UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has expressed sorrow over the fast-moving wildfires that have devastated the Los Angeles area, claiming lives and displacing thousands.
UN Secretary-General, António Guterres
The fires, described as some of the worst in the city’s history, have burned thousands of acres, destroyed homes and left firefighters battling to contain multiple blasts in unprecedented conditions.
“The Secretary-General is shocked and saddened by the widespread devastation caused by the fast-moving wildfires,” his Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said in a statement on Thursday, January 9, 2025.
Guterres extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and expressed solidarity with those displaced, many of whom have lost their homes.
The fires have claimed at least five lives, displaced more than 100,000 people and destroyed hundreds of buildings. Damages are estimated to exceed $50 billion, according to U.S. private forecaster AccuWeather.
The Secretary-General commended the courage and dedication of first responders working in “extremely difficult conditions” to protect lives and contain the fires.
No fewer than 7,500 firefighters are battling the blazes, with officials describing the conditions as historic and dangerous.
Local fire chiefs reported that dry vegetation and winds with the force of hurricanes have fuelled the fires, leaving four out of six major ones completely uncontained.
Efforts are being further delayed by resource shortages and the challenging landscape.
Rainfall levels from late 2024 until now have been below average. This has created dry conditions that, combined with the Santana Winds – a well-known weather pattern in the region – have exacerbated fire risks, according to experts.
The Santana Winds, which typically sweep through the mountains, raise temperatures and drastically lower humidity, rapidly drying out vegetation and creating ideal conditions for wildfires to spread.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has highlighted the importance of prevention strategies to mitigate the impact of wildfires, including regular clearing of underbrush in forests, available water for firefighters and testing firefighting capacities.
Evacuation planning is another critical priority, with experts stressing the importance of avoiding blocked evacuation routes.
“Wildfires move rapidly, and any evacuation system needs to account for all people, especially those who are elderly and unable to move quickly,” James Douris of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), an expert in early warning systems, said.
Beyond the immediate destruction, wildfires also pose significant public health risks.
According to WHO spokesperson Dr. Margaret Harris, wildfire smoke, a toxic mixture of pollutants, can cause premature deaths and long-term damage to the lungs, heart and brain.
Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, face heightened risks.
Wildfires threatening Los Angeles have killed at least 10 people and devoured nearly 10,000 structures, with five fires burning into a third night on Thursday, as dry desert winds fanning the flames again gathered strength.
California wildfires
The Palisades Fire between Santa Monica and Malibu on the city’s western flank and the Eaton Fire in the east near Pasadena already rank as the most destructive in Los Angeles history, consuming more than 34,000 acres (13,750 hectares) – or some 53 square miles – turning entire neighborhoods to ash.
The death toll from the blazes rose to 10, Los Angeles County’s Medical Examiner said in an update late on Thursday, without providing identities or other details.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna told an earlier news conference that he expected the number to grow.
“It looks like an atomic bomb dropped in these areas.
“I don’t expect good news, and we’re not looking forward to those numbers,” Luna said.
Private forecaster AccuWeather estimated the damage and economic loss at between $135 billion and $150 billion, portending an arduous recovery and soaring homeowners’ insurance costs.
Southern California Edison said on Thursday it had received notices from insurance companies to preserve evidence related to the Eaton Fire, but said no fire agencies have pointed to the utility’s connection to the fire.
“We’re already looking ahead to rebuild the city of Los Angeles aggressively,” said Mayor Karen Bass, a Democrat, who faced criticism from President-elect Donald Trump and other Republicans over her handling of the disaster.
President Joe Biden, who declared a major disaster on Tuesday, promised on Thursday that the federal government would reimburse 100 per cent of the recovery for the next 180 days to pay for debris and hazard material removal, temporary shelters, and first responder salaries.
“I told the governor and local officials to spare no expense to do what they need to do and contain these fires,” Biden said after meeting with senior advisers at the White House.
In all, five wildfires burned in Los Angeles County, with the largest Palisades fire just 6 per cent contained and the Eaton fire 0 per cent contained.
Skies buzzed with aircraft dropping retardant and water on the flaming hills.
A large Super Scooper aircraft on loan from Canada was damaged and grounded after hitting an unauthorised civilian drone near the Palisades fire, the L.A. County Fire Department said.
There were no injuries.
One rapidly growing blaze broke out on Thursday near Calabasas, one of the wealthiest cities in the U.S. and home to numerous celebrities and gated communities.
