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ICCDI enlightens cub journalists, activists on climate justice

Michael Simire
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ICCDI enlightens cub journalists, activists on climate justice

The International Climate Change Development Initiative (ICCDI) on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, organised a two-day workshop tagged “Media for Climate Justice”, an event dedicated to raising awareness about climate-related issues and the role of media in shaping public discourse in Lagos.

Participants at the event

In his remarks, Olumide Idowu, Executive Director, ICCDI-Africa, said: “Climate justice is a framework that recognises the interconnectedness of climate change and social inequality. It emphasises that the impacts of climate change disproportionately affect marginalised and vulnerable communities, often those who have contributed the least to the problem.”

Idowu stressed that the main objectives of the event is to amplify the voices of residents of marginalised communities by ensuring their stories and perspectives are heard and also promote solutions through innovative and sustainable practices. 

In his paper presentation titled “The Intersection of Climate Change, Social Justice, and the Media”, Sulaimon Arigbabu, the Executive Secretary, HEDA Resource Centre, noted that there is need for climate change information because it will help promote public engagement and advocacy leading to more informed decision making by shifting towards eco-friendly choices in daily activities.

Arigbabu said the media helps project ideas for solution by shaping how the people understands climate change, how they identify duty bearers and how they demand accountability.

He however admonished the participants of the workshop to prioritise scientific consensus over fringe views, make use of voices and visuals emanating from the communities as well as collaborating with other media platforms and NGOs.

In his remark, David Lanre Messan, the Chief Venture Builder, opined that there is need for climate advocates, media leaders, and changemakers to equip themselves with actionable frameworks and advanced strategies for storytelling that drives behavior change, policy momentum, and grassroots action across Africa.

Messan, in his paper presentation titled “Story Telling for Change: Crafting Compelling Climate Narratives and Effective Communication Strategies”, submitted that story telling in climate justice matters a lot because “data alone doesn’t move people; stories do, apart from this, narrative taps into emotion, fosters empathy, and inspires action”. 

He said: “A well-crafted story turns abstract risks into personal stakes, so the role of a media professionals is to connect carbon budgets to everyday lives.”

The award winning story-teller urged participants to adopt the P.A.C.E. Method to build scalable stories. According to him with P.A.C.E. Method, writers should focus their narratives on Problem, Action, Consequence and Envision.

Other speakers that took turn to address participants at the workshop included Khadija M-Williams who spoke on “The Role of Media in Climate Advocacy” and Mayowa Adebote who delivered a speech on “Using Digital Media for Climate Activism”.

The two-day event continued on Thursday with upcoming journalists, activists, and community leaders in attendance.

By Ajibola Adedoye

We developed action plan to reverse decline of vultures in Nigeria – Director of Forestry

Michael Simire
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0
We developed action plan to reverse decline of vultures in Nigeria – Director of Forestry

In order to address the decline in the population of vultures in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Environment in conjunction with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has developed National Vulture Conservation Action Plan (NVCAP) – a national framework aimed at reversing the trend through coordinated policy, research and community-based action.

Vulture
L-R: Mr. Adedamola Ogunsesan, Director, Technical Programmes, Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Mr. Liu Yuan, Programme Officer, United Nations CITES, Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director General, Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Alhaji Shaba Malkudi, President, NANTMP, Prof. Augustine Ezealor at the Workshop on Identifying Barriers on the Option of Plant-Based Alternative to Vulture Use

Dr. Moses Ama, Director of Forestry, Federal Department of Forestry, who made this known on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in Lagos at the two-day workshop on “Reducing the Demand for Vultures in Traditional Medicine Practices In Nigeria”, noted that the vulture – the nature’s most vital scavengers – is now at the brink of extinction, primarily due to belief-based use in traditional medicine, poisoning, and illegal trade. 

Speaking through Bosede Olukanni, Deputy Director, Federal Department of Forestry, Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr. Ama noted: “Nigeria is blessed with a rich array of wildlife species, each contributing to the delicate ecological balance that sustains life. Among these, vultures hold a unique and irreplaceable role as nature’s clean-up agents, preventing the spread of deadly diseases through the efficient disposal of animal carcasses.” 

