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Govt launches World Bank $500m project to boost irrigation, power supply

Michael Simire
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Govt launches World Bank $500m project to boost irrigation, power supply

The Federal Government has inaugurated the Steering Committee for the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project aimed to enhance national food security, water management, and climate resilience.

SPIN Project
Dignitaries at the inauguration of the Steering Committee for the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project, in Abuja

The project, valued at $500 million and supported by the World Bank, aims to deliver large-scale multi-purpose infrastructure for irrigation and hydropower generation.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting in Abuja on Friday, May 9, 2025, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, who co-chairs the Steering Committee alongside the Minister of Power, said the initiative aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

According to the minister, the SPIN project builds on the success of the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project, which helped rehabilitate about 32,000 hectares of irrigation schemes and empowered Water Users Associations (WUAs) across the country.

“Nigeria is committed to improving its food, water, and energy security.

“Through this project, we are targeting 500,000 hectares of irrigated agriculture, 30 Gigawatts of sustainable energy, and strengthened resilience to floods, droughts, and climate change.

“The project consists of four key components: Institutional Strengthening, Irrigation Modernisation, Dam Safety and Operational Improvements, and Effective Project Management.

“It will be implemented under two models; Model 1, which focuses on federal government-managed schemes in collaboration with interested states, and Model 2, which supports state-owned irrigation schemes”.

According to him, out of the 34 states that expressed interest in participating in the project, 27 pledged to meet the readiness criteria, and 17 states have been confirmed as qualified.

He said these states satisfied three key requirements: enacting a WUA law at the state level, allocating budgetary provisions for WUA operations and maintenance, and establishing counterpart funding.

The minister commended the SPIN Interim Team for field assessments and preparing key documents, including the Project Appraisal, Implementation Manual, and 18-month work plan.

He noted that the steering committee, composed of Ministers from relevant sectors and Commissioners from participating states, would serve as the apex policy and decision-making body for the project.

Earlier, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, described the SPIN project as timely, noting that it would build on the achievements of the TRIMING initiative to further transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Kyari commended the World Bank for its continued support towards sustainable development across various sectors, but emphasised the need to place greater focus on measuring concrete outcomes.

“In every programme we implement, whether within our ministries or in partnership with international stakeholders, we must ask a fundamental question: What specific results will this project deliver?

“In the case of agricultural production, what measurable outcomes are we targeting? Clarity on such goals ensures that our efforts are meaningful and result-driven.

“While our rapidly growing population is often viewed as a burden, I see it as a powerful opportunity.

“With strategic planning and the right investments, this population can become a major force for innovation and economic growth. Let us not forget that Nigeria remains one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.”

The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable energy through hydropower, outlining it as key to achieving energy and food security.

Adelabu, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Mahmadu Mamman, said the initiative was a major step towards optimising the country’s water resources for long-term development.

He noted that the ministry of power, as a key implementing partner, was responsible for preparing project memos aimed at attracting private sector investment into hydropower development.

“This aligns with the broader national vision that sees energy not just as a commodity, but as the foundation for growth and progress,” he said.

The minister also underscored the role of hydropower in Nigeria’s energy transition, citing its technical advantages such as grid stability, efficiency, and its synergy with other renewable sources like solar and wind.

He urged members of the committee to remain committed to the project’s success, assuring them of the ministry’s readiness to address any challenges that may arise.

The World Bank Task Team Leader for the SPIN project, Mr. Chinedu Umoru, praised the federal government for its strong commitment to the project’s implementation.

He outlined the leadership shown by the government and its partner ministries as a clear sign of the dedication needed to drive the project to success.

“With this level of commitment, I am confident the federal government will achieve the objectives of the SPIN project,” he said.

Umoru noted that the project team is now fully launched and with sustained support from the ministries, the foundation for progress is in place.

He urged all stakeholders to match the government’s efforts with action to ensure nationwide impact on power and irrigation infrastructure.

The inaugural meeting fulfils a statutory requirement for activating the World Bank financing arrangement.

The SPIN project is expected to boost Nigeria’s irrigation capacity, ensure dam safety, and revitalise rural economies in line with the country’s long-term development goals.

