United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Ms Amina Mohammed, has called for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to ensure the safety of the planet and people globally.
R-L: President Bola Tinubu and Ms Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General at the State House. Photo credit: NAN
This is contained in a statement by Dr Oluseyi Soremekun, National Information Officer, UN Information Centre (UNIC), on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, in Abuja.
The statement said that Mohammed made the call during her two-day official visit to Nigeria from Jan. 9 to 10.
It said that Mohammed was accompanied by Leonardo Simão, UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).
Soremekun said the UN Deputy Sec-Gen also engaged and mobilised support for regional integration, stability and development.
Her other engagements included strengthening humanitarian-development-peace nexus, pact for the future and partnership for urgent action to combat climate change impacts.
“Member States, including Nigeria with support of the UN and other stakeholders need to deliver more ambitious NDCs, to ensure safer and more liveable future for both the planet and people everywhere.
“On Pact for the future as outcome of the Summit of the future held in September, 2024 in New York, the treaty remains a pathway to getting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) back on track.
“The Pact is not a separate agenda from the SDGs. It is one and the same, which is why the first chapter is on SDGs and financing for development.
“It is about international peace and security, science, technology, innovation, digital cooperation, youth, future generations, and transforming global governance,” Mohammed explained.
She said the UN in Nigeria would strengthen its partnership with the Federal Government through diligent implementation of the UN and Nigeria Cooperation Framework (2023-2027).
Mohammed said that the UN would continue to support the development aspirations of the people of Nigeria and leave no one behind.
The UN deputy secretary-general also had series of high-level meetings with President Bola Tinubu and Mr Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.
Others included the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, and other senior government officials.
She also paid visits to Dr Omar Touray, President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the UN Country Team under the leadership of Mohamed Fall, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator.
The visit centered on ensuring food security, durable solutions to internal displacement, and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to enhance Nigeria’s trade and economic relations across the region.
Due to increased amounts of ash and fine dust in the air, city authorities in fire-ravaged Los Angeles are providing free protective masks to people.
Los Angeles
As the deadly wildfires that have been wreaking destruction in Los Angeles County enter their second week, the city said it was concerned about the health impacts to vulnerable groups from the smoke.
The N95 masks would be available in public facilities, including libraries, recreation centres and retirement homes.
Sensitive individuals are advised not to leave their homes, keep windows and doors closed, avoid strenuous physical activity and, if possible, use air conditioning or air filters.
Los Angeles declared a health emergency on Friday, January 11, 2025, due to enormous amounts of smoke and fine dust in the air.
The Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) has called for urgent intervention by the relevant authorities to stop the oil spill from a leaking well head and resultant fire out break between Bukuma and Buguma in Asari Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, describing the incident as an assault to the environment, which has been allowed to go on for too long.
Barrister Chima Williams
The call came after residents of the community sent a save-a-soul to EDEN in the early hours of Monday, January 13, 2025, after a huge fire broke out of the well head which has been spilling crude oil since early January 2025.
A resident of the community who spoke to EDEN anonymously alleged that the fire started after an Airforce Helicopter was seen shooting to scare off oil bunkerers around the well head.
Executive Director of EDEN, Chima Williams berated the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and oil regulatory agencies for not taking the necessary measures to protect the environment and the people from such high level environmental disaster, insisting it was gross negligence of human and environmental rights.
“It is unfortunate that for the people of the localities involved, the year 2025 has started on a bad note with the disruption of the environment that sustains their livelihood. In an ideal society where ministries and agencies of government are up and doing, an oil spill is not supposed to last for that long, talk more of a fire outbreak that could destroy human, aquatic and wildlife in a very short period,” Williams said.
He stressed that aside the environmental and ecological damage, the people of the area have been exposed to several chemicals that could be detrimental to their health, considering how delicate the riverine terrain is.
He called on the Rivers State Ministry of environment, NOSDRA and the other agencies to rise up to their responsibility of protecting the interest of the common people.
He further called on the military and security agencies to adopt more professional and environmentally friendly ways of tackling oil theft and bunkering.
