The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has warned that rising floodwaters, driven by climate change, may remobilise dangerous chemicals long buried in the earth.

The warning is contained in its newly released Frontiers 2025 report, titled “The Weight of Time – Facing a New Age of Challenges for People and Ecosystems”.

UNEP stated that the increasing frequency and severity of floods could pose serious risks to human health and ecosystems, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly.

The agency highlighted the growing threat of extreme flooding unearthing hazardous chemicals that were banned decades ago.

it said these substances, stored in sediments over time, could be released back into urban environments or food systems when floodwaters disturb contaminated soils and debris.

“As floodwaters stir up sediment and debris, toxic chemicals may be released and re-enter urban areas or food systems,” the report stated, calling for stronger flood management and pollution monitoring systems.

It recommended strategies included traditional flood control methods like polders and retention basins, nature-based solutions such as sponge cities, improved drainage, and regular testing for pollutants.

The report comes as communities across the globe from Nigeria, China and India to the U.S. and Europe, are reeling from a combination of deadly floods and heat waves, both of which are being intensified by global warming.

The report noted that heat-related deaths among people aged 65 and older had surged by 85 per cent since the 1990’s, with additional threats coming from poor air quality and flood-prone areas where many elderly people reside.

To address these escalating dangers, UNEP urged the redesign of urban spaces to be more resilient, green, and inclusive.

These include “better urban planning, community-based disaster risk management, and improved access to climate information for older populations.”

The report also highlighted how melting glaciers, a driver of rising sea levels and floods, might awaken dormant fungi, bacteria, and viruses, increasing the threat of antimicrobial resistance.

He said this, coupled with the weakening of ageing dams, posed added pressure on communities living downstream.

UNEP Executive Director, Inger Andersen said, “heat waves were among the most frequent and deadly impacts of climate change, along with floods and shrinking ice cover.

“We must be prepared for the risks these impacts pose, especially for society’s most vulnerable, including older persons.

“Older persons, particularly those with limited mobility or pre-existing health conditions, are at high risk from both extreme heat and flood-related hazards.”

The Tide source reports that Frontiers 2025 Report is the 7th in UNEP’s Foresight Trajectory initiative, which identifies emerging environmental challenges and proposes proactive solutions.

Its previous editions accurately anticipated global issues such as the rise of zoonotic diseases years before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Presidency says President Bola Tinubu has never stopped issuance of five -year multiple-entry visas for U.S. citizens, in accordance with the principle of subsisting bilateral agreements and reciprocity.

?The clarification is contained in a statement by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday in Abuja.

?He described the reports as false and misleading, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to existing bilateral agreements and diplomatic reciprocity.

?Onanuga noted that immediately after assuming office, President Tinubu directed that Nigeria implement all bilateral agreements with other nations and adhere to the principle of reciprocity in diplomatic relations.

?He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had clarified Nigeria’s position following the U.S. government’s recent adjustment of its non-immigrant visa policy toward Nigerians.

?The presidential aide said that senior officials would continue engaging with the U.S. to address restrictive policies based on mutual respect and partnership.

?”We want to reiterate that the U.S. government’s claim of reciprocity as the reason for its current visa policy toward Nigeria does not accurately reflect the actual situation.

?”The Nigerian government has not deviated from granting U.S. citizens a five-year multiple-entry non-immigrant visa, just as the U.S. has continued to grant the same to Nigerians,” Onanuga stated.

?He clarified that 90-day single-entry visas only apply  to the newly introduced e-visa category.

?”This category targets tourists and business visitors who prefer quicker, less cumbersome visa processing.”

?He said the e-visa replaced the outdated visa-on-arrival, which was inefficient and prone to abuse.

?”The e-visa is a fast, online process that does not require the applicant to go to the embassy. Applicants receive the e-Visa within 48 hours of submitting their application.”

?He said the policy aligned with President Tinubu’s agenda to promote trade, tourism, and ease of doing business in Nigeria.

?He noted that many countries have already adopted similar digital visa processes.

?In spite of Nigeria offering e-visas to U.S. citizens, Onanuga pointed out the U.S. has yet to reciprocate.

?He assured that the Tinubu-led administration would continue to dialogue and engage with U.S. authorities to resolve any issues that led to the recent development.

?The Tide source reports that the U.S. government  in it’s recent revised  visa policy for Nigerian citizens, reduced non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visa categories—such as B-1/B-2 (tourist/business), F (student), and J (exchange)—to single-entry, three-month validity.
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?This marked a sharp departure from the previous two- to five-year multiple-entry visas that Nigerians were eligible to receive.
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?The changes took immediate effect, although existing visas issued before July 8 remain valid until their original expiration.

The U.S. government noted that visa reciprocity was a global standard that undergoes regular review and can be adjusted at any time, including changes in permitted entries and duration of validity.

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Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ibas, has enjoined National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) members serving In the State to demonstrate utmost commitment to their host communities.

Ibas stated this recently during the closing ceremony of 2025 Batch A Stream II orientation course for Corps members deployed to the State at the NYSC permanent orientation camp, Nonwa-Gbam in Tai Local Government Area.

This was contained in a statement by the Head of the Press Unit, Office of Secretary to State Government, Juiana Masi.

The Administrator, represented by the Secretary to the State Government and Chairman, NYSC State Governing Board, Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, expressed delight at the  discipline exhibited throughout the orientation course by the Corps members through active participation in all camp activities.

He described the positive conduct of the Corps members as commendable and heartwarming.

The Administrator further encouraged the Corp members to, “always remember that you owe the nation the responsibility to serve selflessly and leave enduring legacies in your host communities and places of primary assignment. Avoid acts that will tarnish the good image of the NYSC Scheme.

“Integrate well in your host community and ensure that you respect their cultures and traditions.”

Earlier, the State Coordinator of NYSC in the State, Mr. Moses Oleghe, in his farewell address, had advised the Corps members to make maximum use of the Service Year to “explore their passion, develop their skills and gain insights that will shape their future.”

He reminded them that the essence of the Service Year is to positively impact the lives of the people.

A total of 2,302 Corps members comprising 931 males and 1,371 females successfully completed the orientation exercise in the State.