The so-called Kenneth Fire expanded to 960 acres (388 hectares) in a matter of hours.
With nerves on edge, Los Angeles County mistakenly sent an evacuation notice countywide to a population of 9.6 million, even though it had been meant only for the area of the Kenneth Fire, officials said.
A correction was quickly sent.
Officials said the Eaton Fire had damaged or destroyed 4,000 to 5,000 structures while the Palisades Fire destroyed or damaged another 5,300 structures.
Some Pacific Palisades residents ventured back to areas the fire had already swept through, where brick chimneys were left looming over charred waste and burnt-out vehicles.
“We are alive. That’s all that matters,” private security guard Bilal Tukhi said while standing watch outside his employer’s damaged home, saying the scene reminded him of his native, war-torn Afghanistan.
School was canceled for a second day on Friday due to the contaminated air, Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said.
Winds dropped on Thursday from the 100-mile-per-hour (160-kph) gusts seen earlier in the week, permitting crucial aerial support for crews on the ground.
However, officials said winds intensified again overnight, and red flag conditions were expected until Friday afternoon.
In Altadena, a racially and economically diverse community nearby, many residents told Reuters they were concerned government resources would be channeled towards high-profile areas popular with A-Listers, while insurance companies might shortchange less affluent households that don’t have the financial means to contest fire claims.
“They’re not going to give you the value of your house … if they do you really have to fight for it,” said Kay Young, 63, her eyes welling up with tears as she stared at a sprawl of smoking rubble, the remnants of a home that had been in her family for generations.
Firefighting crews managed to fully control the Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills, after flames had raged atop the ridge overlooking Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame on Wednesday night.
In Pacific Palisades, once-palatial homes stood in ruins, while downed power lines and abandoned cars littered the roadways.
One resident, John Carr, 65, said he defied evacuation orders and stayed to successfully protect his home.
“The house was built by my mother and father in 1960 and I lived here my whole life so there’s a lot of memories here.
“And I think I owed it to them as well to try my best to save it.”
Carr said there were no fire crews to help him try to save his neighbors’ homes.
“If they had had some fire trucks and just put a squirt here, a squirt there, and kept an eye on things, all these houses would be here now.”
Officials said they were working to establish curfews for areas affected by mandatory evacuation orders.
Aerial video showed block after block of leveled homes, just as satellite images showed the two largest fires forming a pincer around the city and thick plumes of smoke from the fires being blown out over the Pacific Ocean.
The homes of movie stars and celebrities were among those consumed by flames.
Chef Jose Andres, the Spaniard, known for providing free food to disaster victims around the world set up a food truck near the Palisades Fire on Pacific Coast Highway.
“Everybody needs support and love in these moments, wealthy or not, poor or not,” he said.
On Thursday Actor Jamie Lee Curtis said her family would donate $1 million to relief efforts.
Firefighters from half a dozen other U.S. states and Canada were being rushed to California, in addition to U.S. federal personnel and materiel.
“To our American neighbors: Canada’s here to help,” said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose country has experienced severe wildfires.
The Enugu State Government says it has earmarked N10 billion for the renovation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu
Lloyd Ekweremmadu, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, said this on Friday, January 10, in Enugu during the first management meeting of the ministry for 2025.
Ekweremmadu said the state governor, Peter Mbah, was committed to developing sports in the state, especially at the grassroots.
“Enugu State Government has earmarked the sum of N10 billion for the refurbishing of Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu; this is captured in the 2025 budget.
“Also, N3 billion has been budgeted for Awgu Games Village, while N200 million will be for the upgrade of facilities at the Enugu Sports Council secretariat, located at Nkpokiti Road, Independence Layout, Enugu,” he said.
Ekweremmadu also said the government had planned to build an Olympic size swimming pool inside the stadium, while the Indoor Hall of the stadium would be rehabilitated.
This, he said, would enhance the capacity of the state to host the 26th edition of the National Sports Festival in 2026.
“The ministry will dedicate this year towards preparing for the hosting of the 2025 Coal-City International Marathon.
“We are already discussing with a reputable consultant who will partner the state to organise the marathon,” Ekweremmadu said.
According to him, international athletes from all over the world will participate in the marathon.
Ekweremmadu highlighted the achievements recorded in the sector in the state for 2024, saying that they were commendable.
“The ministry achieved a lot in 2024, as it hosted several sporting events such as the 1st National Council on Sports Summit.
“Also, Rangers International Football Club won the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.
