The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), in partnership with S&P Global Commodity Insights, is holding the inaugural West African Refined Fuel Conference.
Mr. Farouk Ahmed, Authority Chief Executive, NMDPRA
The two-day event scheduled to hold from July 22 to 23, 2025, at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, is designed to provide a foundational platform for exploring the potential development of West African reference market for refined fuels focusing on regional standardisation, pricing mechanisms, data transparency, stakeholder collaboration, market fundamentals and participation, expansion of in-country refining capacity and infrastructure development.
A major focus will be placed on developing frameworks for data transparency, standardisation, and cross-border collaboration for building a robust and reliable pricing reference mechanism in West Africa.
In addition to these goals, the Conference will foster conversations around the regulatory, operational, and infrastructural requirements necessary for developing an integrated market.
It is expected to bring together key stakeholders from across the energy value chain including regulators, ministries of petroleum/energy across Africa, regional organisations, national and international oil companies and private refiners.
Other stakeholders are depot and terminal operators, African oil and gas associations, financial institutions, multilateral organisations, Oil & Gas traders, marketing companies, ship owners and marine service providers.
The Platform will also be used to initiate discussions on aligning national policies across West African countries to support the emergence of a cohesive and resilient regional fuel market, marking the beginning of a new era of regional energy cooperation and market evolution.
The NNPC/Heirs Energies Joint Venture has launched the OML 17 University Scholarship Programme (USP) aimed at supporting educational development in its host communities.
The initiative is being implemented through the OML 17 Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT).
Mr. Osa Igiehon, Chief Executive Officer of Heirs Energies Limited
In a statement issued on Sunday, July 19, 2025, in Lagos, Mr. Osa Igiehon, Chief Executive Officer of Heirs Energies Limited, said the scholarship underscores the company’s commitment to investing in the future of its host communities.
According to him, the scholarship will provide financial and academic support to 300 first-year students from the OML 17 host communities, who are currently enrolled in government-owned universities across Nigeria, regardless of their field of study.
“This initiative aligns with the Trust’s broader mission to promote sustainable development through education and human capital investment, in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
“Applications for the scholarship open on July 21, 2025, and will be followed by an online testing and screening process.
“Final selections and the official announcement of the 300 beneficiaries are scheduled for September 2025, coinciding with the start of the new academic year.
“Education is the foundation of progress.
“By empowering young people with access to learning, we are building stronger, more resilient communities.
“At Heirs Energies, we believe that shared prosperity begins with shared opportunity,” he said.
He said that eligible candidates from OML 17 host communities are encouraged to apply via the official scholarship portal: heirsenergies.com/scholarships.
“Full eligibility criteria and application procedures will be available on the website, as well as through community notice boards, flyers, and local outreach channels.
“The OML 17 Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT), established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 by the NNPC/Heirs Energies JV, is dedicated to driving sustainable development and economic empowerment across 73 host communities.
“This is the largest HCDT-led scholarship initiative in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. It reflects our commitment to transparency, inclusion, and long-term impact,” Igiehon added.
Also speaking, His Royal Majesty Dr Samuel Amaechi, Chairman of the OML 17 HCDT Board of Trustees, described the programme as a transformative step for the region.
“The launch of the OML 17 USP marks a new chapter in our efforts to uplift the youth in our host communities.
“We are proud to introduce a transparent, merit-based scholarship that offers real access to education for those who need it most.
“This is not just a scholarship; it is a pathway to a better future,” he said.
The Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) has urged the National Assembly to expunge sections of the Land Use Act that grants governors limitless powers to revoke and expropriate lands at will, insisting that practical examples have shown them to be inhibitors of development.
EDEN executive director, Prince Chima Williams, handing over the Memorandum to the House of Representatives Committee chairman at the Public Hearing
EDEN made this demand and a host of others at the zonal public hearing on the proposed alteration to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 that held in Lagos on Saturday, July 19, 2025. Other demands that EDEN made included a call for enforcement of environment protection to serve as pivotal support for life and livelihoods, citizens’ participation in the budget and the need for independent electoral bodies, among others.
In a memorandum to the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, the group said that under the Land Use Act as currently enforced there is overreach on the part of the governors hence Sections 21, 26 and 28 of the Act should be expunged.
The group hinged its position on feedback from professionals, private property developers and the organised private sector that have always fingered the section as the greatest disincentive to real estate development and the growth of the real estate sector of the nation’s economy.
It also said one of the most contentious sections of the Act is the Governor’s consent and the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) which is required as collateral for obtaining loans from financial institutions. It recommended instead that Nigerians should be allowed to use their land resources for economic empowerment without the interference of any Governor or Chairman.