According to him, “Six of our vulture species are listed as Critically Endangered by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), including the Hooded Vulture and White-backed Vulture. This disturbing trend not only threatens biodiversity but poses serious public health risks and undermines our international conservation commitments.

Part of what NVCAP stands to address according to the Director of Forestry is “creation of nationwide awareness in form of education, and sensitisation campaigns, strengthening the legal and regulatory framework – once enacted, the Endangered Species Protection and Conservation Bill 2024 will provide tougher penalties and modern tools to combat wildlife crimes, including the illegal vulture trade as well as multi-stakeholder collaboration in form of partnerships with law enforcement agencies, NGOs, traditional institutions, and international bodies which have been scaled up to ensure a whole-of-society approach to this challenge,” he stated. 

In his welcome address, Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director-General, NCF, noted that human beings are at the top of the pyramid of the ecosystem. 

He said: “All of these things that nature has provided is for our benefit at the end of the day. There is need for us to protect the ecosystem from collapsing, if that ecosystem collapses, because we are at the top, our fall will be higher and it will be more painful. That is why we need to be concerned about what is happening to our species, especially the vultures.” 

Prof. Augustine Ezealor, in his paper presentation titled “More Than Scavengers: The Impact of Vultures on Ecosystems and Public Health”, disclosed that vultures are more than scavengers. According to him, there are only 23 species of vultures worldwide, 11 in Africa and 7 in Nigeria, hence the need to religiously protect them and prevent them from going into extinction.

Ezealor, who is a Professor of Ornithology, highlighted some of the services provided by vultures to include: “Sanitation and Disease Pest and Vermin Reduction, Cultural and Spiritual Symbolism, Environmental Nutrient Cycling, Traditional Medicine among others” 

Key threats for vultures, according to Ezealor, are “Hunting for Food, Unregulated Use in Traditional Medicine. Poisoning, Cultural Charge and Poverty Driven Exploitation and Nest Destruction (during construction and urbanization).

In his remarks, Alhaji Shaba Maikudi, National President, National Association of Nigeria Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP), commended NCF for the vision and commitment in bringing traditional medical practitioners together to discuss the issue which, according to him, is both timely and vital to the barriers of the use of land and the use of animal structures, at least in health care conservation and cultural preservation. 

He opined that the gathering is not just a workshop, but also a confirmation to the fact that traditional medicine is not obsolete but is a pillar of sustainable health care and potential solutions to the global medical and ecological challenges in our roots and the state-wide environment at the grassroots level. 

“As traditional medical practitioners, we believe we cannot do that without a solution, we must work hand-in-hand with the policy makers, researchers, conservation and international bodies to create a sustainable ecosystem for traditional medicine to thrive,” he submitted. 

The workshop also witnessed presentation from Yuan Liu, representative from Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) who presented a paper on “History of Demand Reduction and the Role of the CITES Guidelines in the Protection of Threatened Species”.

By Ajibola Adedoye

Shell pledges support for Nigeria’s ambitions for energy sufficiency

Michael Simire
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0
Shell pledges support for Nigeria’s ambitions for energy sufficiency

Shell says it will continue to explore opportunities to invest in Nigeria as the country aims to achieve energy abundance.

Shell
Managing Director, Shell Nigeria Exploration and production Company Limited, Ronald Adams… Speaking at a panel session at the 2025 Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference in Abuja

Speaking at a panel session at the 2025 Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference in Abuja, Managing Director, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd (SNEPCo), Ronald Adams, referred to the expansion of its stake in the Bonga field, the FID on Bonga North and several other projects being considered including Bonga Southwest and HI as Shell’s vote of confidence in the future of Nigeria. But he declined to give specific timing on FIDs including that on HI.

Discussions at the panel session were based on the theme, “Pragmatically Achieving Energy Abundance,” and featured chief executives of oil companies and government functionaries who proposed steps towards achieving energy sufficiency as Nigeria targets net-zero emissions from fossil fuel by 2050.

