The Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP)inaugurated a Review Panel on July 8, 2025, to review the methodology and scoring matrix for the forthcoming second edition of the Climate Governance Performance Rating and Ranking of Nigeria’s 36 states.
The Review Panel was carefully invited to provide advisory on the methodology and scoring matrix with a view to improving it and ensuring transparency and objectivity in the overall evaluation process.
During the virtual Inauguration session of the Review panel, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke welcomed the distinguished experts and expressed gratitude for their willingness to contribute their time and expertise in service of the collective goal of improving climate action, especially at the subnational level.
He emphasised the need to continually strengthen the ranking process to better reflect what states are doing to tackle climate change and to inspire greater climate ambition.
Prof. Okereke added that there is need to enhance and improve the process to ensure that it delivers its core objective of accurately shining a spotlight on what states are doing to combat climate change and to motivate them to do more.
“There is a growing consensus that in contexts where legislation may be weak, tools like climate governance rankings can help stimulate accountability and progress,” he said.
“I am delighted that you have accepted to be part of this expert review panel. In a political environment where legislation is not strong, one way to improve climate governance is through climate governance ranking. While no one tool is sufficient, the subnational ranking has gained traction and credibility following the success of the inaugural ranking, helping to stimulate accountability and progress. Your contributions as experts will be critical to ensuring its continued relevance and effectiveness,” he added.
Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, the Director, Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, reiterated the commitment and support of the Federal Ministry of Environment to the Climate Governance Performance Rating and Ranking of Nigeria’s 36 states, and re-assured that states are better empowered to drive climate action, while encouraging other relevant stakeholders and experts to be part of the process of empowering subnational governments.
“I appreciate the SPP team for their commitment to the success of this subnational ranking. Following the success of the first ranking, we have seen a number of states share best practices to ensure that climate policies are enacted and implemented in their states,” she added.
Participants commended the progress in climate change initiatives at the subnational level, while emphasising the importance of measuring governance commitment and tracking implementation impacts.
Dr. Priscilla Achakpa highlighted the need for states to prioritise climate change governance and expressed appreciation for the platform, which she noted has set a precedent for subnational climate action in Nigeria.
Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba lauded the initiative as a welcome development in improving climate governance at the subnational level, stating that what cannot be measured cannot be improved.
In her contribution, Mrs. Halima Bawa noted that while projects undertaken at the subnational level such as solar panel installations are important, she emphasised the need to prioritise nature-based solutions, especially forest conservation and reforestation.
Other participants acknowledged the progress made at the subnational level, highlighting the importance of evaluating governance frameworks and tracking the impact of their climate actions and policies.
Dr Eugene Itua commended the efforts of the SPP and DCC team from the first edition and kickstarting the second edition.
The panel’s recommendations are expected to inform the revised framework for the upcoming edition of the ranking, which will build on the success of the inaugural report to deepen climate ambition and implementation at the state level.
The expert review panel is composed of Prof. Chinedu Nwajiuba, Chair of the Board, West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL); Prof. Olukayode Oladipo, Adjunct Professor, UNILAG; Prof. Daniel Gwary, University of Maiduguri; Dr.Eugene Itua, CEO, Natural Ecocapital; Mrs Halima Bawa, Director, National Council Climate Change Secretariat; Dr. Pricilia Achakpa, Global President of the Women Environment Programme (WEP); Mr. Olumide Idowu, Executive Director, International Climate Change Development Initiative; Mr. Amara Nwankpa, Director General (Acting) Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation; Mr. Eghose Omoigui and Madam Gbemisola Akosa, Executive Director Centre For 21st Century Issues (C21st).
By Ugochukwu Uzuegbu, Communication Specialist, SPP
Keynote address delivered by Nnimmo Bassey, Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), at the 3rd Niger Delta Climate Conference held at Port Harcourt, River State, Nigeria, on Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Nnimmo Bassey
When we speak of building a resilient future, we have to look at the environment in which we live and examine the state of that environment. What are the living conditions for humans and other beings that we share the planet with? The Niger Delta is a deeply polluted environment, a deeply degraded territory, one of the worst polluted places on the planet.