The memorandum also frowns at Sections 47 and 30 of the Act which denies courts the jurisdiction to hear and determine the amount or adequacy of compensation by making the Land Use and Allocation Committee the only arbiter on appeal. It recommended that the two sections should be expunged.
On the enforcement of environmental protection, the group wants to see the Chief Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria directing the establishment of environmental courts out of every jurisdiction of the States and Federal High Courts of Nigeria for the sole purpose of quick and efficient determination of environmental protection cases.
It equally wants every organ and institution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to recognise and guarantee the Rights of Nature to maintain her vital cycles and provide services for all species as a means of halting reckless exploitation and damaging of ecosystems.
To ensure that the country’s electoral processes does not only produce credible individuals but one that is acceptable to the people it called for review of the electoral laws to discourage cross carpeting, determination of election petitions before swearing in or inauguration, independent electoral bodies and a proper electoral timetable.
The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review opened the discussions and schedule guide for the zonal public hearings across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones on Wednesday July 2, 2025.
A new on-farm study has confirmed that TELA Maize hybrids are delivering significantly higher yields, greater profits, and better pest resistance for Nigerian farmers compared to conventional maize varieties.
A farmer displaying TELA maize in Niger state during the 2024 harvest. Photo Credit: AATF
The trials, conducted during the 2024 wet season by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) and its partners, revealed that the TELA maize hybrid SAMMAZ 75T achieved average yields of 5.09 tons per hectare, a 54% increase over the 3.30 tons per hectare recorded for non-TELA maize. This yield advantage translated into higher farm income, with TELA maize earning ₦3.16 million per hectare, compared to ₦2.05 million from conventional maize.
The on-farm demonstrations preceded the January 2024 commercialisation of four TELA Maize hybrids – SAMMAZ 72T, 73T, 74T, and 75T – developed by scientists at the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. These varieties are bred to resist fall armyworm, stem borers, and withstand drought stress, making them more resilient in Nigeria’s increasingly variable climate.
Conducted across multiple sites with 120 participating farmers, the trial involved each farmer cultivating 0.5 hectares of TELA maize and 0.5 hectares of non-TELA maize. A total of 1.5 tons of seed was distributed for the trial. At harvest, the superior performance of TELA maize was evident – not just in yield but in reduced pest damage and lower pesticide use.
TELA maize plots required fewer pesticide applications, averaging 1.3 sprays per season, compared to 2.1 sprays on non-TELA plots. Only 22% of TELA maize farmers reported any pest damage, while 86% of non-TELA maize farmers experienced damage, with some recording losses as high as 50% to 66%.
“These findings confirm even our earlier national performance trials,” said Professor Rabiu Adamu, Principal Investigator for the TELA Maize project. “No TELA maize farms recorded damage beyond one-third of the crop, whereas some non-TELA plots suffered losses of up to two-thirds. This level of protection is critical for smallholder resilience.”
The financial benefit was equally striking. TELA maize plots generated over ₦1.1 million more per hectare than conventional maize, driven not only by higher yields but also by savings on chemical inputs and labor. In dollar terms, farmers earned about USD 2,098.42 from TELA maize per hectare, compared to $1,360.47 from non-TELA plots.
Dr. Sylvester Oikeh, AATF’s Project Manager for TELA Maize, described the results as a milestone for Nigerian agriculture. “TELA maize represents a key step forward in achieving climate-resilient, profitable farming. It delivers on multiple fronts – higher output, reduced input costs, and better environmental outcomes.”
Farmer feedback echoed this sentiment. About 90% of participants expressed satisfaction with TELA maize performance. Many described it as “stress-free” and “more reliable,” citing uniform germination, faster growth, and reduced need for spraying as major benefits.
“With TELA, I didn’t have to spray as much, and the maize still came out better than the others. It saves me time and money,” one farmer noted.
As Nigeria pushes for greater adoption of climate-smart and science-driven agricultural practices, TELA maize is gaining recognition as a transformative tool for smallholder farmers. Its built-in pest resistance and drought tolerance align with national goals for improved food security, reduced pesticide use, and sustainable farming.
“TELA maize is not just another variety,” Dr. Oikeh emphasised. “It is a pathway to resilient, productive farming that empowers farmers to secure better livelihoods and ensure Nigeria’s food future.”
The successful outcome of the on-farm trials underscores the importance of continued investment in agricultural innovation and farmer-centred research. With wider adoption, TELA maize could mark a turning point for maize production in Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa.
No fewer than 31 environmental groups have called on the Australian Government to continue pushing for a robust and ambitious Global Plastics Treaty ahead of negotiations recommencing in Geneva in August 2025.