Ronald said SNEPCo would build on its contributions to energy abundance by becoming more efficient and improve value across the value chain by working closely with the Nigerian Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS) and other stakeholders.

“There is a requirement for us to push the envelope. We cannot rest on our oars,” he said.

He explained that Nigeria can achieve the ambition of net-zero emissions and at the same time provide cost-effective and efficient energy for a rising population by optimizing investments in hydrocarbon energy sources and quick renewable opportunities.

On the efforts of Shell towards net-zero emissions, the Managing Director said the company’s refreshed Powering Progress strategy aims to accelerate the transition “purposefully and profitably to low-carbon businesses by the early 2030s.”

He added: “It is important that government continues to support these efforts and those of other industry players through the right polices and creation of a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.”

GCF, UNEP boost climate adaptation with $120m for new projects

Michael Simire
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0
GCF, UNEP boost climate adaptation with $120m for new projects

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved over $120 million in new funding to strengthen climate resilience in Ghana, the Maldives, and Mauritania. At the request of the three countries, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) developed these projects to help vulnerable communities anticipate and adapt to increasingly severe impacts of climate change through nature-based solutions, climate-resilient agriculture, early warning systems and improved water security.

Inger Andersen
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director, Inger Andersen. Photo credit: Eric Bridiers

Henry Gonzalez, Chief Investment Officer of the GCF, said: “The approval of these projects demonstrates how GCF is supporting country ownership of national climate action priorities in Ghana, Maldives, and Mauritania. These investments will positively impact key areas of climate resilience in all three countries.”

The initiatives are a major step forward in deploying adaptation finance where it is most needed — particularly in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the Sahel region. They are expected to benefit more than 3.5 million people.

“These new projects reflect UNEP’s deep commitment to supporting countries on the frontlines of climate change,” said Martin Krause, Director of UNEP’s Climate Change Division. “Our focus is on contextualizing climate solutions to the benefit of the most vulnerable nations and communities with tailored, locally led, and science-based solutions.”

Ghana

Northern Ghana faces increasingly erratic rainfall and long dry seasons that have led to chronic food shortages, drying water bodies, and the destruction of infrastructure from flooding. Smallholder farmers, reliant on rainfed subsistence agriculture, are especially vulnerable. High temperatures reduce the land’s water-retention capacity, and extreme rain events risk dam collapse and downstream flooding.

In response, the new $70 million project – including a $63 million GCF grant – aims to build the resilience of agroecosystems and rural livelihoods. The initiative will support 120 communities across eight districts in the North East, Upper East, and Upper West regions. Activities include improving access to climate data and early warnings, enabling dry season farming through water storage solutions, and restoring 28,000 hectares of degraded land to improve soil health, improve water retention and reduce flood risks.

Implemented by the Government of Ghana through the Environmental Protection Agency and Ghana Meteorological Agency, the project will benefit 619,000 people directly, while early warning alerts will reach up to 2.9 million people. Around 120,000 individuals will experience improved food security as a result of climate-resilient farming practices.

Maldives

Maldives is the world’s most exposed country to climate change. Comprising 1,192 islands, nearly 80% of which lie less than one meter above sea level, Maldives faces the constant threat from rising sea levels. In addition to rising seas, the country is vulnerable to more frequent and severe storm surges, floods, heatwaves, coastal erosion, and other hazards exacerbated by climate change. These hazards are already disrupting critical economic sectors such as agriculture, fisheries and tourism, affecting the entire population of Maldives. The poorest, most marginalised and remote communities, and women and children are particularly susceptible.

To strengthen the country’s ability to adapt to these threats and reduce vulnerability to climate change, UNEP, in coordination with several national and international partners, developed the project, Toward Risk-Aware and Climate-Resilient Communities (TRACT) – Strengthening Climate Services and Impact-Based Multi-Hazard Early Warning in the Maldives.

