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NCDMB oil, gas parks near completion, set for 2026 inauguration – Official

Michael Simire
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NCDMB oil, gas parks near completion, set for 2026 inauguration – Official

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) says its Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme (NOGAPS), established to boost local manufacturing through shared infrastructure and embedded power solutions, will be inaugurated in 2026.

Dr Abdulmalik Halilu, Director, Corporate Services, NCDMB, disclosed this on Monday, December 15, 2025, in Abuja while presenting an overview of the Board’s mandate and achievements at a capacity building workshop for media.

NCDMB established the NOGAPS with the primary aim of domiciling and domesticating oil and gas activities in-country by facilitating local manufacturing.

Felix Ogbe
Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Ogbe

The scheme is a key part of the NCDMB’s 10-year Strategic Roadmap to increase Nigerian content in the industry to 70 per cent by 2027.

Halilu said eight oil and gas industrial parks, covering Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Imo, Delta, Ondo, Abia, and Edo states were being established.

“NOGAPS in Bayelsa and Cross River states are at 90 per cent completion and due for commissioning in 2026,’’ he said

Halilu said the parks would provide infrastructure and services plots for manufacturing outfits, adding that its local content policy had evolved into a powerful tool for industrialisation, job creation and sustainable economic growth in the sector.

He said local content was designed to stop capital flight and reposition the oil and gas industry as a catalyst for national development.

According to him, exporting oil and gas services outside Nigeria amounted to exporting jobs, capital and industrialisation opportunities, a situation the Federal Government deliberately moved to reverse through local content policies.

He said the success of early local content initiatives led to the enactment of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, which institutionalised the policy and insulated it from political changes.

“The philosophy of local content is simple: what can be competitively produced in Nigeria should be produced in Nigeria, without compromising standards, pricing or project timelines,” Abdulmalik said.

He explained that the NOGICD Act assigns NCDMB two core responsibilities, namely building indigenous capacity and enforcing compliance with the Act, which contains schedules and nearly 300 performance targets.

Highlighting achievements, he cited the Nigeria LNG Train 7 project as a major success story, with over 93 per cent Nigerian workforce participation, engagement of 1,400 vendors, and significant domiciliation of fabrication, engineering and manufacturing activities.

He said capacities developed for oil and gas projects now served other sectors such as power and construction, reinforcing the sector’s multiplier effect on the economy.

On financing, he said NCDMB had deployed funds from the Nigerian Content Development Fund through intervention programmes, including single-digit interest loans for indigenous companies, asset acquisition financing and working capital support introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abdulmalik also said that NCDMB had fully automated its processes, eliminating physical visits for certifications and approvals, and placing the Board among Nigeria’s top-performing agencies on ease of doing business rankings.

Earlier, Dr Obinna Ezeobi, General Manager, Corporate Communications, NCDMB, reaffirmed its commitment to sustained engagement with the media and continuous capacity building for journalists covering the oil and gas sector.

Describing the event as a long-standing tradition which began since 2018, Ezeobi said it aimed at providing an opportunity for NCDMB to deepen relationships with the media and enhance professional competence.

He said effective communication had played a critical role in projecting Nigerian content achievements over the years, adding that the media had been instrumental in shaping public understanding of the impact of the Nigerian NOGICD Act.

According to him, the Board deliberately focuses on improving the capacity of journalists, recognising the media’s agenda-setting role and its high level of interest and influence as a key stakeholder in the oil and gas industry.

He assured media practitioners of the Board’s commitment to continuous engagement across regions where its activities have significant impact, adding that informed reporting remains critical to deepening Nigerian content development and national economic growth.

By Emmanuella Anokam

NMDPRA boss: Dangote petitions ICPC, CSO, ActionAid seek probe

Michael Simire
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NMDPRA boss: Dangote petitions ICPC, CSO, ActionAid seek probe

The Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related offences Commission (ICPC) against Ahmed Farouk, Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The petition, dated Dec 16, 2025, was received by the office of Dr Musa Aliyu, SAN, the Chairman Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Tuesday in Abuja.