Ocean plastic waste pollution
The only way to end ocean plastic pollution here at home and around the world is through bold and binding global action to cut plastic production and consumption, and take a full lifecycle approach to managing plastics – including plastic fishing and aquaculture gear, according to the groups.
Plastic pollution is now a global environmental disaster that impacts every corner of Australia’s coastline, such as Northern Australia, New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and on the remote Torres Strait and Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
“Recycling alone will not end plastic pollution. Voluntary pledges have failed. The only path forward is a strong and robust Global Plastics Treaty with ambitious and enforceable rules to end plastic pollution,” added the group.
According to them, low ambition from a handful of countries with vested interests in plastic production cannot be allowed to derail this global opportunity to end plastic pollution.
“There is no time for compromise. Plastic pollution is choking our oceans, killing marine life, and threatening ecosystems from coast to coast. It is also entering our food chain directly impacting seafood consumption by First Nations peoples and all Australians.”
They welcomed the Australian Government’s renewed commitment to support a strong Global Plastics Treaty, saying: “The Australian Government must use all diplomatic means to finalise a strong, legally binding plastics treaty at INC-5.2. Now is the time to act – for our environment, for our climate, and for future generations.”
Zoonotic diseases are on the rise, and Nigeria must act now to prevent another epidemic, says expert
As Nigeria continues to recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and other recent outbreaks, experts are raising urgent concerns about the risk of zoonotic diseases – those that can be transmitted from animals to humans.
Dr. Stella Egbe, Senior Conservation Manager at the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF)
According to Dr. Stella Egbe, Senior Conservation Manager at the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), the country must invest in mass awareness campaigns to reduce public exposure to diseases linked to bushmeat handling and wildlife consumption.
“Zoonotic diseases are a public health time bomb,” Dr. Egbe said. “They are already here with us, and the only way to avoid future epidemics is to raise awareness.”
Understanding Zoonoses: From Forests to Families
Zoonotic diseases are caused by pathogens – bacteria, viruses, or parasites – that originate in animals and transfer to humans. Sometimes the contact is through handling or consumption of infected animals, especially bushmeat. Other times, transmission occurs through bodily secretions, bites, or shared environments.
“Animals often have built-in resistance to these pathogens,” Dr. Egbe explained. “But when humans are exposed, the effects can be devastating, ranging from mild illness to death.”
Examples abound: monkeypox, which has been transmitted from primates; Ebola, which has claimed thousands of lives in West Africa; and even COVID-19, widely believed to have emerged from wildlife-human contact. Other threats, such as SARS and avian flu, further highlight the global nature of the risk.
But the consequences go beyond the individual infection. Once a zoonotic disease achieves human-to-human transmission, it can evolve into a full-blown epidemic – or worse, a pandemic.
“Prevention is our best option,” Egbe insists. “And prevention begins with awareness.”
The Bushmeat Factor: A Cultural Practice with Global Risks
Bushmeat, wild animals hunted for consumption, has long been part of culinary and cultural practices in parts of Nigeria. But Dr. Egbe warns that the handling, processing, and sale of bushmeat, especially in open markets, poses serious risks.
“The pathogens are often present in the blood, saliva, or other secretions of the animals. If butchers and buyers are not protected, they are exposed,” she said.
While there are existing laws regulating the hunting of endangered species and protecting Nigeria’s forests and national parks, there is a glaring gap: no law currently links bushmeat consumption to public health risks like zoonotic disease transmission.
Dr. Egbe believes this is a dangerous oversight.
“We need a legal framework that addresses this link between illegal wildlife trade and the spread of disease. This is not just about conservation – it’s about protecting lives.”
Bridging the Legal and Institutional Gaps
Although international laws, such as CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), have been adopted locally, enforcement remains fragmented. Agencies like the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) play key roles in regulating trade and environmental compliance, but coordination between them is often weak.
“Institutions need to step up. NAFDAC, for example, could issue public health guidelines for wildlife trade. NESREA already has laws in place, but enforcement must be stronger,” she said.
Egbe also calls on law enforcement agencies – including the police and the Nigeria Customs Service – to intensify efforts against illegal wildlife markets and to treat zoonotic risks as a security concern.
“It’s not just about poaching or smuggling. It’s about preventing the next outbreak.”
A Cultural Shift: Keeping Wildlife in the Wild
At the heart of Egbe’s advocacy is a push for behavioral change. She urges Nigerians to reconsider not just their consumption habits, but their entire relationship with wild animals.
“Wild animals belong in protected areas, not in markets or dinner tables,” she said. “We need to reduce proximity and exposure. That’s how we break the transmission chain.”