Hyellagiziya Naiwa Fakuta holds an accounting degree from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, Kaduna State. In this interview with Etta Michael Bisong, the social rights activist and politician who ran for office in 2023 under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to represent the Hong/Gombi Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, talked about her experiences, particularly her non-profit, the Sustainable Education and Livelihoods Foundation (SELF), which she is using to transform lives and ensure that she makes the world a better place for all
Hyellagiziya Naiwa Fakuta
Tell us about your background, including early childhood and academic education.
I am the 10th and youngest child in my family, born and raised in the ancient settlement of Pella, Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa State. Growing up, I considered myself privileged to have a loving and supportive family. Despite financial challenges, my parents made sacrifices to meet our needs, teaching me invaluable lessons in empathy, resilience, and leadership.
I attended public schools throughout my education. I started at Daksiri Gari Primary School, Pella, where I consistently held leadership roles from primary two to six as either the class monitor or assistant monitor. I graduated in 2002 and proceeded to Government Day Secondary School, Pella, where I continued to thrive in leadership positions. In Senior Secondary (SS) 2, I was appointed assistant head girl, and later I was named the head girl of the school in SS3.
In 2009, I was admitted to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, to study accounting. At ABU, I served as Vice President of the National Association of Kilba Students (NAKS), where I helped Kilba students and honed my leadership skills. Adapting to university life was first difficult, but my family’s support and encouragement helped me overcome these obstacles. In 2014, I obtained a BSc in Accounting.
After graduation, I stayed in Zaria for four months to enhance my computer skills at the ABU Computer Academy, located in the Accounting Department. This training prepared me for the professional world. I later returned to Adamawa state and engaged in small-scale businesses, including selling second-hand clothes and making popcorn, while awaiting my National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) call-up. This experience taught me the value of self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
In August 2014, I was posted to Jigawa State for NYSC. During my service year, I worked hard to learn accounting from my superiors while taking courses in accounting software, customer relationship management, and other skills for career development. After NYSC, I briefly worked in Jigawa at a computer communications business.
In 2016, I returned to Adamawa state and took a government volunteer position for a year. In 2017, I joined Jawa International Limited as a depot accountant, a role I continue to hold until today. While at Jawa, I pursued further education and became a Certified National Accountant after obtaining professional and postgraduate qualifications from the College of Accountancy in Jos.
In addition to my professional growth, I enrolled at the College for Legal Studies, Yola, where I obtained a diploma in common law. Balancing my studies with my work at Jawa International Limited further strengthened my discipline, time management, and commitment to personal growth.
What inspired you to go into politics, your observations and challenges as a female politician, and your advice to young aspiring leaders in Nigeria on how best to pursue their aspirations?
My inspiration to go into politics stems from my deep sense of empathy, leadership, and resilience cultivated from childhood. Witnessing the struggles in my family and community—particularly in accessing education, healthcare, and economic opportunities—instilled in me a strong desire to make a difference.
As time went on, I noticed weaknesses in leadership, especially when it came to supporting under-represented groups like women and children. This realisation, coupled with the values of selflessness and service instilled in me by my parents, motivated me to step up. Politics, for me, became a platform to amplify the voices of the underserved and advocate for meaningful change.
However, as a female politician, I have faced unique challenges. Cultural and societal biases often question women’s capabilities in leadership. Resistance, stereotyping, and the constant need to prove my competence have been obstacles, but I view them as opportunities to showcase the strength and resilience of women in leadership.
To young aspiring leaders, specifically women, I say: believe in yourself and persist. Leadership is about vision, purpose, and courage. Invest in your education, develop your skills, and build a strong network of mentors and supporters. Remember that leadership is about service, not power.
For Nigerian youths, I urge them to engage in the political process, stay informed, and be part of the solutions for their communities, knowing that change begins with them.
What motivated you to establish SELF? Share with us some of the activities that you have implemented as an organisation, and what are your next steps and future plans with regards to promoting human empowerment and socio-economic development, either as a politician or social rights campaigner?