Researches have confirmed this sad reality. The Environmental Assessment of Ogoni land issued by United Nations Environment Program in 2021 clearly shows the desperate pollution of Ogoni land – the land, the water, and the air. In some places, hydrocarbons have penetrated the soil up to 5 meters. By the time the cleanup started, pollution had sunk as deep as 10 meters.
In 2023 the Bayesian State Oil and Environment Commission, issued a report entitled An Environmental Genocide, Counting the Human and Environmental Cost of Oil in Bayelsa, Nigeria. Now, when we speak of environmental genocide, we have to understand this by looking at what genocide itself means. Genocide is an intentional attack and annihilation of a people, ethnic cleansing. An environmental genocide can also be termed ecocide. It happens when there’s an intentional and persistent destruction of a particular environment, as has been the case of the Niger Delta over the last 68 years.
The Niger Delta is a territory that the inhabitants are literally the living dead due to horrific environmental degradation. Consider Bayelsa State that has 40% of mangrove forests gone and there is a 1.5 barrels of crude oil spilled per capita. Imagine that about 14 million cubic meters of natural gas is flared every day at 17 facilities in Bayelsa State alone releasing toxic elements into the air and causing cancers, breathing illnesses and acid rain.
Oil related contaminants such as chromium are present in groundwater at a level 1000 times beyond the World Health Organization limit, and then shockingly, total petroleum hydrocarbons exceed safe levels by a factor of 1 million. Think about that.
Now our topic is on building a resilient future. What is resilience? Other words for resilience could be toughness, strength, tenacity, power, persistence. Now, when you are resilient, it doesn’t mean you are tough to receive any kind of beating. That’s not resiliency, just being helpless, but strong.
No, resilience is a situation where you overcome hazards, where your vulnerability is removed, and disasters are not the norm. It’s a situation where what you lost is restored and what was damaged is paid for. To build an excellent future, we have to map that future. We have to change our imaginaries.We have to determine what the future would look like and then we build towards attaining that future. We need to be passionate about this. We need to be conscious of where we are, and act to get to where we want to be.
We are considering building a resilient future by integrating climate action and community empowerment. Now, what are the key climate actions that are being taken globally today. One is adaptation, and second is mitigation.
Simply put, adaptation means adapting to changing situations, making accommodation with what is coming at you, while mitigation means taking action to stop the change from happening or to reduce the change that is occurring. When we speak about climate change, sometimes our focus is on the carbon in the atmosphere, but we must also speak about the carbon in the ground that is being extracted and burnt to put that carbon in the atmosphere. If we keep looking only into the skies and forget to look at the ground, then of course, we will not really tackle the problem that affects our people on a daily basis. And so we have to look at where the rain started beating us.
That deluge drenched us when the first oil well was drilled and exports began in the late 1950s at Otuabagi in the Oloibiri oil field. Now those early oil wells have since been abandoned. They were abandoned in 1970s but they’ve never been decommissioned. The area has never been cleaned up, and as we speak, they are still contaminating the environment, and this happens because of lax regulation. Lax regulation is not accidental, just like ecocide is not happenstance. It’s all about profit for international oil companies and their Nigerian counterparts.
The Niger Delta is a sacrifice zone where anything goes and the people just manage and struggle to survive. Those of us who live in the area don’t have to be told about the level of pollution here. The reports are there, the Ogoni report, the Bayelsa report, even the Niger Delta Environment Survey that Shell commissioned in the 90s, but never released, and many others including the one by Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre, which studied blood samples of women from Otuabagi area, and found them all loaded with hydrocarbons. people are literally the walking dead.
