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CITES: Countries devise strategies to tackle poaching, trafficking in rhinoceroses

Michael Simire
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CITES: Countries devise strategies to tackle poaching, trafficking in rhinoceroses

Although progress has been made in combating crimes affecting rhinoceroses, poaching and trafficking continue to represent a significant threat to their populations. These crimes are largely driven by the demand for rhinoceros horn in illegal markets and further exacerbated by the involvement of transnational organised crime groups, which makes addressing these crimes increasingly complex.

Rhino
The West African black rhino

Traffickers exploit weaknesses in border controls, corruption, and enforcement gaps and use violence or threats of violence to achieve their goals – often moving specimens through complex international routes. Rhinoceros horn seizures over the last decade have also revealed shifting trends in illegal trade, with new trafficking hotspots emerging as criminals adapt their strategies to avoid detection.

Coordinated international enforcement is critical to respond to these ongoing threats from poaching and trafficking. In support of this, the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment of South Africa, convened a Rhinoceros Enforcement Task Force meeting. The five-day meeting brought together 70 participants, including national CITES authorities, wildlife officers, Customs, police and others from 21 countries from May 26 to 30, 2025 in Pretoria, South Africa, the country which is home to the world’s largest population of rhinoceroses.

Convening this Task Force meeting was possible thanks to financial support from the European Union, South Africa and Switzerland, and a financial contribution to the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC) by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Representatives from law enforcement and other governmental agencies, along with ICCWC partner agencies, a range of international experts, inter-governmental and non-governmental organisations, worked to develop strategies to further strengthen responses to address rhinoceros poaching and rhinoceros specimen trafficking.

“This year as we mark 50 years since CITES entered into force in 1975, we are reminded that the fight against rhino poaching and trafficking cannot be won in isolation,” said Ivonne Higuero, CITES Secretary-General. “It demands deep collaboration across countries and sectors. Enforcement must be intelligent, adaptive and relentless – and that’s exactly what this Task Force is designed to support.”

The Task Force meeting tackled matters related to rhinoceros poaching and trafficking head on, as participants shared first-hand experiences, analysed recent trends and discussed enforcement challenges and best practices. The meeting featured a series of thematic sessions covering international and regional cooperation, case investigation and prosecution, risk management practices, the use of forensic applications, addressing illicit financial flows and mobilizing financial crime investigations, as well as demand reduction approaches.

“As a country on the front line of rhino conservation, South Africa is committed to building stronger enforcement networks across borders through collaboration and innovation. We are also progressing a number of Memoranda of Understanding with destination countries to form a firm basis for this continued collaboration. We are very alive to the fact that no one country can take on this massive task alone, and the important connections delegates have made during this Task Force Meeting will directly contribute to protection of our global rhino populations across Africa and Asia,” said Dr Dion George, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries & the Environment.

The meeting further provided an opportunity for representatives to directly engage with their counterparts from other countries, forge new professional relationships and further strengthen existing ones – fostering joint collaborative action.

Convened in accordance with a Decision adopted by the Conference of the Parties to CITES at its 19th meeting (CITES CoP19) in Panama City, 2022, the meeting concluded with the consolidation and agreement of proposed strategies and follow-up actions to guide future work to address crimes affecting rhinoceroses.

The Task Force meeting agreed on measures and activities to:

  • Strengthen national-, regional- and international-level collaboration, including through stronger bilateral engagement using new or existing platforms to facilitate this;
  • Improve the sharing of information, including on seized specimens, to assist Parties affected by crimes involving rhinoceros to identify, locate and prosecute the offenders involved;
  • Strengthen the use of forensic applications in the fight against rhinoceros poaching and trafficking;
  • Put in place or draw upon existing legislation so that wildlife crime, including crimes that involve rhinoceros specimens, are treated as serious, allowing for the use of specialised investigation techniques to address them and making provisions for strong deterrent penalties against offenders;
  • Work with the judiciary to increase awareness regarding the serious nature of wildlife crime, including crimes involving rhinoceroses;
  • Promote the presentation of evidence in judicial processes to highlight factors that make the crime more deserving of harsher penalties;
  • Promote penalties that provide for restitution of environmental damage and the recovery of costs incurred by the investigation and prosecution;
  • Increase sharing of information on investigation methodologies, tools and best practices regarding crimes affecting rhinoceroses among authorities responsible for addressing these crimes;
  • Promote increased use of tools and capabilities available through INTERPOL and the World Customs Organisation, including tools such as the INTERPOL Silver Notice designed to assist in locating, identifying and obtaining information about criminal assets, such as properties, vehicles, financial accounts and businesses linked to illicit activities;
  • Engage the private sector, including the banking sector to facilitate strengthened responses and collaborative action to address illicit financial flows associated with wildlife crime, in particular crimes associated with rhinoceroses;
  • Develop and implement strategies to counter corruption, including corruption prevention policies and whistle blower policies;
  • Strengthen collaboration with civil society organisations and research institutions to improve understanding about high-priority areas to address regarding demand for illegal rhinoceros’ specimens; and
  • Encourage financial and technical support where needed, for the implementation of the measures and activities agreed by the Task Force.

As the Convention gears up for the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP20) in Samarkand, Uzbekistan (November 24 to December 5, 2025), the outcomes and agreed actions from the Rhinoceros Enforcement Task Force meeting will guide Parties in enhancing their responses to poaching and trafficking affecting rhinoceros’ species.

UNFCCC accused of censoring Palestine solidarity at Bonn climate talks

Michael Simire
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UNFCCC accused of censoring Palestine solidarity at Bonn climate talks

Civil society organisations participating in the United Nations climate negotiations have condemned what they describe as the UNFCCC Secretariat’s censorship of expressions of solidarity with Palestine.

UN Climate Change Talks
UN Climate Change Talks in Bonn, Germany

On Friday, June 20, 2025, CAN International reportedly distributed a special edition of its ECO newsletter at the Bonn venue, focusing on the UNFCCC Secretariat’s demand for the removal of the phrase “End the Siege” from a planned peaceful civil society action highlighting the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza – despite a similar protest which went ahead on Monday in front of the Bonn venue which was allowed to use the phrase “End the Siege”.

The newsletter also set out the detailed history of the past two years of struggle during which “the UNFCCC Secretariat has systematically censored and suppressed advocacy for Palestine, even as a genocide unfolds”.

The situation in Gaza is said to have been described as a “siege” by a string of UN leaders, agencies and international human rights bodies – including UN Secretary-General António Guterres; Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner‑General; Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner Human Rights; Martin Griffiths, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs; Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine; and WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

In an email sent by the UNFCCC, CAN International was informed that: “the phrase ‘end the siege’ cannot be authorised for use in the banner or any accompanying text.”

Civil society groups describe this demand as not only baseless, but a grave moral and political failure. In light of this explicit censorship, civil society groups have taken the unprecedented step of suspending all future applications for Palestine solidarity actions within the UNFCCC framework.

Rachitaa Gupta, from Global Campaign to Demand Climate Justice (DCJ), said: “For the past two years, the UNFCCC Secretariat has tried to silence our movement’s unwavering solidarity with Palestine. We have been censored, edited, erased – while a genocide unfolds in Gaza. Let’s not pretend this is about procedure. This is political. The UNFCCC secretariat is choosing to censor words like genocide, occupation, and siege – as Israel starves, bombs, and massacres an entire population.”

The climate justice movements engaging within the UNFCCC process have historically used the space inside Blue Zone, a region administered by the UNFCCC Secretariat and under the UN rules, to hold “actions” – peoples-led demonstration and protest – as a tactic to raise their demands.

In the past two years the UNFCCC Secretariat has increasingly brought new rules to censor phrases like “From river to the sea, Palestine will be free” and in its latest attempt the word “siege” in the demand “End the Siege” for an action being registered by activists.

Hajar al-Betalji, from Alliance of Non Governmental Radical Youth (ANGRY), said: “Two days ago we were told that within these halls it would be inappropriate to call to ‘End the Siege’. Because according to the UNFCCC, objecting to the enforced starvation of Palestinian children is not politically sensitive enough, not related enough to the climate. How many times must we explain that colonialism and climate injustice are inseparable? How many times must we explain before you understand that white supremacy is killing us?”