By Tosin Kolade

Govt, partners urged to act on rangeland conservation

Michael Simire
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Govt, partners urged to act on rangeland conservation

The Federal Government and partners have been urged to take decisive action to protect and restore rangelands, safeguard pastoralist communities’ livelihoods, and enhance climate resilience in dryland regions.

Rangeland
Rangeland

The call was made in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the 5th International Conference on Drylands.

The conference, themed “Promoting Sustainability and Resilience of Rangelands: Present and Future Outlooks”, was organised by the Centre for Dryland Agriculture at Bayero University in Kano and took place from May 6 to 8, 2025.

The three-day conference brought together over 300 participants, including scientists, researchers, policymakers, development partners, and private sector representatives.

The participants urged governments to develop and implement comprehensive, participatory, and evidence-based legal frameworks prioritising sustainable rangeland management.

These frameworks should recognise, protect, and support traditional knowledge and practices of pastoralists, ensuring equitable access to land and natural resources.

Secure land tenure and fair resource governance are crucial for promoting peaceful coexistence and preventing land-use conflicts.

The conference recognised the critical role of women and youths from pastoralist communities in driving resilience and sustainability.

The conference also called for increased investment in capacity building, active participation in decision-making processes, and support for income-generating opportunities and sustainable resource development projects.

The conference emphasised the need to scale up public and private sector investments in climate change adaptation strategies, sustainable land management technologies, and diversified livelihood initiatives.

These investments should be complemented by demand-driven research and the promotion of innovations that integrate indigenous knowledge with modern scientific approaches.

The conference urged international development partners and organisations to align their resources with the conference outcomes and enhance regional and global cooperation, particularly on transboundary issues.

The participants also advocated deeper engagement with global initiatives such as the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) and the Africa Soil Initiative.

The conference concluded that the alarming degradation of rangelands, threats to pastoralist livelihoods, and fragility of dryland ecosystems demand urgent, collaborative, and sustained action.

The participants emphasised that achieving healthy rangelands was key to food security, ecological balance, and peaceful coexistence.

The conference brought together participants from 11 African countries, 13 Nigerian states, 17 academic institutions, and several international organisations.

It created a rich platform for knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and regional collaboration.

By Aminu Garko

Renewable energy: Closing financing gap in Global South requires multi-pronged approach

Michael Simire
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Renewable energy: Closing financing gap in Global South requires multi-pronged approach

Meeting the tripling renewable power capacity target agreed in the UAE Consensus requires urgent investment across the renewable energy landscape, encompassing renewable power capacity; energy efficiency and conservation; as well as grid and flexibility. This mammoth undertaking requires a cumulative investment of USD 31.5 trillion by the end of the decade.

The UAE Consensus
COP28 officials applaud the adoption of “The UAE Consensus” in Dubai

Currently, investment in renewable energy remains disproportionately concentrated. Only 10% of global investments in 2023 reached developing economies where nearly half of the world’s population resides, excluding major markets like Brazil, China, and India. The lack of investment in emerging markets and developing economies is primarily due to higher real and perceived risks in these markets and economies, such as currency volatility, macroeconomic instability, and policies uncertainty.

To tip the scale and address the persistent gaps, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has been calling for stronger international cooperation to substantially increase the financial flows to the Global South. But reform must also be made in the way the international support is provided to these countries.

Recognising the limited public funds available in the developing world, governments and development partners should deploy these resources strategically, towards strengthening policy frameworks, enacting clear regulations, and providing risk-mitigation support, in order to build a pipeline of bankable, transition–oriented projects.

Clear, stable policies enable countries to create robust investment strategies, address potential risks, build investors’ confidence, and attract private capital. Integrated national energy planning strengthens investment environments by coordinating actions across sectors and stakeholders, aligning renewable energy with broader development goals, and signalling clear priorities that reduce uncertainty and enhance project predictability for investors. This, in turn, is key to unlocking investments for the energy transitions.

The Global Coalition for Energy Planning (GCEP) emerging from Brazil’s 2024 G20 presidency, aims to support this approach by providing platforms for knowledge sharing and investment decision-making. To be officially launched during the Energy Planning Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 2025, GCEP seeks to address the critical investment gap in the energy transition through improved energy planning.

