25 C
Lagos
Monday, July 7, 2025
Home Blog

TotalEnergies’ Ubeta project to boost Nigeria’s gas ambitions – Bouyer

TotalEnergies says it is taking a bold step in supporting Nigeria’s energy goals with the Ubeta gas field project in the OML 58 onshore license in Nigeria, now in its execution phase.

Matthieu Bouyer
Matthieu Bouyer

The project is set to deliver a plateau of around 70,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day including condensates, a significant contribution to Nigeria’s gas development ambitions.

“The 70,000 bpd from Ubeta is a major milestone, and first gas/commissioning is expected by 2027,” noted Matthieu Bouyer, Country Chair of TotalEnergies in Nigeria, during a high-level panel session titled “Pragmatically Achieving Energy Abundance” at the NOG Energy Week 2025.

The session took place on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Center (ICC), Abuja.

Bouyer expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and NNPC Limited for their continued support, which he said has positioned TotalEnergies ahead.

The Country Chair informed the participants of TotalEnergies IMA field, located within the OML112 and 117 under the AMNI/TEPNG Joint Venture 15km off the southeast coast of Nigeria. He said the project is currently at Front End Engineering Design (FEED) Phase and the gas field, which has a plateau of around 70,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day similarly to Ubeta, is expected to get its Final Investment Decision, FID in 2026.

Bouyer highlighted the company’s recent achievements, including a discovery in Ntokon two years ago, which is now progressing toward development, and the acquisition of additional new oil blocks in the past year.

On innovation and sustainability, Bouyer emphasised TotalEnergies’ commitment to cleaner operations:

“We’re deploying more advanced technology than ever to extract more oil and gas with fewer emissions. For instance, we use drone-based AUSEA (Airborne Ultralight Spectrometer for Environmental Application) technology on our upstream operations to detect methane leaks. We are also in partnership with NNPC Limited on this initiative. We’re here to support Nigeria, and we’re doing it sustainably.”

Bouyer also spoke on the company’s integrated approach to energy, from exploration to retail, and its active role in the domestic gas market, particularly through its stake in NLNG Train 7. He noted that while TotalEnergies’ renewable energy footprint in Nigeria is still modest, it remains a growing area of focus.

How ACC 2025 sparked Africa’s next chapter of self-reliance

The curtains have closed on an extraordinary gathering of Africa’s brightest minds – the CorpsAfrica All-Country Conference (ACC 2025) – held in Nairobi this June. But what unfolded was far more than a conference; it was a seismic shift in how we envision youth leadership and sustainable development across the continent.

Patricia Mugendi
Patricia Mugendi

Under the resonant theme “Leading with Ubuntu: African Youth Transforming the Continent”, the event became a living testament to a truth we at CorpsAfrica hold dear: when young people are empowered, Africa thrives. The energy was electric – from dynamic plenaries to intimate breakout sessions, every moment pulsed with the collective drive to reimagine Africa’s future.

Over 1,000 young change makers converged with government leaders, development experts, and investors, creating a rare space where ideas met action. This was no talking shop. It was a deliberate bridge between urban innovation and rural opportunity – addressing one of the most persistent barriers to equitable progress.

As I reflect on the connections forged and solutions sparked, one thing is clear: Africa’s youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow – they are transforming the continent today. The momentum from ACC 2025 isn’t fading; it’s the beginning of a movement. And this is only the start.

At the heart of ACC 2025 were the CorpsAfrica volunteers – the unsung heroes whose grassroots work is turning development goals into tangible realities. These young change makers presented more than inspiring stories; they offered concrete evidence of impact, with measurable results showing how their initiatives are advancing the SDGs across communities in 10 African nations. Their presentations blended powerful personal narratives with hard data, demonstrating how localized solutions create ripple effects that transform thousands of lives.