Activists highlighted the approach that UNFCCC Secretariat has taken on the ongoing genocide in Palestine compared to the other UN bodies and UN Rapporteurs that have named this siege for what it is and have urgently called for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.

Jacobo Ocharan, Climate Action Network International, said: “A red line was crossed this week. The UNFCCC claims to stand for climate justice, but how can there be justice when it silences the voices of those being annihilated? When a Palestinian cannot even say ‘I am Palestinian’ in a UN space during a genocide, we are not dealing with neutrality – we are witnessing erasure.  The same powers driving the climate crisis are driving this genocide – and now they are trying to silence civil society for speaking the truth. We will not be silenced. We will not back down. Justice for Palestine is justice for all.”

The UNFCCC Secretariat is also accused of repeatedly trying to hide behind the words and phrases like “neutrality”, “party driven process”, and “this is a climate conference, and this action is not related to climate”.

Gina Cortés, representing the Women and Gender Constituency (WGC), said: “Censoring us to call things by their names is not protecting neutrality – it is protecting impunity. It prioritises the comfort of perpetrators over the survival of impacted. This is not neutrality. This is not what the secretariat calls ‘a constructive environment’. This is censorship, cowardice, and failure – in the face of military occupation, siege warfare, and systematic environmental destruction.”

New science-policy panel marks big win for multilateralism – Andersen

Michael Simire
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New science-policy panel marks big win for multilateralism – Andersen

Closing remarks by Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), at the Intergovernmental meeting to establish a science-policy panel to contribute further to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution, in Punta del Este, Uruguay, on Friday, June 20, 2025

Inger Andersen
Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Today we made history. By agreeing to this critical science-policy panel on chemicals, waste and pollution prevention, we showed that multilateralism is alive and well. Even in deeply complex times we showed that, yet again, environmental multilateralism is delivering. 

You have demonstrated that you know that global problems require global solutions. That you are determined to act in this regard. That you recognise each of the elements of the triple planetary crisis needs independent and inclusive science. Therefore, you have established this critical panel, completing the “trifecta” of science panels under the UN system.

Today is a momentous day. Let it be said that today was the first major step we collectively took to usher in a new future on the sound management of chemicals and waste and pollution prevention.

Every voice mattered in this journey. Each country, scientists, Indigenous people, youth, business, non-governmental organizations and all Major Groups have made their voice heard. We know that your voice is critical. We see you all and I thank you all. 

And let me say that UNEP is honoured to provide the secretariat for this important panel – an honour we do not take lightly or for granted. We are already hosting the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and – together with our friends at the World Meteorological Organisation – the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). We are proud to also host this new panel

Let me also take this opportunity to thank so many people involved. The Chair of the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) that put forward the proposals for the panel, Gudi Alkemade. The OEWG Bureau and negotiators. Our two Intergovernmental Meeting co-chairs, Ambassador Madame Laura Dupuy Lasserre and Vice-Minister Yutaka Matsuzawa. My brilliant UNEP colleagues, who have been working tirelessly. Our UN colleagues from across the UN family, who also have been working on this since the UN Environment Assembly resolution requesting this panel. And finally, the staff working hard here in this venue, from service staff to the interpreters. 

Now we move on from this historic day to the hard work of making our decisions here in Punta del Esta a reality – a journey we will take together. One that will be inclusive, transparent and deliver the best independent science that this panel can provide. 

I do believe that the beautiful setting here has inspired us. By the kindness of Uruguay, that has generously given us the diversity of seeing all the seasons every single day. By the morning fog that reminds us that things are at times not as clear as we might wish. By the blue skies that give us warmth and hope. And by the ocean that hugs us all and encourages us all to reach for the endless horizon.

Now our focus turns to operationalising the panel so that it can quickly and effectively support countries with the science they need, safeguard our environment, and protect generations to come.

The world wanted this panel.

The world needed this panel.

And, thanks to you all, the world now has this panel.

We look forward to seeing you in Nairobi in December for the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, where we will surely celebrate this win.