Dangote, in the petition, submitted through his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, SAN, called on the ICPC to arrest, investigate and prosecute the NMDPRA boss for allegedly living far beyond his legitimate means as a public servant.

Farouk Ahmed
Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA, Mr. Farouk Ahmed

The oil magnate in his petition accused Farouk of spending more than $7 million on the education of his four children in Switzerland.

He alleged that Farouk paid upfront for a six-month period, without any lawful source of income to justify such expenditure.

Dangote, in the petition, named the four children and the Swiss schools they attend, the amount paid for each of them, to enable the ICPC to verify the claims.

He further alleged that Farouk used the instrumentality of the NMDPRA to embezzle and divert public funds for personal gain and private interests.

He claimed the actions had fuelled public outrage and recent protests by various groups.

According to him, Farouk has spent his entire adult working life in the Nigerian public sector and could not, based on his legitimate earnings over the years, have accumulated funds close to the alleged seven million dollars used to finance his children’s education abroad.

“It is without doubt that the above facts in relation to abuse of office, breach of the Code of Conduct for public officers, corrupt enrichment and embezzlement are gross acts of corrupt practices for which your Commission is statutorily empowered under Section 19 of the ICPC Act to investigate and prosecute,” Dangote said.

He added that upon successful prosecution under the same provision of the law, the offence attracts a prison term of five years without an option of a fine

Dangote, during a press briefing in Lagos on Sunday, made some allegations against the NMDPRA boss, where he spoke on regulatory failures and alleged corruption in the downstream petroleum sector.

He stated that the allegations, if left unanswered, would continue to undermine public trust and investor confidence.

In June 2025, similar allegations were raised against Farouk by a group of protesters in Abuja, who marched to the office of the Attorney General of the Federation, Code of Conduct Bureau and ICPC, demanding his immediate resignation, alleging that he had turned his office into a personal estate.

The NMDPRA, however, debunked all the allegations, describing them as an orchestrated smear campaign based on false claims against the Chief Executive Officer and his leadership.

Meanwhile, the Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) a civil society organisation (CSO), has called on Nigeria’s anti-graft agencies to investigate alleged unexplained wealth involving Mr. Ahmed.

President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, in a viral media report accused Ahmed of living above his income.

He alleged that Ahmed paid five million dollars in school fees for his children studying abroad.

Dangote is a major player in Nigeria’s lucrative oil industry with his Dangote refinery producing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also known as fuel for local consumption and export.

He claims that by issuing fresh fuel import licences, NMDPRA, the regulator, was undermining local crude oil refiners such as his firm.

Mr. Nelson Nwafor, Executive Director, FENRAD, in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, said it was imperative for Ahmed to be investigated.

He said the allegations, though unproven, raised serious public interest concerns that require urgent scrutiny.

According to Nwafor, the allegations are too weighty to be ignored by anti-corruption agencies.

He, however, acknowledged that Ahmed remained innocent until proven otherwise.

Nwafor, therefore, urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), among others to step into the matter.

He said the allegation should also be of interest to the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal.

Meanwhile, the National Coordinator of the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CFTPI), Ibrahim Bello, has dismissed the allegations.

He said: “Our findings clearly show that Mr Farouk Ahmed has not engaged in any corrupt practice

“Rather, he has been repositioning the downstream sector to promote fairness, competition and efficiency, while ensuring that no single entity monopolises the industry to the detriment of Nigerians,” media quoted him as saying.

Similarly, ActionAid Nigeria has requested presidential engagement and an independent public review regarding allegations involving Ahmed, reinforcing accountability and transparency.

Dr Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, presented the appeal in a statement released in Abuja, emphasising institutional integrity, citizen trust, and timely responses that strengthen democratic governance nationwide.

Mamedu referenced media reports alleging education expenses for four children, noting the claims remained unproven, while encouraging calm, lawful scrutiny that upheld due process, fairness, and respect for all parties involved.

Mamedu urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to begin an immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation, with findings publicly disclosed.

ActionAid Nigeria commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote for responsibly raising concerns, highlighting the positive civic value of speaking up, and encouraging citizens, professionals, and businesses to report suspected wrongdoing in good faith.