The conference revealed a fundamental truth: volunteerism serves as Africa’s most dynamic leadership academy. Through immersive community experiences, our youth develop precisely the skills that fuel both personal growth and economic transformation – adaptive leadership, creative problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication. What began as service becomes a masterclass in social entrepreneurship, equipping young Africans not just to seek jobs but to create them. This paradigm shift positions investment in volunteerism as one of the most strategic economic decisions we can make for our continent’s future.

ACC 2025 marked a pivotal moment for advocacy, solidifying CorpsAfrica’s model as the gold standard in community-led development catalysed by the youth. More importantly, it activated our most powerful resource – an interconnected ecosystem of volunteers, alumni, partners, and policymakers committed to scaling citizen-driven solutions. This growing network embodies the same proactive spirit we see in young change makers across the globe: rather than waiting for change, our volunteers are building it community by community.

Yet the conference also highlighted systemic challenges we must address. While Africa’s youth possess boundless potential, outdated policies and funding gaps continue to limit their impact. Crucial discussions began around institutionalising volunteerism in national development agendas and creating sustainable financing mechanisms. Initiatives like our Alumni Incubator Fund and Social Enterprise Scholarship program demonstrate how strategic investments can multiply the returns of volunteer service, creating pipelines for continued impact.

At its core, this movement is fueled by Ubuntu – the profound understanding that our humanity is interconnected. CorpsAfrica stands at the vanguard of this philosophy, cultivating not just volunteers but visionary leaders who understand that true development grows from the ground up.

ACC 2025 was never meant to be a finale, but rather a launchpad. The energy in Nairobi confirmed what we’ve long known: Africa’s transformation isn’t coming in some distant future. It’s happening now, led by young hands and courageous hearts in communities across our continent.

The question now is: How will we turn this vision into reality? The challenge before us is how we will support, amplify, and institutionalise this volunteer revolution that’s reshaping Africa’s destiny. The answer lies in continuing to invest in, listen to, and champion the young leaders who are already reshaping our communities – one act of Ubuntu at a time.

The future isn’t waiting. It’s being built – one community, one volunteer, one act of service at a time.

By Dr. Patricia King’ori-Mugendi, Country Director, CorpsAfrica/Kenya

U.S. floods: UN chief condoles with families of 80 victims

UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of the deadly floods in Texas, U.S.

António Guterres
UN Secretary-General, António Guterres

No fewer than 80 people have reportedly died over the holiday weekend, including more than two dozen children at a summer camp.

Guterres, in a statement by his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric on Monday, July 7, 2025, extended solidarity to the people of Texas and the government of the United States.

Dujarric said the UN chief was “deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life, notably of a large number of children,” during what should have been a time of celebration.

Friday, marked Independence Day in the United States – a time when families and communities traditionally gather for outdoor celebrations.

According to media reports, the floods – triggered by heavy rainfall over the July Fourth weekend – caused massive damage in parts of central Texas, particularly along the Guadalupe River.

The deluge struck Camp Mystic, killing at least 27 campers and counselors.

Catherine Russell, Executive Director of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), said in a post on social media that “all of us at UNICEF are heartbroken at the reports coming out of Central Texas.”

“Our hearts and thoughts are with those mourning loved ones and those still waiting for news of the missing, including children,” she said.

Search and recovery efforts continue as the region braces for more rain, according to media reports.

By Cecilia Ologunagba

Genome editing capable of enhancing livelihood of smallholder farmers – AU

Technical Lead, Genome Editing Initiative, African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) Centre of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof Olalekan Akinbo, says genome editing can significantly impact rural incomes and enhance livelihoods.

Prof Olalekan Akinbo
Prof Olalekan Akinbo

Akinbo, said this on Monday, July 7, 2025, in an interview in Abuja, while reacting to the importance of integrating agricultural trade and genome editing for economic growth.

He said that the integration of agricultural trade and genome editing was crucial for Africa’s economic growth as it would help impact rural incomes, reduce poverty and enhance livelihoods of small holder farmers.

He explained that genome editing was a technique used in making precise modifications to the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of a cell or organism.