The $25 million project – expected to benefit more than half a million people – will be implemented over five years under the lead of UNEP. It aligns with the goal of the Early Warnings for All initiative (EW4All) to ensure that everyone on Earth is protected from hazardous climate events through early warning systems by 2027 and it will deliver on the Maldives’ roadmap to achieve the EW4All Initiative, developed by the Government of Maldives and international partners to guide the scaling up of early warning systems in the country. 

Mauritania

In the fragile zone between the Sahara and Sahel, prolonged droughts, sand encroachment, and water scarcity are threatening lives and livelihoods. Mauritania has seen accelerating dune movement, siltation of water sources, and growing pressure on socio-economic infrastructure such as roads and schools. Agricultural output remains extremely low, with the country importing up to 85% of its food.

With a $33 million investment — including a $30 million GCF grant – the new UNEP project will restore ecosystems and secure livelihoods in four vulnerable hubs: Aoujeft, Rachid, Tamcheket, and Nema. It will support green-grey infrastructure to fix dunes and control sand encroachment, improve access to water for farming and land rehabilitation, and scale up climate-resilient agriculture to boost food security and incomes.

Led by Mauritania’s Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, the project will directly benefit 85,000 people and improve resilience for 145,000 more. It will also protect 2,100 hectares of land and support the country’s contributions to the Great Green Wall – a multilateral African initiative to combat desertification and build climate resilience across the continent.

New report reveals Pacific leadership on climate ahead of NDC 3.0 deadline

Michael Simire
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0
New report reveals Pacific leadership on climate ahead of NDC 3.0 deadline

A new publication by the UN Climate Change Regional Collaboration Centre for Asia and the Pacific reveals that Pacific Island countries are making significant progress in their collective effort to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Ralph Regenvanu
Ralph Regenvanu, Minister of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology & Geo-Hazards, Energy, Environment and Disaster Management for the Republic of Vanuatu

Despite contributing just 0.03% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) are showing strong climate leadership by aligning their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and national policies with the global target to limit warming to 1.5°C by the end of the century, as all Parties have agreed.

According to the report – titled ‘What does mitigation ambition mean for the Pacific?’ – all 14 PSIDS submitted their first round of NDCs by the end of 2015. Since then, 11 have submitted their second NDCs, either as updated or enhanced versions of their original plans. Most of these outline ambitious targets in renewable energy, sustainable transport, and nature-based solutions, with six PSIDS aiming for 100% renewable energy.

Several countries, such as Vanuatu, the Marshall Islands, and Fiji, have developed detailed sectoral strategies and investment plans to decarbonize their economies, many of which include pledges to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

This timely report arrives as countries are preparing their third round of NDCs (also known as NDC 3.0) under the Paris Agreement, showing how small islands are already setting the pace for higher global ambition.

For Pacific nations, taking climate action is not just about reducing emissions  – it’s a matter of survival. Rising sea levels, intensifying storms, and ocean degradation pose existential threats, making the 1.5°C limit non-negotiable.

Across the region, countries are showing climate leadership in diverse and concrete ways. Fiji was the first country to ratify the Paris Agreement and the first SIDS to preside over a UN Climate Conference (COP 23). The Marshall Islands was among the earliest to submit its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC), and Papua New Guinea was the first to formally submit an NDC, with a bold target of 100% renewable energy by 2030.

Many countries are now implementing advanced actions such as solar and hydropower deployment, forest conservation, and coastal ecosystem restoration, showing that NDCs aligned with national contexts can deliver meaningful impact.

In the case of Vanuatu, the country has committed to rapidly phaseout fossil fuels and transition to a circular economy, with all its NDC targets conditional on scaled-up international support. Similarly, the Marshall Islands continues to integrate youth participation and Indigenous knowledge into its national climate agenda.

Beyond national borders, the Pacific is reframing climate ambition as a regional issue, one that intersects with identity, sovereignty, and development. The 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent places ocean-based solutions and regional collaboration at the heart of the Pacific’s long-term vision for resilience.

As the global stocktake calls for increased ambition across all sectors, the Pacific offers a clear message: the next generation of NDCs must not only aim higher but go further, turning ambition into action, and action into survival.