He emphasised protecting whistleblowers, describing them as essential partners in safeguarding public resources, strengthening accountability systems, and fostering a culture where ethical conduct was rewarded and corruption was consistently discouraged nationwide.

Mamedu observed that the allegations invited broader reflection on governance, promoting reforms that encouraged modest leadership, verifiable incomes, and responsible stewardship, helping reduce inequality and expand opportunities for all Nigerians nationwide.

He highlighted petroleum supply concerns, supporting investment in functional local refineries to achieve fair pricing, energy security, and reduced import dependence, ensuring vulnerable Nigerians benefited from competitive, and transparent market practices.

ActionAid noted that ending impunity would strengthen democracy, restore trust in institutions, and reaffirm public service as a platform for national development, professionalism, and inclusive growth rather than personal enrichment nationwide.

The organisation encouraged prompt clarification from the official concerned, alongside strengthened asset declarations, verification, and public access, empowering citizens, legislators, and oversight bodies to collaboratively advance transparency and accountable governance nationwide.

ActionAid called on Nigerians to actively monitor public resources, engage institutions constructively, report concerns responsibly, and sustain collective demand for accountability, fairness, and effective service delivery across all levels of government.

By Isaac Aregbesola, Justina Auta and Perpetua Onuegbu

EIA vital to sustainable development, says Don

Michael Simire
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EIA vital to sustainable development, says Don

An academic, Prof. Ijeoma Vincent-Akpu, says effective Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) remains fundamental to sustainable development, environmental protection and good governance in Nigeria.

Vincent-Akpu, immediate past Association for Environmental Impact Assessment of Nigeria (AEIAN) president, spoke in an interview on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in Lagos.

She spoke after receiving AEIAN’s Distinguished Service Award for her contributions to the association’s growth and institutional strengthening.

Prof. Ijeoma Vincent-Akpu
Prof. Ijeoma Vincent-Akpu

Expressing gratitude, she described the award as humbling and encouraging.

“I am grateful and deeply humbled by this recognition. I thank God that the association remembered our work and deemed it fit to honour me,” she said.

She said the association was now in capable hands and would continue to grow stronger.

“I believe AEIAN is in a better place and will continue to go from strength to strength,” Vincent-Akpu said.

Speaking on EIA practice, she stressed stronger collaboration between government and professional bodies.

She said sustainability and environmental protection depended largely on proper and effective impact assessments.

“Governments must collaborate with professionals because sustainability, good governance and environmental protection are anchored on proper EIA,” she said.

Vincent-Akpu noted government efforts to strengthen frameworks, including collaboration with the World Bank on procurement and EIA training programmes.

She expressed optimism that the initiatives would improve standards in the long run.

However, she raised concerns over recurring controversies surrounding major infrastructure projects.

She said citizens often questioned whether proper needs assessments and EIAs preceded project approvals.

Vincent-Akpu lamented that EIA was sometimes treated merely as a bureaucratic requirement.

“Many people see EIA only as a means to obtain permits or funding. In reality, EIA guides proper project design, benefiting proponents, government and the environment,” she said.

She attributed poor EIAs to reluctance by public and private proponents to commit resources.

“Unfortunately, even governments sometimes find it difficult to invest in proper EIAs. This impunity is obvious in our environment,” she said.

She said public advocacy could compel adjustments, but EIAs were often conducted late or inadequately.

Advising engineers and contractors, Vincent-Akpu urged prioritisation of environmental protection and sustainability.

“EIA does not stop development; it ensures development benefits the people, protects the environment and safeguards the future,” she said.

She said proper EIAs help developers reduce costs, avoid penalties and improve project design.

“EIA protects the environment, the developer and the government. Everyone benefits,” she said.

Vincent-Akpu said sustainability required pursuing environmental, social and economic goals simultaneously.

“If one is pursued at the expense of others, everyone loses. When all three work together, society benefits,” she said.