The Sustainable Education and Livelihoods Foundation (SELF) is my canvas – a platform where I express my vision, hopes, and aspirations for my people. It embodies my principles and the essence of my political manifestos.
I realised that I don’t need an elective office to make an impact. I could start from wherever I am, and that’s why I founded SELF. Through this organisation, we have implemented various programs that directly address the challenges faced by vulnerable communities, notably the Northeastern region of Nigeria, where a lot of humanitarian crisis is currently ongoing.
One of our key initiatives was a medical outreach programme where we provided free medications and medical services and also donated medications to some clinics. We also organised family planning education for women and raised awareness about gender-based violence, empowering women to advocate for their rights.
SELF is about humanity, social justice, and sustainable education. I envision a future where my people have access to quality education, good healthcare, sustainable agriculture, and opportunities for improved livelihoods. Whether as a politician or a humanitarian, I will always remain committed to this vision.
In your view, how can Nigeria best address the issue of out-of-school children, health, and poverty in general to foster sustainable living, especially in the Northeast, where you are coming from?
The issue of out-of-school children is deeply personal to me. Beyond poverty, religious and cultural factors exacerbate the education crisis, principally in the Northeast. These issues, coupled with economic hardship, create barriers that require a multifaceted approach.
From my experiences during campaigns and through SELF’s activities, I’ve witnessed these challenges firsthand. To address them, we must prioritise sustainable initiatives, provide livelihoods for parents, and ensure security for communities.
Policies, better budgeting, and effective implementation plans are critical. Collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society organisations is essential. At SELF, we advocate for these changes while providing practical support like empowering families and communities.
Education is a powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty. By addressing these challenges holistically, we can build resilient communities and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.
If you were in position, what do you think you would be doing differently that you feel is not currently being done to ensure that we achieve the Nigeria of our dreams?
In today’s Nigeria, what we need is a leader who is intentional, selfless, and committed to meaningful change, no matter the cost. Our system is deeply flawed, plagued by corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of transparency. We cannot continue with ineffective approaches and expect different results.
Leadership must consider service over personal gain. The lack of accountability and vision in governance has left millions in poverty, with inadequate education, healthcare, and security. The frustration is evident – young people feel hopeless, parents struggle to provide for their families, and communities live in fear and uncertainty.
True leadership demands courage, empathy, and a resolve to prioritise the collective good. It requires breaking from the status quo to inspire hope, foster trust, and deliver tangible results.
We need leadership that hears the cries of the people and takes decisive action to address them – leadership that builds a nation where every citizen feels valued and empowered to thrive.
Nigeria’s desire to use nature-based solutions as one of its primary mitigation and adaptation strategies to deal with the challenges posed by climate change explains why the nation views the development of a national roadmap to oversee the protection of its mangrove forest as crucial.
Participants during a media interaction hosted by the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS) in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital
This approach is considered very essential because the country’s mangrove forest has a distinct advantage due to its exceptional capacity for sequestration and role in improving coastal resilience, among other things. It’s also because Nigeria’s mangrove forest has the potential to serve as a global climate financing hub through the carbon market.
Nigeria’s mangrove forest is said to be the largest in Africa and the third largest in the world, covering approximately 5% of the global mangrove forest. In 2022, during the Conference of Parties (COP27) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that was hosted in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, the Global Mangrove Alliance and the UN Climate High-Level Champions launched the Mangrove Breakthrough Initiative (MBI) as part of global efforts to secure the future of this invaluable ecosystem and build opportunities to raise the projected four billion dollars for sustainable financing by 2030.
Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, Director General of the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS), believes that Nigeria should leverage this laudable scheme to further its goals for nature-based climate solutions.
Her determination to find the best way to mobilise the nation for this noble task led her to convene a group of media specialists in Abuja on Friday, January 10, 2025, to brainstorm on how best to collaborate with the secretariat to fulfil her statutory responsibility, particularly in educating the public about climate change concerns and driving behavioural changes.
“It is important to start the year with this interactive session,” stated the Director-General, “where we can rub minds on the avenues to achieving the mandate of the NCCCS, most especially community engagement.”
