, air samples,
chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand etc. However, he explained that the
Laboratory in the Ministry is no longer functional as important instruments for sample analysis
are not in good shape. Notwithstanding, he took us to a room where some of the non-functional
instruments were kept and showed them to us, explaining their uses.

Below are some of the instruments and their uses.

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Air quality monitor: Measures various pollutants and particulate matter in the air, such as carbon
dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter. It
helps assess air quality and monitor pollution levels.

Soil auger: Used for soil sampling and analysis by drilling into the soil to extract samples for
various tests such as pH, nutrient content, texture, and moisture content.

Plant efficiency analyzer: Measures various parameters related to plant health and efficiency,
such as chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and
leaf temperature. It helps evaluate plant performance and health.

Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) indicator: Measures the amount of oxygen consumed by
microorganisms during the biochemical degradation of organic matter in water. It indicates the
level of organic pollution in water bodies.

Autoclave: Sterilizes laboratory equipment and media by using high pressure and steam to kill
microorganisms, ensuring the safety of experiments and cultures.

Sound level meter: Measures the intensity of sound in decibels (dB) to assess noise pollution
levels in various environments, such as workplaces, urban areas, and industrial sites.

Water purifier: Removes impurities, contaminants, and microorganisms from water to produce
purified water suitable for laboratory experiments and applications.

UV/visible spectrophotometer: Measures the absorbance or transmission of light at specific

wavelengths by a substance, allowing quantification of analytes in solutions based on their
absorption or emission properties.

Atomic absorption spectrophotometer: Determines the concentration of specific elements in a

sample by measuring the absorption of light at characteristic wavelengths after the atoms in the
sample have been vaporized and atomized.
Centrifuge: Separates components of a mixture based on their density differences by spinning
samples at high speeds, causing particles to sediment or float, facilitating the isolation of
substances such as cells, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Mechanical sieve: Sieves and separates particles of different sizes in granular materials such as
soil, sand, and aggregates, allowing for particle size analysis and classification.

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Mechanical shaker: Agitates samples or solutions to mix, dissolve, extract, or homogenize
substances in laboratory experiments and analyses.

Magnetic stirrer: Mixes solutions by using a rotating magnetic field to spin a magnetic stir bar
inside a container, providing efficient and uniform mixing without the need for direct contact
with the solution.

Water sampler: Collects water samples from various depths in bodies of water for analysis of
physical, chemical, and biological parameters, such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen,
nutrients, and microbial content.

CHAPTER FOUR

4.1 FIELD WORK AND EXPERIENCE

Within the period of this Industrial Training, we visited a number of places to carry out different
exercises ranging from inspection, monitoring and enforcement compliance, serving of
abatement or violation notice, sampling, knowledge gleaning etc. Below are reports from several
visits with my colleagues and supervisor.

ECO-WASTE TO WEALTH

We visited the recycling centre on the 8th of February, 2024, to fully understand the concept of
Circular Economy and the process of Recycling.

When we got to the organization, the Supervisor in charge of the trip, Mr. Kenneth, introduced us
to the Manager at Natural Eco-capital, Mrs. Edith who happened to be an alumni of the
University Of Benin. She then gave us a tour around the organisation, explaining the activities
and the machineries used in the plastic converting process. The Natural Eco-capital is a waste
recycling center located at Sapele Road, Benin City.
The company's project is to convert Eco-wastetowealth. It is mainly concerned with using a
socioeconomic approach in solving plastic pollution thereby generating income.

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SEALAGE OF AN HOTEL FOR NOISE POLLUTION
I was opportune to go with the team of the Honorable Commissioner of Environment to seal up a
hotel in the City for noise pollution. Noise pollution is one of the major problems faced by
residents in various communities. The damage that it has caused and still causing is alarming.
As a way
of enforcing

compliance to Environmental rules and policies, the hotel was sealed up due to the level of noise
produced from the hospitality center.

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DISTRIBUTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT REPORT LETTER NOTICES AND
COURT WARNINGS.
This time around, we went with another of our supervisors, Mr. Solomon to distribute
Environmental audit Report letter notices. The environment audit of an organisation is due every
two years. The notices were distributed to the following places:
Oti Hotel and Spa, Sapele Road.
Pirosa Paint, Upper Mission extension.
Aniso Specialist Medical Center, Federal Road.
Uniben Table water, Uniben Ekenhuan Campus.
We also went to give a court warning to Chill restaurant and Bar at Ihama, GRA due to the noise
pollution caused by their Bar at Night.