Another crucial approach to mobilising private investment involves risk mitigation. Aside from strengthening policy frameworks and integrating them with energy transition investments, governments play a key role in in attracting private sector’s investments by reducing investment risks. Through blended finance structures, for example, the public sector can strategically provide small amounts of concessional public capital to mitigate certain risks that private sector capital cannot yet absorb, and to ensure low costs of capital.

In the context of pressing energy needs, international financial support from the Global North must look beyond bankability. As it is already established that public fund in the Global South is limited, international support must seek to mobilise impact–driven capital, particularly in the form of low-cost concessional loans and grants, that do not further add to countries’ debt burdens.

Lastly, at the project level, support must be given to project developers who struggle to secure investments. Finance providers have strict eligibility criteria that mostly favour well-developed large-scale projects with minimum risks, which often are not the case in many developing countries.

With project facilitation interventions such as those provided by the Energy Transition Accelerator Financing Platform (ETAF), project developers can get a thorough understanding of the requirements and eligibility criteria for available funding. Project facilitation can help de-risk the projects and enhance their bankability, thus making them attractive to financiers.

To speed up the world’s progress towards 11.2 terawatts of renewable power capacity aligned with the UAE Consensus’ goal, all of the above efforts must not be done in isolation. Robust and integrated policy frameworks to reduce uncertainties and boost investors’ confidence; strategic use of public financing with the support of international cooperation; and tailored support to project developers to enhance their bankability, are all needed at the same time and in synergy.

Through these combined efforts, the Global South can pick up the pace of its energy transition and gain the transition’s wide benefits along with the Global North.

Pate, Director of Nutrition make 2025 TIME100 Health list

Michael Simire
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Pate, Director of Nutrition make 2025 TIME100 Health list

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, and the Director of Nutrition, Mrs Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi, have made the 2025 TIME100 Health list.

Muhammad Ali Pate
Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare

This is contained in a statement by the Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations, Mr Alaba Balogun, on Friday, May 9, 2025, in Abuja.

The TIME100 Health is a prestigious recognition of the 100 most influential individuals shaping the future of global health.

The list honours leaders, innovators, advocates, and change-makers whose work is transforming health systems, advancing medical science, and improving lives worldwide.

According to Balogun, the recognition of two Nigerians from the same institution underscores Nigeria’s rising influence in global health leadership.

“Pate’s selection acknowledges his decades-long commitment to health equity, system reform, and primary healthcare advancement.

“Under his leadership and aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria is undergoing a historic transformation in its health sector focused on improved governance, better health outcomes, unlocking healthcare value chains, and bolstering health security.

“A cornerstone of this reform is the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, anchored by a Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) that promotes strategic coordination among government institutions, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to ensure impactful and accountable investments.”

Under Pate’s leadership, he said, strategic priorities include: revitalising primary healthcare by strengthening frontline health facilities and expanding the community health workforce.

Others are scaling up maternal, newborn, and child health services to reduce preventable mortality.

He’s also being recognised for accelerating malaria elimination efforts, including the introduction of the malaria vaccine.

Promoting local production of health commodities and strengthening the health workforce for national resilience.

Bako-Aiyegbusi, it said, was honoured for her pioneering leadership in advancing national nutrition policy and driving systemic food and nutrition reforms.

“Her work has been instrumental in improving maternal and child nutrition outcomes and reducing malnutrition across vulnerable populations through multisectoral, evidence-based strategies.

“She has led several high-impact initiatives, including: the implementation of the National Nutrition Policy, targeting improved nutrition outcomes for all Nigerians

“The rollout of the Multiple Micronutrient Supplement (MMS) programme, providing pregnant women with 15 essential vitamins and minerals to combat anemia and support healthier pregnancies.”

Bako-Aiyegbusi is also being recognised for the expansion of large-scale food fortification programmes.

The publication also recognises her input in the advocacy for nutrition-sensitive, gender-responsive social protection policies to address the root causes of malnutrition.