Importance of the NCCCS-media relationship
Truth be told, the young lawyer’s gesture clearly reveals her thoughts on how she plans to steer the affairs of her organisation. She deserves some commendations because of her understanding of the near impossibility of enforcing compliance of the Climate Change Act (CCA 2021) without raising the issue of climate literacy, a core responsibility of the media as trusted conduits of information.
Goal 13 of the Sustainable Development Agenda calls for enhancing education, raising awareness, and building institutional and human capacity for early warning, adaptation, mitigation, and impact reduction of climate change. Given this, it is clear that the relationship between the NCCCS and the media acts as a bridge and increases the likelihood that climate change will be mainstreamed in all facets of the Nigerian economy.
Nigeria is among the nations most at risk from the devastating effects of climate change. The detrimental effects of these disasters are being felt by the populace today in the form of drought, rising temperatures, erosion, deforestation, flooding, desertification, and rising sea levels.
These impacts are further exacerbated by prior existing vulnerabilities, like the high rate of poverty. It is estimated that roughly 70% of Nigerians are dependent on climate-sensitive livelihoods, such as smallholder farmers, pastoralists, and fishing communities. The country has a huge population of over 220 million, which is projected to reach over 400 million by the year 2050.
In particular, these are some of the issues that the NCCCS is facing and that the media must help them with. The secretariat has released a programme plan that centres on “Amplifying Nature-Based Climate Solutions” as a strategic roadmap for fulfilling its mandate, which is good news.
Conclusion
Reviewing the activities template discloses that the secretariat has done a commendable job of suggesting various commendable projects. These include the youth climate summit, tree planting on Earth Day and Environmental Day, capacity building for MDAs to operationalise the climate change desk, a mangrove art exhibition, climate negotiator training, a town hall meeting in Cross River State, the climate security summit, and UNFCCC COP 30, which will be held in Brazil later in November.
However, it is crucial to note that while the engagement identified several ways to accomplish this partnership, it also acknowledged that there may be gaps, like insufficient money, which could be a barrier to progress.
Without further ado, the NCCCS has made a promising start in rolling out its action plan. Nonetheless, financing climate education is vital to developing civic awareness, and this is one truth that must be kept dearly to heart in order to avoid fitting a square peg into a round hole.
Nigeria is in dire need of a food revolution, driven by cutting-edge research in food science.
Food science researchers say that the science of food has not been put in its proper position in the country, if not most of the issue of unsafe foods and hunger could have been averted.
Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security
They say that, by prioritising food safety, security, and sustainability, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its food industry, ensuring a healthier and more prosperous future for its citizens.
Recent statistics have shown that Nigeria’s food security situation is a pressing concern, with significant increase in the number of food-insecure Nigerians.
The statistics reveal that, as of 2024, over 100 million Nigerians are facing food insecurity, up from 28 million pre-COVID. This surge is attributed to various factors, including inflation, climate change, and conflict.
The food inflation rate in Nigeria has been rising steadily, reaching 35.41 per cent in January 2024, up from 33.9 per cent in December 2023. This increase has made it difficult for many Nigerians to access basic food items, exacerbating the food insecurity crisis.
In terms of specific numbers, the World Food Programme (WFP) reported that the number of food-insecure Nigerians increased from 66.2 million in Q1 2023 to 100 million in Q1 2024. This represents a significant jump, highlighting the urgent need for effective interventions to address the food security crisis in Nigeria.
The Oxford dictionary defines food security as the state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.
Being food insecure is a situation when people don’t have enough to eat and don’t know where their next meal will come from.
Experts in the food science industry are also of the opinion that Nigeria’s food revolution will depend on the collective efforts of researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society.
According to them, by working together to address the complex issues surrounding food safety and insecurity, Nigeria can build a more resilient, sustainable food system that benefits all.
To further accelerate progress, experts emphasise the need for increased investment in food science research and development.
However, the path to success is not without obstacles. Nigeria’s food industry faces numerous hurdles, including bottlenecks in food safety and quality control.
