A report on alcohol consumption and cancer risk published on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, has highlighted considerable health risks – particularly an increased risk of at least seven types of cancer, including breast cancer, liver cancer and colon cancer.
Alcohol
Dr. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General, twitted on Friday: “Today, I’m releasing a Surgeon General’s Advisory on the causal link between alcohol consumption and increased cancer risk. Alcohol is the 3rd leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S., contributing to about 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 cancer deaths each year.”
“Many people out there assume that as long as they’re drinking at the limits or below the limits of current guidelines of one a day for women and two for men, that there is no risk to their health or well-being,” Murthy said in an interview with the New York Times. “The data does not bear that out for cancer risk.”
Ireland recently became the first country in the European Union (and second worldwide after South Korea) to better regulate booze by adding cancer warnings and health information to alcohol products. Meanwhile, the U.S. hasn’t updated its own alcohol warning labels in 36 years – despite the fact that it learned a lot since then about alcohol and its associated health risks.
Globally, only a quarter of countries require health warnings on alcohol, according to the New York Times. The U.S. is one of those countries, but labels here haven’t been updated since 1989.
Currently, warning labels say that “women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects” and that “consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems.”
One recent study found that when young men looked at alcohol warning labels that were larger and included a picture of a young man with a bloody face, they experienced “lower activation of the reward circuits in their brains,” and the warning labels “significantly reduced their reported desire to drink.”
Another study conducted in the Yukon in Canada found that adding labels to alcohol that included information on cancer risks not only reduced alcohol sales, but it also found that people who bought alcohol with the new warning labels better remembered information about national drinking guidelines and cancer risks.
Experts emphasise that updating warning labels won’t necessarily guarantee changes in behaviour, but providing more information – and making that information easier to find – can help people become better informed, which may lead to modifications in drinking habits.
Farmers are receiving less of what consumers spend on food, as modern food systems increasingly direct costs toward value-added components like processing, transport, and marketing.
Agriculture
A new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) shows that this effect shapes how food prices respond to agricultural climate policies: While value-added components buffer consumer price changes in wealthier countries, low-income countries – where farming costs dominate – face greater challenges in managing food price increases due to climate policies.
“In high-income countries like the U.S. or Germany, farmers receive less than a quarter of food spending, compared to over 70 percent in Sub-Saharan Africa, where farming costs make up a larger portion of food prices,” says David Meng-Chuen Chen, PIK scientist and lead author of the study published in Nature Food.
“This gap underscores how differently food systems function across regions.” The researchers project that as economies develop and food systems industrialise, farmers will increasingly receive a smaller share of consumer spending, a measure known as the ‘farm share’ of the food dollar,” adds Chen.
“In wealthy countries, we increasingly buy processed products like bread, cheese or candy where raw ingredients make up just a small fraction of the cost,” adds Benjamin Bodirsky, PIK scientist and author of the study. “The majority of the price is spent for processing, retail, marketing and transport. This also means that consumers are largely shielded from fluctuations in farm prices caused by climate policies such as taxes on pollution or restrictions on land expansion, but it also underscores how little farmers actually earn.”
Examining the full food value chain to uncover climate policy impacts
To arrive at these conclusions, the team of scientists combined statistical and process-based modelling to assess food price components across 136 countries and 11 food groups. They studied prices of food both consumed at home and away from home. “Most models stop at farm costs, but we went all the way to the grocery store and even the restaurant or canteen,” says Chen.
By analysing the entire food value chain, the researchers also provide new insights into how greenhouse gas mitigation policies impact consumers: “Climate policies aimed at reducing emissions in agriculture often raise concerns about rising food prices, particularly for consumers. Our analysis shows that long supply chains of modern food systems buffer consumer prices from drastic increases, especially in wealthier countries,” explains Chen.
“Even under very ambitious climate policies with strong greenhouse gas pricing on farming activities the impact on consumer prices by the year 2050 would be far smaller in wealthier countries,” Bodirsky says.
Consumer food prices in richer countries would be 1.25 times higher with climate policies, even if producer prices are 2.73 times higher by 2050. In contrast, lower-income countries would see consumer food prices rise by a factor of 2.45 under ambitious climate policies by 2050, while producer prices would rise by a factor of 3.3. While even in lower-income countries consumer price rises are less pronounced than for farmers, it would still make it harder for people in lower-income countries to afford sufficient and healthy food.