Nations establish new Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on chemicals, waste, pollution

Michael Simire
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Nations establish new Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on chemicals, waste, pollution

Against a challenging geopolitical backdrop and in a major move to protect people and planet, countries on Friday, June 20, 2025, came together to agree a new global science-policy panel to support the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution.

UNEP
Delegates at the Intergovernmental meeting to establish a science-policy panel in Uruguay

Designed to fill a major gap in the global environmental architecture, the panel will provide countries with independent, policy-relevant scientific advice on chemicals, waste, and pollution prevention. Talks were kickstarted in 2022 following the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) resolution that called for the creation of an intergovernmental science-policy body on chemicals, waste and pollution prevention. 

After several years of hard negotiations, convened by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the newly established panel is expected to conduct global assessments, identify knowledge gaps, communicate complex science in policy-friendly formats, and integrate capacity for national decision-making in relation to the panel’s function. It will also support horizon scanning to anticipate emerging threats and guide timely response.

As the impacts of the triple planetary crisis – the crisis of climate change, the crisis of nature and biodiversity loss, and the crisis of pollution and waste – become ever more extreme, this new panel also completes a global scientific trifecta alongside the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).

“Today we made history. This panel represents science and cooperation coming together to minimise the negative impacts of chemicals and waste and prevent pollution. This is the first step in delivering meaningful action to address our global waste and pollution crisis and secure a healthier, safer future for all,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

“During complex times, environmental multilateralism has yet again delivered for people and for our planet. Now our focus turns to operationalizing the panel so that it can quickly and effectively support countries, safeguard our environment and protect generations to come.”

A critical tool for global environmental governance

While chemicals are used daily in modern life, there can be unintended negative impacts that contributes to global pollution and increases the burden of disease – contaminating the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the soil we depend on. The impacts on human and environmental health are profound. 

Municipal solid waste generation is predicted to grow from 2.1 billion tonnes in 2023 to 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050. In 2020, the global direct cost of waste management was an estimated $252 billion. Air pollution alone is linked to an estimated 6.5 million deaths annually, and deaths from modern forms of pollution have risen by 66 per cent over the past two decades.

The proposed panel aims to close the gap between science and policy by equipping governments – particularly in developing countries – with the evidence, insights, and tools needed to take effective, context-specific action.

Negotiations in Punta del Este built on the work of a dedicated working group that reconvened to resolve outstanding issues from its 2024 session. These discussions paved the way for an Intergovernmental Meeting, held from June 19–20 2025, in Punta del Este, Uruguay, where countries formally established the panel. 

Next Steps

Countries reached agreement on the establishment of the new panel, which will be hosted by UNEP. The next step is to prepare for the panel’s first plenary session, where governments will discuss and adopt its initial work programme, priorities, and partner engagement, among other issues. 

Paris Agreement showed the world that multilateralism can deliver – Stiell

Michael Simire
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Paris Agreement showed the world that multilateralism can deliver – Stiell

Remarks delivered by UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, at an event to mark the 10-year anniversary of the Paris Agreement at the UN June Climate Meetings, Sixty-second session of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB62), in Bonn, Germany, on Saturday, June 21, 2025

Simon Stiell
Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change

Ten years ago, the Paris Agreement showed the world that multilateralism can deliver.

The prognosis was – and remains – clear: without cooperation between nations, humanity was on a crash course for self-destruction.

We know from the science that without the Paris Agreement we’d be headed for up to 5 degrees of heating.

No nation, no economy could survive that.

We’re now headed for around 3 – it shows how far we’ve come, and how far we still have to go.

The work Parties and many others have done through this process of UN-convened cooperation has literally changed the course of history.

The world we live in today is different because of Paris.

Today’s event gives us an opportunity to explore how it is a different place because of it.

And crucially what that means about the decisions we make in this process today, to create the world we want and we need.

Since Paris, clean energy investment has increased tenfold.

If you had said 10 years ago that clean energy investments would hit $2 trillion in 2024, you would have been met with heavy scepticism.

And that the Paris Agreement’s fingerprints would be visible across the multilateral system – from shipping to development finance, to national constitutions and courtrooms.

Paris was not the beginning, but it opened the door to much of the world order we accept as normal today.

Since Paris, over 80% of global GDP is now covered by net zero targets.

