The Hadeja-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority has restarted construction of the Kafin Zaki dam project, in Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State abandoned for over 40 years.
The authority’s Managing Director, Rabiu Bichi, dropped the hint during an interview in Kano on Friday, April 3, 2026, shortly after inspecting the project.
Bichi said that the project, initiated under Ibrahim Babangida military regime, was halted shortly after commencement.
Managing Director, Hadeja-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, Rabiu Bichi
“I just visited the Kafin Zaki dam site signaling government’s renewed commitment to complete the project,” he said.
He said the authority was reviving the project in partnership with the Bauchi State Government.
Bichi said that compensation was paid to affected farmers 40 years ago, but its abandonment led to resettlement issues.
He explained that efforts were underway to relocate residents and provide alternative settlements.
The dam’s completion is expected to boost irrigation, water supply, and agriculture in Bauchi State and beyond.
It is seen as key to unlocking agricultural potential and addressing water management challenges in northeastern Nigeria.
Ghana has moved to boycott the upcoming Africa Energies Summit in London this May, a decision that reflects growing frustration across the African oil and gas industry over discrimination, exclusion and the marginalisation of African voices at events that claim to represent the continent’s energy future.
Energy Chamber Ghana has released a statement calling on Ghanaian energy authorities to reconsider their participation in the summit, expressing deep concerns regarding discriminatory hiring practices and the continued exclusion of African professionals. The move sends a strong signal: Africa’s energy industry must be shaped with African institutions and companies at the center of the conversation.
Members of the Nigerian delegate at Africa Energies Summit 2025
The decision to withdraw mirrors similar actions taken by other African industry stakeholders in recent months and reflects a broader shift across the sector, where governments, national oil companies and indigenous firms are increasingly pushing back against platforms that exclude African participation.
Mozambique made the decision to withdraw from the summit in March 2026, while petroleum ministers from the African Petroleum Producers Organisation also moved to boycott the event. Ghana’s boycott is not simply about one event; it is about principle, representation and ensuring that African countries are treated as equal partners in discussions about their own resources.
The announcement by Energy Chamber Ghana follows careful consultation with stakeholders across the country’s petroleum, gas and broader energy ecosystem, with the Chamber calling on Ghanaian institutions, policymakers, engineers, investors and academics to take the approach – at least until corrective action is demonstrated by Frontier Energy Network, the organisers of the summit.
The Chamber highlighted that “Ghana is not a spectator in Africa’s energy story,” and that, “Africa cannot be treated as a marketplace for attendance while Africans are treated as optional participants in execution.”
“Ghana has invested heavily in building engineers, economists, regulators and nnovators who are shaping this continent’s energy trajectory. Platforms that carry Africa’s name must reflect Africa’s people. Until we see transparency and measurable inclusion, it is both reasonable and responsible for stakeholders across our ecosystem to reconsider participation,” Joshua B. Narh, Executive Chairman of the Energy Chamber Ghana, said on LinkedIn.
Ghana’s decision to boycott the event comes at a critical time for the country. With goals to stabilise oil production, monetise gas and shift capital toward infrastructure that anchors long-term industrial growth, the country is promoting African-led investment and development across its market. In 2026, the country is seeing consolidation by IOCs as well as accelerated expansion by indigenous operators.
Around $3.5 billion has been committed to infill drilling and reservoir management to stabilise output, while efforts are underway to unlock new frontiers in the Voltaian Basin. The Jubilee and TEN licenses have been expanded to 2040, while advancements at the Second Gas Processing Plant, the 1.2 GW Thermal Power Plant and downstream LPG are anchoring Ghana’s gas strategy. These projects showcase a market that is moving in the right direction and eager to unlock more value from its resources.
Despite this momentum, the actions of international conference producers to continue excluding African professionals’ risks undermining the very partnerships and growth the industry is trying to build. At a time when African countries are working to attract capital, build local capacity and strengthen regional energy cooperation, industry platforms should be supporting these goals – not creating barriers to participation.