She also warns against the casual exchange and contact that occur in open-air markets, often with no protective measures in place.
“If you must handle bushmeat, do so with caution. But ideally, we should be phasing out its consumption altogether – especially for species known to carry high zoonotic risk.”
A National Call to Action
Egbe’s message is clear: Nigeria must take proactive steps now to prevent future public health crises, which include creating public awareness campaigns about zoonotic diseases, strengthening wildlife enforcement, and promoting alternatives to bushmeat.
“Awareness is the strongest vaccine we have right now,” she said. “We’ve seen what pandemics can do. If we don’t want a repeat, we must act before it’s too late.”
By Ajibola Adedoye
This article (“Only awareness can stop the next pandemic – Conservationist warns”) was funded by a grant from the United States Department of State (via Wild Africa). The opinions, findings, and conclusions stated herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of State
Nigeria’s persistent power crisis continues to undermine its development potential and frustrate the daily lives of millions. Despite its vast renewable energy potential sunlight, biomass, small hydropower, the country still struggles to provide stable, affordable electricity. Today, over 90 million Nigerians lack access to grid power, while those connected experience frequent blackouts.
Renewable energy
The existing electricity grid is dilapidated, prone to collapse, and unable to handle increased power loads. This energy poverty limits productivity, stifles small businesses, and undermines access to healthcare, education, and clean water.
The Nigerian government has set ambitious goals for universal electricity access, including aiming for a 90% access rate by 2030. Renewable energy offers a clear path to achieving this. Solar mini-grids, standalone systems, and clean cooking technologies can bridge Nigeria’s energy access gap, especially in rural and underserved areas. Yet, a major obstacle continues to hold back progress: financing.
Recent estimates indicate that Nigeria faces a staggering ₦11.4 trillion financing gap to meet its renewable energy goals. Traditional financing models – especially those based on foreign currency loans – are proving not just inadequate but unsustainable. Dollar-based debt exposes developers to currency devaluation, spikes in repayment costs, and reduced profitability. With the naira depreciating steadily and investor confidence waning, foreign capital has become both expensive and scarce. Nigeria’s high-risk profile discourages long-term lending from international markets, and climate funds are either delayed or dispersed at insufficient scale.
Clearly, the country cannot rely on international finance to deliver energy access for all. Nigeria must now look inward and innovate. The future of renewable energy lies in building a robust, dynamic local currency financing ecosystem – one that is inclusive, transparent, and tailored to the realities of both developers and energy users.
According to the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) survey, institutions such as the Bank of Industry (BOI), Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), and the Central Bank have created some concessional loan windows, but these remain small and often inaccessible to small and medium-scale renewable energy providers. Many early-stage developers and mini-grid operators are unable to access loans with affordable interest rates or flexible repayment terms. The problem is further compounded by limited risk-sharing tools and a financial sector that still does not fully understand clean energy business models.
There is an urgent need to deploy creative financial instruments to close this gap. Green bonds, already gaining momentum globally and in Nigeria, can attract domestic institutional investors such as pension funds and insurance companies into clean energy infrastructure. Blended finance structures, which combine public, donor, and private capital, can reduce risks and lower the cost of capital. Nigeria could also explore a local currency climate fund, designed specifically to finance renewable energy projects in naira. Meanwhile, carbon taxes or levies on high-emission industries could generate consistent domestic revenue for clean energy transition, if implemented equitably.
But it’s not just about new mechanisms. Nigeria must better utilize funds already within its grasp. Every year, the government recovers billions of naira in looted funds and forfeited assets. At the same time, legislators allocate vast sums to constituency projects, many of which pushed are poorly executed, duplicated, or irrelevant to community needs. If transparently managed, these funds could electrify schools, power health clinics, energize markets, and stimulate rural economies through renewable energy. The issue is not a lack of money, but a lack of political will, transparency, and strategic coordination.
To unlock scale, Nigeria must adopt a dual financing approach that supports both producers and consumers. On the supply side, we need concessional long-tenure naira loans, refinancing facilities, credit guarantees, and partial risk-sharing arrangements to help developers scale. On the demand side, financing tools must be tailored to households, farmers, and small businesses. Microfinance institutions and cooperatives should be mobilized to offer flexible loans for solar home systems. Pay-as-you-go solar and Energy-as-a-Service models, which allow people to pay in installments or based on usage, can make renewable energy accessible to the bottom of the pyramid.
Furthermore, bundling clean energy investments into community infrastructure programs, such as those funded by ecological funds, TETFUND, or state-level development plans, can help mainstream renewable energy into Nigeria’s broader development architecture. But this will require reforming how public funds are allocated and reported, so that energy interventions are tied to measurable public benefits and not political tokens.