But we also know that change is not happening fast enough.

We know this through the outstanding global scientific cooperation with the IPCC.

That cooperation is one of this era’s most unsung but most powerful human advances.

Unfortunately, what that science shows us is that this can’t be described as human achievement.

The IPCC showed us that almost half of humanity is living in climate crisis hotspots – where people are 15 times more likely to die.

Friends, I raise this because it’s a stark reminder that there are two sides to the 10-year anniversary of the Paris Agreement.

It’s a moment to reflect on all that has been achieved – and frankly I think we all need to a better job at explaining that to the world.

On that topic – I commend the Government of France for its initiative, with Brazil, to create a commemorative logo which can be used to promote climate-related events this year.

But this 10-year moment must also be an inflection point.

A moment where we step it up on multiple fronts.

This must be the decade of delivery. Of acceleration. Of implementation on the ground.

And I’m not talking about grand gestures or virtue signaling – I’m talking about blueprints for real-world economic opportunity; for security; for resilience; for growth.  Backed up by real delivery.

And we know what will make the difference:

Finance – the great enabler of climate action in real economies – especially for those who need it most.

People often ask: what will the next decade of climate action look like and how must our process evolve?

The short answer is: over the next decade we must move our intergovernmental process much closer to the real economy and to climate action and the 8 billion people around the world, to accelerate and to implement.

We must go further, faster, fairer.

We will see from the secretariat’s three reports later this year how far we have come – on NDCs and the imperative of 1.5 – which remains both essential and achievable.

On adaptation and resilience.

And through the BTRs an important snapshot of the state of implementation.

COP30 then becomes the moment for the nations of the world to respond. And how we respond is up to us.

MEMAN seeks clarity on Dangote logistics offer

Michael Simire
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MEMAN seeks clarity on Dangote logistics offer

The Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) has called for clarity on Dangote Refinery’s offer of free nationwide logistics for petrol and diesel distribution.

Dangote Refinery
Dangote Refinery CNG trucks

MEMAN’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Clement Isong, made the call on Thursday, June 19, 2025, during the association’s quarterly online press webinar.

He explained that Dangote Refinery plans to extend free logistics support to marketers, manufacturers, telecom firms, aviation companies, and other large-scale consumers.

The webinar, with the theme “Fair and Healthy Competition in the Nigerian Market”, drew media professionals, industry experts, and stakeholders to discuss Nigeria’s changing energy landscape.

Isong welcomed the innovation but stressed the need for transparency, especially regarding logistics and pricing within Dangote Refinery’s proposed distribution framework.

He said: “We’ve heard reports about free logistics from Aug. 15, but we need clarification on scope, regions covered, and operational details.”

He urged dialogue between Dangote, regulators, stakeholders, and the media to ensure all aspects are properly addressed.

He warned against drawing conclusions too early, saying, “Some suggest standardised pricing nationwide, but we need facts. Clear communication is essential.”

Isong reaffirmed MEMAN’s support for open market competition and praised the innovation behind introducing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks.

He noted that several MEMAN members have already implemented solar stations and pooled logistics to boost efficiency and reduce operational costs.

Describing Dangote’s plan to roll out 4,000 CNG trucks as “brilliant,” he raised concerns about fairness and competition oversight.

“That’s a major move for logistics and sustainability. But it might also trigger fears of dominance in the fuel supply chain.”

Isong said MEMAN members are also transitioning from diesel to CNG trucks in line with the government’s cleaner energy drive.

However, he warned that the policy remains in early stages and infrastructure gaps must be addressed.

“CNG is still a developing policy. Infrastructure is lacking, so coordinated planning is vital,” he said.

He pointed out that Dangote has experience using CNG in its cement operations, having converted around 2,000 trucks already.

Isong said this experience gives the company an edge, but warned that clear rules are needed to protect market fairness.

He called on the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the NMDPRA to manage innovation alongside market stability.

“This must be an ongoing conversation between regulators and market actors,” he said.

He emphasised that MEMAN supports deregulation and innovation, but cautioned that market structure must not be ignored.

“We support CNG trucks and similar innovations. But we must fully assess the implications before taking positions,” he said.