Climate policies essential for safeguarding agriculture and food systems in the long run
Despite food price inflation, poor consumers do not necessarily need to suffer from climate mitigation policies. A previous study by PIK (Soergel et al 2021) showed that if revenues from carbon pricing were used to support low-income households, these households would be net better off despite food price inflation, due to their higher incomes.
“Climate policies might be challenging for consumers, farmers, and food producers in the short term, but they are essential for safeguarding agriculture and food systems in the long run,” says Hermann Lotze-Campen, Head of Research Department “Climate Resilience” at PIK and author of the study.
“Without ambitious climate policies and emission reductions, much larger impacts of unabated climate change, such as crop harvest failures and supply chain disruptions, are likely to drive food prices even higher. Climate policies should be designed to include mechanisms that help producers and consumers to transition smoothly, such as fair carbon pricing, financial support for vulnerable regions and population groups, and investments in sustainable farming practices,” notes Lotze-Campen.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), says the 150,000 barrels per day (bpd) Port Harcourt Refinery and Kaduna Refinery are undergoing a comprehensive overhaul, designed to meet world-class standards.
Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Mr. Mele Kyari
The company said the rehabilitation done at the 60,000 bpd Port Harcourt Refinery and Warri Refinery was not the typical Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) of the past, but a comprehensive overhaul, designed to meet global standards.
The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd., Olufemi Soneye, made the clarification in a statement on Thursday, January 2, 2025, while responding to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s comments on the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.
The former president had earlier expressed doubts about the operational status of the rehabilitated 60,000 bpd Port Harcourt refinery and Warri refinery.
Obasanjo had said that the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) advised against the Port Harcourt Refinery’s viability due to corruption, and alleged that the NNPC Ltd. misled Nigerians by claiming that its refineries are operational.
Reacting, Soneye said that a notable achievement of the NNPC Ltd. was the overhauling of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, while similar efforts were underway at the second Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries.
He said the NNPC Ltd was committed to enhance and maintain the refineries to global standards for sustainable operations.
Soneye, however, invited the former President to visit the rehabilitated refineries and witness firsthand the progress made under the leadership of NNPC Limited.
“We extend an invitation to our esteemed former president to join us in this historic journey.
“His wisdom and experience are invaluable, and we deeply appreciate his insights and guidance, which will always be welcomed and cherished.
“We hold President Olusegun Obasanjo in the highest regard as a respected statesman who has made significant contributions to the growth and progress of Nigeria.
“His dedication to national development and his right to speak on matters of national importance are both deeply respected,” he said.
Highlighting NNPC’s transformation, Soneye said that it had evolved into NNPC Limited, a private entity that transitioned from being a loss-making organisation to a profit-oriented global energy leader.
Under this new model, he said the NNPC Limited had expanded beyond oil and gas to become an integrated energy company.
“Our focus is not only on harnessing traditional resources but also on developing cleaner, cheaper, and sustainable energy solutions to meet Nigeria’s growing demands.
“This progress has been driven by the visionary leadership of the NNPC Limited board and the management team led by GCEO Mele Kyari, alongside President Bola Tinubu’s transformative policies in the energy sector,” he said.
The Project Coordination Office of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has expressed determination to complete a significant number of its projects in 2025.
Project Coordinator, Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey
Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, Project Coordinator of HYPREP, who made this pledge in a statement on Friday, January 5, 2025, in Abuja, said that the emerging projects would require robust community content and participation.
“Notably, a significant number of these projects will be completed for public use in 2025.
“The projects involve soil and groundwater remediation, shoreline clean-up and mangrove restoration.
“Others are constructing the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER), Ogoni Specialist Hospital, Buan Cottage Hospital, Ogoni Power Project, potable water schemes and various livelihood packages.’’
According to him, the HYPREP will also commence the socio-economic study of Ogoniland in 2025.
“The research will produce a robust blueprint for the post-cleanup socio-economic development of Ogoni.
“Similarly, a three-year comprehensive public health (human bio-monitoring) study of the Ogoni people will start by the second quarter.
“Thus, we are confident that these new projects will create additional jobs and enhance the capacity of Ogoni youth and women through well-thought-out recruitment training and hands-on learning.
“We shall also thoroughly characterise the high-risk, complex sites leading to remediation execution.
“Correspondingly, we will conduct a carbon stock assessment of mangrove restoration shorelines, commence the RAMSAR accreditation of Ogoni mangroves.’’
