Children from the Child Rights Advocacy Club in Mashi Local Government Area of Katsina State have raised serious concerns over worsening climate-related and environmental conditions affecting their safety and education.
The children made their voices known during an advocacy visit to the Mashi Council Chairman and the District Head of Mashi on Sunday, April 19, 2026, calling on authorities to act swiftly.
The event was supported by Save the Children International, through the Education Cannot Wait (ECW) funded project.
The children during an advocacy visit to the Mashi Council Chairman and the District Head of Mashi
The children also warned that the deteriorating state of their school environments poses a direct threat to their health, safety, learning, and overall well-being.
Speaking on behalf of their peers, the young advocates said they were representing countless number of children across their communities who face similar challenges daily.
They highlighted how the combined effects of climate change and poor environmental practices have made schools increasingly unsafe and unconducive for learning.
As part of their advocacy, A’isha Mutaka called for the provision of safe and reliable water sources in schools to safeguard students’ health, especially during flood periods.
They pleaded for clean, safe, and well-maintained toilets with hand-washing facilities to stop open defecation and reduce the spread of disease.
One of the children, Halimatu Yusuf, urged authorities to improve waste management and rehabilitate drainage systems in their communities, aimed at preventing blocked waterways and reducing flooding around schools.
Salamatu Mohammed advocated for aggressive tree-planting campaigns and stricter enforcement against deforestation, and to create green school environments to reduce heat and protect them from climate risks.
Also, Abdulhamid Surajo stressed the need to strengthen school security through fencing and the deployment of guards to protect school property, stop grazing in school compounds, and support school gardens.
He identified some of the most affected schools as Government Pilot Secondary School Majigiri, Afadu Primary School, and Doguru Primary and Secondary Schools.
Responding to the children’s concerns, the Mashi Council Chairman, Salisu Kallah, represented by his deputy, Jamilu Yusuf, assured that the council would take concrete steps to address the issues raised.
He pledged to revisit existing measures banning illegal tree cutting and to work towards creating safer and more conducive learning environments.
The District Head of Mashi, Kabir Aminu, who is also the Iyan Katsina, called for the establishment of school environmental clubs and community initiatives to combat degradation and promote sustainability.
During the visit, the children used artistic expression and drama to show their concern about gender inequality.
At the opening of a three-day strategic review in Lagos, Nigeria’s flagship climate resilience initiative, the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, delivered a clear message: it is not only on track, but ahead of schedule.
The mid-term review and additional financing mission, which began on Monday, April 20, 2026, at the Lagos Continental Hotel, is scheduled to run till Wednesday, April 22. It has drawn more than 500 delegates from the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, underscoring the scale and significance of the programme.
Participants include federal and state government officials, commissioners, academics, technical experts and development partners from the World Bank, all convened to assess progress and outline the next phase of implementation.
Delegates at the ACReSAL mid-term review and additional financing mission in Lagos on Monday, April 20, 2026
At the centre of discussions is a project increasingly regarded as one of the strongest performers in Nigeria’s climate resilience portfolio with different presentations of data driven impacts.
Setting the tone early, the National Project Coordinator, Abdulhamid Umar, speaking on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Environment, said ACReSAL has already exceeded several of its key performance benchmarks, despite being only midway through its lifecycle.
“The project has actually surpassed its target and we’re just halfway through,” he told journalists on the sidelines of the event.
According to Umar, the initiative has reached approximately 9.3 million beneficiaries, significantly exceeding its initial target of 3.4 million. Women account for nearly half of that number.
Environmental restoration figures are equally notable. Over one million hectares of degraded land have been rehabilitated within three years, effectively achieving a target initially set for six years.
Beyond the data, Umar pointed to tangible changes in communities across the northern region. In Katsina State, he said, improved water management infrastructure has helped avert the kind of devastating floods that previously led to loss of lives and property. In parts of Benue and Gombe states, he added, longstanding tensions between farmers and herders have eased.
“We have impacted heavily on agricultural development and empowerment where our CRF investment has yielded,” he said. “We have also recorded more peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.”
He further noted that increased agricultural productivity and empowerment initiatives have translated into job creation for young people and expanded income opportunities for women, reshaping livelihoods in vulnerable communities.
“The beneficiaries are the ones who can tell a better story than the implementers,” he added.
That perspective found cautious support among World Bank specialists present at the review, who acknowledged the project’s performance while highlighting areas that require strengthening as it transitions into its next phase.
Nagaraja Rao Harshadeep, a lead environmental specialist, said ACReSAL’s strength lies in its dual focus on land restoration and the development of systems for sustainable resource management. However, he stressed the need for the project to evolve with emerging tools.
“I think what could be done more in the future is to leverage new types of data and analytics that are currently available for planning,” he said, noting that improved data integration could sharpen decision-making and investment targeting.