The statement added that the full TIME100 Health list and accompanying tributes will appear in the May 26, issue of TIME, available on newsstands from May 16, and online at time.com/time100health.

This dual recognition not only honours the individual achievements of Pate and Bako-Aiyegbusi but also celebrates Nigeria’s bold strides in health reform, nutrition policy, and global leadership in advancing public health.

By Folasade Akpan

Alex Ngari: Let’s make cities and communities bird-friendly

Michael Simire
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Alex Ngari: Let’s make cities and communities bird-friendly

Every year, the world celebrates World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) to raise awareness about birds and the plight they face while migrating along routes known as flyways. Annually, millions of birds undertake the world’s longest and largest migrations, traveling thousands of kilometres, traversing continents in search of breeding, feeding and resting grounds. During migration, birds play key roles in the environment including controlling pests, pollinating the crops humans depend on for food, and providing economic benefits through bird watching.

Alex Ngari
Alex Ngari

This year’s WMBD theme “Creating Bird-friendly Cities and Communities” highlights the need for healthy coexistence between birds and humans, in the face of expanding urban developments, made worse by the changing climate. Birds are key indicators of environmental health, which makes them global barometers for assessing human impacts on ecosystems.

Rapid urbanisation, experienced in Africa and elsewhere poses a significant risk to birds and biodiversity. Many at times, these   developments take place without careful consideration of the bird populations needs, thus damaging their habitats. Habitat disruption also creates opportunities for invasive alien species to thrive, consequently affecting ecosystems.

According to a 2024 study, urbanization has led to a decrease in the variety of birds species in addition to shrinking of their roles in the ecosystem. In contrast, rural or less developed areas support a wider diversity of bird species.  Further, the study noted that urbanisation is driving out specialised species, despite the critical role played by these species in maintaining a healthy and balanced environment.

Considering this, there are a number of measures that can be taken in urban areas to ensure that migratory birds are protected.  Critical sites like grasslands and wetlands which migratory birds depend on are under threat, thus developing green spaces by planting native trees and shrubs e.g. parks and creating urban wetlands can provide safes places for birds.

Collisions with glass buildings is another major cause of bird mortality, resulting in the deaths of millions of birds annually. Use of bird-friendly glass is critical in reducing bird mortalities. Bird friendly glass incorporates patterns or designs that help birds detect the glass as a barrier, thus minimizing collisions.

Migratory birds rely on natural light along their migration routes.  Light pollution can interfere with the natural environment adversely impacting birds and other species.  Many migratory birds, especially those travelling at night, fly over areas of intense urban development where they experience high levels of artificial light, which may impact migration timing and other seasonal behaviour. For instance, birds may misinterpret artificial light at night as a longer period of daylight and begin migration earlier than species not exposed to artificial light.

This migration mistiming means that the birds end up using up their energy reserves, putting them at risk of exhaustion, collision with buildings and other infrastructure and predation among others. This can be tackled through reducing light emission by dimming or turning off unnecessary lights, avoiding high-intensity lighting, or using light shielding among other measures.

Invasive species including cats, rats, and plants among others, pose significant threats to migratory birds through disrupting ecosystems, causing habitat loss and increasing predation and food competition. Rodents including rats and mice negatively impact seabird colonies including migratory species, preying on eggs. chicks and adults, ultimately leading to population declines or even local extinctions. Further, these invasive species compete with birds for food and nesting sites. Thus, it is vital to put in place effective programmes that minimise the effect of these species on migratory bird populations.

Integrating biodiversity conservation into urban planning, protecting green spaces, and promoting wildlife friendly policies is imperative for protection of ecosystems that sustain biodiversity and human life.  As we mark World Migratory Bird Day, let us remember that building bird friendly cities and communities is a shared responsibility, and we all can make a difference.

Alex Ngari is Migratory Birds & Flyways Programme Manager for Africa, BirdLife International; Email: alex.ngari@birdlife.org

NNPC, Dangote strengthen strategic partnership, reaffirm commitment to healthy competition

Michael Simire
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NNPC, Dangote strengthen strategic partnership, reaffirm commitment to healthy competition

As part of ongoing efforts to promote mutually beneficial partnerships and foster healthy competition, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) and Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals (DPRP) have pledged to deepen collaboration aimed at ensuring Nigeria’s energy security and advancing shared prosperity for Nigerians.