“We also hosted the first Mixed Martial Arts Caged fight, where Nigerian fighters fought for honours alongside international fighters from Cameroun, Senegal, Kenya and Congo.
“The state also hosted the South-East Boxing Championship, the National Under 15 NPFL Youth Football Competition, Coal City Half Marathon, among others.
Ekweremmadu said that the ministry surpassed its 2023 revenue target in 2024 by 300 per cent, as it generated N20 million revenue, N4 million less than its 2024 target of N24 million.
The commissioner commended the staff for their commitment, dedication to duty and enjoined them to work harder in 2025.
TotalEnergies (45%, operator) and its partners Basra Oil Company (30%) and QatarEnergy (25%) launched on Friday, January 10, 2025, the construction works of ArtawiGas25, a first processing facility for the associated gas from the Ratawi field, located in the Basra region.
Gas flaring
The facility, which is part of the Gas Growth Integrated Project (GGIP), represents an investment of around $250 million and will process 50 million cubic feet per day (Mcf/d) of gas previously flared. The gas will supply local power plants, covering the demand of approximately 200,000 households in the Basra region.
Signed in September 2021, the GGIP project is a $10 billion multi-energy project designed to enhance the development of Iraq’s natural resources and improve the country’s electricity supply. The GGIP includes a large-scale gas processing plant, with a first phase of 300 Mcf/d that will recover gas being flared on three oil fields and supply gas to 1.5 GW of power generation capacity.
In anticipation of the start-up of this main gas processing facility, the ArtawiGas25 project will significantly reduce gas flaring at the Ratawi field as early as end 2025. The innovative modular design of ArtawiGas25 could also pave the way for potential replication across other Iraqi oil fields. ArtawiGas25 will create up to 160 direct and indirect jobs for Iraqi nationals during construction phase and 30 jobs during operation phase.
Julien Pouget, Senior Vice President Middle East & North Africa, Exploration & Production at TotalEnergies, said: “We are very pleased to launch the ArtawiGas25 project: it will give the Iragi people a tangible insight into the benefits of the GGIP, which will provide more energy with less emissions. Through this project, TotalEnergies is demonstrating its capacity to deliver valuable and fast-track solutions in accordance with the government’s expectations and the country’s electricity needs. We look forward to the next GGIP milestones in the coming weeks with the start of construction of the 1 GW solar project.”
The world’s oceans were warmer in 2024 than at any time since measurements began, a study published on Friday, January 10, 2025, has found.
The ocean. Photo credit: Dimitris Vetsikas / Pixabay
The record applies to both surface temperatures and the heat stored at a depth of 2,000 metres, according to researchers led by Lijing Cheng of the Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
The oceans play an important role in the Earth’s climate, absorbing around 90 per cent of the heat generated by rising greenhouse gases.
They also influence the weather by releasing heat and moisture into the atmosphere.
The study says the warming of the oceans to a depth of 2,000 metres is accelerating.
Since 1986 the oceans have absorbed three times as much heat annually as in the years 1958 to 1985, writes the team of 54 researchers from seven countries in the journal Advances in Atmospheric Sciences.
Water data has been collected since 1958.
The study found that the surface temperature of the oceans has been rising significantly since at least the 1950s and was about 0.61 degrees Celcius higher in 2024 than in the period 1981 to 2010.
This temperature is crucial because it determines how quickly heat and moisture transfer from the ocean into the atmosphere and thus influence the weather.
Water vapour is also a potent greenhouse gas.
For the water surface, it was not clear from the data whether there was an acceleration in the rate of warming, due to the strong annual fluctuations, Cheng said.
Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State, on Thursday, January 9, 2025, signed an Executive Order No. 1, 2025, designating some areas in the state as urban areas as well as Land Use Regulation 2025.
Mbah reportedly exercised his powers under the Land Use Act of 1978.
Gov Peter Mbah of Enugu State
By the provisions of the Executive Order, entitled “Enugu State Designation of Land as Urban Areas,” the entire Enugu East, Enugu North, and Enugu South Local Government Areas have been designated urban areas.
Likewise, the entire Udi, Nkanu West, Nkanu East, and Nsukka Council Areas have been designated as urban areas.
Others created as urban areas are Ndeabor, Oduma Urban Area, Awgu Town, Ihe, Agbogugu, Mgbowo, Isu-Awa, Mmaku, Ituku, and Owelli-Court urban areas as well as Aguobuowa and Oghe in Ezeagu Council Area.Ogbede, Ukehe, and Aku in Igbo-Etiti; Enugu Ezike in Igbo Eze North Council Area, Ibagwa-Aka in Igbo-Eze South LGA; and Ikem and Eha-Amufu in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area have been so designated.