Angela Armstrong, a senior environmental specialist, pointed to progress made at the macro level, particularly in the development of watershed management plans across multiple states. The next phase, she said, should prioritise deeper community engagement.
“The next steps should really focus on community-led investments, taking the broader watershed work and translating it into micro-level plans with communities,” she said.
For Veronica Jarin, also an environmental specialist with the World Bank, sustaining momentum will depend on scaling up resources.
“Any additional financing will scale up current activities and increase the livelihoods of people,” she said.
Across sessions and side conversations, a consistent narrative has emerged: ACReSAL is evolving beyond a conventional intervention programme into a potential model for climate resilience.
There are already discussions around institutionalising the initiative into a full-fledged agency and adapting its framework for use in other semi-arid regions beyond Nigeria.
Still, key questions linger. As the project eyes expansion, stakeholders are grappling with how additional funding will be tracked, how gains will be sustained, and whether early successes can be replicated at scale without dilution.
For now, as deliberations continue in Lagos, ACReSAL stands at a critical juncture, buoyed by strong results, yet facing the complex demands of growth and long-term impact.
Speech delivered by Inger Andersen, Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), at the 173rd meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives in Nairobi, Kenya, on Monday, April 20, 2026
Please let me begin today by touching on the environmental consequences of the situation in the Middle East.
The destruction of infrastructure – including fuel storage, refining and processing facilities – across the region has polluted the air, soil and water. Fires from damaged oil and gas facilities release heat and air pollutants – creating serious risks to those responding to the fires and to people living in affected areas.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director, Inger Andersen. Photo credit: Eric Bridiers
Meanwhile, the destruction and damage of sea-faring vessels have led to significant spills. Oil spills contaminate rivers, lakes, reservoirs, groundwater and marine waters – which pose serious health risks, impact wildlife and exacerbate issues for a region already grappling with water scarcity.
Past conflicts show pollution from conflict-related damage can last many years. So, I continue to echo the UN Secretary-General’s call for the immediate cessation of all hostilities. Ending the destruction is essential to protect human lives and enable the containment and remediation of pollution, which is essential to protect the region’s natural systems and remove serious risks to human health. UNEP is working with the UN system to keep the environmental situation in the affected region under review, and will report on environmental issues of regional significance emerging from the conflict.
This is our first gathering since the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), at which Member States adopted UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy and handed down new mandates through 11 resolutions and three decisions, all of which will strengthen our support for environmental action. UNEA-7 was a success, but of course we can improve. In this regard, I thank you for the discussion on lessons learned and the good reflections provided, which will help to prepare for UNEA-8.
While it is still early days, UNEP is moving forward as quickly as it can to implement these new mandates and the MTS – while still focusing on pre-existing mandates. Right now, we are focusing on three areas.
First, being more efficient and effective in delivery and reducing fragmentation in countries, as we ensure they are advised strongly on low emission, resilient growth. Second, delivering measurable and credible impact. Third, derisking investing in the environment through science, law and finance so that value chains are secure and people are resilient.
UNEP’s overall financial health and increased predictability is key to advancing these efforts and delivering on UNEP’s central mandate as the leading global environmental authority, with clear eyed focus and impact.
I thank Member States for recognising this need, and the importance of the Environment Fund as the financial spine of the organisation, which together with contributions from the Regular Budget pays for the science, the environmental law, the policy coordination, the capacity building, the standards and the convening.
A total of US$85 million against the approved Environment Fund budget of $100 million was received in 2025. Recognising the drop of $5 million in income compared to 2024, we continue operating under a reduced envelope, every dollar counts, every contribution counts, especially in the current landscape. I am proud to share that 108 Member States contributed to the Environment Fund in 2025. No other UN entity can claim the same width of the Member State support. Your consistency, trust and solidarity reflect our collective commitment. I am grateful and encourage Member States to pay their full contributions.
We at UNEP also understand and prioritise the leadership and responsibility of Member States in implementing the mandates you handed to UNEP. For this reason, I have engaged in consultations with partners and Member States over the last few months – including the regional and political groups in Nairobi – and will continue to engage with every Member State and grouping.
I was in New York for a busy week to chair the High-Level Committee on Programmes (HLCP) – which focused on topics such as moving beyond GDP and the UN80 Initiative. To brief Member States on UNEP’s latest work, science and priorities. And to attend the Third Session of the Preparatory Commission for the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).
I reminded delegates at PREPCOM that it is crucial for the BBNJ to pull experience from all other conventions and rely upon a strong, efficient and independent Secretariat. UNEP is, of course, ready and equipped to lend its expertise and serve as the institutional locus of this Secretariat.