NNPC
Group CEO of NNPC Ltd., Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari receives the President/Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Mr. Aliko Dangote during a visit by the latter to the NNPC Towers, on Thursday

This commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the President/Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Mr. Aliko Dangote, and his delegation to the Group CEO of NNPC Ltd., Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, and members of the company’s Senior Management Team at the NNPC Towers, on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

During the visit, Dangote pledged to collaborate with the new NNPC Management to ensure energy security for Nigeria.

“There is no competition between us, we are not here to compete with NNPC Ltd. NNPC is part and parcel of our business, and we are also part of NNPC. This is an era of co-operation between the two organizations,” Dangote added.

While congratulating the GCEO and the Senior Management Team on their “well-deserved appointments,” Dangote acknowledged the enormity of the responsibility ahead, noting that the GCEO is shouldering a monumental task, which he expressed confidence that, with the capable hands at his disposal in NNPC, the task is surmountable.

In his remarks, the GCEO, Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, assured Dangote of a mutually beneficial partnership anchored on healthy competition and productive collaboration.

Ojulari highlighted the exceptional caliber of talent he met in NNPC Ltd., describing the workforce as a dedicated, highly skilled and hardworking professionals who are consistently keen on delivering value for Nigeria.

Expressing the company’s readiness to build a legacy of national prosperity through innovation and shared purpose, Ojulari said NNPC would sustain its collaboration with the Dangote Group especially where there is commercial advantage for Nigeria.

Both executives also committed to being the relationship managers for their respective organisations through sustained productive collaboration and healthy competition, thereby envisioning limitless opportunities for both organisations.

World Migratory Bird Day: Creating bird-friendly cities, communities

Michael Simire
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World Migratory Bird Day: Creating bird-friendly cities, communities

While human ingenuity has gifted us with the marvels of modern technology – from the swift wings of aeroplanes, the internet and how the seamless connectivity of smart devices have simplified our lives, these achievements often pale in comparison to the inherent wonders of the natural world. Consider, for instance, the remarkable phenomenon of migration, a feat where certain species undertakes journeys spanning thousands of kilometres, an innate response to evade periodic life-threatening environmental conditions.

Migratory birds
Migratory birds

World Migratory Bird Day serves as a vital occasion to celebrate and champion these avian travellers, creatures that effortlessly bridge continents, unburdened by borders or bureaucratic visa hurdles. For example, the tiny willow warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus), a mere 12-15 grams in adulthood, embarks on an astounding annual journey of up to 12,000 kilometers from its European breeding grounds to its wintering sites in sub-Saharan Africa.

Similarly, the majestic Osprey, a migratory bird of prey weighing up to 2.1kg, sees populations breeding across Europe undertake their own seasonal journeys to sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria.

This incredible ability to migrate, shared by numerous species, is not a learned behaviour, and decades of research have firmly established its genetic basis. Yet, our admiration for these species extends beyond their navigational skills.

As inhabitants of this planet, we often remain oblivious to the intricate workings of the ecosystems that sustain our very existence and livelihoods. Ironically, our advancements and activities are significantly altering the delicate balance of nature. While our perception of environmental health often hinges on the stability of weather patterns, our responses to ecological shifts tend to be reactive, evidence increasingly reveals that nature operates on a timescale often ahead of human comprehension and ability. Wildlife researchers have highlighted the fundamental dependence of our survival on the functional interactions within natural wildlife communities.

Migratory birds, in particular, provide a wealth of invaluable ecosystem services, ranging from seed dispersal and pest control to aesthetic and cultural enrichment. They play crucial roles in pollination and even serve as sensitive indicators of environmental changes. Ornithologists are diligently working to fully understand and quantify the economic and ecological value of these contributions. Tragically, these species and the vital services they provide face escalating threats in the face of changing weather patterns and environmental degradation.

The 2025 World Migratory Bird Day theme, “Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities,” is a direct response to the observations gathered from continuous monitoring of these birds and their habitats worldwide. Ornithologists across the globe, including the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, conduct annual surveys, and urbanisation has emerged as a significant threat to the habitats that support these migratory species, contributing to their declines.