The lack of stringent regulatory measures and inadequate enforcement of existing laws exacerbate the problem, leaving consumers vulnerable to foodborne illnesses.
Moreover, the country’s food systems are plagued by inefficiencies, from farm to table. Post-harvest losses, inadequate storage facilities, and limited access to markets all contribute to food insecurity, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Despite these complexities, Nigeria’s food science research community made some strides in addressing these issues. By leveraging international collaborations, government support, and private sector investment, researchers are developing innovative solutions to improve food safety, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance nutritional security.
One notable area of progress is in the development of novel food processing technologies. Researchers are exploring new methods to preserve and package food, reducing the risk of contamination and spoilage.
Additionally, scientists are working to develop more resilient and nutritious crop varieties, better equipped to thrive in Nigeria’s challenging climate.
Expressing her views, Prof. Gloria Elemo, the former Director-General, the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, urged the Federal Government to give priority to food science in order to solve food security challenges in the country.
She opined that attaining sufficient, safe and healthy food for Nigerians through food science and technology was of utmost importance.
Elemo, who is also a Professor of Biochemistry at Lagos State University of Science and Technology, said the science of food must be given respect, if the government wanted to surmount the issue of food insecurity in Nigeria.
According to her, food science involves the application of scientific principles and techniques to understand and improve the production, processing, and distribution of food.
“Presently, we are wallowing in unsafe food practices, because of the present skyrocketing inflation.
“We are currently having reduced purchasing power to obtain healthy foods and this has led to acute hunger lingering in the air.
“Food science plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges and ensuring food security in Nigeria,” she stated.
The professor noted that there was an urgent need for action as food scientists to put out their expertise across the country to help the Federal Government.
She also urged the government to implement some of the policies that researchers had come up with to make food security better in the country.
“We need to make use of what we have to feed the nation and stop importing unsafe foods into the country,” she said.
Citing examples, Elemo noted that during economic crises, regions such as America and Europe had consistently demonstrated resilience, thanks to their robust food systems.
She stated that specifically, these regions had historically implemented effective policies to ensure food security, thereby cushioning the effects of economic downturns.
The professor stressed that there was an urgent need for collaboration between the government, industry and academia to solve the present food crisis.
On other solutions, she proposed that the government should establish food and agro-allied processing and skill acquisition/training centres in universities and local governments.
She noted that the centres should address post-harvest losses, which would occur with massive food production.
Elemo said that other areas the centre could address included proliferation of Small and Medium-scale Enterprises, job and wealth creation, food/nutrition security and waste management/value addition.
On his own part, Mr Oluyemi Oloyede, the Managing Director, UAC Foods Ltd., urged the Federal Government to develop a national climate smart food production calendar to boost sustainability.
Oloyede noted that the country could no longer afford to plant only when it was rainy season.
He stressed the need for development of effective systems for climate resilient crop varieties and animals due to global warming and climate change.
Oloyede pointed out that it was necessary to build data from weather forecasting, early warning signs of flooding to effectively and efficiently manage the impacts of climate change on food and livestock production.
“Nigeria has 34 million hectares of arable land where we produce some staple foods in large quantities and it must amplify and prioritise it to meet national requirements and export.
“We are a large producer of cassava, yam, cocoyam, beans, melon seeds and we are among the largest producers of groundnuts, maize, rice and plantain.
“Instead of trying to compete in wheat or sugar or milk, at least for a start, we should first scale where we have competitive advantages.
“We need to increase acreage, support mechanisation, release improved seeds that will increase yields, subsidise scaled production and use some of these as substitutes where we do not have competitive advantage,“ he said.
He also stressed the need to boost nutrition in children and young adults, noting that 32 per cent of children under five in Nigeria were malnourished.
Oloyede noted that nowadays, most Nigerian households considered price, taste, sufficiency over and above nutrition, adding that this was responsible for the quality of food that were available in our markets and shelves.