I was also pleased to join Member States and the Minister of Environment and COP31 hosting President Designate from Türkiye at a New York event to mark the fourth International Day of Zero Waste, shining a global spotlight on the preventable challenge of food waste. This year’s global campaign demonstrated growing momentum and collective action toward zero-waste societies. Some 20 Zero Waste Cities were announced by the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board, over 135 events registered worldwide and 14 major tourism companies serving over 600 million guests annually joined UNEP and UN Tourism’s “Recipe of Change” initiative to reduce food waste.
In March, I engaged with EU partners in Brussels. We discussed – with the European Commission, in the European Parliament and EU Environment and Climate Ministers – how a strong and resilient environment is fundamental to sustainability, resilience, security, and economy with the fundamental role of science. I also travelled to Helsinki for the Nordic Consultations, where we discussed the UN80 Initiative and the importance of maintaining strong environmental science in a time of misinformation.
As our safety, prosperity and future depends on a One Health approach, I joined partners at the One Health Summit in Lyon, hosted by President Emmanuel Macron on World Health Day. The Summit focused on delivering sustainable health across humans, animals, and ecosystems, with discussions addressing zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance and food safety – all to help ensure we prevent the next crisis before it begins.
The Quadripartite – with our partners at FAO, the World Health Organisation, and the World Organisation for Animal Health, the Quadripartite – also gathered for its fourth Executive Annual Meeting. The priorities for the Quadripartite, as I see it, are strengthened science and strengthening integrated evidence and knowledge exchange, advancing coherent, cross-sectoral policy frameworks, and mobilising resources to turn commitments into action.
We were also pleased to host a briefing here in Nairobi on the UN80 Initiative with Under-Secretary-General for Policy, Guy Ryder – giving Member States the opportunity to discuss the latest progress and priorities beyond areas that UNEP is supporting or leading on.
The UN80 Initiative continues to move forward. At the end of March, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Mandate Creation, Implementation and Review for an Efficient and Effective United Nations – a resolution to strengthen how mandates for UN organisations are created, implemented and reviewed. This is something we at UNEP have been advocating for a while. Based on your asks, UNEP has been ahead of the curve by innovating through our end-to-end support to Member States on the management of the lifecycle of UNEA resolutions. This new UNGA resolution will play a critical role, bringing good practice from Nairobi to the rest of the UN system.
UNEP continues to play a key role in the UN80 Initiative, together with the UNFCCC, by leading Work Package 27, which is “undertaking a thorough assessment of current arrangements” and will “make proposals on possible structural changes and programme realignments on environmental issues”.
On April 23, you will have the opportunity to hear more about the progress being made, with a briefing on WP27. As we focus on a UN system shift towards coherence, effectiveness and impact through the interconnected issues of science, governance, coordination and implementation, we look to your guidance at the briefing on how we can make this truly transformational and supportive of the needs of people, planet, peace and prosperity. Let me also highlight that advance materials for this meeting have been made available to delegations over the weekend.
Please let me close with a look at some of the key multilateral environmental milestones this year.
We have already seen the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species in Campo Grande, Brazil, where countries agreed to step up conservation efforts, including new or enhanced treaty protections for 40 species and populations of birds, aquatic wildlife, and terrestrial animals.
I am about to depart to Astana, Kazakhstan for the Central Asia Regional Ecological Summit, where nations are looking to accelerate concrete action for the challenges facing this vibrant region. UNEP is a key partner in the summit, which we hope will strengthen regional cooperation on climate adaptation, sustainable natural resource management, mobilizing green financing and more.
This is, of course, another year of Rio Trio COPs – providing a real opportunity to accelerate action across every aspect of the environmental challenges.
The UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP17, in Mongolia, will place a strong focus on efforts to sustain livelihoods, strengthen ecosystem resilience and address climate change in drylands.
The Convention on Biological Diversity COP17, in Armenia, will be a chance to accelerate action toward the 2030 targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework. UNEP is supporting 70 countries to finalise their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) – including finance and capacity building.
UNEP’s work on climate science strengthens the foundation for impactful policies and implementation through reports such as the Emissions and Adaptation Gap Reports, and actions around cooling, methane and food waste. New work on overshoot of 1.5°C will inform Climate COP31 in Türkiye.
There are, of course, other important gatherings, such as the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi, co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal, and the COPs of the Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans – with the Nairobi Convention and the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia both gathering, in Tanzania and the Philippines respectively.
UNEP is also working towards advances in chemicals, waste and plastic pollution.
The Global Framework on Chemicals will hold its first International Conference in Geneva this November. This will be a key milestone in meeting its five strategic objectives and 28 targets, many of which are due by 2030.
The full operationalisation of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP) is a key priority – and depends on finalising the rules of procedure, establishing the financial architecture and agreeing on intersessional work at a resumed session of the first plenary.
In December, the Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol will take place in Kigali, Rwanda – marking the 10th anniversary of the Kigali Amendment, with a key topic of discussion being the expected follow up on the HFC-23 emissions, regional atmospheric monitoring and lifecycle management of refrigerants.