The relentless pursuit of real estate development is transforming our natural landscapes into concrete jungles, often devoid of the green spaces essential for these birds and the ecological functions they perform. The clearing of natural habitats to make way for high-rise buildings, artificial lighting, and associated urban infrastructure leads to the complete destruction of the ecosystems that migratory birds need to thrive.

However, the imperative of urbanization should not exclude the accommodation of nature. We readily observe the beneficial impact of a single tree within a compound – regulating immediate temperatures, providing refuge for insects and birds, and offering shade and food. The Hamad International Airport in Qatar offers a compelling example of innovative integration. In 2022, its expansion included a breathtaking 6,000 sq.m indoor tropical garden, a space that awes and soothes visitors while support ecological functionality.

While advocating for similar features within Nigeria’s international airports would be a welcome initiative, the broader aim of this article is to champion the incorporation of green spaces within our homes, expanding luxury and country estates, and industrial complexes.

We stand to gain immeasurably by intentionally incorporating structures that support the natural biological processes that enrich our lives, protect us against the impacts of climate change, provide crucial shade, and sustain the ecosystem that hosts resident and migratory birds. In fact, by cultivating bird-friendly environments, we might one day find ourselves hosting avian visitors from distant European lands right in our own backyards.

This concept of incorporating nature into our spaces is not foreign to us; a deeper look into our cultural heritage reveals the long-standing indigenous practice of setting aside dedicated areas for trees, shrubs, and fallow land, a wisdom we would do well to reactivate.

As we commemorate this World Migratory Bird Day in 2025, let us recognise our pivotal role as stewards of a sustainable environment. Just as we have achieved remarkable advancements in technology, we possess the same capacity for innovation and dedication in our pursuit of ecological sustainability in our modern spaces.

Happy World Migratory Bird Day!

By Dr. Stella Egbe, Senior Conservation Manager, Species Programmes, Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF)

Use taxes to achieve renewable energy, CSO tasks govt

Michael Simire
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Use taxes to achieve renewable energy, CSO tasks govt

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has urged the Federal Government to leverage the nation’s tax system to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

Tesla-solar-Hawaii
Renewable energy: Solar panels

Speaking at a workshop on “Fossil Fuel Transition Using the Instrumentality of Taxation” in Benin on Thursday, May 8, 2025, Comrade Auwal Musa, CISLAC’s Executive Director, warned that Nigeria risked missing its NetZero2050 target without bold fiscal reforms.

The workshop, supported by Tax Justice Network Africa and hosted in partnership with Connected Advocacy, brought together civil society leaders, climate advocates and some media representatives in Edo State.

Musa, popularly known as Rafsanjani, challenged government agencies to implement Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan with urgency and transparency.

“Are we moving swiftly enough to meet our climate goals? Are our policies and actions aligned with the global climate agenda,” he asked.

Musa asserted that Nigeria must phase out fossil fuel subsidies and use taxation to incentivise clean energy while protecting the livelihoods of those affected by the transition.

“Nigeria’s fossil fuel dependence has not only degraded the environment but deepened poverty in oil-producing communities.

“Tax justice is a powerful tool to correct this imbalance and create a greener economy,” he said.

Musa, queried the government on the status of the energy transition plan, the mechanisms for stakeholder engagement, and strategies for ensuring a just transition that protect workers and vulnerable communities.

“The energy transition must not repeat the mistakes of the past. Communities must be part of the conversation, and policies must be inclusive,” he said.

In his goodwill message, Mr. Israel Orekha, Executive Director, Connected Advocacy, said the workshop aimed to empower civil society to engage more effectively with government policy on climate and energy.

“Edo State, being oil-producing, stands at the heart of this national debate.

“We need to ensure our communities benefit from the shift to clean energy and not suffer because of it,” he said.

Orekha said Nigeria had a fantastic policy framework for combating climate change, but was poor in implementation.

He called for more awareness creation on climate change and its impact among the locals.