Energy Chamber Ghana highlighted valid concerns surrounding Frontier’s discriminatory approach to hiring Black professionals, emphasising that Africa must not be invited to events to simply attend conversations about itself. According to the Chamber, local content must not be positioned as a conference theme but reflected in practice by conference organisers themselves.
“Africa’s energy sector cannot accept a future where conferences built on African participation exclude African professionals from meaningful roles behind the scenes,” he noted.
Ultimately, Ghana’s call to boycott the Africa Energies Summit is about more than a single summit in London. It reflects a broader industry movement toward African-led development, African-led dialogue and African-led investment strategies. If Africa is to fully develop its oil, gas and energy resources, the continent must not only control its resources, but also its narrative, its platforms and its partnerships.
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has announced that Tony Attah, Managing Director of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, will speak at the next edition of the Nigerian Content Academy Lecture Series.
The lecture will hold virtually on Thursday, April 9, 2026, by 10am, and the renowned industry expert will speak on “Finding Funds for Effective & Efficient Local Content Initiatives – IPPG Perspective.”
Attah, who served previously as the Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited and Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), will bring his wealth of experience to bear on the lecture.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Renaissance, Tony Attah
The highly anticipated lecture is part of the Academy’s ongoing commitment to advancing discourse, capacity building, and innovation within Nigeria’s local content ecosystem, particularly in the oil and gas and related sectors.
The lecture is designed to engage a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including industry professionals in oil and gas, energy, and manufacturing sectors, policy makers and government officials, finance professionals, local content practitioners and project managers. Likewise, entrepreneurs and investors, academics, researchers, and students interested in local content development, financial institutions and development partners are encouraged to listen to the lecture via the zoom link: https://ncdmb-gov.ng.zoom.
The guest lecturer, a fellow of Nigerian Society of Engineers, is a distinguished industry leader with extensive experience in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Known for his strategic insights and leadership in driving indigenous participation. He brings a wealth of knowledge on sustainable funding models and effective execution of local content initiatives.
He has received several prestigious awards, including the Local Content Icon of the year in the 2025 Champions of Nigerian Content Awards, for leading major milestones including the final investment decision for NLNG Train 7 project.
The lecture will be held virtually, allowing participants from across Nigeria and beyond to attend seamlessly. The format of the lecture will include a keynote presentation by Tony Attah, interactive question and answer session, open engagement to foster knowledge sharing and collaboration.
The upcoming edition of the Nigerian Content Lecture is designed to provide practical insights into sourcing and managing funding for local content initiatives, highlight challenges and opportunities within the Nigerian content landscape, promote strategic thinking and innovation among stakeholders, and encourage collaboration between industry players, financiers, and policymakers.
Through this lecture series, the Local Content Academy seeks to strengthen local capacity and deepen indigenous participation in key sectors, bridge knowledge gaps in funding and project execution, build a community of informed and empowered local content practitioners, and support sustainable economic growth through effective local content implementation.
The Academy remains committed to creating platforms that drive meaningful conversations and actionable outcomes for Nigeria’s development.
Notable industry leaders who have spoken at the Nigerian Content Academy Lecture Series include the pioneer Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Ernest Nwapa; former Managing Director, Seplat Energy and Chairman of AA Holdings and Board Member of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd, Austin Avuru, Executive Director at SLB, Mr. Nosa Omorodion, among several leaders.
The Heads of the International Energy Agency, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank Group have agreed to form a joint coordination group.
The group is aimed at strengthening their response to the energy and economic shocks triggered by the ongoing war in the Middle East.
The institutions made this known in a joint statement issued on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA)
The statement said the conflict had caused significant disruptions to livelihoods across the region and led to one of the largest supply shortages in the history of global energy markets.
It said that the impact of the crisis was “substantial, global, and highly asymmetric”, with energy-importing nations, particularly low-income countries, bearing the brunt.
According to the statement, the effects are already evident in rising prices of oil, gas, and fertilisers, with growing concerns about food inflation.