Regarding the development of an international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, progress is being made. Ambassador Julio Cordano of Chile, who was elected in February as the new Chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC), has made it clear that he is determined to get the treaty over the line. The Chair’s letter of March 16 shared a roadmap outlining work to come, including a series of informal activities leading up to INC-5.4.
This will include a Heads of Delegation Meeting here in Nairobi from June 30 to July 3. UNEP remains unwavering in its support to the Committee and delivering on the mandate of UNEA resolution 5/14. In this context, I am very pleased that Ambassador Cordano was able to meet with regional groups during his visit to Nairobi last week.
We undoubtedly have a busy period ahead of us, with much work to do in complex times. We must ensure that the environment remains high on the UN and multilateral agenda. Because a vibrant and healthy environment, a predictable climate, well-functioning nature, and unpolluted air, soil, and water are critical to undergirding the UN Charter’s pillars of peace and security, human rights and economic development.
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at its Conference Centre (Rose 1101) hosted the first quarter 2026 edition of its Book Reading Series, with a one-time Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Administration (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, as Guest Author.
The event, which focused on the 2025, 204-page publication of the author, Leading in a Storm: Practical Leadership Strategiesin Crisis Situations, had a capacity audience drawn from higher institutions, the mass media, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), and Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), with several others participating virtually.
Dr. Dakuku Peterside
In a welcome address, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the General Manager, Corporate Communications Division (CCD), Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, said the book reading programme, which he described as “a signature event” of the Board, speaks to creativity, which is one of the core values of the Board.
He explained that the event is part of the Board’s strategy infostering intellectual activity and sophistication amongstakeholders as well as building the abilities of Nigerians to operate productively in the oil and gas industry and linkage sectors, which is one of its core mandates.
The Executive Secretary enumerated several initiatives of the Board geared towards advancement of research and technology, notably, six Centres of Excellence in the nation’s six geopolitical zones, each of which has a unique theme. These are Niger Delta University, Amassoma, with Marine and Petrochemical Technologies as theme; Federal University of Technology, Minna (Engineering Design), and Federal University of Technology, Owerri (Local Raw Materials Substitution).
Others are Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH), Yola (Safety and Environment Studies); Usman Dan Fodio University (UDUS), Sokoto (Renewable Energy), and Federal University of Technology, Akure (Geology and Geophysical Studies). Additional research centres established by the Board include Geosciences Research Centre at the University of Lagos and Marine and Offshore Training Centre at Rivers State University, Port Harcourt. The latest is the Centre of Excellence in Gas Development at Delta State University, Abraka, being developed in partnership with Seplat Energy Plc.
According to Ogbe, the NCDMB is collaborating with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited (RAEC), First Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited, and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), to organise the first Nigerian Engineering Olympiad (NEO), which was launched on November 20, 2025 in Abuja. The Olympiad, slated to end in April, 2026, is to encourage final-year and postgraduate students to be innovative in applying engineering principles to real-world operational challenges in and out of oil and gas industry.
In the book conversation segment, moderated by Mr. Victor Binawari, Dr. Peterside explained the inspiration behind Leading in a Storm…, copies of which had been distributed gratis to attendees. “My own lived experience,” he declared, informed the contents and thrusts of the work. He pointed out that “Every single day, Nigerians face one crisis or another,” and that the experiences posit weakness of leadership.
He recalled his time at the National Assembly, when he served as Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on the Downstream Petroleum sector, with the unremitting crises in fuel supply. As NIMASA Director General he had to contend with recurring incidences of piracy within Nigeria’s territorial waters. Then the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw many world leaders fumbling, unable to determine how best to safeguard the health of citizens. Yet another inspiration was from an uncomplimentary remark by a professor at America’s Kellog School of Management, to the effect that “Africa is in a near-permanent state of crises.”
“I began to investigate how leaders can perform better in crisis situations,” he explained, adding that calmness, clarity, adaptability, and resilience, are critically important. What kind of choices leaders make when faced with crises would reveal the stuff they are made of.
He outlined eight competencies of crisis leadership, namely, Contextual intelligence (“the ability to read situations accurately and understand the deeper forces at play”); Calm Confidence (which provides emotional stability); Sense-making (which enables a leader to find patterns in chaos and make meaning from confusion); Strategic Decision-making; Clear Communication; Strategic Flexibility; Coordinating Teamwork, and Facilitating Learning. Every great leader should rank high enough in these.
On his style, which relies heavily on storytelling, he stated that stories are relatable, memorable and engaging, and that “stories teach you principles which you can apply.” In closing remarks, Mr. Teleola Oyeleke, Supervisor, CCD of NCDMB, thanked Dr. Peterside for readily accepting the invitation and for the wealth experience he shared at the event. He also thanked all participants, while advising them to read and digest the contents of the book. He also echoed the Guest Author in challenging attendees to have personal development programmes
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, April 20, 2026, dismissed a suit filed against the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, challenging the proposed allocation of four oil fields.
Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling on the preliminary objections filed by the defence, held that the suit was incompetent.
Justice Nwite held that the plaintiffs, having failed to serve the defendants with a valid pre-action notice in compliance with Section 308 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021, robbed the court off the jurisdiction to hear the suit.
Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil)
He said a valid pre-action letter would notify the defendants of the plaintiffs’ grievances, the intention to seek legal redress within a definite time, the declaratory reliefs that would be sought, among others.
The judge, who said the plaintiffs’ letter which they claimed they served on the defendants before instituting the suit did not meet the condition precedent, said it fell short of the statutory prescriptions for a legal notice.
He said though jurisdiction is fundamental in the decision of a court, a judgment well delivered will be a nullity without jurisdiction.
Justice Nwite also agreed with the argument of the petroleum minister that the plaintiffs failed to disclose reseanable cause of action in the suit.
He said serious jurisdiction and competence issues had arisen which cannot be brushed aside.
“The objection of the 1st defendant succeeds.
“Therefore, this court lacks jurisdiction and the suit is therefore dismissed. I so hold,” he ruled.
The plaintiffs; Hi-Rev Oil Limited and Hi-Rev Exploration and Production Ltd, had instituted the case, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2678/2025.
The plaintiffs sued the Minister of Petroleum, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively.
Justice Nwite had, on Dec. 22, 2025, ordered the minister, the AGF and NUPRC to show cause why the reliefs of the plaintiffs in their motion ex-parte should not be granted.
The judge made the order after Ambrose Unaeze, who appeared for the plaintiffs, moved the motion dated and filed on Dec. 11, 2025.
The oil and gas companies had sought an order of interim injunction restraining the defendants or whomsoever is acting on their behest from selling, assigning or allocating the Yorla South (Petroleum Prospecting Licence (PPL) 2A32 – OML 11) located in Rivers.
The order is to also restrain the defendants from allocating Akiapiri (PPL 2A48 – OML 25) located in Bayelsa; Diebu Creek East (OML 32) also located in Bayelsa and Idiok (PPL 2A41 – OML 67) located in Akwa Ibom, “same being direct replacements for Utapate Oil Field (formerly part of OML 13) and OPL 2002, previously allocated to the plaintiff but was later withdrawn by the defendants, pending the hearing of the interlocutory application in this suit.”
But the trio, in separate preliminary objections, submitted that the plaintiffs lacked the legal right to institute the matter.
They urged the court to dismiss the suit.
Moving his preliminary objection, Michael Numa, SAN, who appeared for Lokpobiri on the last adjourned date, argued that the court lacked jurisdiction since there was no specific “allocation” of oil fields to the plaintiffs.
Numa stated that the plaintiffs contended that the Federal Government had promised them additional oil fields beyond those allocated in 2002, but allocation is usually made through proper bid processes.
“Allocation must follow due procedures, and a party must meet technical and legal requirements before a specific allocation arises,” he submitted.
He further stressed that the Federal Government has statutory powers to allocate oil fields and that a promise alone does not create an enforceable right.
“Therefore, there is no reasonable cause of action in this case.
“And the court cannot create a legal right for the claimants because the process of allocation is always founded on statutory provisions meant to be protected by the court, not for the court to create one,” he said.
He added that the court cannot act on promises where no specific asset exists to ground the relief sought, particularly as one of the fields had already been assigned to another party.
The lawyer argued that the plaintiff failed to serve his client with a pre-action notice in line with Section 308 of the PIA, 2021.
Similarly, the AGF, represented by Oyinlola Kolawosho, in his preliminary objection filed on Jan. 5, asked the court to dismiss the case of the plaintiffs, describing it as “speculative.”
He claimed that the plaintiffs lacked locus standi (legal right) over the four oil fields since no agreement existed.
Also, the NUPRC, represented by O.M. Atoyeji, in its preliminary objection filed on Jan. 20, also urged the court to strike out the case.
Atoyeji argued that the promises relied upon by the plaintiffs did not automatically confer a legal right.
He also contended that the action was not filed within the statutory period prescribed by the Public Officers Protection Act and the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021.
Responding to the defendants’ objections, Unaeze said the plaintiffs had the right to court protection.
He stated that without the court compelling the defendants, the fields would be allocated to the public.
The lawyer said the parties had held several meetings with the defendants and paid substantial amount of money as promotion fees.
He said the plaintiffs had also been granted refineries and licences, but the government “now claimed they had no rights.”
“We are not saying your lordship should interpret the judgement or enforce the consent judgement they referred to; we are talking about the responsibility placed on them by that judgement,” he said.
Unaeze therefore urged the court to dimiss the defendants’ objections.