In his lecture, Mr. Chinedu Bassey, an expert in taxation, called for increased taxes on gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum products to discourage fossil fuel consumption in the country.

He described taxation as a good mechanism for energy transition, while redirecting the funds towards clean energy initiatives.

He advocated taxes on inefficient energy-consuming appliances and technologies in Nigeria.

The discussion focused on how Nigeria can use progressive taxation to disincentivise fossil fuel exploration and redirect resources into clean energy investments.

The event concluded with a call for sustained advocacy and deeper collaboration between civil society, government, and the private sector to deliver a just and equitable energy future for Nigeria.

By Usman Aliyu

Lagos marks 39 buildings for demolition over encroachment

Michael Simire
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Lagos marks 39 buildings for demolition over encroachment

The Lagos State Government (LASG) has marked 39 buildings in Eti-Osa Local Government Area for demolition over encroachment on the Right of Way (RoW).

Tokunbo Wahab
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, made this known while speaking with journalists after a drainage enforcement inspection visit to Ikota River on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

Wahab said the buildings would be demolished because of their encroachment on the RoW of Ikota Riverbank.

He also issued indefinite quit notices to occupants of the affected properties, urging them to vacate and relocate their belongings before the demolition exercise begins.

The affected buildings are in Oral Extension Estate and Westend, Megamound Estate at the Lekki axis of the state.

Tokunbo said 18 out of the 39 marked buildings were set for total demolition, adding that eight was for partial removal, while 13 other buildings would be completely brought down.

“We received several complaints. We have been on this for a while.

“We found out at the ministry level that while we were engaging to find a win-win solution that would mitigate environmental impact without heavily affecting the residents, some developers continued pushing back the RoW and altering the alignment of the Ikota River.

“So, we had a digital footprint of the situation of things, and we had to come there today. What we met on the ground is not good at all,” he said.

He added that the ministry had previously visited Oral Estate, saying that the current situation was far worse than what was observed last year.

The commissioner, however, faulted some developers of continuing construction while engaging the government in talks for a resolution.

“We need to keep telling our people. You don’t put money over humanity. What they are doing is about self-interest, and it’s painful.

“For some of those who developed those places, I am going to keep telling them that this is not going to work.

“But bear in mind, you can’t also let people go through pain. Those tenants like you saw, it was emotional for some of us here.

“But that should not also cloud our sense of reasoning and fairness. So, we’ll have a win-win situation,” he said.

Wahab added that while they were engaging the government, they were pushing back the RoW, which was not a good one.

“It shows that while they are engaging government to find a win-win solution, to redesign some of their primary alignments and secondary collectors, they were also going to push further back the RoW for the Ikota River and that is not good for anybody.

“So, we’ve called the machines in, and then we have asked them to tuck all the walls and then push them back from further encroachment.

“We also visited Westend and Mega Mount, where we saw reclamation activities beyond the approved limits,” he said.

Wahab said there was a need for proper drainage clearance and Environmental Impact Assessment documents for any reclamation projects, warning that further violations would not be tolerated.

“We have asked them to stop pushing back the sand and submit the necessary documents. If they don’t comply, we will wield the big stick,” he said.

On the number of affected buildings, Wahab said that 18 buildings were located along the first stretch, with another 13 after the canal.

“At Westend Estate, eight buildings are marked for demolition.

“We will come back and see how far we’ve gone. So, the notice is not timed. Like I’m telling them, just find a way to move your things, and then we’ll have a balance,” he said.

By Olaitan Idris

Gates Foundation to spend $200bn over next 20 years to improve lives

Michael Simire
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0
Gates Foundation to spend $200bn over next 20 years to improve lives

On the occasion of its 25th year, the Gates Foundation on Thursday, May 8, 2025, made a new commitment to accelerate its mission to help all people live healthy, productive lives by spending $200 billion over the next 20 years.

Bill Gates
Bill Gates, Chair, Gates Foundation

The decision, it was gathered, marks a major acceleration in the foundation’s work and sets a new date of 2045 to sunset its operations. The historic announcement, which represents the largest philanthropic commitment in modern history, was shared in a post by foundation Chair, Bill Gates.