It said that global supply chains had also been affected, including commodities such as helium, phosphate, and aluminium, as well as tourism due to flight disruptions at major Gulf transport hubs.
It said the resulting market volatility, weakening of currencies in emerging economies, and concerns about inflation expectations raised the prospect of tighter monetary stances and weaker growth.
“At these times of high uncertainty, it is paramount that our institutions join forces to monitor developments, align analysis, and coordinate support to policymakers to navigate this crisis.
“This is especially the case for countries that are most exposed to the downstream impacts from the war and those confronting more limited policy space and higher levels of debt.”
The statement said the coordination group would assess the severity of the crisis across regions.
It said it would do so through coordinated data sharing on energy markets and prices, trade flows, fiscal and balance of payments pressures, inflation trends, export restrictions of key commodities, and supply chain disruptions.
“The group will coordinate a response mechanism that may include: targeted policy advice, assessment of potential financing needs and related provision of financial support, (including through concessional financing).
“It may also include use of risk mitigation tools as appropriate,” it said.
The statement said the group would mobilise other multilateral, regional, and bilateral partners to ensure efficient and coordinated assistance to support countries in need.
It said that the group would work with, and draw on other international organisations’ expertise as needed.
“We are committed to working together to safeguard global economic and financial stability, strengthen energy security, and support affected countries and people on their path to sustained recovery, growth, and job creation through reforms.”
President Bola Tinubu has reassured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity and stabilising the economy in his Friday Easter message.
Tinubu rejoiced with Nigerians at home and abroad, noting that Easter ssymbolises sacrifice, resilience, and the triumph of light over darkness.
“I rejoice with Nigerians as we celebrate Easter, which reminds us of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the redemptive power of salvation.,”
President Bola Tinubu
He said the season rresonated with Nigeria’s current realities, as the nation nnavigated economic strain and persistent security challenges.
“This season speaks to our present situation as we confront economic strain and security challenges with determination and resolve.”
Tinubu commended the armed forces for their sacrifices, noting their efforts in confronting threats to national security across the country.
“Our gallant men and women continue to make sacrifices, leaving their families to defend the nation against evil actors.”
He acknowledged that in spite of ongoing efforts, security challenges persisted, but assured Nigerians of intensified actions to address them.
“Challenges remain, but we are making resources available and forging partnerships to deal decisive blows to terrorists and bandits.”
The president said that his administration was strengthening international cooperation to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to combat insecurity.
“We have sought and are receiving assistance from outside our shores to improve our security operations.”
Tinubu recalled his visit to Plateau on Thursday, April 2, 2026, where he commiserated with victims and reassured them of the government’s commitment to restoring peace.
He said security chiefs had given strong assurances of progress, expressing optimism that ongoing efforts were already yielding results.
“Our security leaders have given strong assurances, and we are beginning to see breakthroughs in our efforts.”
Tinubu urged citizens to support lawful efforts and promote unity, stressing that peace and collective responsibility were vital for national progress.
“No nation can thrive where fear prevails, and no progress can be sustained without peace.”
He called on Nigerians to reject forces that threatened national stability and to act as one another’s keeper.
The president said ongoing economic reforms, though challenging, were necessary to achieve long-term prosperity for the country.
“These reforms are demanding but carefully designed to deliver shared prosperity for all Nigerians.”
Tinubu stressed that meaningful transformation required sacrifice, noting that enduring progress was often achieved in difficult times.
He also urged political actors to adhere to the Electoral Act as the country gradually approaches another electoral cycle.
“The Electoral Act must guide our conduct as political actors, ensuring peace, stability, and credible democratic processes.”
Tinubu emphasised the importance of responsible participation in democracy, noting that progress depended on informed and disciplined civic engagement.
“Democracy flourishes where responsibility, restraint, and informed participation prevail.”
He expressed optimism about the economy, saying that available indicators suggested that the country was on the right path in spite of the prevailing challenges.
The president thanked Nigerians for their support and trust, pledging to continue working toward a safer, stronger, and more prosperous nation.
Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain steadfast and contribute to national development in their various capacities.
“I enjoin you to keep the faith and contribute to the progress of our nation,” Tinubu said.
He wished Christians a joyful Easter celebration and prayed for peace, unity, and prosperity across the country.
The Federal Government and key stakeholders on Thursday, April 2, 2026, in Abuja validated the Nigerian Oil Palm Development Strategy to boost productivity, achieve self-sufficiency and reduce poverty.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, described the policy as a comprehensive roadmap for the growth and development of the oil palm industry.
The validation meeting, themed “Unlocking Nigeria’s Oil Palm Potential: Pathways to Sustainability and Growth,” focused on the implementation of the oil palm value chain strategy.
Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security
Abdullahi said the initiative came at a critical time in efforts to reposition Nigeria’s oil palm industry, noting that the crop remains vital to food security, rural development, industrial growth and export diversification.
According to him, the implementation of the strategy is expected to lift about two million Nigerians out of poverty within six years through increased production.
He added that Nigeria aims to capture at least 10 per cent of the global oil palm market.
“This is not merely an agricultural ambition; it is a national economic development agenda,” he said.
The minister stressed that revitalising the sector would reduce import dependence, improve domestic edible oil supply, create jobs, boost smallholder incomes and strengthen agro-industrial development.
“If we get it right, oil palm can support livelihoods, expand industries and increase export earnings,” he said.
Abdullahi noted that the oil palm industry once played a major role in Nigeria’s economy before the rise of petroleum, contributing greatly to livelihoods and national revenue.
“Oil palm is not just a crop; it is an industrial raw material that connects agriculture to manufacturing and supports multiple value chains,” he said.
He, however, observed that Nigeria had not made expected progress in the sector due to low productivity, weak processing systems, limited financing and poor coordination.
“Countries that came after us have moved ahead with speed, structure and strategic investment,” he said.
The minister expressed optimism that Nigeria could reclaim its position in the global market, citing its vast land, favourable climate and strong domestic demand.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, described the strategy as timely and necessary.
Ogunbiyi said the initiative would enhance productivity, promote value addition, create jobs and improve global competitiveness.
He added that the validation process would ensure the strategy is practical, inclusive and responsive to the realities of the sector.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has warned that wildlife crime poses a significant threat to sustainable development, security and economic stability, calling for urgent and coordinated action to address the growing menace.
The UNODC Country Representative in Nigeria, Cheikh Toure, gave the warning at the #BeWildForNature Youth Network Event in commemoration of the World Wildlife Day 2026, on Wednesday, April 1, 20266, in Abuja.
The theme of the event is “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.”
Country Representative, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Mr. Cheikh Toure
Toure highlighted the far-reaching implications of environmental crimes, adding that wildlife protection must be prioritised not only as an environmental issue but also as a critical factor for human health, cultural preservation and national security.
He commended the #BeWildForNature Youth Network and its partners for convening the event, noting that the initiative had successfully positioned young people as key actors in conservation efforts.
The network which originated as a digital campaign in 2024, he said, is aimed at mobilising youth to leverage innovation in combating wildlife crime and promoting conservation awareness.
He explained that the initiative produced 10 finalists through a competitive process, with top performers receiving awards, alongside special recognition for female participants in celebration of Women’s Month.
Toure said the finalists were subsequently integrated into the network as UNODC Young Wildlife Influencers and engaged in a structured mentorship programme between August and October 2024.
He added that the programme featured expert-led virtual sessions on conservation, advocacy and digital engagement, while participants continue to benefit from sustained mentorship and institutional support.
The UNODC representative noted that the young influencers were now driving community-based initiatives and outreach activities, contributing to increased awareness and action on wildlife conservation.
Speaking on the 2026 theme of World Wildlife Day, Toure said it underscored the importance of medicinal and aromatic plants, which serve as vital resources for traditional medicine, cultural identity and livelihoods across Nigeria and Africa.