Responding, Numa disagrees with Unaeze, arguing that the signature bonus paid in 2002 predated the current statutory provisions of the PIA and that the original claim had been superseded by the settlement and consent judgement.
He said references to the out-of-court settlement could not form the basis of the current action.
The defence lawyers then Informed the court that third parties were already showing interest in the oil fields, hence, the need to know if the Jan. 5 order of status quo was still binding.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted rainy and sunny weather activities from Monday, April 20 to Wednesday, April 22, 2026, nationwide.
NiMet’s weather outlook released on Sunday predicted sunny skies on Monday over the northern region during the morning hours with chances of thunderstorms.
NiMet anticipated moderate rains over parts of Taraba and Adamawa States.
Rainfall
According to the agency, there are prospects of isolated thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over parts of Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Adamawa and Taraba States during the afternoon or evening hours.
“For North Central Region, cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine is anticipated over the region during the morning hours with chances of isolated thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over Niger, Kogi, Kwara and the FCT.
“There are prospects of thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of the Plateau, Kwara, Kogi, Benue, Niger, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory later in the day,” it said.
NiMet envisaged the cloudy atmosphere over the southern region during the morning hours with chances of isolated thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over parts of Abia, Enugu, Edo, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa-Ibom states.
The agency predicted isolated thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over parts of Oyo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Abia, Osun, Ekiti, Anambra, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Imo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Lagos, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states later in the day.
NiMet envisaged sunny skies on Tuesday over the northern region during the morning hours.
According to the agency, there are prospects of thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over parts of Kaduna, Adamawa and Taraba states during the afternoon in the evening hours.
The agency predicted a cloudy atmosphere in the North central region with intervals of sunshine anticipated over the region in the morning hours.
“There are prospects of thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over parts of Benue, the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Nasarawa and Plateau states during the afternoon/evening hours.
”For the southern region, cloudy atmosphere is anticipated over the region during the morning hours with chances of isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rains over parts of Enugu, Imo, Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross-River and Akwa-Ibom states.
”There are prospects of isolated thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over parts of Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states during the afternoon or evening hours,” it said.
NiMet forecast sunny skies over the northern region on Wednesday during the morning hours.
It anticipated chances of thunderstorms with rain or without rain over parts of Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Adamawa States.
The agency predicted isolated thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over parts of Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, Taraba and Adamawa states later in the day.
NiMet forecast the cloudy atmosphere in the North central region with intervals of sunshine anticipated over the North central region during the morning hours.
“There are prospects of isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of Plateau, Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger, Benue and the Federal Capital Territory during the afternoon or evening hours.
“For the southern region, cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine is anticipated over the region during the morning hours.
“Later in the day, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over the entire southern region,” it said.
NiMet urged the public to take adequate precaution and ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision as strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur.
According to the agency, driving under heavy rain should be avoided with disconnecting electrical appliances from electrical sockets.
“Residents are advised to 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.
“Temperatures are expected to remain high causing thermal discomfort. The public is advised to wear breathable clothing, stay in a well-ventilated environment and stay hydrated.
“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet by visiting our website www.nimet.gov.ng,” it said.
The Commandant, National Defence College (NDC), Rear Adm. Abdullahi Ahmed, has described climate change as a growing strategic national security threat that requires concrete military preparedness.
Ahmed made the call on Monday, April 20, 2026, in Abuja while declaring open a roundtable on military response to climate-driven energy security challenges.
He said climate change had gone beyond environmental and developmental concerns, stressing that it now posed serious risks to national stability and human security.
Rear Adm. Abdullahi Ahmed
He called for stronger military preparedness and multi-stakeholder collaboration to address climate-driven insecurity in Nigeria.
“Climate change is no longer solely an environmental issue but a strategic and security concern with far-reaching implications for our national stability,” he said.
The commandant urged defence institutions, government agencies, development partners and local communities to work together to build resilience and develop sustainable responses to emerging threats.
He also encouraged participants to actively contribute ideas that would help shape effective strategies to safeguard the nation against climate-induced challenges.
In a goodwill message, the Provost, Centre for Strategic Research and Studies, NDC, Prof. Adam Ahmed, said it was no longer possible to discuss governance, economic growth or political stability without considering the impact of climate change.
Ahmed noted that many global conflicts and crises were increasingly linked to climate-related factors, including competition over scarce resources and environmental stress.
“Across the world, climate realities are shaping security dynamics, and in many cases, the military is called upon to respond when these pressures escalate,” he said.
Ahmed emphasised the need for the armed forces to deepen their understanding of climate dynamics and develop appropriate response mechanisms to effectively tackle climate-induced security threats.
He commended partners and stakeholders for their continued support and urged participants to leverage the forum to develop practical and sustainable solutions to the evolving challenge.
The roundtable was organised by the Centre for Strategic Research and Studies of the NDC in collaboration with the Sustainable Development Training Centre.