In November to December 2021 over a period of six weeks, there was an oil blowout on the Santa Barbara river, a well run by Aiteo. That spill all happened in public view. The polluters and NOSDRA claimed that a mere 3,000 barrels of crude oil was spilled. Imagine a spill from a well head at high pressure for six weeks. Experts estimate that about 500,000 barrels of crude oil was spilled in that incident. And how about Ororo-1 oil well off the coast of Awoye in Ondo State? That oil well blew up 5 years ago and is still burning and spilling as we speak – a clear indication of systemic neglect.
How can we be serious about climate action when we have an oil well burning and spilling crude for 5 years? It’s an open sore, burning, spilling in broad daylight, destroying livelihoods of communities along the coastline of the Niger Delta, especially at the Awoye area. In sum, the Niger Delta is not just a sacrifice zone, it’s a zone that holds the history of colonial exploitation, extractivism, expropriation and extermination of the people on a daily and continuous basis.
How can we speak of community empowerment in this sort of environment? What would community empowerment look like? What is community empowerment when perpetrators of environmental degradation are abandoning their responsibilities in the so called divestment moves? What kind of transition would that be? If a polluter leaves the pollution, hands it over to his allies or other companies that they set up, and moves deeper offshore to pollute from offshore and maybe turn the offshore into a situation that is akin to what they’ve left in our onshore the Niger Delta is not only suffering from loss and damage. It is a lost and damaged territory. It is almost a lost and damaged, totally damaged, irreversibly damaged territory.
And our work in community. If we want to do real community empowerment, we must take real climate action to avert a continuation of the sacrifice of the zone. And there are things we must do. Number one, there has to be a clear environmental audit across the entire Niger Delta, what has gone wrong? Who is responsible, and how can people live in that kind of society? Environment number two, health audit. What has been killing our people?
How come we don’t have adults? Children have become adults and we don’t have elderly people. Number three, remediation, we’re not only going to audit the environment, or did the health. There must be a cleanup of the entire Niger Delta. There must be reparations. There must be payment for the damage that has been done to lives and to the environment.
Gas flaring must be stopped and halted. It’s an illegal activity. It’s a crime against humanity. It’s crime against the environment, against Mother Earth. It must be stopped. The so called divestment must be started and reversed, it is time to empower the communities and take real climate action by bringing into play community control, renewable energy provision, supporting food sovereignty, building resilient infrastructure.
Still speaking about building resilience through climate reparations, it’s a time to right the wrongs in terms of energy provision, United States a very challenged environment, and electricity penetration is very low, and so to reach hard to reach communities, there must be community controlled renewable energy.
In other words, we have to bring energy democracy to the Niger Delta, so that the people who only see glimpses of light from gas flares would now have electricity with which to engage in productive activities and to light up the territory. Now, the land, the water and the air has been so contaminated, if gas flaring is stopped, pollution is cleaned up, then the people have a chance to engage in agriculture in a way that is resilient and a way that helps tackle global warming, and that would be having food sovereignty with a key focus on agroecology, cultivating crops according in line and in harmony with nature.
And then finally, one clear action that must be taken to build resilience is to encourage community democracy and have community development agencies that are truly driven by the people and not manipulated through divide and rule and rule system by either the oil corporations or the governments at various levels. And so we’re speaking about community agency the people must be on the driving seat to build a resilient future, to take real climate action and to empower themselves the people are going to empower themselves when the conditions are right, and this starts by building social cohesion and resilience through inclusive approaches to resource management, accountability and ownership, communities must be in a position say this cannot happen in our territory.
This can happen in our territory. They must be in charge of what resources are extracted in their territories and how these are extracted. And finally, we have to work to promote restorative justice. In other words, community in Agile data can only be empowered and build resilient future when there is environmental justice.
Those who do the harm the most harm must do the most to write those harms, to correct those harms. They have to pay for the harms done.