He warned that these resources were under increasing threat from overexploitation, habitat loss, climate change and illegal trade.
Toure described wildlife crime as a form of transnational organised crime that fuels illicit financial flows, weakens governance systems and deprives nations of valuable natural assets.
“Addressing the challenge requires robust institutions, effective enforcement mechanisms and strengthened partnerships, in line with the UNODC Country Programme for Nigeria 2026–2030,” he said.
The UNODC official also described the passage of the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill as a major milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to safeguard biodiversity.
He, however, stressed that the success of the law would depend on effective implementation, improved institutional capacity, public awareness and multi-sectoral collaboration.
He emphasised that youth are not only beneficiaries but also critical partners in advancing conservation, crime prevention and sustainable development.
“UNODC recognises the importance of youth inclusion in decision-making processes, from policy design to monitoring and evaluation.
“Youth-led innovation and advocacy are essential in translating policies into tangible impact and strengthening environmental stewardship,” he said.
The UNODC country rep reaffirmed UNODC’s commitment to supporting Nigeria through capacity building for law enforcement and judicial institutions, promoting inter-agency cooperation and empowering communities.
He added that the organisation’s country programme prioritises collaboration with youth networks on issues such as environmental crime, cyber-enabled crime and community resilience.
Toure stressed that protecting medicinal and aromatic plants was key to preserving health systems, cultural heritage and future livelihoods.
He called on stakeholders to move beyond dialogue to concrete action and sustained partnerships in tackling wildlife crime while commending Nigerian youth for their leadership and continued commitment to protecting the environment.
In his remarks, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohammed Fall, represented by UNICEF rep., Ms. Wafaa Saeed, reaffirmed commitment saying the UN in Nigeria would continue to support national priorities.
This, he said, would be through policy dialogue, technical cooperation and partnerships that integrate environment, health and sustainable development.
The coordinator said the UN would also work with government and partners to advance initiatives that protect biodiversity while promoting human development outcomes.
The official urged participants to engage actively, share knowledge and focus on practical actions beyond the symposium.
The coordinator expressed hope that the gathering would strengthen partnerships and inspire collective responsibility toward safeguarding natural heritage for present and future generations.
Similarly, the United Nations and the Federal Government have called for stronger partnerships to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable livelihoods, highlighting the link between environmental conservation and human wellbeing.
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohammed Fall, represented by UNICEF representative Wafaa Saeed, made the call at the #BeWildForNature Youth Network event commemorating 2026 World Wildlife Day in Abuja.
The event, organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), is themed “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods”.
Fall said the observance underscored the inseparable relationship between human wellbeing and the environment.
“Healthy ecosystems are critical to societal stability, economic growth, and future sustainability,” he said.
Highlighting the theme, the UN official said medicinal plants serve as a primary healthcare source for millions in Nigeria and globally, while representing indigenous knowledge systems and supporting local economies.
He warned that these vital resources face threats from biodiversity loss, unsustainable harvesting, climate change, and environmental degradation.
“Protecting medicinal and aromatic plants is not only a conservation priority but also a development imperative,” he said.
Fall noted that biodiversity conservation directly contributes to key Sustainable Development Goals, including good health and wellbeing, climate action, life below water, life on land, and peace, justice, and strong institutions.
He emphasised that environmental protection and development are mutually reinforcing, calling for collaboration across government, UN agencies, civil society, researchers, traditional practitioners, and youth groups.
“No single institution can tackle biodiversity loss alone. Progress depends on collaboration that integrates policy, science, community knowledge and innovation,” he said.
He commended the leadership of young Nigerians under the #BeWildForNature initiative.
“Youth engagement demonstrates that environmental stewardship can be sustained and reimagined to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
“Empowering youth leadership is essential to building inclusive, locally driven, and future-oriented solutions”.
Earlier, Rep. Terseer Ugbor urged increased public awareness for effective wildlife protection, stressing that the new Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill must be understood by all to succeed.
Ugbor noted that since the law is still awaiting presidential assent, many Nigerians remain unaware of which wildlife species are endangered.