The event was designed to deepen understanding of the climate–security relationship and to generate practical recommendations for defence and security institutions.
It seeks to engage senior military personnel, policymakers, academics, development partners, and climate-security practitioners in strategic dialogue focused on mitigating climate-driven insecurity in Nigeria.
Participants were drawn from the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Officials from the Ministry of Defence and relevant MDAs, Security experts, academics, and researchers, among others.
The Federal Government has urged farmers to leverage the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction to boost productivity and reduce risks linked to climate variability across Nigeria, especially vulnerable agricultural communities nationwide.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, made the call on Monday, April 20, 2026, during a seminar organised in Anambra State for farmers by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and partners.
The seminar was organised in collaboration with the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency and partners to strengthen agricultural resilience among farmers in Anambra.
Participants at the seminar organised in Anambra State for farmers
Partners included the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Limited, supporting efforts aimed at improving climate adaptation, risk management, and sustainable agricultural practices across the state.
It focused on sensitising farmers to the 2026 seasonal climate prediction and the annual flood outlook, highlighting risks, opportunities, and preparedness measures needed for effective climate smart agricultural planning and action.
Kyari, represented by State Director Chief Arthur Mbuba, said the training aimed to enlighten farmers on climate forecasts, implications for agriculture, and practical steps to improve yields and resilience in Nigeria.
He commended organisers for selecting Anambra among six participating states, describing the initiative as timely and essential for equipping farmers with critical information on climate variability and climate smart agriculture practices.
The Director General of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, said the seasonal prediction should serve as an early warning tool for farmers, noting expected rainfall onset in Anambra from March 23.
He added that cessation of the growing season was projected between November 27 and December 4, with several local government areas expected to experience high rainfall, flooding, and temperature variations.
He identified high flood risk areas to include Anambra East, Anambra West, Ayamelum, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Ogbaru, and Ekwusigo, while other councils fall within moderate risk zones across the state.
Officials from agricultural and emergency agencies urged awareness, early planting, insurance adoption, proper drainage maintenance, and timely evacuation from vulnerable communities, reaffirming commitment to proactive disaster management and improved agronomic practices.
Address delivered by UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, at the start of Green Transformation (GX) Week on Monday, April 20, 2026, in tandem with UN Climate Week 3 (CW3), which kicks off on Tuesday, April 21. Both events – focused on helping drive forward practical climate solutions – are being held in Yeosu, Republic of Korea
UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell. Photo credit: Phil Dera Photography
Green Transformation – or GX – Week could not be more timely.
Conflict in the Middle East has unleashed a fossil fuel cost crisis in global energy markets, holding economies around the world in a chokehold.
National sovereignty and security ripped away, replaced by vulnerability and instability, with households and businesses paying the price.
War has – once again – revealed the soaring costs of fossil fuel dependency.
Asia is particularly hard hit. Including the Republic of Korea – which imports so much of its fuel.
Yet, amidst the chaos, President Lee is clear-eyed – saying that this crisis shows:
“The major shift to renewable energy, is no longer a national and historical task that can be postponed.”
I couldn’t agree with him more.
Clean energy is the antidote to fossil fuel cost chaos, because it is cheaper, safer and faster-to-market.
Wars don’t disrupt the supply of sunlight for solar power, and wind power does not depend on vulnerable shipping straits.
Renewables allow governments to regain control of their economies and their national security.
So, it is common sense to accelerate the transition to clean energy…
Taking care not to lock-in fossil fuels – particularly coal – when addressing immediate impacts of the crisis.
And at the same time, building resilience to the climate disasters – mega-floods, powerful storms and extreme heat – which are hammering economies and driving inflation, ruining lives and breaking businesses all around the world.
Strong climate action will be central to countries’ competitiveness.
The market for climate solutions will only grow. All the biggest Asian economies have signalled that clean energy is now central to their economic growth and security strategies.
The current crisis will create massive opportunities for energy and construction firms to create clean infrastructure all across Asia.
So, the global shift to clean energy can drive a multi-generational economic boom for the Republic of Korea, leveraging your high skilled workforce and prowess in technological innovation.
The faster the Republic of Korea meets and exceeds its climate targets, and the more Korean businesses invest in cleantech, the bigger the boom will be.
Promoting growth here in Korea. And building new markets all around the world…
You can lead global efforts by aligning public finance with the energy transition…
By contrast, countries that move too slowly on clean energy risk their economies becoming relics of a polluting past.
Through its GX strategy, the Republic of Korea is seizing the vast benefits of climate action, harnessing decarbonisation for growth, jobs and competitiveness. I applaud its leadership.
Together, we can turn climate commitments into projects on the ground – faster.
GX Week supports these efforts.
Likewise, UN Climate Week, happening in Yeosu this week – is about helping to drive forward real-world climate solutions.