Learn more about the work of UN Climate Change’s six Regional Collaboration Centres here.

Spain, Brazil push global action to tax the super-rich, curb inequality

Michael Simire
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0
Spain, Brazil push global action to tax the super-rich, curb inequality

Spain and Brazil on July 1, 2025, launched a joint initiative to promote higher tax contributions from the super-rich worldwide, aimed at tackling soaring inequality by ensuring those with the most pay their fair share.

Lula da Silva
Lula da Silva, President of Brazil

The countries announced plans for a Platform for Action on Taxing the Super-Rich in a move that could see more funds made available to tackle the climate and development crises. The initiative was launched at the UN Financing for Development conference in Seville and has been welcomed by 350.org.

“This is a bold move by Spain and Brazil to drive forward taxing the super-rich as a key solution to the lack of funds being delivered by rich countries for climate action. We want more countries to join this coalition so that billionaires and multi-millionaires help to foot the bill for the climate damage they have caused and decrease the huge gap between the rich and the poorest.

“We won’t rest until governments like the UK, France, and Germany make the right choice to force the super-rich to pay what they owe and increase their spending on climate action and public services at home and around the world,” said Kate Blagojevic, 350.org Associate Director for Europe Campaigns.

Groups flay abductions, killings of human rights defenders in Kenya

Michael Simire
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0
Groups flay abductions, killings of human rights defenders in Kenya

Human rights groups across Africa are horrified by the continued crackdown on peaceful protests and the abduction and detention of individuals suspected by the government of President William Ruto of spearheading resistance against his economic policies and police brutality.

William Ruto
Kenyan President, William Ruto

Growing discontent about the government policies led to peaceful protests in June 2024 when the government of Ruto proposed tax increases that had controversial clauses rejected by young Kenyans who used social media platforms as a tool of mobilization. Though the Kenyan Parliament amended the bill, removing some controversial clauses, it was still passed, leading to nationwide protests and heavy clashes with security forces.

Protests at the Parliament buildings were forcefully repressed by the police leading to at least 22 deaths. Since then, Kenyan security services have been accused of abducting, torturing and extra judicially murdering citizens suspected of being the leaders of the anti-government protests.

The latest incident was on 27 June 2025 when three human rights defenders – Mark Amani, Mulungwa Nzau and Mutunge Mwangi were abducted by security forces while travelling to the coastal city of Mombasa on a routine work trip on a bus.

Their bus was reported to have been intercepted by police from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation and they were arrested and detained at a police station in Nairobi on grounds that they were involved in planning and organizing the violence and looting that took place on the fringes of the June 25th protests against police brutality and government policies in Nairobi and other cities.

On Monday June 30, 2025, they were arraigned in court and without any formal charges, the prosecution sought to detain them for a further 21 days to ‘facilitate investigations’ The prosecution alleges, without any facts, that they were involved in arson, house breakages and looting. The ruling on their further detention is on Wednesday July 2, 2025.

The trio are well known Human Rights Defenders involved with many grassroots social justice movements including the Kongamano La Mageuzi and there are numerous videos and photos of them peacefully participating in the June 25th protests. It is clear from footage on social media and the mainstream media that the looting and carnage was carried out by armed gangs recruited by politicians allied to the ruling party and protected by the police.

On June 24, Kenya Television Network and The Standard Newspaper published an expose of politicians and officials of the Kenya Kwanza Coalition planning the arming and deployment of the armed gangs in order to discredit the protestors. The detention of the trio comes in the wake of an ongoing crackdown against civic society organizations in Kenya with daily reports of abductions, summons by police and detentions all over the country.

The arrest and prosecution of the trio, without any formal charges, and the attempt by the state to detain them for an extended period is an attempt to silence them and stop them and other Kenyans from exercising their freedom of speech, conscience and association.

Human rights groups across Africa are in solidarity with Kenyans at this particular time when the country seems to be entering a particularly dark period of increased repression, gross abuse of human rights and a rapidly shrinking political and civic space.