We need ecological justice. We need species justice where we understand that we are not alone on this planet. We’re not alone in Niger, there are other beings that we share the environment with, and they must be intergenerational justice. We have to keep in mind that the future we’re talking about belongs to the children yet unborn, and so what we do now must be such as would ensure that they can they’ll have a repaired resilience, strong ecosystems, ecology, systems, a week to thrive. These are some of the, these are the thoughts.
From rising seas to disappearing forests, the world’s small island developing states are facing some of the fiercest fallout from the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste.
Shallow reef in Papua New Guinea. Photo credit: Amanda Cotton / Ocean Image Bank
But many of these countries are fighting back. In partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) more than 30 island nations are launching ambitious efforts to save ecosystems, rein in pollution and adapt to a fast-changing climate, all while jumpstarting their economies.
“At UNEP, we are not just supporting small island developing states – we are standing shoulder to shoulder with them to chart a bold path where economic development is inseparable from ecological resilience,” said Sinikinesh Jimma, acting head of UNEP’s Marine and Freshwater Branch.
“Together, we are building futures that honour the needs of today while protecting biodiversity and its vital ecosystem services generations to come.”
The relationship is a two-way street; 20 small island developing states contribute to UNEP’s Environment Fund, the organization’s core source of funding. Last year, the world adopted the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States, which charts a course towards sustainable, resilient development. Here are five ways UNEP is helping to translate the agenda’s global targets into action on the ground.
1. Restoring vibrant ecosystems
From tropical rainforests and labyrinthian mangroves to white-sand beaches and rainbow-colored reefs, small island developing states are home to some of nature’s most stunning natural spaces. Yet, across island states, the accelerating loss of biodiversity is unraveling ecosystems, leaving communities increasingly vulnerable to climate change, economic instability and pandemics.
But several projects, driven by UNEP and partners, are underway to reverse this.
In the Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands, communities are working with partners to revive seabird colonies. The birds produce nutrients that support the health of indigenous vegetation, which helps shield islands from sea-level rise.
Meanwhile, across Saint Lucia, 5,000 hectares of forest and coastal ecosystems and 2,000 hectares of marine ecosystems are being brought under sustainable management, with similar efforts in the Bahamas, and Saint Kitts and Nevis.
The UNEP/FAO-led SIDS Restoration Flagship in Comoros, Saint Lucia and Vanuatu is expected to restore marine and coastal ecosystems while spurring sustainable blue economic growth. As part of the SIDS Flagship, the Restoration Factory, will soon help young local entrepreneurs grow businesses rooted in ecological restoration.
2. Saving coral reefs
Coral reefs, the backbone of many marine ecosystems, are disappearing at an alarming rate; climate change could kill 90 per cent of these ecosystems by 2050. Though small island developing states account for less than 1 per cent of the Earth’s land area, they are home to nearly 30 per cent of the world’s coral reefs, making their protection vital to global biodiversity.
The Global Fund for Coral Reefs, which supports reef-friendly businesses and financial mechanisms, has deployed more than US$100 million to help protect and reduce stressors on 1.3 million hectares of coral reefs globally, including in countries such as the Bahamas, the Federated States of Micronesia Fiji, Maldives, Seychelles, Palau and Papua New Guinea. The Seychelles and Solomon Islands are expected to soon receive support from the fund, which finances everything from barramundi farming in Sri Lanka to accelerating ecotourism in the Federated States of Micronesia.
3. Advancing early warning systems
When major storms approach the island nation of Timor-Leste, a network of radars and ocean sensors forecast their path, while warnings are sent to citizens through megaphones, signboards, social media, radio and mobile alerts. This initiative is one of several early-warning systems for natural disasters developed with support from UNEP in small island developing states. The push is part of the UN Secretary-General’s Early Warning for All Initiative – an effort to cover everyone on Earth with early warning systems by 2027. A core part of UNEP’s work is building public trust in the warning systems. In Vanuatu, for example, communities are helping to improve forecasts by adding traditional knowledge and real-time observations to scientific measurements.