According to him, as productivity rises, farmers benefit from better market access and improved competitiveness in both local and global market.

”The integration of advanced agricultural practices, such as genome editing, and strategic trade agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area( AfCFTA) can help Africa ascend to a global agricultural powerhouse.

“Enhanced traits in crops, coupled with the AfCFTA’s ability to streamline trade and encourage regional commerce, can improve the quality and value of agricultural produce, which will in turn reduce dependency on external markets and improve food security across the continent.”

Akinbo noted that Africa was a net exporter of agricultural products, adding that agri-food trade remained a significant component of the continent’s economy, adding that this accounted for 16 per cent of total exports and 17 per cent of imports.

He said over the past two decades, Africa’s agri-food trade dynamics had however shifted significantly with the continent becoming a net agri-food importer since 2000.

According to him, as of today, a substantial 81 per cent of Africa’s food imports are sourced from outside the continent, while 78 per cent of its agri-food exports are directed to international markets.

”To reverse this trend, strategic interventions like the AfCFTA are essential. The AfCFTA aims to promote regional integration by fostering intra-African trade in agricultural products, thereby reducing dependency on external markets and improving food security across the continent.

”In parallel, the economic implications of genome editing technologies present a transformative opportunity for Africa.”

The AU expert also said that with 60 per cent of the world’s uncultivated arable land and a youthful population with a median age of just 19.7 years, Africa was poised to capitalise on its agricultural potential.

According to him, as African farmers gain competitive advantages, they can strengthen their presence in international markets, thereby increasing Africa’s visibility in the global food trade and contributing to overall economic stability.

He added that by harnessing the potentials of genome editing and opportunities presented by the AfCFTA, Nigeria and Africa can transform their agricultural sector, address immediate food security challenges and secure long-term economic growth and sustainability.

”The genome editing, particularly through techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9, offers a vital pathway to enhance agricultural productivity,” he said.

CRISPR-Cas9 is a gene editing technology that allows scientists to precisely modify DNA sequences in living organisms.

By Sylvester Thompson

SPP, DCR Ambassadors partner to drive climate education across Nigeria

The Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP) has signed a strategic partnership with the Ambassadors of Dialogue, Climate and Reintegration (DCR Ambassadors) to promote climate education and awareness across Nigerian states with focus on North East starting from Adamawa state as a pilot state. The climate education and awareness project will use the Climate Education Handbook Co-created by SPP and their partners with funding from the University of Bristol, UK.

Partnership with DCR Ambassadors
Partnership with DCR Ambassadors

DCR Ambassadors in partnership with other stakeholders under the umbrella of the Climate Champion Consortium (CCC) is set to implement a six-month climate education programme in Adamawa State. Themed “Accelerating Climate Education through Gamified Action in Junior and Senior Secondary Schools,” the initiative aims to empower teachers and students in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states of North East Nigeria with the knowledge and tools needed to respond to climate challenges.

This intervention is timely and crucial at a time where awareness has remained low – especially in the North East region where environmental degradation, food insecurity and displacement have been exacerbated by climate change.

Speaking on the partnership, Sir Richard Inyamkume, Founder and President of DCR Ambassadors, commended the quality of the manual and its relevance as a resource in advancing climate education in Nigeria.

“The Consortium has unanimously agreed to adopt the manual as a core resource for engaging both teachers and students during the pilot phase and throughout the project. We believe this will significantly enhance the quality and consistency of climate education delivered through our initiative,” he said.

Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, President of SPP, who secured the funding from University of Bristol and led the effort that developed the manual, expressed strong support for the partnership, describing it as an important step toward building a climate-literate generation.

“I am proud to see that the climate education manual will serve as a tool for transformative learning in Adamawa State and the rest of the Northeast Nigeria in line with the vision I had when I approached the University of Bristol to fund this project. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that no region, particularly those most vulnerable to climate impacts, is left behind in the global push for climate action,” he stated.