Zabbey said the project would also intensify the off-site research on the West African bloody cockle spat production and conduct field stocking trials to boost local livelihoods, among other earmarked projects and activities.
“Achieving the 2025 goals of the Ogoni clean-up requires strong visibility, linkages and partnership.
“We shall continue to communicate lessons learned, seek your input and process our data to knowledge products to advance the knowledge and practice of hydrocarbon remediation.’’
Zabbey commended the Federal Government’s commitment through HYPREP for creating opportunities for Ogoni youths.
The project coordinator said that a list of no fewer than 300 successful candidates (100 for PhD and 200 for Masters) for the Ogoni postgraduate scholarship had been released.
“2024 was quite eventful for us at the Project Coordination Office as we accelerated the Ogoni Cleanup in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda; consequently, we simultaneously implemented over 130 projects.
Zabbey commended Malam Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment and the Chairman of the Governing Council of HYPREP, for his support to the Ogoni community.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is a major road project aimed at connecting coastal cities in Nigeria’s south.
Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road
The highway will connect Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, and have three lanes in each direction.
The Federal Government officially announced the conception of the N15.6 trillion ($12.5 billion) project in March 2024, and construction began shortly after, with President Bola Tinubu officially flagging off the project.
According to Tinubu, the 700km road will revolutionise transport across Nigeria and boost tourism and economic growth.
The president gives the assurance that the project, to include a rail line, will be a landmark treasure while serving as a good precedent in timely provision of world-class infrastructure.
He emphasises the long-lasting impact of the project and its significance, saying that the project expected to be completed within eight years, symbolises a brighter future, fostering hope, unity and economic prosperity.
Tinubu is delighted that the highway will connect communities, create opportunities for millions of people and ultimately encourage bold actions essential for the nation’s progress.
The Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, is satisfied that the coastal highway will significantly reduce travel time and transport costs in the area.
He says its improved connectivity will boost trade, tourism and overall economic development.
Umahi is convinced that the project will generate numerous employment opportunities during construction and operation.
He expresses the commitment of the Federal Government to delivering the project to Nigerians in time, assuring that the 47km currently under construction will be completed by May 2025.
“The construction of the train track for section I is going to take off in 2025, and we believe strongly that the President is going to give Nigerians the road infrastructure that they have been yearning for.
“We are going to plant trees and, of course, we are going to also have some laybys.
“We can decide that, in every five kilometers, we have a layby where we connect all our CCTV cameras, and then, we have vehicles and security within the cabin there, so that the response time will be like 10 minutes,” he explains.
Umahi is confident in the ability of the contractor, HITECH Construction Company, to deliver the project as scheduled.
However, critics have raised some concerns about the project, including its potential to cause job losses, and alleged lack of transparency in the project’s planning and execution.
They also ask whether the project is a priority.
In spite of the criticisms, the landmark project has received support from stakeholders.
The National Assembly Joint Committee on Works says the highway is a work in progress, passing a vote of confidence in the minister of works.
The committee has pledged adequate support for the Federal Ministry of Works in the execution of the project, endorsing it as a legacy and praising Tinubu for its conception.
The Chairman, Nigeria Society of Engineers, Ikeja Branch, Mrs. Nimot Muili, believes that the project will boost economic growth by facilitating trade, commerce and investment.
According to her, it will also offer valuable learning opportunities for engineers at all levels.
Muili is delighted that the project is showcasing the importance of collaboration among engineers from different organisations in achieving significant infrastructure projects.
“The level of professionalism being displayed by all involved is really commendable.
“That means that Nigerian engineers are doing very well, and we can do better,’’ she argues.
On the use of concrete in the coastal highway construction, Mr Kunle Awobodu, a former President of the Nigerian Institute of Building, is satisfied.
According to him, concrete is more durable compared to asphalt, particularly in environments where water is a significant threat.
“Water is a major threat to asphalt roads while concrete is more resistant to its damaging effects.
“However, both concrete and asphalt roads require a solid base for proper support,” he argues.
Mr Olumide Adewebi, the immediate past Vice-President International, Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, affirms that concrete is more suitable for roads experiencing heavy traffic.
According to the surveyor, concrete will withstand wear and tear caused by numerous vehicles and prevent formation of potholes.
“I think that the fact that the minister of works is a seasoned engineer has a huge influence on this new direction of the Federal Government,” Adewebi says.