4. Curbing pollution
With limited land and some of the highest waste management costs anywhere on Earth, small island developing states already face steep challenges in handling their own waste. But they are also forced to manage waste from the rest of the world. Ocean currents and trade winds bring vast amounts of marine litter – mostly plastic pollution – onto their shores. To combat this, UNEP is working closely with island states to tackle pollution on a multitude of fronts. That includes restricting single-use plastic products in tourism through the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative, transforming municipal waste management through circular economy models, improving the management of waste and chemicals, and supporting the creation of robust national waste management plans.
5. Prospering with nature
Many small island developing states have the foundation for strong, sustainable economies, from tourism to fisheries to agriculture. But these industries rely on clean, healthy and resilient ecosystems. With support from UNEP, small island developing states are prioritizing the reduction of super pollutants, including methane and black carbon, to improve local air quality.
In Fiji, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, UNEP has secured US$4.4 million in funding from the Global Environment Facility to scale up electric public transport and develop sustainable urban mobility plans. Meanwhile, the UNEP-developed Sustainable Blue Economy Transition Framework is channeling US$75.6 million across small island developing states into ocean-friendly economic growth.
UNEP is also working to strengthen the ocean governance capacity of countries, including by supporting the ratification of the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction. This agreement fosters the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources in international waters, which benefits small island state economies. “We are working together to make sure small island developing states – the world’s big oceanic states – have the science, tools, partnerships and policy support they need to continue rising as leaders of environmental action,” said Jimma.
The Senate has passed for second reading, a bill seeking an act to establish the Federal Oil and Gas Hospital in Benikrukru, Delta State.
The Nigerian Senate
This followed the presentation of the general principles of the bill by the sponsor, Sen. Joel Thomas (APC-Delta) at the plenary on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.
Thomas said the bill sought to provide comprehensive and specialised medical services for workers in oil and gas industry and host communities affected by explorations activities.
He said the bill would ensure that workers in the oil and gas industry and their host communities have unhindered access to adequate and quality healthcare services.
This, Thomas said, would reduce health risks associated with oil and gas, stating that siting the hospital in the Niger Delta would also help the communities access other emergency medical services.
Thomas said that the location of the hospital would to a large extent, tame the agitations and restlessness of the Niger Delta and provide a wide range of treatment for oil and gas-related illness.
According to him, the siting of the hospital would improve exploration activities in the region for the socio-economic development of the country.
“It will interest you to know that the Delta South Senatorial District has the highest offshore oil production in Delta and second in the country.
“More specifically, the location indicated for this project is in the heart of offshore oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“This project will benefit oil companies and communities in Delta, noting that this location is home to many oil exploration activities of Chevron, Shell, ExxonMobil, Total among other oil companies,” he said.
He said that the proposed hospital would be funded by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, adding that the project would not pose additional financial burden on the Federal Government.
Sen. Seriake Dickson (PDP-Bayelsa), said that the siting of the medical facility was the right thing to do, stating that there was need for such project in the area.
Sen. Ede Dafinone (APC-Delta) said that the facility would provide support to people who sustained oil and gas-related injuries in particular, saying that there is no alternative nearby remedy for such cases in the oil and gas industry.
He said that it was good that the establishment of the facility would not result to additional pressure on the funding of the Federal Government.
Deputy President of Senate, Barau Jibrin, (APC-Kano), who presided at plenary referred the bill to the Committee on Health for further legislative inputs and to return back to plenary in four weeks.
Barau said that the bill, when passed would help improve the well-being and health related needs of the people.
The Petroleum Environmental Solid Minerals Degradation Awareness Association (PESMDAA) has pledged to deepen advocacy for sustainable environmental practices in Yobe State.
Members of the Petroleum Environmental Solid Minerals Degradation Awareness Association (PESMDAA)
It also commits to combating illegal mining and exploitation activities.