They are unanimously demanding the following:

1. The immediate and unconditional release of Mark Amiani, Mulingwa Nzau and Mutunge Mwangi and an end to their detention and prosecution.

2. Full accountability and an independent investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) into police violence and misconduct including collusion with armed gangs to infiltrate peaceful protests and cause mayhem, violence and looting.

3. An Independent international commission to investigate the spate of abductions and murders of human rights defenders, bloggers and social justice activists.

4. State members of the International Criminal Court (ICC) should refer the situation in Kenya to the International ICC prosecutor for serious crimes.

Shell Companies in Nigeria commended for elaborate exhibition at Oil and Gas Conference

Michael Simire
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0
Shell Companies in Nigeria commended for elaborate exhibition at Oil and Gas Conference

Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCiN) on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, kicked off their participation at the 24th Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition in Abuja with an elaborate exhibition on their operations which drew commendation from top government functionaries and other conference participants. 

Shell Nigeria
Dignitaries at Shell Booth during the 24th NOG Energy Week Conference & Exhibition…in Abuja

Among the visitors to the stand were the Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri and the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Bayo Ojulari, who were conducted round by Business Value Manager, Chidi Nkazi.

SCiN are Diamond sponsors of the conference and are among many exhibiting companies from 85 countries. The exhibition features the positive impact of the Shell presence on the development of the country through the businesses run by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company of Nigeria Ltd (SNEPCo), Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG), All On and Daystar Power. These companies have achieved many milestones in deep-water production, gas supply to industries as well as provision of off-grid energy and renewables.

Highlighting some milestones, Chidi said SNEPCo and SNG paid combined royalties of $1.208 billion dollars to the Nigerian government last year. Shell is also investing in the future of Nigeria with the Final Investment Decision on the $5 billion Bonga North deep-water project, and SNEPCo increasing its interest in the OML 118, which includes the Bonga field, from 55% to 67.5%, through the acquisition of the 12.5% stake of TotalEnergies.

On its part, SNG serves more than 140 industrial and commercial customers in Ogun, Abia, and Rivers states while All On now has a total portfolio of 51 renewable energy companies, which have delivered more than 210,000 energy connections across the country. Daystar Power is offering integrated solar power to businesses in five countries in Africa, including Nigeria.

Chidi added: “A robust social investment portfolio by SCiN has also led to the implementation of programmes in education, health, employment generation as well as infrastructural development across communities in Nigeria.”

The participation of SCiN at NOG continues with Shell leaders making presentations and participating in key panel sessions.Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCiN) today kicked off their participation at the 24th Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition in Abuja with an elaborate exhibition on their operations which drew commendation from top government functionaries and other conference participants. 

Among the visitors to the stand were the Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri and the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Bayo Ojulari, who were conducted round by Business Value Manager, Chidi Nkazi.

SCiN are Diamond sponsors of the conference and are among many exhibiting companies from 85 countries. The exhibition features the positive impact of the Shell presence on the development of the country through the businesses run by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company of Nigeria Ltd (SNEPCo), Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG), All On and Daystar Power. These companies have achieved many milestones in deep-water production, gas supply to industries as well as provision of off-grid energy and renewables.

Highlighting some milestones, Chidi said SNEPCo and SNG paid combined royalties of $1.208 billion dollars to the Nigerian government last year. Shell is also investing in the future of Nigeria with the Final Investment Decision on the $5 billion Bonga North deep-water project, and SNEPCo increasing its interest in the OML 118, which includes the Bonga field, from 55% to 67.5%, through the acquisition of the 12.5% stake of TotalEnergies.

On its part, SNG serves more than 140 industrial and commercial customers in Ogun, Abia, and Rivers states while All On now has a total portfolio of 51 renewable energy companies, which have delivered more than 210,000 energy connections across the country. Daystar Power is offering integrated solar power to businesses in five countries in Africa, including Nigeria.

Chidi added: “A robust social investment portfolio by SCiN has also led to the implementation of programmes in education, health, employment generation as well as infrastructural development across communities in Nigeria.”

The participation of SCiN at NOG continues with Shell leaders making presentations and participating in key panel sessions.