If Nigeria is serious about achieving universal energy access, it must shift away from donor-dependency and expensive dollar loans. The country has the financial potential; it only needs the institutional will and policy coherence to direct these funds toward what truly matters. Clean energy is not just an environmental imperative – it’s a lifeline for economic inclusion, national development, and social stability.
The time to act is now. A just and inclusive renewable energy transition for Nigeria must be financed from within.
By Clement Chisom John, Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $40 million equity investment in Project Zafiri, a transformative equity platform and flagship initiative under Mission 300. This investment will accelerate the expansion of renewable energy access across Africa.
Kevin Kariuki, Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth, AfDB
Zafiri – jointly developed by AfDB, World Bank Group and other partners – aims to address the critical shortage of patient, longer-term equity capital needed to de-risk and scale Decentralised Renewable Energy solutions (DRE) for underserved communities across the continent.
Decentralised Renewable Energy is the fastest, most cost-effective, and sustainable way to expand electricity access in rural Africa. Unlike centralised grids, DRE solutions – such as mini-grids and stand-alone solar home systems – can be deployed quickly and affordably, even in remote or fragile areas.
Under Mission 300, which aims to connect an additional 300 million people to electricity by 2030, DRE will play a central role in ensuring no community is left behind. These decentralised systems are modular, scalable, and well-suited to the continent’s dispersed populations and geographic challenges. More than half of all new electricity connections by 2030 are expected to come from DRE.
Zafiri is structured as a Permanent Capital Vehicle with a targeted capitalisation of $1 billion, raised through a phased approach. Phase 1 targets $300 million in total commitments, equally split between junior and senior equity, with junior equity serving as a key catalyst to crowd-in private sector in this higher-risk, undercapitalised market.
The African Development Bank’s $40 million contribution consists of $30 million in senior equity from its balance sheet and $10 million in junior equity from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), a multi-donor special fund managed by the Bank.
“Zafiri is a catalytic platform that will be an integral component of the Bank’s strategy to accelerate universal access to modern energy in Africa. With just five years remaining to reach Mission 300’s goal of additional 300 million connections by 2030, this initiative provides a timely and innovative solution to scale private capital for impact,” noted Kevin Kariuki, Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate, and Green Growth at the African Development Bank.
Wale Shonibare, Director for Energy Financial Solutions, Policy, and Regulations, described Zafiri as the largest patient capital commitment to the African DRE sector to date. He said it exemplifies how structured blended financing can unlock commercial capital while delivering inclusive, climate-resilient energy access across the continent.
Project Zafiri will address the lack of longer-term equity that is constraining the growth of the DRE sector in Africa, Daniel Schroth, Director for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, said, adding that by anchoring the junior equity tranche, SEFA is helping to crowd in private investment at scale.
Zafiri aligns with the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033) to promote private investment in energy infrastructure, the High 5s, particularly Light Up and Power Africa, Industrialise Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa, and the New Deal on Energy for Africa. It also contributes to both mitigation and adaptation goals under the Bank’s Climate Change and Green Growth Policy and Strategy and supports the objectives of SEFA and the Private Sector Development Strategy (PSDS) to mobilise equity for clean energy and energy efficiency investments.
Zafiri also aligns with the Bank’s Equity Investment Framework and represents a pioneering approach to blended finance in Africa’s energy transition and a critical step toward achieving universal energy access.
He had withheld assent to the Climate Change Bill in 2019. As one given to meticulous observation, he noted some grey areas that required clarity for operators of the law. It is painful to speak of Nigeria’s former President, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR in the past tense.
Late President Muhammadu Buhari
But, when news of the passing of the late President reached me, my mind immediately flashed to his climate change legacy. As if driven by an unseen force, I found my gaze fixed on the framed photograph hanging on the wall of my office: It was the picture of that historic scene on 22 September 2016, at the United Nations Headquarters, New York during the 71st United Nations General Assembly, where I stood beside him alongside, Abubakar Malami SAN, CON, Attorney General and Minister of Justice; former Minister of Environment, Amina J Mohammed GCON, currently, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations; former Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Jideofor Onyeama; Abdulrahman Dambazzau, Minister of Interior, Babagana Monguno CFR, National Security Adviser; His Excellency, Kayode Fayemi, Minister of Solid Minerals; His Excellency, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State; His Excellency, Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, Governor of Zamfara State; Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi CON, currently, the Minister of State for Agriculture; among so many others, as he signed the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
As a legislator at the time, I was both inspired and burdened. Inspired, because here was a President aligning Nigeria with the world’s most pressing cause; burdened, because I knew how much work lay ahead to translate these pledges into law and policy. Yet, true to his word, Buhari ensured that Nigeria ratified the Paris Agreement by 2017.