According to him, although concrete may have higher initial costs, savings in maintenance, reduced need for frequent repairs, and improved traffic flow will outweigh the costs.
He, however, emphasises the need to follow specifications and standard procedures during the construction to ensure quality.
The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, remarks that the contractor handling the coastal highway project has been diligent.
She is optimistic that the contractor will keep to the project’s design and meet the completion deadline.
According to her, the highway project is listed as a flagship project of the Tinubu administration due to its significant benefits.
Analysts urge diligence and transparency in the execution of the coastal highway project.
Senegal and Mauritania have reportedly achieved a historic milestone with the start of operations at the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) development. Project developers bp and Kosmos Energy, alongside Senegal’s national oil company (NOC) Petrosen and Mauritania’s NOC Societe Mauritanienne des Hydrocarbures (SMH), have officially opened the first well of the GTA project, signaling the start of technical operations and a new era of gas-driven development and energy security in West Africa.
The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) LNG project
While applauding the development, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) stated that Senegal and Mauritania’s NOCs and energy ministries have shown the value of public-private collaboration, demonstrating how strong partnerships, contracts and pro-investment policies can position African nations as global gas producers.
“We should give the governments of Senegal and Mauritania the credit they deserve; they have worked tirelessly to make sure the GTA project can succeed. With this achievement, Senegal and Mauritania are rapidly on their way to become international LNG exporters,” submitted the AEC.
The GTA development achieved first gas at 16:00 on December 31, 2024. The project will produce gas from reservoirs located 120 kilometres offshore in 2,850 metres of water, through a four-well subsea system tied back to the FPSO which will process the well fluids. Liquids will be offloaded to shuttle tankers, while gas will be transported by pipeline from the FPSO to a 2.5 million tons per annum (mtpa) FLNG vessel, moored behind a dedicated concrete breakwater.
This structure will protect the FLNG vessel plus various accommodation and utility platforms, together known as the GTA hub terminal. The project developers aim to establish an offshore production complex, with development wells connected to an FPSO vessel, as well as the FLNG ship and the structures that will support it. That complex is already more than 75% complete and, by this time next year, it will be nearly ready to start operating.
With 425 billion cubic meters (bcm), the GTA block is a large-scale deposit. With a production capacity of 2.5 mtpa in the first phase and 5 mtpa in the second phase – dependent on whether the project developers decide to double the FLNG infrastructure capacity -, the project offers a crucial new supply for European consumers and a strategic revenue source for Senegal and Mauritania.
While the project won’t necessarily be filling the gap left by Russia – after export and regasification, the first phase of GTA will export the equivalent of 3.69 bcm – it will play a strategic part in diversifying global supply chains and driving sustainable economic growth in Senegal and Mauritania. While the project’s first phase prioritises exports, the second phase features a strong local gas component for both nations.
Looking ahead, the start of production at GTA is poised to not only reinforce West Africa’s potential as an oil and gas hub in West Africa but attract a fresh slate of players to capitalise on growth opportunities in the region. This will be further supported by Senegal and Mauritania’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for foreign investment. Both countries have made significant strides in recent years to prioritise the sanctity of contracts, reform their regulatory and legal frameworks while enticing local participation and cross-border commerce.
Senegal has made a point of updating its 1998 Petroleum Code, to take the discovery of GTA and other large offshore fields into account. Mauritania, meanwhile, has set goals of remaining as open as possible to foreign investment and cooperating closely with international financial institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. The country is involved in an ongoing process of reform and it’s ready to work with the rest of the world to make the most of its energy resources.
These efforts will culminate in greater capital and technology injection across the market and the respective governments of Senegal and Mauritania should be commended for their commitment to future projects and opportunities, noted the AEC.
It added that, to maintain the pace of oil and gas development, the countries should further protect the sanctity of contracts, providing foreign investors with transparency, security and clarity.
“Projects such as GTA highlight the scale of opportunity that Africa’s gas market offers investors. The project shows that gas is truly good for Africa and will play a major part in accelerating energy security, boosting industrialisation and transforming Africa’s economies. Credit must be given where credit is due. Africans should be proud of bp, Kosmos Energy, Petrosen and SMH.
“The Senegalese government, Mauritanian government, their NOCs and international partners have been instrumental in the development of the GTA project and will continue to be key in driving the success of this and the many gas developments expected to follow,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.
Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, but for many, it often feels like a distant and insurmountable problem. While discussions about climate change are crucial for raising awareness, action must follow words.
Dr Michael Terungwa David
So, what can you do beyond just talking about climate change? Here are five practical and impactful steps you can take to make a difference this year 2025.
Firstly, Adopt a Sustainable Lifestyle. Your everyday choices matter, by making small adjustments to your daily habits, you can reduce your carbon footprint. For example, turn off lights and unplug devices when not in use. Switch to energy-efficient appliances and LED bulbs.
Limit Water Waste; Fix leaks, use water-saving fixtures, and collect rainwater for non-potable uses. Reduce emissions by walking, biking, or using public transit whenever possible.
Secondly, Rethink Your Consumption Habits. Consumerism drives resource depletion and emissions. Adopting sustainable consumption practices can help combat climate change. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and minimise waste by repairing items, buying second-hand, and recycling. Support Sustainable Brands and choose companies that prioritise eco-friendly practices and materials.
Thirdly, Engage in Climate-Smart Actions at Home. Your home is an excellent place to start contributing to a greener future. Harness renewable energy to power your home-Install Solar Panels. Plant trees and vegetables to promote biodiversity and absorb carbon dioxide additionally you can collect and use rainwater for your garden and other needs.
Additionally, Advocate and Participate in Local Climate Initiatives at the community level, this has far-reaching impacts. Join an environmental group and participate in local actions such as cleanups, tree planting drives, and conservation efforts.
Push for Local Policies and advocate for sustainable urban planning, renewable energy initiatives, and better waste management. Very importantly, educate Others, organise workshops or discussions to share knowledge and motivate collective action.
A key consideration is the for Demand Systemic Change. While individual efforts are vital, systemic change is critical for long-term impact. It is important to Vote for Climate-Conscious Leaders and support for policymakers committed to enacting climate-friendly policies.
Equally important is to hold Government and Corporations Accountable: You should demand transparency and responsibility from the Government and businesses about their environmental practices and Join movements pressuring governments and corporations to take stronger climate action.
Equally important is Support for Climate Education. Knowledge is a powerful tool for change, therefore Educate Yourself and Stay informed about climate science, policies, and solutions. Also, support Climate Education in Schools.
In conclusion, talking about climate change is a starting point, but actions speak louder than words. Whether it’s through lifestyle changes, community engagement, or advocacy for systemic change, everyone has a role to play.
The fight against climate change demands collective effort, and by taking action today, you can contribute to a sustainable future.
The European Serengeti, the large herbivore reserve, has made an important step towards its zero-emission functioning with the adoption of an electric vehicle designed for work in tough off-road conditions. The vehicle began serving the conservationists on Monday, December 30, 2024, to take care of vast expanses of naturally valuable territory, to maintain it and to conduct regular inspections.
European wildlife electric car
“The advantage of an electric vehicle is its quiet operation, which does not disturb animals, and mainly its zero emissions. So, the normal running of the reserve will not entail greenhouse gas emissions and smog polluting the air,” said Dalibor Dostal, director of the conservation organisation European Wildlife, which founded the large ungulate reserve in Milovice in cooperation with scientists in 2015.
“This year, climate change also showed its destructive force in Europe, where devastating floods in Valencia, Spain, claimed hundreds of human lives. That’s why all of us should strive to do more in order to mitigate the impacts of climate change. And conservation organisations, just as public institutions not only from the sphere of nature conservation, should set an example,” added Dostal.
European Wildlife has reduced local emissions related to the normal operation of the reserve to zero during this year. Pumping water into the oldest watering place, which had been performed by a diesel genset until recently, has been replaced by electrification involving the laying of an underground cable. In terms of technology, the reserve has changed over to battery-powered tools, including brush cutters. The transition to zero-emission normal operation has now been completed by the deployment of the electric vehicle for daily operation in the reserve.
“We don’t plan to buy any more ICE vehicles or equipment other than zero-emission equipment in the future, either,” noted Dostal.
The reserve also wants to change over to zero-emission operation with respect to short-term, one-off activities such as excursions for visitors in an off-road vehicle or the work of an excavator when cleaning up the reserve or removing expansive shrubs.
“We’re currently verifying the possibility of converting the vehicle for excursions or catching animals into an electrically driven vehicle. At this year’s e-salon trade fair, we also examined the possibilities of manufacturers to deliver an electrically driven excavator,” added Dalibor Dostal.