He said massive public education campaigns would follow to inform citizens about their responsibilities in protecting forests, animals, and other resources.
He emphasised that community engagement is critical for conservation to translate into tangible protection of Nigeria’s biodiversity and cultural heritage.
“Awareness is the first step toward meaningful action,” he said.
Transgrid Enerco Ltd. and Decentralised Energy Ltd. have formed a strategic partnership, backed by InfraCredit, to deploy integrated energy solutions across Lagos State.
The initiative aims to expand generation capacity and reduce outages across key commercial districts in Lagos.
The project will initially cover Marina and Lekki Phase 1, before extending to Ikoyi and Victoria Island.
Transgrid Enerco Ltd. and Decentralised Energy Ltd. have formed a strategic partnership, backed by InfraCredit
In a joint statement on Thursday, April 2, 2026, the firms confirmed jointly developing and deploying integrated energy solutions in the state.
The model targets improved reliability through a hybrid grid and embedded generation approach.
The partners will leverage technical, operational and financial strengths to accelerate deployment in underserved areas.
They expect the model to significantly improve service uptime in high-density economic zones affected by frequent outages.
To drive implementation, the partners will establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for project delivery and operations.
The SPV will ensure efficient coordination and scalable rollout across all identified locations.
InfraCredit provides credit enhancement to unlock long-term naira financing and attract domestic institutional investment.
The agreement has reached Heads of Terms, laying groundwork for full implementation.
Transgrid Enerco Ltd., a core investor in Eko Electricity Distribution Plc, leads the embedded generation initiative.
Decentralised Energy Ltd. contributes expertise in power generation, gas systems and distribution networks.
Both firms said the partnership reflected a shared commitment to improving electricity supply and system stability.
They added the project would boost business continuity and investor confidence in Nigeria’s commercial hub.
The Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has disbursed N96 million soft loans to eight Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators to strengthen waste collection and environmental sanitation within the council.
The initiative, described as a landmark intervention in grassroots waste management, provides each PSP operator with N12 million as working capital to enhance operational efficiency.
The Executive Chairman of Orile-Agege LCDA, Mr. Idowu Akinola, said the soft loan scheme was designed to improve service delivery and ensure a cleaner environment.
PSP operator beneficiaries receiving their cheques
Akinola said the eight PSP operators would repay the loans over a 12-month period after an initial grace phase.
“We are supporting eight PSP operators with N12 million each for six months as a soft loan. After a short grace period, they will commence repayment in instalments of N1 million monthly.
“This initiative is part of our commitment to environmental sanitation and improving waste management in our LCDA,” he said.
He said the council adopted a multi-stakeholder engagement approach, involving Community Development Associations (CDAs), Community Development Committees (CDCs), the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and residents, to ensure the success of the programme.
He added that enforcement measures had also been introduced to curb indiscriminate waste disposal and ensure compliance by residents.
“We have engaged all stakeholders and introduced checks and balances. Residents must pay for services rendered, while PSP operators must deliver efficiently.
“In recent weeks, enforcement actions have led to a significant reduction in waste on our streets,” he said.
He assured that the council was fully prepared to align with state sanitation policies, including the monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
Speaking at the event, the representative of the Managing Director of LAWMA, Mr. Babatunde Suleiman, said the programme marked the beginning of greater achievements in sustainable sanitation.
Suleiman, Head PSP Services, LAWMA, commended the council chairman for the initiative, noting that it had already attracted interest from other local governments seeking to replicate the model.
“It is the beginning of greater things to come. I can confidently say that after what the chairman has started, about four local governments have reached out to understand how this was achieved.
“The chairman adopted a strategic approach by engaging all critical stakeholders, including PSP operators, CDAs, CDCs, and other stakeholders.
“I witnessed the process, and it was thorough and inclusive. We pray that God continues to bless all those involved,” he said.
He also appealed for timely payment to PSP operators, stressing that their work, though critical, is often underappreciated.