President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR (m) in company of (L-R) Rep. Sam Onuigbo, Abubakar Malami SAN, Amina Mohammed, Geoffrey Onyeàmà, UN Legal Counsel, UN Adviser on Treaties, Gen Babagana Mongonu, Dr Kayode Fayemi, Audu Ógbè, Gov Abubakar Yari, Gov Akinwunmi Ambode, Gen Bello Danbazau, Suleiman Adamu, Sen Aliyu Sabi, Sen Suleiman Hunkuyi, Gen Dan Alli, and Sen Ịta Enang at the Signing of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change at the UN Headquarters, New York on Sept 22, 2016.
He pushed for a National Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification framework, a technical feat that richer nations still struggle with. Behind the scene, Buhari’s administration crafted sector- specific plans, targeting oil and gas, agriculture, and power, with a becoming pragmatism that balanced economic growth and ecological responkjsibility. Few appreciated then, how revolutionary it was: A fossil-fuel dependent nation voluntarily committing to a low carbon future.
I recall how his hands, weathered by decades of service, moved with deliberate precision as he appended his simple, but elegant signature on that far-reaching agreement. At that point, the tip of his pen touching that document carried a huge significant weight that most people would never understand. To me, we have lost, not just a president, but the architect of Nigeria’s environmental conscience.
That was the essence of the man: he planted trees, whose shade, he knew he may never sit under. The transformation that followed was nothing short of remarkable.
As I continue to reflect on the passing of the late President, I find myself drawn to memories of our work together on what was to become one of his most enduring legacies, the Climate Change Act of 2021. The journey through this landmark legislation began long before its eventual presidential assent. It spanned multiple National Assembly plenaries, and overcoming numerous obstacles that would have deterred a less determined nation. At the onset, when the Climate Change Bill was first introduced, during the 6th Assembly, the concept of climate legislation was still novel in Nigeria’s political discourse. It was often misunderstood or dismissed as being secondary to more pressing economic concerns.
By the time I was appointed Chairman, House Committee on Climate Change – in the 8th Assembly – by the then Speaker, His Excellency Rt. Honourable Yakubu Dogara, I was aghast. However, the defining moment that fired my resolve to pursue and achieve a Climate Change Act, was COP21 in Paris, France, during which the Paris Agreement on Climate Change was adopted.
The head of that delegation was the Late President Buhari. Other prominent participants were the then Senate President, His Excellency, Senator Bukola Saraki, CON, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi CON, Amina J Mohammed and others.
At an event sponsored by Global Legislators Organisation for a Balanced Environment (GLOBE) at the French Parliament, as part of the COP21, Parliamentarians were enjoined to return to their home country’s Parliament and sponsor legislations on climate change so as to provide the legal framework to guide their nations in achieving the lofty goals contained in the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
As it turned out, that charge by speakers at that GLOBE event was like a tonic. I resolved to work hard to realise the national and international objectives or goals of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
The collective insights gleaned from those climate change events, including my personal observation of the drying up of five out of the six springs in my native Obuohia Obi-Ibere, Ikwuano, spurred me to sponsor the Climate Change Bill.
Rep. Sam Onuigbo
Records at the National Assembly show that, the bill experienced sluggish progression. It was rejected successively in the 6th and 7th Assemblies. And, even in the 8th Assembly, when I sponsored it again and it passed, assent was declined by the late President.
Then, in the 9th Assembly, I reworked and reintroduced the Climate Change Bill, and followed it up with a lot of coordination, expanded collaboration with different critical stakeholders in the executive, the private sector, and within the parliament. These critical stakeholders were drawn from some Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), the Academia, and Civil Society Organisations.
The Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila CFR, exercised admirable leadership through his evident support and encouragement. He was ably assisted by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Idris Wase, the Senate President, Dr Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, and other members of the 9th National Assembly in delivering this important legislation.
The Minister of State for Environment, Chief Sharon Ikeazor, provided immeasurable support and guidance.
In view of past multiple setbacks that befell the Bill, there were moments when I wondered whether that critical legal framework for Nigeria’s sustainable future would ever see the light of day.
But, when President Buhari showed decisive leadership by signing the bill into law on November 17, 2021, everything changed. That day remains etched in my memory, not just as a professional milestone, but as a testament to what could be achieved when visionary leadership aligns with legislative perseverance and individual doggedness. The President’s action was more than ceremonial; it was transformative.