No smog in the reserve is essential for local biodiversity. The problem is that emissions from internal combustion engines increase the nitrogen content of the soil, which results in weeds growing and rare flowers being suppressed.
The conservation organisation chose the electric vehicle for off-road work, i.e. a vehicle in the UTV category, based on a tender. The technical requirements were best fulfilled by a Polaris Ranger Kinetic battery vehicle.
Propelled by the economic relief provided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s crude-for-naira swap initiative, two prominent players in Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas sector – Ardova Plc and Heyden Petroleum – have entered into a bulk purchase agreement with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
Dangote Refinery gate
This strategic move is designed to ensure a steady supply of petroleum products at affordable prices, further stabilising the nation’s fuel market and enhancing energy security for consumers.
This development follows the example set by MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, which had previously entered into a similar agreement with Dangote Refinery. As a result, MRS Oil recently lowered its fuel prices to N935 per litre across all its stations nationwide, addressing the long-standing issue of price disparities between states. Furthermore, MRS Oil’s stock surged to a new 52-week high last Friday, as investors became increasingly optimistic about the company’s future earnings prospects.
Reports indicate that the bulk purchase agreement with Dangote Petroleum Refinery will enable both Ardova and Heyden to secure a reliable and consistent supply of petroleum products from the world’s largest single-train refinery, ensuring a stable supply of fuel at competitive prices, benefiting consumers across the country.
The arrangement ensures that Ardova and Heyden will have access to a full range of refined products, thereby securing their operations with a reliable supply chain.
A statement from Ardova Plc underscored the importance of this agreement in fostering a more competitive environment within Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas sector.
Ardova has been a key off-taker from the Dangote Refinery since its inception, but this new framework is expected to formalise and strengthen the partnership between the two companies, creating long-term benefits for both parties.
“This framework will see Ardova Plc offtake a full slate of petroleum products from the refinery. While Ardova Plc has been a significant off-taker from the refinery since its inception, this new framework will institutionalise a more robust relationship between the two companies to further enhance the emerging competitive landscape in the downstream oil and gas industry in the country,” noted the statement.
The partnership with Dangote Refinery is poised to have a transformative impact on Nigeria’s oil and gas market. By ensuring a stable and affordable supply of fuel products in the over 1,000 retail outlets of the two companies, the agreement will help to alleviate the recurring issue of fuel scarcity that has long plagued Nigeria.
The Dangote Refinery, which began production in 2024, has already played a pivotal role in addressing these challenges. Its large-scale operations have helped alleviate the supply pressures that often lead to price hikes and fuel shortages.
During the festive season, Nigerians enjoyed a relatively smooth period, with stable fuel availability and no significant price increases at the pump. Unlike previous years, when the country faced fuel shortages and arbitrary price hikes during peak periods, the Dangote Refinery has significantly contributed to stabilising the market and maintaining price consistency.
Forests play a vital role in sustaining ecosystems, supporting livelihoods, and combating climate change.
Members of the Association for Forest Conservation and Green Industrial Charcoal Merchants (FCGICM) (left) during a visit to the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal
However, their economic and security significance is often underappreciated.
Globally, the forestry sector is a major economic contributor.
It employs over 33 million people worldwide and generates huge revenue through industries such as timber, paper, and pharmaceuticals.
In the US, agroforestry has created 49,500 jobs per 1.8 billion dollars invested.
Similarly, Scotland’s forestry sector generates 1.1 billion pounds yearly and provides 34,000 jobs, revealing the economic potential of well-managed forests.
In Nigeria, forests play a vital role in rural economies, offering livelihoods and essential ecosystem services.
However, rapid deforestation and poor management are undermining these benefits, jeopardising biodiversity and socio-economic stability.
The Forestry Association of Nigeria has expressed concerns about converting forests for other purposes, warning that it could deplete vital resources.
Beyond their economic value, forests are also crucial for national security.
In Nigeria, poorly managed forests have become hideouts for criminal groups, such as bandits and insurgents, exacerbating insecurity, particularly in rural areas.
Recent research indicates that the dense cover and remoteness of forests make them ideal locations for criminal activities.
To this end, Nigeria’s Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, supported by the World Bank, aims to combat land degradation and build climate resilience in northern Nigeria.
This initiative is particularly crucial, as land degradation is exacerbating security challenges in the region.