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SERVING OF VIOLATION NOTICES
During my period of industrial training, we also went along with one of our IT supervisors to
serve violation notices to some companies. A violation notice is given when the firm or company
has refused to comply with the abatement notice earlier served, as a consequence for breaking the
Environmental laws of the state. Below is a sample of the violation notice.

VISIT TO A DUMP SITE AT ST. SAVIOUR, UPPER SAKPONBA.

We also went on an interesting visit to a refuse dump site located at St. Saviour, Upper sakponba.
It was a very interesting visit as the manager took us round the site, showing us different places
of interest and importance. There were different sections in the sites where various materials
were sorted out for either reuse, recycling or upscaling. It is also important to state that the
process of Recycling was also carried out with several machines at work on various plastic types.

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 CHAPTER FIVE

5.1 CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED

Working at the Ministry, I encountered several challenges that impacted my experience:

i. Logistics Issues: One of the main challenges was logistical issues, including delays in
transportation and inadequate resources. These issues sometimes hindered the timely execution
of tasks and affected overall productivity.

ii. Impromptu Work Schedule: Another challenge was the impromptu nature of the work
schedule. Tasks and assignments were often assigned on short notice, making it challenging to
plan and prioritize tasks effectively. This lack of structure occasionally led to inefficiencies and
overlapping responsibilities.

iii. No Specific Work Schedule Assigned to Me: Additionally, I faced difficulties due to the
absence of a specific work schedule assigned to me. Without clear direction or defined
responsibilities, it was challenging to focus my efforts and make meaningful contributions to
ongoing projects or initiatives.
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Despite these challenges, I was able to adapt and overcome them by proactively communicating
with supervisors, seeking clarification when needed, and prioritizing tasks based on urgency and
importance. These experiences taught me valuable lessons in flexibility, time management, and
problem-solving, which will undoubtedly benefit me in my future endeavors.

5.2 POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

Improving upon the challenges encountered during my industrial training at the Edo State
Ministry of Environment and Sustainability can be achieved through several measures:

i. Structured Work Schedule: Implementing a structured work schedule for all trainees can
enhance productivity and clarity of responsibilities. This schedule should include specific tasks
and timelines, ensuring that each trainee knows their role and expectations.

ii. Preparation and Planning: To address impromptu work schedules, there should be better
preparation and planning by supervisors. Tasks and assignments should be communicated in
advance, allowing trainees to plan their work efficiently and prioritize tasks accordingly.

iii. Logistical Support: Addressing logistical issues such as transportation delays and
resource inadequacies requires improved logistical support. This may involve allocating
resources more efficiently, improving communication channels for transportation arrangements,
and addressing any infrastructure deficiencies.

iv. Clear Communication: Enhancing communication between supervisors and trainees is

essential for addressing challenges and ensuring that expectations are clearly understood. Clear
communication channels should be established, allowing trainees to seek clarification and raise
concerns as needed.

By implementing these measures, the Edo State Ministry of Environment and Sustainability can
improve the industrial training experience for trainees, enhancing their overall learning and
development while contributing to the ministry's objectives in environmental management and
sustainability.

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5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS

My major recommendation is that the State Government should work towards restoring the
functionality of the Edo State Ministry Of Environment Laboratory. This will aid the Ministry in
research and analysis. It will also create new jobs in the Ministry as laboratory scientists will be
required to manage the new Lab.

Furthermore, the reinstitution of a functioning Environmental laboratory in the Ministry will aid
future IT students in carrying out Ex-situ analysis, this helping them gain more industrial
experience in their field of Study.

CONCLUSION
I want to specially appreciate the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology and my IT
Coordinator for the opportunity to observe my industrial training in the State Ministry Of
Environment. For me it was a wonderful experience where I learnt a lot, including moral Values
and Virtues.

And for upcoming undergraduates of Animal and Environmental Biology, who are aiming at
working in the field of Environment, I recommend the Ministry of Environment as a good place
to start.

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