The National Chairman of the association, Dr Robert Adah, made the pledge at the inauguration of the association’s new executive leadership in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.
Adah, represented by Mr. Muhammad Mustapha, an engineer, described the occasion as reaffirmation of the association’s dedication to service, unity and national development.
He said “this moment marks, not just a ceremonial milestone, but renewed commitment to addressing environmental challenges affecting our communities.”
He highlighted key achievements by the association in the past year to include successful negotiation with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).
According to him, the negotiation aims to introduce special identification stamp and stipend for members across the 774 local government areas in the country.
He said the association had carried out diplomatic engagements with embassies to foster partnerships in security, capacity building and community outreach, as well as proposed a nationwide tree planting campaign to promote environmental sustainability.
He added that “in our contribution to national revenue, we have enhanced compliance support and transparency, while also prioritising training for taskforce members to ensure professionalism and effectiveness.”
The Yobe Commissioner for PESMDAA, Mr. Abdullahi Guda, said that the newly inaugurated executive has a critical role in mobilising the taskforce to confront environmental exploitation, illegal mining and degradation.
Guda said such activities posed significant threats to public health, biodiversity, the economy and climate stability.
He stressed that PESMDAA remained committed to raising awareness and amplifying the voices of affected communities.
He said “we must fight for transparency, accountability and the right of every citizen to safe and healthy environment.”
In a goodwill message, the Yobe Commissioner of Police, Mr. Emanuel Ado, underscored the importance of information sharing and security collaboration.
Ado, represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Sama’ila Saleh, noted that illegal mining and environmental degradation were contributing to economic hardship, displacement, and even conflict in affected areas.
He said “the challenges facing our environment are linked to broader issues such as desert encroachment, food insecurity and communal tensions.”
He called for closer cooperation among researchers, local authorities and security agencies to ensure safe and coordinated environmental interventions.
The commissioner urged the association to support grassroots sensitisation, tree planting initiatives and school-based environmental programmes to reclaim degraded landscapes and promote sustainable practices.
In 2016, Ghana was one of seven African countries that submitted their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), after the coming into force of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change also known as the Paris Climate Accords or L’Accord de Paris. It is an international instrument on climate change mitigation, adaptation and finance.
The NDC 2.0 Stocktaking Lead Consultant, Ebenezer Appah-Sampong
The Agreement mandates the 195 members to review and enhance their NDCs every five years with more ambitious climate actions for the next five-year cycle, for submission to the Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). So, the review of the initially submitted NDCs resulted in the development of what is now referred to as NDC 2.0.
Ghana’s commitment under NDC 2.0
Under her 2021 NDC 2.0, Ghana committed to implementing 47 climate actions with 34 focused on mitigation and 13 on adaptation across key sectors such as energy, agriculture, transport, forestry, water, health, waste management, and infrastructure. These actions are expected to result in emissions reductions of about 64 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e) between 2021 and 2030.
Beyond emissions reductions, the country’s NDCs also highlight significant co-benefits, including the prevention of approximately 2,900 premature deaths annually due to air pollution and the creation of over one million green jobs, especially targeting women and youth. It is estimated that full execution of Ghana’s NDCs will require between USD 9.3 billion and USD 15.5 billion by 2030. Mobilizing this support domestically and internationally remains a critical challenge.
Stocktaking towards NDC 3.0
In accordance with the NDCs review process, Ghana has since May 2025 commenced a comprehensive stocktaking process to review the implementation of her NDCs 2.0 submitted in 2021. The process is led by the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST) and the Climate Change Unit of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
The Lead Consultant for the NDC 2.0 Stocktaking, Ebenezer Appah-Sampong says the process is evaluating progress made since the adoption of NDC 2.0 in 2021 and identify implementation challenges and propose corrective measures. The process, which is supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will further assess alignment with national priorities and international commitments.