The Executive Order equally designated Oji-River, Ugwuoba, and Inyi in Oji-River Council Area; Obollo-Afor and Orba in Udenu Council Area ; Umulokpa and Adani in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area as urban areas.
Signing the order, Mbah said, “I have just a few minutes ago signed a Land Use Regulation of 2025, and also an Executive Order designating certain locations of the state as urban areas.
“This is a major milestone and quite historic that we have just witnessed. It is in line with what we witnessed a few weeks ago when we formally launched the Enugu State Geographic Information System (ENGIS).
“It is a system that is designed to fast-track application for land titles and indeed other administrative functions relating to land.
“So, what we have here today is going to bring clarity. As we all know, lack of transparency feeds corruption.
“This is really a major milestone towards our drive not just to enhance the revenue of Enugu State, but to ensure ease of doing business.”
He explained that the order would enable the prospective applicants to easily know what their fees were and the timelines that the application would be processed.
“With what we have done here today, there is no more hidden charges when you apply for whatever land transaction, whether it is for search, titles or indeed for whatever transactions you want to carry out relating to land in Enugu State.
“It is also going to end the era of double allocations, land grabbing, and all sorts of confusion that may have existed before now in our land management system.
“We have also expanded areas that before now we have designated as rural areas.
“That means effectively that those living in those locations are now able to come forward and apply for their title document and they will be able to obtain their Certificate of Occupancy for the property and assets they have there,” Mbah said.
While commending his team for the good job done, the governor promised that there would be adequate public enlightenment on the processes of land transactions under the new Order, Land Use Regulation, and the Enugu Geographic Information Service.
“This regulation clearly spells out the number of days it will require for any application, whether you are conducting your search or indeed applying to obtain your title document.
“The number, the timelines, your fees are spelt out. So, there is absolutely no confusion. So, I thank you all for all your efforts,” he stressed.
TELA/BMSS Project Manager at the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), Dr. Sylvester Oikeh, has cautioned anti-GMO activists against demonising Genetically Modified Organism (GMO), saying GMO products are safe.
Oikeh, who said this in a interview in Abuja, submitted: “GMO products are safe and have come to stay in Nigeria and what I appeal is for us to stop demonising it and embrace the technology because technology has come to stay.”
Dr Muyideen Oyekunle, Breeder, in charge of Trait and Pipeline Testing, TELA Maize Project displaying harvested maize cops recently at IAR TELA Maize CFT, Zaria. Photo Credit: AATF
The AATF project manager said increased anti-GMO technology activism in Africa with efforts to stop African farmers from growing genetically engineered crops, with court cases, was another challenge.
“Genetically engineered crops like TELA maize are safe because of rigorous biosafety regulatory approval process involved.
“What we need is to work with the various agencies involved, including the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) among others that are core developers of this technology.
“This would enable us to get the best of the technology to our farmers.”
Oikeh said that he coordinated a project called TELA Maize Project, expressing satisfaction that after working with various partners involved, they were able to release the variety to farmers.
He added that he was getting testimonies that farmers were happy with the technology.
He said his foundation in partnership with NBRDA was able to bring the technology to farmers who were excited that they had a new product to add to maize production in Nigeria.
Oikeh added that, with more hard work and cooperation, the product could be sustained in the hands of farmers.
According to him, seed system that promotes best quality of the products should be developed using interested seed companies to produce the seeds and sell to farmers at affordable prices.
He said that comparative assessments showed GM maize and conventional maize were similar in phenotype (observable) and agronomic characters, except introduced traits consisting of drought tolerance and insect protection.
The expert added that demonstrated similarities exist in nutritional composition of GM maize and conventional maize focused on proximates, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, anti-nutrients, and secondary metabolites.
Highlighting post GM release approval conditions, Oikeh disclosed that every approval comes with stringent conditions.
He said these included safety and environmental monitoring conditions, reporting conditions, stewardship requirements, requirements for movement permits and labeling for consumer information.
“General safety conclusion is that farmers will use less pesticides with Biotech (Bt) maize, and excessive pesticides harm to pollinators will be avoided.”
He also mentioned prolonged delay in receiving environmental release and variety release approvals for commercialisation in some countries due to limited political will, as one of the major challenges.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has promised to work with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) to boost the state’s transport system with the development of another rail line.