The project is expected to reach hundreds of students and educators across the North East, starting from Adamawa State, as part of continuous groundwork for a nationwide rollout and further institutionalisation of climate education in Nigeria’s school curricula.

The climate education manual, was developed in collaboration with the Department of Climate Change (DCC)- Federal Ministry of Environment, Secondary Education Borad of the FCT, Department of science, technology and innovation of the FCT; Clean Technology Hub Nigeria; the Office of the First Lady, Enugu State Government; Centre for Climate Change and Development (CCCD-AFUNAI), Ebonyi State; Eco-cyclers; Renewable Energy Training Institute; and Sustyvibes.

The manual was co-created with students, teachers and educational stakeholders.

By Ugochukwu Uzuegbu, Communication Specialist, SPP, and Elochukwu Anieze, Senior Policy Analyst, SPP

Kama Nkemkanma: Climate change, insecurity, and the Lake Chad Basin

The relationship between climate change and insecurity, particularly in developing countries, is often considered moot, as the topic remains largely abstract to both the masses and the elites

Rep. Kama Nkemkanma
Rep. Kama Nkemkanma

Who can blame them, as they battle daily with what they consider “real life and present-day challenges,” such as food insecurity, lack of access to energy and education, ill health, and many more? While these “real-life and present-day challenges” are even linked to climate change, it is difficult to navigate through the conversation for a number of reasons, including what many consider the technical nature of climate discourse.

Yet the link between these, especially insecurity, has since been acknowledged by experts and even the United Nations.

In July 2009, the United Nations Security Council adopted UN/RES/63/281, which recognised the link between climate change and insecurity with a call for climate considerations when addressing the issue of insecurity. Yet not much attention has been paid to this linkage.

However, some of us have long since noted this intersection, having witnessed the shrinking of Lake Chad and the rising of terrorism and militancy from the region almost as fast as the lake is shrinking.

Lake Chad, formerly 25,000 square kilometres containing about 72 cubic kilometres of water and now 1,540 square kilometres containing a volume of 6.3 cubic kilometres, was an important body of freshwater serving about thirty million largely agrarian people from Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and the Republic of Chad. Its shrinking therefore led to the loss of livelihood means for fishermen, practitioners of animal husbandry, and even crop farmers who depended on it for irrigation purposes.

Consequently, the resultant effects of this have been forced migration leading to clashes for limited resources, which has seen a prevalence in herder-farmer clashes, and loss of livelihood, which has made the people vulnerable to recruitment by violent and criminal extremists.

These problems can, however, be solved by significant climate actions, including my often-repeated call for the recharge of Lake Chad backed by climate-smart practices to sustain it and open up other sustainable livelihood means for the people.

I must commend the Chief of Naval Staff of Nigeria, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, who seems to have taken cognisance of the importance of the Lake Chad corridor to the security of the region and has thus expanded naval efforts at addressing insecurity there. This cannot stand on its own. Those efforts must be backed by strategic climate-smart efforts to simultaneously address insecurity there while also providing sustainable livelihood means that speak to the root of the insecurity.

I have always believed that the solution to problems must be to first determine the root causes. The discovery should then be backed by conscious actions aimed at addressing them.

Rep. Kama Nkemkanma is the Chair of the Committee on Climate Change and Security, House of Representatives, and Nigeria’s Parliamentary Champion for Climate Change

BAN Toxics, community groups renew call to end plastic pollution 

 In observance of International Plastic Bag Free Day 2025, environmental justice group BAN Toxics has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminate plastic pollution in all its forms. This annual global campaign, launched by Zero Waste Europe and other environmental groups, aims to raise awareness on the devastating impact of single-use plastic bags and promote sustainable, reusable alternatives.

plastic pollution
Campaign to end plastic pollution

In partnership with the Office of Mayor Lem Faustino, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, MDRRMO, Eco-Laya, FiliPhiNous, Environmental Science Students of Bulacan State University, El Mercado de Calumpit Vendors Association, #MalinisNaIlog Movement and BAN Toxics led a public awareness drive at El Mercado de Calumpit Public Market in Bulacan to educate residents about the health and environmental risks of plastic wastes, promote eco-friendly alternatives, and empower the community to embrace a toxics-free, waste-free lifestyle.