“Our work is tough, but people hardly appreciate us. Ensuring prompt payment will eliminate operational delays and improve service delivery,” he added.
Also speaking, the National President of the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN), Dr Olubenga Adebola, described the initiative as innovative and impactful.
Adebola said effective waste management globally depends on strong collaboration among stakeholders, including government, operators and residents.
“For us, what you have witnessed today is a product of deliberate planning and collaboration with the executive chairman, who has done exceptionally well.
“This is a loan without collateral and interest, designed to support operators in maintaining their trucks and improving efficiency. It is a model that should be replicated across Nigeria,” he said.
He added that the association would continue to support the council and advocate similar interventions nationwide.
“We want other local governments to imbibe this model. Waste management is a grassroots responsibility, and this initiative demonstrates that with the right support, operators can deliver optimally,” Adebola said.
The AWAMN president emphasised the need to change public perception of waste, describing it as a valuable resource rather than mere refuse.
“Waste is not waste unless you waste it. We must begin to see waste as a resource that can generate value and support the economy,” he said.
In her remarks, the Head of Department, Environment, Orile-Agege LCDA, Mrs. Abimbola Adebimpe, described the initiative as a long-awaited intervention that would transform waste management in the area.
Adebimpe warned residents to comply with sanitation regulations, noting that enforcement would commence shortly.
“We have recorded a reduction in refuse accumulation due to proactive measures.
” However, enforcement will begin fully in the coming days.
“It will no longer be business as usual. Residents must take responsibility for proper waste disposal,” she said.
Also, the Chairman, Committee on Environment, Orile -Agege LCDA, Mr. Oladumeji Adigun, said that the initiative was rooted in the understanding that a well-supported PSP system was critical to achieving effective waste management.
“Proper collaboration between the PSP operators and residents of Orile-Agege, the council is confident that the community will experience a cleaner and healthier environment.
“As a committee, we are fully committed to this vision, in line with the mandate given to us by the chairman.
“We are particularly encouraged by his passion and dedication to environmental sustainability.
His leadership reflects a deep commitment to public health and community well-being, guided by the principle that “cleanliness is next to godliness,” he said.
The initiative is expected to enhance operational capacity of PSP operators, improve waste collection efficiency and promote a cleaner environment in Orile-Agege LCDA.
Beneficiaries of the empowerment expressed gratitude to the chairman of the LCDA.
They expressed commitment to collaborate with the LCDA to rid it of waste.
Present at the event included market leaders, leaders of faith-based organisations, management and staff of the LCDA,
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has intensified operational activities across the state ahead of the Easter celebrations.
The agency, however, called on residents to adopt proper waste disposal practices to sustain environmental cleanliness, and prevent flooding.
The Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said this in a statement on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Lagos.
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin
Gbadegesin said the authority had strengthened waste evacuation arrangements across the metropolis, with additional monitoring and operational support to ensure prompt service delivery during the festive period.
He noted that festive seasons typically witness increased waste generation, making it necessary for both service providers and residents to play their respective roles in maintaining a clean environment.
He urged residents to embrace simple waste reduction habits such as avoiding unnecessary purchases, reusing materials where possible, and separating recyclable items from general waste.
He added that LAWMA had positioned personnel and equipment at critical locations such as markets, motor parks, and high-traffic commercial areas to ensure effective waste collection throughout the period.
He said the authority was working closely with licensed Private Sector Participant operators to sustain regular domestic waste evacuation and respond promptly to service gaps where necessary.
He also advised residents to desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainage channels, road medians, and open spaces.
Gbadegesin warned that such practices could obstruct free flow of storm water as the rainy season approaches.
According to him, maintaining a clean environment is a shared responsibility requiring cooperation between government, service providers, and residents.
Gbadegesin reassured Lagosians of LAWMA’s continued commitment to improving service delivery through operational efficiency, infrastructure upgrades, and sustained public enlightenment.
He encouraged residents to report waste management issues through LAWMA’s customer care line 07080601020 and social media handles for prompt attention.