African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Akinwumi Adesina
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr. Kolawole Ojelabi, the Head, Corporate Communication, LAMATA, on Thursday, January 9, 2025, in Lagos.
Ojelabi said that Mr. Solomon Quaynor, the AfDB Vice President, Private Sector Infrastructure and Industrialisation, gave the assurance during a visit to LAMATA.
He added that the bank was interested in partnering LAMATA to expand the capacity of the existing rail system.
“Quaynor was also in the company of Mr Mayowa Ayodele, Non-Sovereign Operations and Private Sector Equity Specialist, ahead of a visit of the technical team to assess the Purple line,” he said.
The Purple Line is a 60-kilometre railroad along the Redemption Camp in Ogun State, traversing Berger, Agege and Alimoso and terminate at Volkswagen to join the Blue Line.
“The visit follows a recent pitch for investment on 60-kilometre Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Purple Line at the African Development Bank forum in Morocco, where the Lagos delegation was led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“This is to further discuss collaboration on the project and other lines outlined in the Lagos Strategic Transport Master Plan.
“The delegation toured the LRMT Blue Line and expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Blue Line rail system,” he said.
The AfDB team was received by Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, the Managing Director of LAMATA; Mr Olasunkanmi Okusaga, the Director of Rail Transport; Kemi Williams, Consultant Policy and Programme; and Kolawole Ojelabi, Head of Corporate Communication.
LAMATA said: “This visit signifies a significant step forward in securing funding and expertise for the ambitious rail projects envisioned for Lagos.
“It is to further enhance the city’s transportation infrastructure and improve the quality of life for its residents.”
The Petroleum Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has expressed concern over the slow pace of work by Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) on the Eleme East-West Road project, Port Harcourt axis.
Port Harcourt Refinery
National President of PETROAN, Dr Billy Harry, in a statement on Thursday, January 9, 2025, said that the delay was happening in spite of the N33 billion said to have been released by the Federal Ministry of Works, for the project.
Harry decried the challenges the deplorable road posed, saying that it was sabotaging President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to ensure the smooth distribution of petroleum products from the renovated Port Harcourt Refinery.
“Thousands of petroleum trucks will be using the road to convey products from the renovated Port Harcourt refinery, so, further delay is detrimental.
“The Eleme East-West Road is a critical route for the transportation of petroleum products, and its safety is paramount.
“The road’s deplorable condition poses a significant risk to trucks carrying petroleum products, which could lead to catastrophic accidents and environmental disasters.
“PETROAN is calling on the President to evaluate the ongoing contract by RCC in line with the contract timeline.
“This move will consolidate his renewed hope agenda by ensuring the timely completion of the Eleme East-West Road project.”
Harry said that about 60 retail outlets were negatively impacted by the road construction, and requested adequate compensation for owners of the fuel stations.
He recalled that the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in a press conference, had also complained about the slow approach of RCC, leading to the issuance of a seven-day ultimatum by the Minister.
“Furthermore, PETROAN is calling on the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to fast-track the contract evaluation process and take decisive action to address the slow pace of work by RCC.”
Stakeholders, experts and policymakers have called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry to enhance the nation’s economic growth.
L-R: Professor Kayode Soremekun, former Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Oye Ekiti (Keynote speaker); Ms Ngozi John-Uyah, Director, National Gallery of Arts; Mr. Paddy Ezeala, Managing Director, Classmasters Limited and Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Development Agenda magazine; Professor Richard King, renowned environment and fisheries expert; Professor Oshita Oshita, former Director-General, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (Keynote speaker); and Professor Edem Eniang of the University of Uyo, at the Petroleum Industry Symposium, in Abuja, on January 9, 2025
They spoke on Thursday, January 9, 2025, in Abuja at a one-day symposium organised by Classmasters Limited, themed “Nigeria Petroleum Industry: The Way Forward”.
The managing director of Classmasters Limited, publishers of Development Agenda Magazine, Mr. Paddy Ezeala, emphasised the need for collaboration and innovative solutions to tackle the industry’s challenges.
“We aim to ensure that all stakeholders understand the complexities of this industry and collaboratively create a path forward that meets global standards.
“This industry is vital to our economy and national identity. For decades, we have failed to fully harness its potential. There is an urgent need for reforms and a unified strategy,” he stated.
A major topic of discussion was the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). Attendees advocated for amendments to address the diverse interests of stakeholders, including environmentalists, host communities, local operators, and international firms.