By Fabian Ekeruche

World leaders adopt historic global declaration on NCDs, mental health

Michael Simire
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World leaders adopt historic global declaration on NCDs, mental health

Leaders from across the world at the Eightieth United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) have adopted the political declaration to combat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health challenges through a fully integrated approach.

This is the outcome of the intergovernmental negotiations in advance of and considered by the fourth high-level meeting of the UNGA on the prevention and control of NCDs and the promotion of mental health and well-being, held on September 25, 2025.

Titled “Equity and integration: transforming lives and livelihoods through leadership and action on noncommunicable diseases and the promotion of mental health and well-being”, the political declaration is the first such declaration addressing NCDs and mental health together and marks a unique opportunity to accelerate global progress with a set of specific global targets for 2030. 

Tedros Ghebreyesus
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organisation (WHO)

his step is expected to usher in a new era in addressing some of the world’s most pressing health challenges – affecting people of all ages and income levels across the globe.

Today’s leading causes of death – NCDs – claim 18 million lives prematurely each year, while mental health conditions affect over a billion people globally. NCDs are often driven by preventable risk factors such as unhealthy diets, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and air pollution – many of which also negatively impact mental health.

Both NCDs and mental health conditions are increasing in every country, affecting every community. That makes them urgent issues not only for public health, but also for productivity and sustainable economic growth.

A new era with measurable targets

Marking a significant evolution from previous commitments, the new political declaration establishes three first-ever global “fast-track” outcome targets to be achieved by 2030:

  • 150 million fewer tobacco users;
  • 150 million more people with hypertension under control; and
  • 150 million more people with access to mental health care.

To ensure countries can reach these goals, the declaration also sets ambitious, measurable process targets for national systems by 2030, including:

  • At least 80% of countries with policy, legislative, regulatory and fiscal measures in place;
  • At least 80% of primary health care facilities with access to affordable, WHO-recommended essential medicines and basic technologies for NCDs and mental health;
  • At least 60% of countries implementing financial protection policies or measures that cover or limit the cost of essential NCD and mental health services;
  • At least 80% of countries with operational, multisectoral national plans for NCDs and mental health; and
  • At least 80% of countries with robust surveillance and monitoring systems for NCDs and mental health.

“The adoption of these bold targets to control noncommunicable diseases and promote mental health is a testament to the commitment of Member States to protect the health of their people,” said WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Together, we can change the trajectory of NCDs and mental health, and deliver health, well-being and opportunity for all.”

The most far-reaching declaration yet for scope and commitments

This political declaration is the most comprehensive to date, integrating lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and responding to new global challenges. Its unprecedented scope includes many pressing issues addressed for the first time, such as:

  • Broader NCD areas: oral health, lung health, childhood cancer, liver disease, kidney disease, and rare diseases;
  • Expanded environmental determinants: air pollution, clean cooking, lead exposure, and hazardous chemicals;
  • Evolving risk of digital harms: social media exposure, excessive screen time, harmful content, and the risks of mis- and disinformation.

The political declaration reflects a sharper regulatory focus on e-cigarettes, novel tobacco products, unhealthy food marketing to children, front-of-pack labeling, and the elimination of trans fats. Its commitments are grounded in a strong equity argument, including the expertise and the needs of people living with NCDs and mental health conditions, climate-vulnerable populations, Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and those in humanitarian settings.

Financing and a whole-of-society approach in a challenging landscape

Acknowledging strained economic conditions that threaten health financing worldwide, the declaration features stronger financing language than its predecessors by urging countries to secure adequate, predictable and sustained funding through increased domestic financing, strengthened international partnerships, and coordinated multilateral frameworks.

The political declaration firmly positions NCDs and mental health as not merely health concerns, but as central pillars for achieving sustainable development and social justice. It underscores that solutions require a “whole-of-government” and “whole-of-society” approach, engaging civil society, partners, youth, persons with disabilities, and people with lived experience.

Looking ahead: a framework for accountability

This declaration builds on and strengthens the three previous declarations and charts a new course of action toward a healthier, more equitable and prosperous future. The text confirms the need to ensure accountability mechanisms that can demonstrate and sustain impact.