He said MEMAN is carefully watching market developments and will respond once all facts are available.

“We need a full picture before making any conclusions,” he said.

He noted that innovation must align with national priorities and benefit the average Nigerian.

“Rushing to conclusions would be unwise. This should be about national interest and consumer welfare,” Isong said.

He acknowledged risks in a deregulated market, such as monopolies, but stressed the long-term value of competition.

“Competition fosters efficiency and sustainability, but oversight is vital to prevent market capture,” he said.

He added that energy is vital to development and must be priced and distributed with the public in mind.

“If fuel prices soar, Nigerians suffer and growth stalls. We need ongoing discussions on distribution and pricing,” he said.

On collaboration, he noted that the sector often shares resources to manage costs and improve efficiency.

“Many MEMAN members buy from Dangote and work together on logistics. Globally, the oil sector cooperates across the chain.

“Retail competition exists, but supply chain cooperation ensures lower costs and reliability,” he said.

Nigeria’s energy transition continues, and Dangote’s 4,000 CNG trucks could significantly reshape fuel logistics.

The impact depends on how this move is regulated, expanded, and integrated into the wider national strategy.

Earlier, Dangote Industries said it would start nationwide fuel distribution from Aug. 15, using the new CNG trucks.

This was confirmed by Mr Abiodun Alade, Dangote’s Internal Communications Specialist.

MEMAN said it is monitoring market responses and will engage constructively once Dangote’s plans become clearer.

Meanwhile, the World Bank noted that Nigeria’s policy environment is seen by investors as stifling competition.

Mr. Samer Matta, Senior Economist at the World Bank, made this known in a presentation titled “Catalysing Competition in Nigeria”.

He said monopolies and market concentration still dominate many Nigerian sectors.

In a 2024 table on market-based competition (0 lowest, 20 highest), Nigeria ranked last among peers like Egypt, Ghana, and India.

Matta said government protection fails to improve refining efficiency or deliver consumer benefits.

He argued that refineries should face open competition, not be shielded from import challenges.

He criticised the current policy, which prioritises local supply and permits imports only in case of shortages.

He said this approach contradicts the competition principles stated in section 317 (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act.

Hydrography agency to drive blue economy, Africa’s maritime development

Michael Simire
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0
Hydrography agency to drive blue economy, Africa’s maritime development

The National Hydrography Agency (NHA) has reaffirmed commitment to development of the blue economy and tourism in the country, the West African subregion and the entire African continent.

World Hydrography Day
Delegates at the World Hydrography Day celebration in Abuja

Rear Adm. Ayo Olugbode, Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of NHA, said this at the World Hydrography Day celebration, themed: “Seabed Mapping – Enabling Ocean Action”, on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Abuja.

Olugbode said the agency under his leadership, was dedicated to advancing African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) goals through hydrographic initiatives that foster safe navigation, trade facilitation, and Africa’s maritime competitiveness.

According to him, as hydrographic data becomes increasingly central to maritime safety, transportation and trade, the NHA stands ready to contribute to a more connected and economically empowered West Africa.

“Hydrography today is not confined to the survey vessel or the drawing table.

“It now influences coastal urban planning, marine biodiversity conservation, fisheries management, and disaster risk reduction.

“It underpins our Blue Economy and informs maritime domain awareness.

“In short, hydrography is a cornerstone of our collective ocean future, and that future depends not only on technology, but on people.

“To our young students and professionals in the room, I say: your generation holds the compass.

“The ocean is calling for explorers, thinkers, and problem-solvers. Your curiosity and creativity will be the driving force behind the next wave of innovation in this vital discipline,” he said.

Olugbode said the World Hydrography Day 2025 was not just a celebration of surveys and charts, but a moment to reflect on the immense responsibilities to map, protect, and sustainably manage our vast maritime spaces for the benefit of future generations.

He said the agency had continued to lead the charge with a clear national mandate and a strong regional vision.

“In the last year alone, we have expanded our chart production capabilities, deepened our technical expertise, and strengthened our collaborative ties with the Nigerian Navy, academia, and the private sector.