By affixing his signature, he did not merely enact a piece of legislation, he positioned Nigeria as a serious participant in the global climate change conversation. Consequently, he ensured that Nigeria would no longer be a passive observer, but an active contributor to the continuing search for solutions.
Not many will know the depth of President Buhari’s engagement with the substance of the bill. In the background, he displayed a keen understanding of its implications, asking probing questions about how it would address the real challenges faced by Nigerians. From farmers grappling with desertification and drought, resulting in herders’ migration from the North towards coastal communities, and rising sea levels and ravaging gully erosion in the South-East. His concern was practical and rooted in the lived experiences of ordinary citizens. He wanted assurances that this would not become another bureaucratic exercise, but a tangible instrument of evident and measurable progress.
The immediate impact of the Climate Change Act was profound: For the first time, Nigeria had a comprehensive legal framework to guide its environmental policies, complete with mechanisms for accountability and measurable targets. Section 1 of the Act “Provides a framework for achieving low greenhouse gas emission (GHG) inclusive green growth and sustainable economic development by mainstreaming climate actions in line with national development priorities.” Section 3(1) “established the National Council on Climate Change …, which shall be vested with powers to make policies and decisions on all matters concerning climate change in Nigeria,” and provided the institutional backbone needed to coordinate action across federal and sub-national governments.
Late President Buhari appointed Dr. Salisu Dahiru as the pioneer Director General of the Secretariat of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) on July 25, 2022, and inaugurated the council on September 22, 2022. No longer would the approach to climate issues be fragmented, reactionary, or in silos. Nigeria now has a clear, strategic pathway toward sustainable development.
On the world stage, the difference was palpable. As Nigeria’s delegation carried a new sense of purpose and credibility. We were no longer attending merely to voice concerns, but to share our progress and contribute to global solutions. At COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, our role had evolved even further. Nigeria was significantly instrumental in the creation of the Loss and Damage Fund- a groundbreaking financial mechanism designed to support vulnerable nations facing the worst impacts of climate change. This achievement was probably the direct result of President Buhari’s foresight in equipping Nigeria with the legal and policy tools to engage meaningfully on the world stage.
At home, the Act enabled concrete actions that are already making a world of difference. The North East Development Commission (NEDC), where I now serve as a Member of the Governing Board, has integrated the Act’s provisions into its operations and activities.
For instance, ecological restoration, which is part of its major mandate, ensures that climate resilience remains central to our efforts in rebuilding communities affected by conflict, flooding and environmental degradation. Across the country, states are developing their own climate action plans and governance template aligned with the national framework, thereby creating a cohesive strategy that transcends political and geographical divides.
Perhaps, and most importantly, the Act unlocked new opportunities for green investment, in line with Section 15, which established the Climate Change Fund. Section 26(1) stipulates, “The Secretariat shall, with the approval of the Council, advise the MDAs responsible for regulating education curriculum in Nigeria on the integration of climate change into the various disciplines and subjects at all educational levels.”
Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, underpinned by the legal instrument provided by the Climate Change Act, has attracted significant international funding, including a $3 billion commitment to support our transition to cleaner energy sources. These are not abstract figures, they represent jobs, infrastructure, and a healthier environment for future generations.
President Buhari’s leadership in this area was characteristically understated, but profoundly impactful. He did not seek accolades for signing the Climate Change Act, nor did he use it as a political tool. His motivation was simple: To do what was right for Nigeria’s long-term benefit. His willingness to champion a cause whose full benefits may not be realised for decades speak volumes about his character and vision.
The lesson from President Buhari’s assent of the Climate Change Act is that true leadership is not about grand gestures, but about making the difficult decisions and sacrifices that shape a better tomorrow. In the quiet determination with which he advanced this cause, he demonstrated the very best essence of public service.
This author was again privileged to witness his robust leadership at COP22 in Marrakesh, Morocco, where President Buhari embraced the Paris Agreement’s implementation as a gateway to sustainable transformation. “We welcome the entry into force of the Paris Agreement on 4th November 2016,” he said, describing the next phase as an opportunity “to re‑orientate our economies, to build inclusive, sustainable societies that respond to climate change and support Sustainable Development Goals.” That message reflected both optimism and urgency.
In 2018, during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing, President Buhari spoke on the interconnected challenges of climate, conflict, and economic recovery. His emphasis on rebuilding Nigeria’s Northeast and other affected regions demonstrated a holistic understanding of climate resilience.
“We call for continued partnership in addressing threats from violent extremists in the Sahel/Sahara region; the Lake Chad Basin and the Gulf of Guinea; and the rehabilitation of the insurgency‑ravaged Northeast of Nigeria,” he urged, reinforcing the impact of climate change on national and regional stability.