“There are too many urgent problems to solve for me to hold onto resources that could be used to help people. That is why I have decided to give my money back to society much faster than I had originally planned,” writes Gates. “I will give away virtually all my wealth through the Gates Foundation over the next 20 years to the cause of saving and improving lives around the world.”

The accelerated timeline was affirmed by the foundation’s board of directors with a change to the foundation’s charter, which had said the organisation would sunset 20 years after Gates’ death. The funding pledged exceeds the foundation’s current endowment, with the balance coming over time from Gates’ personal fortune.

“A few years ago, I began to rethink that (timeline). More recently, with the input from our board, I now believe we can achieve the foundation’s goals on a shorter timeline, especially if we double down on key investments and provide more certainty to our partners,” writes Gates.

While the foundation’s strategies are not changing, over the next two decades, the foundation will work together with its partners to make as much progress as possible towards three primary goals:

  • Help end preventable deaths of moms and babies
  • Ensure the next generation grows up without having to suffer from deadly infectious
  • diseases
  • Lift millions of people out of poverty, putting them on a path to prosperity

“During the first 25 years of the Gates Foundation – powered in part by the generosity of Warren Buffett – we gave away more than $100 billion,” writes Gates. “Over the next two decades, we will double our giving. The exact amount will depend on the markets and inflation, but I expect the foundation will spend more than $200 billion between now and 2045. This figure includes the balance of the endowment and my future contributions.”

The shift in the sunset date is driven by urgency and opportunity. The foundation hopes to capitalize on the extraordinary global progress in health and development between 2000 and 2025 – a period when child deaths were halved, deaths from deadly infectious diseases were significantly reduced, and hundreds of millions of people rose out of poverty.

Since 2000, the Gates Foundation contributed to saving 82 million lives through its support of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Together with its partners, the foundation also helped develop more than 100 innovations, including vaccines, diagnostic tools, and treatments designed to meet the needs of people living in low- and middle-income countries. Taken together, these innovations – and the people who made them possible – helped change the trajectory of global health. Still, there are hundreds more innovations in the pipeline.

“The needs at this time are greater than any we’ve seen in the lifetime of the foundation, but the achievements of the past 25 years have shown the tremendous progress that is still possible,” said Mark Suzman, CEO and board member of the Gates Foundation. “That’s why, in the next two decades, working in close collaboration with our partners, we’ll deploy these new innovations and apply 25 years of learnings and progress to making an even bigger difference.”

This announcement comes amidst multiple years of stagnant or, in some cases, backsliding progress on global health metrics. Governments around the world have announced tens of billions of dollars in cuts to aid funding that stand to have devastating consequences for the world’s poorest people.

At the same time, scientific breakthroughs, powerful innovations, and new tools – from vaccines to AI – are creating opportunities to save and improve lives faster than ever before.

“The truth is, there have never been more opportunities to help people live healthier, more prosperous lives. Advances in technology are happening faster than ever, especially with artificial intelligence on the rise,” writes Gates. “Even with all the challenges that the world faces, I’m optimistic about our ability to make progress – because each breakthrough is yet another chance to make someone’s life better.”

The 20-year timeline also allows the foundation to further its work strengthening the philanthropic sector. This concerted effort aims to ensure the institutions that outlast it – from nonprofits to local health institutions to multilateral partnerships—have the runway they need to plan for the future.

Additional areas of focus for the foundation’s work continue to be:

  • Helping U.S. students have pathways to opportunity
  • Strengthening digital public infrastructure so more people have access to the financial and
  • social services that foster inclusive economies and open, competitive markets
  • Applying new uses of artificial intelligence, which can accelerate the quality and reach of
  • services, from health to education to agriculture
  • Lifting up women, their families, and their communities by advancing gender equality to
  • help women access education, health care, and financial services

“The work of making the world better is and always has been a group effort. I am proud of everything the foundation accomplished during its first 25 years, but I also know that none of it would have been possible without fantastic partners,” says Gates. “I believe we can leave the next generation better off and better prepared to fight the next set of challenges.”

Earlier this year, the foundation announced its largest budget ever, in line with the foundation’s commitment to reach overall annual distributions of US$9 billion next year.

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