The group encourages consumers to choose biodegradable alternatives such as bayongs made from buri, pandan, water lily, abaca, rattan, and durable canvas or cotton bags. They also warned against so-called “eco-bags” made from plastic-based materials like polypropylene, polyester, and nylon, which continue to contribute to the plastic waste crisis.

The Provincial Government of Bulacan is reinforcing its commitment by implementing Provincial Ordinance No. 2012-09, which bans the use and sale of non-biodegradable plastic bags and Styrofoam across the province. The ordinance’s Implementing Rules and Regulations were signed by the Provincial Governor on December 12, 2012.

As of 2019, based on the National Solid Waste Management Commission, 489 cities and municipalities, approximately 30% of the country’s 1,634 Local Government Units had adopted policies aimed at regulating plastic use, especially plastic bags.

Plastic bags remain among the most visible and harmful contributors to global plastic pollution. Based on the 2019 study of Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), Philippine markets are awash with consumer products, most of which are packaged in single-use disposable plastics, ranging from sachets to shopping bags. Filipinos use nearly 60 billion sachets, 17.5 billion shopping bags, and 16.5 billion labo bags per year.

Global plastic consumption is projected to reach 516 million tonnes this year, rising to 1.2 billion tonnes annually by 2060, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Many plastics contain hazardous chemicals such as phthalates and bisphenols, posing serious threats to human health and ecosystems.

“The plastics crisis is urgent,” said Thony Dizon, Advocacy and Campaign Officer of BAN Toxics. “Toxic chemicals are released throughout the plastic lifecycle, and single-use bags are a major contributor. Today serves as a call for the government, industries, and the public to implement a nationwide ban on single-use plastics and shift to safer, sustainable alternatives.”

In response to the growing plastic crisis, the 2022 UN resolution established the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop a Global Plastics Treaty, a legally binding agreement to end plastic pollution.

BAN Toxics continues to actively engage in the negotiations, advocating for a strong treaty that prioritizes significant reductions in plastic production. The negotiations will resume during the second part of the 5th Session (INC-5.2), scheduled for August 5–14, 2025, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, following the previous session held in Busan, South Korea.

“As part of our Zero Waste campaign, we urge the governments, businesses, and communities to take bold steps to reduce plastic production, address toxic chemicals in plastic wastes, implement a nationwide ban on single-use plastics, and promote a culture of reuse and repair,” Dizon added.

BAN Toxics remains steadfast in its mission to promote policies and practices that eliminate hazardous chemicals, reduce plastic pollution at the source, and build a toxics-free and waste-free future. 

Dangote Refinery holds the key to lower inflation – Economic think tank

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has been identified as crucial to reducing inflation in Nigeria, according to a report by the Financial Derivatives Company (FDC) Limited think tank.

Dangote Refinery
Dangote Refinery

In its recently published Lagos Business School (LBS) Executive Breakfast Presentation for July, the think tank noted that Dangote Refinery has become the key mechanism for reducing petrol prices and lowering transport fares.

The report, presented by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FDC, Bismarck Rewane, added that Dangote’s uniform pricing policy and credit facilities to marketers represent a game changer that will revolutionise Nigeria’s downstream oil sector by cutting logistics costs.

“Dangote’s uniform pricing and credit to marketers is a game changer and a catalyst for more private sector investment. The initiative is set to revolutionise Nigeria’s oil downstream business by cutting logistics costs and by spending over N1.7 trillion annually,” it stated, emphasising that Dangote Refinery’s fuel distribution strategy, which involves deploying 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks nationwide, will lower pump prices, curb inflation, and support over 42 million MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises).

“With 4,000 CNG-powered trucks delivering refined products directly to the doorsteps of end-users, the move will lower pump prices, curb inflation, and support over 42 million MSMEs.”