NNPC records 100% availability on major crude oil pipelines

Michael Simire
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0
NNPC records 100% availability on major crude oil pipelines

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) says it has recorded a 100 per cent availability on Major Crude Oil Pipelines in the country.

Bashir Bayo Ojulari,
Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, New GCEO, NNPC Ltd

The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Mr. Bashir Ojulari, said this while delivering a Keynote Address at the 24th NOG Energy Week (NOG) on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in Abuja.

Ojulari said that, for the first time in a long while, the nation enjoyed 100 per cent crude oil pipelines availability throughout June 2025.

He said that the feat, which was possible through the industry-wide security interventions led by the NNPC Ltd., helped to boost crude oil production.

He, however, called for more investments to boost production, adding that the company had been able to turn the narrative around by consistently meeting its cash-call obligations to Joint Venture operations.

“The narrative has always been NNPC not having the ability to pay its cash call. Today the NNPC is able to raise finance for all its operations,” he said.

The GCEO also said that the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline had successfully crossed the River Niger, boosting the hope of the project’s completion by fourth quarter (Q4) 2025.

He said that the feat was achieved through innovative contract reengineering and industry collaboration.

According to him, the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) also placed NNPC Ltd. in a good position to live up to its responsibility of leading the industry in financing projects.

Also speaking, Mr. Abdulrazaq Isa, Chairman, Independent Petroleum Producers’ Group (IPPG), said that the ongoing reform in the Nigerian oil and gas industry was at a critical phase as favourable industry policies continue to be formulated.

Isa said that he implementation of the PIA was being accelerated while the International Oil Companies (IOCs) divestments had been concluded, with critical leadership appointments made at the NNPC Ltd.

“The immediate focus for us as an industry is to reposition and key into the marching order given by the President to the NNPC Ltd.

“This is to raise national production to three million barrels per day and 12 billion cubic feet of gas by 2030.

“The industry must provide an answer to two pertinent questions:

“Where will this incremental production of about 1.3 million barrels of oil per day and 4.5 billion cubic feet of gas come from within the next five years?

“What will be required to sustainably grow crude oil and gas production in line with this presidential target?”

He said that, given the five-year timeline, the bulk of the incremental crude oil and gas production would come from the recently divested assets in the onshore and shallow water
acreages.

“These assets are primarily in the hands of IPPG members.

“We are quite aware of this national responsibility and have already begun implementing key strategic plans to ramp up production from these divested assets,” Isa said.

He urged the indigenous players, who now contribute over 50 per cent to the nation’s crude oil and gas production, to ensure a meaningful shift in the industry for a desired impact on national development.

By Emmanuella Anokam

Group hails Lagos on single-use plastics ban

Michael Simire
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0
Group hails Lagos on single-use plastics ban

The Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev Nigeria) has commended the Lagos State Government for making a monumental stride in environmental protection with full enforcement of the ban on single-use plastics.

Leslie Adogame
Dr. Leslie Adogame, Executive Director of SRADeV Nigeria

This is contained in a statement shared on its Facebook page on Tuesday, July 1,2025.

The statement described the decision as a bold policy move that would ensure environmental protection.

“This bold policy move is a critical win in Nigeria’s fight against plastic pollution and a major leap toward achieving a circular economy and protecting public health and the environment.

“At SRADev Nigeria, we celebrate this milestone and call on other states to follow suit.

“Together, we can #BeatPlasticPollution and build a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable Nigeria,” it said.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said at a news conference on Tuesday that many believed the government would consider another shift in the date after about 18 months moratorium.

Wahab said the ban of styrofoam in the state was for the safety and well being of Lagos residents.

“Lagos has not banned the production of all the categories of plastics in the state. The producers and dealers have the option of selling them outside the state,” Wahab said.

He listed the items banned by the state to include styrofoam, disposable cups and cutlery, light weight nylon bags, amongst others.

“If after 18 months moratorium, the producers have not been able to embrace alternatives to SUPs, it only means they have no intention of complying,” Wahab said.

By Fabian Ekeruche

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