Happening in tandem with Korea’s GX Week, this UN Climate Week will bring together negotiators and policy-makers with leaders, implementers, and innovators from business, governments, and civil society.
UN climate weeks are just one way we are working to help translate COP decisions and pledges into concrete outcomes in communities, bringing our process closer to the real economy.
It’s part of a wider effort to help spread the vast benefits of climate action to far more people all around the world: stronger economies, more jobs, better health, and more affordable and more secure energy and food, among many others.
This week and every week beyond, I urge you to seize the opportunities on offer.
Do what you can to build clean and resilient societies, industries, and economies.
Bank the immense dividends on offer from global decarbonisation and resilience-building.
And build a path to prosperity and security for all.
A new report launched by C40 Cities, “Building the Financial Case for Urban Adaptation: Guidance and Case Studies,” provides practical guidance to help cities unlock private investment in climate adaptation, one of the most critical challenges to scaling urban resilience.
Drawing on real-world case studies, the report identifies what has enabled successful urban adaptation projects to mobilise private finance. It highlights the importance of clear revenue models, well-prepared project pipelines, and strong enabling conditions in attracting investment.
The findings show that adaptation projects can become investable when cities take a structured approach to project design, including engaging investors early, reducing risk, and aligning projects with market expectations.
The Dakar Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system is a 100% electric initiative aimed at improving urban transport in Dakar, Senegal
By strengthening cities’ capacity to develop and present bankable projects, the report helps shift the perception of adaptation from a purely public expense to a credible investment opportunity. Ultimately, it aims to accelerate finance flows toward urban resilience, particularly in cities most exposed to climate risks.
Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone, and C40 Cities’ co-chair, said: “Climate adaptation finance is falling dangerously short of what cities need, even as climate impacts accelerate. With strained public budgets and shrinking grants, cities must unlock new sources of finance to meet growing climate challenges. In Freetown, we are showing how innovative models like tree-planting linked to carbon finance can attract private investment for adaptation. This report helps cities speak the language of investors, turning adaptation projects into credible, investable opportunities.”
Claudio Castro, mayor of Renca, Chile, and member of the Mayors’ Forum of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM) in Latin America, said: “Cities like Renca are already facing more intense heatwaves and droughts, with the most vulnerable communities hardest hit. Through public–private partnerships, we are delivering climate solutions that improve resilience and quality of life.
“Our Renca Hills project shows how innovative financing can secure sustainable water use while reducing urban heat. This report highlights how cities can turn collaboration into real, scalable climate action. Accelerating adaptation requires stronger cooperation between cities, businesses, and financiers at every level.”
Andrea Fernández, Managing Director for Climate Finance at C40 Cities, said: “Cities are the front lines of the climate crisis, yet the lack of accessible finance remains the single greatest barrier to action. With the launch of C40’s new report on urban climate finance adaptation, we are providing a roadmap to shift the narrative: adaptation is no longer just a public cost, it is a viable investment opportunity.
“By equipping cities with the tools to structure bankable projects and engage private investors early, we can unlock the private capital essential to meeting our global goals and ensuring a safer, more resilient future for urban residents.”
The publication outlines a clear set of recommendations for cities to mobilise private finance for adaptation climate projects:
Align climate planning and finance functions and develop clear adaptation strategies and investment pipelines to create strong demand signals;
Engage private investors early in project design to ensure bankability and scale;
Build partnerships with private stakeholders to align on risks, returns and shared benefits;
Develop viable monetisation pathways, including tariffs, land value capture and blended finance structures;
Invest in project preparation capacity and strengthen transparency and reporting frameworks to bring projects to market and maintain investor confidence.
Examples of successful local climate initiatives highlighted in the report include:
Dakar, Senegal, the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system integrates flood-resilient infrastructure with private sector participation through a public–private partnership financing electric buses and systems;
São Paulo, Brazil, implemented the Aquapolo wastewater reuse project securing private investment through long-term off-take agreements, and providing a drought-resilient water supply to industry;
In the Upper Tana Basin in Kenya, the Nairobi Water Fund mobilises private capital from downstream users to finance watershed restoration that enhances water security and climate resilience;
The Nhieu Loc–Thi Nghe canal restoration in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, has catalysed private real estate investment by reducing flood risk and improving environmental conditions;
Bilbao’s Zorrotzaurre redevelopment project, in Spain, combines public investment in flood protection with private real estate financing to create a flood-resilient urban district.
Quintana Roo, Mexico, introduced an innovative coral reef insurance scheme that engages the private sector through insurance and tourism-backed financing to protect coastlines from storm impacts.
In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the SMART Tunnel demonstrates how large-scale flood infrastructure can be delivered with private sector financing and expertise.
In the Netherlands, Afsluitdijk upgraded its flood defence mobilising private finance through a long-term public–private contract to strengthen climate resilience against extreme sea-level events.