The report stressed that the Nigerian economy is experiencing a classic oil price paradox: when global oil prices rise, the government benefits financially and the naira strengthens, yet there is little advantage for the average person. Conversely, when oil prices fall, consumers rejoice at lower petrol prices while the government suffers financially.

On the international front, the report observed that the global economy has swung from exaggerated fears of market volatility and uncertainty to the irrational exuberance of momentum traders and speculators, who are profiting by exploiting the anxieties of those fixated on maintaining the status quo.

LASEPA seals multiple establishments in Lagos over noise pollution

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) on Saturday, July 5, 2025, sealed multiple establishments across Victoria Island, Elegushi Beach, and Lekki, Phase 1 over noise pollution.

LASEPA
Sealing of Mania Lounge by LASEPA officials

LASEPA made this known in tweet through its X handle.

It said the establishments were sealed due to persistent noise pollution and other environmental infractions.

“The affected businesses include Mania Lounge, Voda Beach Club, Meadow Hall School, and others found to have repeatedly flouted environmental regulations despite prior warnings issued by the agency.

LASEPA said the enforcement exercise was part of ongoing efforts to maintain environmental standards and safeguard public health.

“This operation sends a clear message that Lagos State will not condone any activity that disrupts the peace of the community or endangers the well-being of its residents.

“Compliance with environmental laws is mandatory for all, and defaulters will face the full weight of the law,” it said.

LASEPA commended its enforcement team, led by Dr Tunde Ajayi, for their diligence and professionalism in carrying out the operation.

By Olaitan Idris

Lagos reiterates commitment to single-use plastics ban

The Lagos State Government (LASG) says it will continue with the single-use plastics ban enforcement to improve the state’s infrastructure and protect the environment.

Tokunbo Wahab
Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said this on Sunday, July 6, 2025, while speaking with journalists after an inspection tour of the projects at Odo Iyalaro System 1 and other parts of the states.

The visits were conducted to assess the progress of the ongoing projects, particularly the Odo-Iyalaro System 1 project behind Sheraton Hotel in Lagos.

Wahab said the response had been positive, with consistent advocacy and engagement efforts over 18 months contributing to its success.

“The response has been good because we have done the advocacy for 18 months, and the engagement has been very consistent.

“We are also ramping up our advocacy on the radio and television,” he said.

Speaking on the inspection tour, he said the state government embarked on the tour to assess the ongoing projects in the vicinity.

“It has been raining for the past few days, and then the feedback we are getting is very heartwarming, but that is not enough for us to now fold our hands.

“So, what we did this morning was to go do on the spot assessment for our projects. Like four months ago, we went to Odo-Iyalaro System 1 behind Sheraton, one of the outlets for it.

“Nothing was done then. They had not even started, we just awarded it, and I am glad when we got there today, they have done like 45 to 46 per cent of the job.

“They have done the tripasoda 25 meters that will discharge into the downstream, passing through under the new bridge,” he said.

He added that the other project awarded around Ogudu would commence installation soonest.

“We came to the other leg of it, around Ogudu, to see what they are doing.

“I think that’s a very critical part of the project we awarded, and you saw the sheet piles they are making to start installation.

“We have enough logistics to discuss with them this week, so they can start their installation,” he said.

Wahab, who disclosed that they got a hint that some people were building on the Right of Way (ROA), said they would be served notices to desist from doing so.

“We came to this Adisa channel here in Alapere. We got a whistle blower information that it has been encroached on, that people are trying to build on the alignment and the ROA.

“So, we’re just going to see it for ourselves and then serve them notices and let them just please not encroach on the ROA for this critical channel discharging its own neighbourhood.

“We also noticed that some places are already making a makeshift dust bin around their houses, so we will serve the houses so they can desist from doing that.

“We don’t want to wake up and realise there is a dump site around the place,” Wahab said.

When asked the duration of these projects, Wahab said it would be for 24 months, appealing to residents to stop encroaching on the ROA.

By Olaitan Idris

×