In Nigeria, forests represent a vast untapped resource that could help address key national security challenges.
The Nigerian government, in collaboration with international organisations and local experts, is leading efforts to transform forests into dynamic economic hubs.
This initiative seeks to align economic development with environmental sustainability, thereby benefiting both the nation’s economy and security.
Malam Balarabe Lawal, Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, recently presented these plans during a meeting with a World Bank delegation.
He stressed that “turning forests into economic hubs will not only prevent the activities of bandits, but also stimulate development through infrastructure and resource utilisation”.
This initiative, he said, is part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to combat insecurity and environmental degradation.
Lawal stated that World Bank support would help the government sustain and expand the country’s forests, which are vital for mitigating both environmental and security risks.
In addition to government efforts, the involvement of the private sector is crucial.
The Ministry plans to establish a task force to encourage private ownership of forests.
This initiative will boost private sector participation, generate revenue, and expand Nigeria’s forest cover.
During a recent courtesy visit by the Association for Forest Conservation and Green Industrial Charcoal Merchants (FCGICM), Lawal revealed that the task force would include members from key departments and agencies.
These include the Forestry Department, the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), the ACReSAL project, and the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN).
The task force will also include the Wood Exporters Association (WEA).
Lawal expressed the urgency of addressing the challenges facing Nigeria’s forests.
“There is a need to create awareness and encourage private forest ownership, which will not only increase our GDP but also help expand our forest cover to at least 25 per cent, in line with global standards”.
He also acknowledged the reliance of many Nigerian communities on forests and emphasised the need to explore alternative sources of charcoal to prevent further deforestation.
The Ministry is actively working on innovations to support the National Clean Cooking Policy, which aims to reduce the environmental impact of cooking fuel.
Similarly, Mrs Florence Idowu, FCGICM president, noted that the association is working towards obtaining Nigeria’s Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification.
She also highlighted efforts to ensure compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EURD).
She stressed that certification is crucial to ensure adherence to global standards and help curb deforestation, especially concerning exports to European and American markets.
Furthermore, Nigeria’s international collaborations are enhancing its forest transformation agenda.
At the UN Convention to Combat Desertification Conference (COP16) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria and India agreed to collaborate on tackling desertification, drought, and land degradation.
This partnership underscores the importance of global cooperation in addressing environmental challenges.
In November 2024, Nigeria further cemented its commitment to sustainable environmental practices by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China during COP29.
This agreement focuses on adopting innovative solutions, promoting mutual cooperation, and accelerating climate action.
These collaborations highlight the significance of South-South cooperation in achieving sustainable development goals.
While experts recognise the vast economic potential of forests, they also warn against indiscriminate deforestation for development projects.
A recent report by a media research group revealed concerns about the conversion of conservation areas into luxury estates, which could exacerbate environmental degradation.
The Forestry Association of Nigeria has called for policies that balanced development and conservation, advocating for sustainable practices that ensured long-term ecological and economic benefits.
Similarly, Academics and environmentalists emphasised the importance of Sustainable Forest Management (SFM).
This approach, they argued, balanced the demand for forest products with the need to preserve ecosystem health and biodiversity.
Dr Chukwuma Okoli, a political scientist at the Federal University of Lafia, argued that transforming forested areas into economic hubs could have mitigated security threats.
He suggested that this approach would provide alternative livelihoods and reduce dependence on criminal activities.
Prof. Emmanuel Oladipo, an environmental scientist at the University of Ibadan, revealed the shift in public concern from timber extraction to the preservation of biodiversity and wildlife.
He also advocated for community-based forest management which empowered local communities to take ownership of their forests while providing economic incentives.
In spite of the benefits, several challenges remain, including illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and population growth, which continue to drive deforestation.
Additionally, a lack of accurate data on forest resources hampers effective planning and policy implementation.
To address these issues, experts recommend strengthening law enforcement, promoting alternative livelihoods, and improving data collection and monitoring systems.
In conclusion, transforming Nigeria’s forests into economic hubs offers a promising path to enhancing both national security and economic development.
By leveraging academic insights, implementing sustainable forest management practices, and fostering international partnerships, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its forests.
The long-term benefits of this transformation include reduced insecurity, improved biodiversity, and sustainable livelihoods for millions of Nigerians.
Stakeholders say integrating sustainable practices with economic development, Nigeria can set a global example for using forests to tackle both environmental and security challenges.