Citing an example, he said an average consumer wanted protein such as cow milk but because of the challenges of accessibility, the consumer had to step down from skimmed milk or full cream, to non-dairy creamer.
Oloyede explained that consumers now sacrificed nutrition ( protein levels as high as 30 per cent) for affordability (protein levels as low as two per cent).
“We must view the current global, national and sub-national challenges as opportunities to develop plans to guarantee food security at all levels and this is everyone’s responsibility, including government and donor agencies.
“As a country, we cannot produce all foods, no country in the world does, hence we need to decide on what is to be produced and exported.
“We must operate an open market that allows us to export and import.
“Nigerians need to stop seeing imports as evil, especially when we are battling with food inflation and other countries are able to produce these foods cheaper,” he said.
Similarly, Dr Bola Osinowo, the President, Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology, said the government needed to make extra effort in 2025 regarding the food sector.
According to him, the Federal Government needs to increase support for agriculture and implement food availability and accessibility interventions to boost the nation’s food sector.
Osinowo called for enhanced food safety regulations and collaboration with international organisations, such as the World Food Programme, to ensure a safer and more sustainable food system.
“As a food science expert, I believe that Nigeria’s research institutions hold the key to unlocking solutions to the country’s food security and safety challenges.
“By focusing on practical research and development, they can drive innovation in areas such as crop yields, disease-resistant varieties, and food processing techniques.
“The development of cutting-edge technologies like precision agriculture and vertical farming can also significantly boost food production, processing, and distribution,” Osinowo states.
Delving more into the roles of researchers, he said capacity building and training were also critical components of a comprehensive approach to food security and safety.
He pointed out that this could be done by equipping farmers and food processors with the knowledge and skills they needed to adopt best practices, such as Good Agricultural Practices and Good Manufacturing Practices, to enhance food safety and quality.
On government role, Osinowo stressed the need to invest in the next generation of food scientists and experts through targeted educational programmes and entrepreneurship support to drive innovation and growth in the sector.
“Effective policy and advocacy are essential for creating an enabling environment for food security and safety. This requires evidence-based research to inform policy decisions, as well as advocacy for policies and programmes that prioritise food security and safety.
“Collaboration between government agencies, industry partners, and civil society organisations is also crucial for promoting a coordinated approach to food security and safety.
“By working together and leveraging our collective expertise and resources, we can build a safer, more sustainable food system for all Nigerians,” Osinowo stated.
By Funmilola Gboteku, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, on Monday, January 13, 2025, said that power generation in the country increased by about 30 per cent in 2024.
Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu
Adelabu made the disclosure during his ministry’s 2025 budget defence before the Senate Committee on Power at the National Assembly complex.
He said that, when he assumed the leadership of the ministry in 2023, he met an average of 4,100 megawatts of power generation.
“I can tell you authoritatively that, by the end of 2024, we had a peak generation of 5,528 megawatts of power from 4,100 megawatts that we met on ground.
“And the reason for this is not far-fetched. We added a new hydroelectric power dam, Zungeru, with 700 megawatts.
“There was also a tremendous increase in the generation lines by other existing generation companies,” Adelabu said.
The minister said that the target for power generation was 6,000 megawatts, adding, however, that due to the challenges experienced toward the end of 2024 in terms of grid collapses, the ministry missed the target by minimal margin.
Adelabu further said that apart from energy access expansion, the sector had plans to stabilise the grid and other transmission infrastructure.
“I’m happy to also inform you that out of the eight collapses of the national grid that we experienced during 2024, five were full collapses, while three were partial collapses.
“Out of the five full collapses, three were actually due to generation problems. So, as against the 12 collapse that were publicised, it was just about eight collapses.
“We have been trying very hard to ensure that we manage the grid that was inherited.
“Unfortunately, it is still very old. It is dilapidated. And we are just managing it until we are able to fix it permanently.
“This is the focus of the Presidential Power Initiative, to ensure that the entire grid is revamped so that we won’t be having all this vandalism.
“So, these are the summaries of our activities. And we are proud to say that we almost met all our targets for 2024.