“In particular, we have promoted unbroken bilateral and international engagements with other nations and international partners such as the International Centre for Electronic Navigational Charts (IC-ENC) and International Board on Standards and Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers (IBS),” he said.

Olugbode said the World Hydrography Day celebration 2025 was a rallying point for cooperation among nations, coordination among institutions, and collaboration among sectors.

Earlier, the Director, International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) Rear Adm. Luigi Sinapi, said the 2025 World Hydrography Day celebration captured not only the essence of our culture, but also the extent of our culture.

He emphasised that African countries were not only active participants in the global hydrography system but also had their own navigation agenda.

This, according to him, is crucial for global social action, encompassing climate resilience, protection costs, offshore energy development, sustainable fisheries, and marine conservation.

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Why I resigned as NNPCL spokesman – Soneye

Michael Simire
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0
Why I resigned as NNPCL spokesman – Soneye

The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Mr. Olufemi Soneye, has resigned from his position.

Mr. Olufemi Soneye
Mr. Olufemi Soneye

Soneye, in a message posted on his Facebook page on Saturday, June 21, 2025, said the decision would allow him to devote more time to his family and attend to personal responsibilities that required his closer presence.

He expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their support and collaboration in helping to shape and amplify the NNPC story over the past 20 months.

“Dear esteemed colleagues, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you all for the unwavering support, professionalism, and genuine commitment you’ve shown in helping to shape and amplify the NNPC Ltd. story over the past 20 months.

“Your role in building a vibrant and effective communications presence for our national energy company has been nothing short of invaluable.

“I wish to inform you that I have stepped aside from my role as Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd.

“This decision will allow me to devote more time to my family and attend to personal responsibilities that now require my closer presence,” Soneye said.

He expressed profound honour to have served both the company and the country, and contributed in his own way to the ongoing transformation of NNPC Ltd.

Soneye also expressed gratitude for the trust reposed in him, the opportunities granted and the incredible professionals both within and outside the organisation with whom he had worked.

“I remain a steadfast supporter and ambassador of NNPC Ltd. wherever I go.

“I enjoin you, dear colleagues, to continue your robust, balanced and constructive reportage in support of the company’s noble mission and strategic role in Nigeria’s energy future,” he said.

By Emmanuella Anokam

Organic food: Farmers seek govt support on markets, chemical use

Michael Simire
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Organic food: Farmers seek govt support on markets, chemical use

Experts in the agriculture sector have urged the Federal Government to prioritise organic farming and reduce reliance on hazardous agrochemicals, which threatens public health and limit Nigeria’s access to international markets.

Organic farming
Organic farming

They made the call in an interview in Karshi, Abuja during a visit to organic farms as part of a field report on sustainable agricultural practices.

Mr. Adams Peter, Managing Director of Amadam’s Organic Agricultural Company, said Nigeria’s overdependence on chemical-based farming has become a major barrier to global trade.

“Our food exports are being rejected in many countries because they are not organic and are contaminated by chemicals,” Peter disclosed.

He explained that most farmers lack proper training on the safe use of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers which leads to misuse and unsafe residue levels in food.

Peter, whose company has been operating since 2001, said his organisation is focused on organic farming because of its multiple benefits to health, environment and the economy.

“Organic agriculture is not only safer for consumers; it also nourishes the soil and protects the ecosystem.

“It creates employment, especially for Nigerians and can improve household income.”

He noted that in spite of growing awareness about food safety, organic food remains largely inaccessible in many urban centres.

“We hardly find organic vegetables or foodstuff in Abuja markets, that is why we are working with our network to set up dedicated organic food markets across the FCT.

“Government support for organic farming is still very low. If we’re serious about improving food quality and boosting exports, we must invest in organic agriculture,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr. Donald Ikenna, Lead Coordinator of the Alliance for Action on Pesticide in Nigeria, warned about the growing use of highly hazardous chemicals in the country’s food production system.

“More than 40 per cent of the chemicals used by farmers in Nigeria are classified as highly hazardous, this puts both farmers and consumers at serious risk.”

Ikenna said the widespread use of such chemicals has been linked to an increase in cancer, kidney failure and other chronic diseases.