The UN Secretary-General will report on progress towards these targets by 2030, ahead of the next High-Level Meeting. WHO, along with UN agencies, will support Member States in translating these historic commitments into national action, ensuring accountability from now until 2030 and beyond.

Dan Agbese: A boss and a friend, by Dotun Oladipo

Michael Simire
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Dan Agbese: A boss and a friend, by Dotun Oladipo

There are two things I avoid when people I adore die: I don’t write tributes, and I avoid their burial. Twice in the last few years I have broken the second one: Attended their burials. The first was for my father-in-law, Alhaji Suleiman Yusuf, who is better known as Salam Salam. The second was that of my brother-in-law, Justice Adegboye Gbolagunte, who I affectionately call Chief Justice (CJ). But I never wrote even a single line about them. Because I really didn’t know where to start from.

Now that my greatest mentor in journalism, who I describe as a boss and a friend, Dan Agbese, is gone, I am being forced to break both the first and the second. My dilemma in breaking the first of the things I avoid now is: Where do I start from? Not when just a few days before Oga Dan died I still spoke affectionately about the four Directors of Newswatch magazine who shaped my journalism career: Ray Ekpu, Yakubu Mohammed, Soji Akinrinade, and Agbese.

Dan Agbese
Dan Agbese

Without them, I am not sure I would have had such a solid foundation in journalism.

But I must confess that Oga Dan did more than the others did. And that was because at the time I returned to Newswatch after my youth service, he was overseeing the Back of the Book section of the magazine. And I was more or less the Sports Editor after the death of Kayode Olaokun, who encouraged me to chase Taiwo Yusuf, who is now Taiwo Oladipo.

Beyond my beat on the Sports Desk, I was also looking into World News and the Security Desk, where Janet Afolabi, the CNN award winning journalist, who is now the Olori (Queen) of Apomu in Osun State, was firmly in charge.

I learnt so many things from Oga Dan in the years I spent in Newswatch. One was humility. He carries his bag, newspapers, and other stuff he brings to the office himself. It is only when it seems too much that you will see his driver or office assistant assist him. For other staff, it was a no, no. I took that from him.

And in terms of the real work itself, he has a way of pushing you beyond what you assumed was your limit. I remember my first Cover Story for Newswatch. It was a Sports story. And that was the week Olaokun died. The gangling (that’s what Oga Dan called him) Olaokun had all the materials we had gathered for the Cover with him and was on his way to the office on a Monday morning to defend the story at the Editorial Board meeting when he was knocked down by a motorcyclist riding one-way.

After we discovered what happened on a Tuesday, with production scheduled for Thursday, the burden to write the Cover fell on me. How I recovered from the shock of Olaokun’s death to write that story was the effort of Oga Dan who calmed me down. In fact, when Olaokun’s family opted to bury him before we concluded production that week, the Directors of Newswatch prevailed on them to hold on until the Friday of that week, providing the vehicle for the transportation of the corpse.

From then on, we forged a bond that remained unbroken. I still remember the Cover I anchored on late Chief Bola Ige as the Minister of Power when he failed to fulfil his promise of providing 24 hours power supply to Nigerians within six months or a maximum of one year in office. We waited for it to be one year before we took him on. It was the last I did before leaving. The Editorial Board had decided on an entirely different Cover, which some of us the young reporters felt was not going to do well in the market. I led a protest team to his office. I expressed our reservations on the proposed Cover. He asked one question: Why are you convinced of the choice of this Cover? I marshalled the points. Then he told me: If you are going to anchor it, then it will go as Cover. And it did.

With Oga Dan, scolding in abrasive manners is completely out of it. You will only get what we called then: Love letter. I recall a trip I took to Abuja for a Cover. By the time I got to Abuja, I had taken ill. I did a very bad job with the Cover. And I got a Love Letter. But that Lover Letter is not for when you don’t do well alone. When you perform well, you get it also. I remember his cursive writing on his office memo pad. I still have a couple of them in my folder.

Compassion is at the top of his good qualities. On the badly written Cover when I traveled to Abuja, as soon as I returned and he saw me, he apologised for the Love Letter seeing that I looked ill. To the company clinic he sent me.