“No document is flawless, but this symposium aims to generate actionable recommendations to drive meaningful progress,” he noted.
He highlighted the distinctiveness of the event, pointing out its strong support from key industry players, including NNPC Limited (NNPCL).
“Unlike previous gatherings, the outcomes of this symposium will not be ignored. As an environmentalist, I strongly advocate for mandatory environmental responsibility from all oil companies,” he added.
Participants expressed optimism about producing a comprehensive and actionable document to address critical issues such as energy transition, environmental sustainability, and socioeconomic challenges in the oil and gas industry.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Ubuntu Centre for Africa Peacebuilding and Development (UCAP), Dr. Oshita Oshita, highlighted the growing security challenges in oil-producing areas.
“The Niger Delta faces evolving security threats that are deeply tied to the dynamics of oil production. There are many underlying factors that do not make it to the public domain but significantly impact the security landscape,” he remarked.
Oshita also underscored the link between Nigeria’s dependence on oil, often referred to as the “Dutch disease,” and the neglect of oil-bearing communities.
“The Niger Delta, despite being the source of the country’s oil wealth, remains one of the most underdeveloped areas. The people of this region see little to no benefit from the resources extracted from their land, fueling resentment and security crises. As long as these grievances persist, the challenges will remain.”
He argued that implementing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) presents a unique opportunity to address these issues.
“The PIA offers several opportunities that can be leveraged to transform oil-bearing communities and surrounding businesses. While the Act has its challenges, its potential to create a more equitable and sustainable industry cannot be overstated,” he said.
Oshita further revealed that there are underlying factors in the oil production process that are not visible to the public, stating that these factors significantly impact the security situation in the region.
His words: “One of our challenges, as pointed out in my paper, is that we have ignored the very important elements in the areas where the oil is produced. That’s why you hear that the Niger Delta is one of the most underdeveloped areas, even though that is where the oil money comes from. The whole country depends on that oil, but the people where that oil is found don’t get any benefit.
“And that is why security challenges will continue because the people must fight for their land.
“However, I have proposed that in spite of the challenges that we have around, the Petroleum Industry Act has a lot of opportunities that can be leveraged.
“Although many people don’t talk about it, I see that if the country can focus on getting the benefits of the Petroleum Industry Act, Nigeria may be heading the right way in terms of how the communities and the oil-bearing communities and surrounding businesses are growing. I believe that we can be in control of the Petroleum Industry if we do follow the letters and content of the Petroleum Industry Act.”
Ezeala noted that Nigeria’s economy has revolved around oil for over 70 years, yet the country has not fully harnessed its benefits.
He stressed the need for knowledge and awareness about the industry, particularly in the era of energy transition and insecurity challenges.
Ezeala said: “The petroleum industry is central to our economy and even central to our nationhood. It’s something that we all should know about. As a matter of fact, the whole economy of Nigeria should have been revolving around oil for the past 70 years.
“So, there is need for knowledge. There is need for us to know how the industry works. Now, we are talking about energy transition. How are we transiting? How are we moving? People should be aware. People should be environmentally conscious.
“People should know how other factors around us, like insecurity, is affecting the production of oil. We cannot even meet our quota as a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).”
He said the gathering provides an opportunity for experts to discuss the industry’s social, economic, and environmental issues.
In a presentation, Prof. Kayode Soremekun of the Dept of Political Science, Lagos State University, stated that oil politics is at local and international levels. He said there are forces that control how the industry operates. He said this is not by accident.
He also said part of the problem with the sector is that Nigerians glorify comsumption at the expense of productivity. He said the oil industry is very external to Nigeria.
“Globally the control was in the hands of the UK and France, but lately in the hands of the USA,” he said, adding that the history of oil is truly the history of imperialism.
He added that there is no reason why most African nations have been able to make a success of it.
Prof. Edem A. Eniang of the Dept. of Forestry & Wildlife Management, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, submitted that oil despoils the environment, but the communities are also deeply involved in the despoliation. So, the regulators need to up their response.
His words: “The region is faced with oil bunkering activities, gas flaring, illegal Refining activities, and displacement of people. There is surfeit of environmental laws, but these are not being implemented.
“We should stop working in silos. There must be involvement of all involved, including government, communities and oil firms.
“Oil companies need to be involved in remediation across the Delta, not only in Ogoniland. Oil companies need to put aside funds to operationise the national parks in Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states.”