“People are falling ill from what they eat and the economy is also suffering as we lose billions to rejected food exports.”

He stressed the need for a national shift to safer and science-backed alternatives, including biopesticides, organic fertilisers and agroecological practices.

He called on state governments and lawmakers to ensure constituency projects support organic farming initiatives at the grassroots.

“We have the local capacity to produce organic farm inputs in Nigeria. What we need is investment, training and strong political will.

“We must stop pumping money into harmful chemicals and start building systems that promote health, sustainability and long-term food security.”

Organic and agroecological farming is gaining momentum globally as a safer, climate-friendly alternative to conventional agricultural practices.

By Daniel Obaje

New ocean treaty holds economic, environmental promise for Nigeria – Expert

Michael Simire
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New ocean treaty holds economic, environmental promise for Nigeria – Expert

An environmental expert, Prof. Babajide Alo, says Nigeria stands to benefit significantly from the economic and environmental opportunities offered by the newly adopted international ocean treaty.

Prof. Babajide Alo
Prof. Babajide Alo

Alo, who disclosed this in interview on Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Lagos, said the treaty would promote sustainable use of ocean resources, create jobs, and open Nigeria to global benefit-sharing mechanisms.

The recently signed ocean treaty, also known as the High Seas Treaty or Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, aims to protect marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, covering over 64 per cent of the world’s oceans.

It aims to safeguard biodiversity in the two-thirds of the ocean that lies outside of national jurisdictions.

This landmark agreement is expected to usher in a new era of ocean governance and offer opportunities for sustainable use of marine resources.

This historic agreement was adopted by the United Nations in June 2023, after nearly two decades of negotiations.

Alo, Nigeria’s lead negotiator for the BBNJ Treaty, described the treaty as a landmark agreement with the potential to revolutionise the way we manage and conserve the world’s oceans.

“The BBNJ Treaty, also known as the High Seas Treaty, aims to regulate areas beyond national jurisdiction, which covers approximately 75 per cent of the world’s oceans.

“These areas, often referred to as the ‘high seas,’ are crucial for sustaining human life, and their conservation is essential for the health of our planet.

“Nigeria actively participated in the negotiations, recognising the potential benefits of the treaty, including access to new areas for oil and gas exploration, as well as diverse biological resources,” he said.

The expert said that, with the treaty in place, Nigeria and other countries would have the opportunity to access and benefit from the vast resources of the high seas.

“These will include marine genetic resources, which have the potential to lead to breakthroughs in medicine and other fields.

“There is no doubt that Nigeria can benefit immensely from the vast resources and opportunities provided by the ocean.

“With this new treaty now in place, particularly through the implementation of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), we have an opportunity for both economic growth and sustainable development.

Alo noted that the EIAs were critical tools that guide responsible exploitation of marine resources, helping to protect biodiversity while enabling economic activity.

“If all marine-related activities are carried out with the EIAs in place, Nigeria can achieve long-term sustainability in ocean use,” he said.

He added that the treaty would bring social and economic benefits, particularly in job creation and foreign revenue.

“As we implement the elements of the treaty, there will be demand for people who will go out and cultivate marine genetic resources.

“The capturing and study of new marine species, for example, will feed into research and industry. From medicine to cosmetics, ultimately benefiting the economy,” he said.

Alo expressed optimism that Nigerian leaders would recognise the potential and act swiftly.

“We are praying and hoping that our leaders will quickly see the value in this initiative.

“The benefits will not only create jobs but also bring new revenue streams through a global fund attached to the treaty.

According to him, once Nigeria becomes a party to the treaty, it will be eligible to access this fund, which is designated for countries contributing to the implementation of its objectives.

“Benefit sharing is a key element in the treaty. I cannot put exact figures now, but it could run into millions of dollars,” he said.

Alo also called for urgent policy reforms to tackle marine pollution and illegal fishing.

“We need to strengthen pollution control measures so that our oceans are less polluted.

“Also, illegal fishing in our coastal waters must be addressed through enforceable policies. Reducing these activities will boost our marine economy and preserve our resources.

“The new treaty, adopted under the United Nations framework, is aimed at conserving and sustainably using marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction,” he said.

By Olaitan Idris

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