“Our hope is that 2025 will be a better year for us, and we will be able to address all the existing issues in the sector,” Adelabu said.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, Sen. Eyinnaya Abaribe, questioned the government’s continuous funding of power distribution companies (discos), suggesting a review of their contracts and possible government reclamation if the inefficiencies persisted.
The committee asked the minister to return at a later date with all discos to discuss contract performance and obligations.
The 2024 oil licensing bid round marks a major moment for Nigerian oil and gas sector.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) awarded 25 oil exploration and production licences to a diverse group of bidders, which include international majors and indigenous companies.
Gbenga Komolafe, the Chief Executive of NUPRC
This development signals a renewed focus on revitalising the sector, attracting foreign investment and boosting energy security.
The awarded blocks are expected to unlock billions of dollars in investment, increase oil reserves and boost production capacity.
This not only promises economic growth and stability but also demonstrates continued global interest in Nigeria’s oil resources.
As the winners embark on their exploration journey, the success of this initiative hinges on the effective implementation of policies and support structures to guide these new ventures toward success.
Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, the Commission Chief Executive of NUPRC, said, “The bid round is in line with the government’s commitment to transforming the upstream oil sector.
“This development would bolster Nigeria’s oil production capacity and enhance its competitiveness on the global stage.”
Komolafe also highlighted that the awards demonstrate the continued global interest in Nigeria’s oil resources in spite of the global push for renewable energy.
Komolafe noted, “the successful bidders would help to increase Nigeria’s oil production output while ensuring that the country retains its position as one of the leading oil producers in Africa.”
According to him, this will also boost government revenues, which are crucial for national development.
“The future of the Nigerian oil and gas industry must be both prosperous and sustainable.
“We are committed to ensuring that operators align with the country’s environmental policies while also contributing to economic growth,” he said.
Industry experts have also lauded the development, pointing out that the bid round offers an opportunity for the country to reverse the decline in its crude oil output.
This is a consistent fall in recent years due to ageing fields and a lack of fresh investments.
Mr Mike Osatuyi, former Operational Controller, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), said that the awarding of the 25 oil blocks would create thousands of direct and indirect jobs across the country.
“The new exploration activities will require skilled labour, technical expertise, and support services, all of which will positively impact Nigeria’s economy, especially in regions where the blocks are located.
“In addition, the government anticipates increased revenue generation through taxes, royalties, and dividends from the exploration and production activities of the awarded companies.
“The revenue is expected to be reinvested in critical infrastructure, education, and healthcare, contributing to long-term socio-economic development,” Osatuyi stated.
Similarly, Mr Rabiu Bello, an oil and gas expert, said that if the winners were industry players with technical and financial capabilities to explore and develop the assets in the shortest possible time, then Nigeria would benefit from increased production and foreign exchange revenues
According to him, these are needed to stabilise the currency and service foreign debt.
On his part, Alhaji Debo Ahmed, former President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), noted that production had been below capacity.
“Nigeria’s oil production has been hovering around 1.3 million barrels per day (bpd), well below its potential capacity,” he said.
Ahmed stressed the importance of attracting both local and foreign investments.
He noted that a mix of indigenous and foreign firms could bring the needed capital, technology and technical expertise required for oil exploration and production.
Mr. Williams Akporeha, President of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), advised that the government must not only award oil blocs but also ensure that the winning companies immediately commence development and exploration activities.
He emphasised that this approach is crucial for effectively deepening growth within the oil and gas industry.
Meanwhile, local companies have also commended the bid round, saying the development would allow them to demonstrate their capacity in the exploration and production of the nation’s rich oil resources.
No fewer than 24 people have died as major wildfires continue to ravage the Los Angeles area in the U.S. state of California, the city’s medical examiner said on Sunday, January 12, 2025.
California wildfires
The medical examiner said that 16 of the fatalities are related to the Eaton Fire near Pasadena, and eight others to the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades district.
There have been several major fires in the region since Tuesday, but these two are the most severe.
According to the officials, the death toll may continue to rise, since it may take days before emergency services can safely access all areas impacted by the fires.