President Buhari clearly understood the danger ahead: Namely, that Lake Chad was not just drying up, but that it was taking with it the livelihoods of millions and fueling the desperation that breeds extremism. He saw the nexus between our disappearing forests and the conflicts over grazing lands. His vision extended beyond quarterly GDP reports to the Nigeria that our grandchildren would inherit.
I recall his address, delivered through the then Environment Minister, Mohammed H. Abdullahi, where he framed the disaster not as an isolated event, but also as a warning. “Our people and nations are on the line,” he declared. The blame game, he insisted, had to end. It was a moment of moral clarity that resonated deeply with me, a reminder that leadership meant speaking the hard truths.
One other enduring climate change legacy is Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, the first of its kind in Africa which was launched in 2021. It was vintage Buhari: Ambitious, yet well grounded, targeting universal energy access by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2060.
Although critics dubbed it unrealistic, those of us who worked closely on environmental policy understood its brilliance. By tying climate action to energy poverty reduction, he made the case that sustainability and development were not mutually exclusive. His plan envisioned solar powered villages, campuses, industries running on clean energy, and a future where Nigeria’s youth could thrive without fleeing to polluted cities or risking desert crossings and voyages to Europe.
As I mourn his passing, I take solace in the fact that his legacy lives on through the enduring impact of this signature legislation. The Climate Change Act is more than a policy achievement; it is a foundation upon which Nigeria can build an environmentally healthy, sustainable and prosperous future. The trees we plant today, the emissions we reduce, and the communities we protect will stand as living tributes to a leader, who saw beyond the immediate horizon.
Yet, for all these achievements, what I remember most is the man behind them. The way his voice would mellow when speaking of Lake Chad, as if mourning an old friend. The commitment when demanding climate finance from reluctant Western nations. His unshakable conviction that Nigeria could lead Africa’s green revolution while lifting millions from energy poverty. We cannot continue to lament, but pray.
May his soul find eternal rest, and may we honour his memory by upholding the values of diligence, foresight, and selfless service that he embodied through the faithful implementation of the Climate Change Act. The work continues, but it is work made easier by the foundation that the man Buhari helped to lay.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thunderstorms and rains from Monday, July 21 to Wednesday, July 23, 2025, across the country.
Thundery weather
NiMet’s weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja envisaged thunderstorms with rains on Monday during early morning hours over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Kebbi, Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, Sokoto and Kaduna states.
“The remaining parts of the region are expected to be sunny with patches of cloud.
“Thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected during the afternoon or evening hours over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Kebbi, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Katsina, Kano, Zamfara, Kaduna and Yobe states,” it said.
According to the agency, cloudy skies are anticipated over the central region during the morning hours with prospects of thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Niger.
NiMet anticipated thunderstorms with rain over parts of Plateau, Nasarawa, the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Benue and Niger states later in the day.
It also envisaged cloudy skies over the southern region during the morning period.
It added that light rain is expected over parts of Imo, Abia, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states during the afternoon or evening hours.
“For Tuesday, sunny skies with patches of clouds are expected over the northern region during the morning hours with prospects of thunderstorms and moderate rains over parts of Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe and Jigawa states.
“Thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected during the afternoon or evening hours over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Kano, Katsina and Kaduna states.
“Morning thunderstorms with light rains are anticipated over parts of Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa states of the central region,” it said.
NiMet equally predicted thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of Plateau, Niger, the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa states later in the day.
The agency envisaged cloudy skies over the southern region during the morning hours with chances of Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
It predicted moderate rains over Ondo, Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Edo, Rivers, Cross River, Delta, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states during the afternoon or evening periods.
“For Wednesday, sunny skies with patches of cloud are expected over the northern regions with prospects of morning thunderstorms with rain over parts of Katsina, Kano, Bauchi, Sokoto and Taraba states.
“Thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over parts of Yobe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Bauchi, Borno and Kebbi states in the afternoon or evening hours,” it said.
The agency envisaged cloudy skies over the northern region during the morning hours.
It forecast moderate rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Niger and Kwara States during the afternoon to evening periods.
According to NiMet, there are prospects of morning rains over parts of Enugu, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states in the southern region, while the remaining parts are expected to be cloudy.
It predicted moderate to heavy rains over parts of Ebonyi, Abia, Edo, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states during the afternoon or evening periods.
It urged the public to take adequate precaution as strong winds might precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur and to ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collisions.
“Driving under heavy rain should be avoided. Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets. Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees.
“Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.
“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet and visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng,” it said.