Additionally, exercise will pave the way for the formulation of a new five-year climate action plan, NDC 3.0, which will guide national climate targets and efforts up to 2035 in line with the common time frame under the Paris Agreement Decision 1/cp.21 paragraph 24. This, sets out the modalities for progress reporting as well as commends countries for their initiatives and progress made in implementing actions.
Engagement with the non-state actors’ group
Ebenezer made this known at a recent non-state actors’ engagement in Accra that brought together civil society organizations (CSOs), gender and youth groups, private sector actors, and climate experts to solicit inputs into the ongoing assessment. It was jointly facilitated by the Kasa Platform and the Strategic Youth Network for Development (SYND) through the CSOs SDG 13 Platform.
The gathering on the last day of June, was underscored by the significant contribution of this group of stakeholders to the overall attainment of Ghana’s national climate goals. Thus, the engagement served as part of the broader participatory approach designed to ensure that Ghana’s climate commitments are inclusive, responsive, and aligned with both national development priorities and global climate goals.
Ebenezer summarized key areas of the stocktaking as including a comprehensive review of progress across all the 47 climate actions; an evaluation of institutional arrangements and policy coherence; and alignment checks with national development strategies, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), REDD+ frameworks, and biodiversity commitments. Others are an analysis of how gender and just transition considerations have been integrated; and use of the SDG–Climate Action Nexus (SCAN) tool to assess linkages between climate actions and SDG targets.
He outlined the main expected outputs of the exercise as the NDC Implementation Diagnostic Report to track sectoral progress and implementation bottlenecks; a Stakeholder Consultation Report documenting inclusive engagement efforts; and the NDC Implementation Tracker to provide a detailed matrix of progress, challenges and responsible institutions. The others outputs are a Policy and Institutional Assessment Report highlighting systemic gaps and offering strategic recommendations; and a set of Integrated Recommendations for NDC 3.0, shaped by stakeholder inputs ad technical analysis.
With climate change already affecting rainfall patterns, agricultural productivity, and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events in Ghana, stakeholders at the workshop emphasized the urgency of a more robust and inclusive climate agenda.
In an interview after the event, the West Africa Coordinator of the African Climate Reality Project, Salomey Adjei stated: “The review process must not be just a technical exercise, but a political and social commitment to securing our present and common future.
The Lead Consultant’s next schedule is to hold a two-day assessment workshop to validate the implementation progress. This would be followed by a National Validation Workshop to finalise the draft reports expected to be ready by the 19th of July, 2025.
Looking ahead
Ghana’s efforts come at a time when countries globally are being urged to raise their climate ambition ahead of the 2025 UN climate conference (COP30) in Brazil. As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, Ghana is expected to submit its new climate plan in line with the decision adopted at COP24 mandating that all future NDCs should cover a common five-year timeframe.
As Ghana moves toward developing and finalizing its NDC 3.0, there are strong calls for deepened stakeholder engagement, strategic investment in green jobs, stronger regional alliances and increased national budgetary support for implementation of actions.
Civil society actors are also looking forward to seeing NDC 3.0 incorporating the mining sector, due to its massive impacts on prioritized mitigation and adaptation actions sectors such as forest, agriculture, water and ultimately, land – the major cross cutting sector.
Does this mean that Ghana has to choose between climate action and mineral wealth? That might be required. This is because with smart policy, responsible investment, and inclusive planning, the nation can handle both climate action and mineral wealth, and become a model for green development in Africa.
Therefore, the coming months will be critical as the government, in collaboration with UNDP and other stakeholders, consolidates the diagnostic findings into actionable priorities for the next five-year climate action framework.
The successful implementation of NDC 3.0 actions will depend to a large extent on improved institutional coordination, better financing mechanisms, increased transparency, and stronger stakeholder ownership – particularly among civil society, local governments, and communities at the frontline of climate impacts and exploiting for mineral wealth.
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
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.
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
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
UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of the deadly floods in Texas, U.S.
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.