Firefighters were preparing for gusts to pick up again in the coming days, exacerbating what officials said could be one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history.
The U.S. weather service forecast wind speeds of up to 110 kilometres per hour for Sunday, which combined with dry vegetation, favours the rapid and unpredictable spread of both existing and new fires.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) warned of critical fire weather through to Wednesday.
“Life-threatening winds and dangerously low humidity are forecast for much of Southern California from Ventura to San Diego creating a significant risk of rapid fire spread,’’ the department wrote on X.
It warned the wind would increase fire activity and urged people to avoid mowing their lawns and parking their vehicles on dry grass and to ensure all campfires were extinguished.
According to Cal Fire officials, some 12,300 buildings have been destroyed or damaged.
Since Tuesday, almost 163 square kilometres of land have gone up in flames, a space almost the size of Washington D.C.
California Governor, Gavin Newsom, speaking to broadcaster NBC, said the wildfires would be the worst natural disaster in U.S. history, in terms of the scale and scope, as well as the costs it has caused.
Newsom went on to sign an executive order to temporarily suspend environmental regulations for destroyed homes and businesses.
“Just issued an Executive Order that will allow victims of the SoCal fires to not get caught up in bureaucratic red tape and quickly rebuild their homes,’’ he wrote on X.
According to a preliminary estimate by the private U.S. weather service AccuWeather, the fires have caused more damages of more than 135 billion dollars.
Arnold Schwarzenegger was among the Hollywood actors living in and around areas impacted by the fires.
“Don’t worry about me, or my animals, and certainly not my house,’’ the film star and former governor of California said, asking fans to think instead of the heroic firefighters.
As the fires rage on, attention has increasingly turned to the people fighting them.
Among the fire fighters are several hundred prisoners being paid a maximum of $10 a day for gruelling work trying to contain the blaze.
Californian authorities said the prisoners had undergone several days of training and are working voluntarily on removing flammable material and creating so-called firebreaks, or gaps in vegetation to stop the spread of fire.
They were given another $1 per hour for emergency work.
Each day spent working as a rescue worker shortens the prison sentence by two days.
Only inmates who are serving a prison sentence of a maximum of eight years and are not serving time for crimes such as rape or arson are deployed as helpers.
The Association for Table Water Producers (ATWAP) of Nigeria has backed the Lagos State Government ban on single-use plastics, including sachet water.
Table water
National President of ATWAP, Dr Clementina Ativie, who said this in an interview on Monday, January 13, 2025, in Lagos, noted that the association would work with the state government, through the Lagos State Plastic Waste Management Scheme, to ensure seamless implementation of the policy.
She said the plastic waste management scheme was targeted at reducing plastic waste while promoting recycling.
According to her, the association is committed to environmental sustainability and responsible practices.
“We acknowledge the concerns surrounding single-use plastics and their impact on the environment.
“In Lagos State, we have collaborated closely with the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources to develop sustainable solutions.
“Notably, we have made significant strides in the resolution of the ban through the Lagos State Plastic Waste Management Fund Scheme, which aims to reduce plastic waste and promote recycling.
“Our association has also implemented Extended Producers Responsibilities, encouraging manufacturers to take responsibility for the waste generated by their products.
“This approach has helped our members reduce their environmental footprint while ensuring their businesses remain sustainable,” Ativie said.
She said the Plastic Waste Management Fund Scheme Committee would bring together stakeholders from the government, private sector and the civil society to address plastic waste management challenges.
“As a key member of this committee, ATWAP is dedicated to protecting and sustaining our members’ businesses while meeting government goals on environmental protection and public needs for safe water.
“Regarding the proposed ban, the government has engaged with single-use plastic users, considering the potential impact on our members’ businesses and public access to safe water.
“This has led to the establishment of the Lagos State Plastic Waste Management Scheme, which will be inaugurated soon.
The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, had committed to total ban on single-use plastics before the end of January.
The announcement had elicited divergent reactions from sachet water producers, nylon producers and various stakeholders in the single-use plastic value chain.