He also suffers nothing, including his personal resources, when it comes to getting stories out. His nose for stories is unquantifiable. I remembered as the Defence Correspondent when I had to go to Liberia when our troops were enforcing peace in that country. A day before we were to depart, the Accounts Department did not make provisions for the trip. He saw me in the office and asked what I was still doing around. I said no money. He took me to his office, scribbled his house address on his memo pad and dispatched me to meet his wife for what he described as little: $200. That was how I made the trip. He dipped his hands into his pocket on other occasions too.

Indeed, we were so close that I couldn’t tell him the truth when I was leaving for PUNCH. Though when I initially resigned, it was to do something else outside of journalism, but by the time he called me, Azu Ishiekewe had ensured I couldn’t run away from the job he offered me on the Saturday Desk of PUNCH. So when he called me to ask what my plan was, I told him: I wanted to go manage the companies my father, who died a few weeks before I turned in my resignation letter, left behind. Indeed, the late Commissioner of Police, CP David Ayodeji Sunday Oladipo, left three companies for me and my older ones to manage: Three boys who were still in school.

After I left Newswatch, I kept in touch with him and others. We still meet in places he delivered lectures, at functions of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), and others. And the meeting had always been warm.

For the relationship we shared, I am going to break my second avoidance when closely loved ones die: I will be at his funeral.

A good man has gone. A mentor of mentors. A columnist who couldn’t be ignored. And a news man per excellence. He packed all and more. He was a man that couldn’t be ignored.

Rest in peace, Sir.

Oladipo is the Managing Editor and CEO of Premium Eagle Media Limited, owners of The Eagle Online and The Eagle Online Nigeria YouTube channel

Lagos to partner builders on physical planning law enforcement

Michael Simire
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Lagos to partner builders on physical planning law enforcement

The Lagos State Government has indicated its readiness to partner with the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Lagos State Chapter, to strengthen physical planning processes and ensure orderly, safe, and sustainable development across the State.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, disclosed this while receiving members of the Institute during a courtesy visit to the Ministry on Monday, December 15, 2025.

Dr. Olumide explained that the State Government’s focus was on proactive physical planning measures, stressing that effective development control begins from strict adherence to approved layouts, building plans, and professional standards at the earliest stages of construction. 

Lagos
Lagos State Government officials and members of the NIOB during a courtesy visit to the Ministry

He maintained that compliance with planning regulations remained the most effective safeguard against structural failure, while linking failures in development outcomes to compromised planning standards, substandard designs, excessive client interference, political pressures, and human errors.

According to the Commissioner, developments carried out without due regard to physical planning approvals and supervision by qualified professionals posed serious risks to lives, property, and the physical environment. 

Dr. Olumide further stated that any construction site operating without the engagement of registered and competent building professionals should not be allowed to proceed, adding that the Ministry would continue to insist on professionalism and planning discipline across the State.

The Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Engr. Oluwole Sotire, emphasising the importance of sustained public awareness on planning laws and regulations, said that the government was open to deeper collaboration with professional bodies to strengthen compliance and enforcement as early compliance with physical planning requirements would significantly reduce avoidable losses and wastage of resources. 

The General Manager, Lagos State Informal Space Management Authority (LASISMA), Daisi Oso, highlighted the need for developers to embrace proper planning, land-use conformity, and strict adherence to approvals to significantly reduce development failures and promote a more orderly physical environment.

Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Institute of Building, the Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter, Owolabi Rasheed Ayoola, stated that the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development as a critical stakeholder in the built environment. 

He added that the Institute also used the opportunity to congratulate the Commissioner on his recent awards, describing them as the recognition of his contributions to the sector.

A veteran member of the delegation, Kunle Awobodu, who assured of the Institute’s continued support for efforts toward promoting professionalism and compliance in the sector, said that non-compliance with approved building plans remained a major challenge within the building construction industry, while praising the Ministry for making positive impacts in entrenching planning discipline.

Pump price drops to N739 in Lagos as Dangote promises further relief for Nigerians

Michael Simire
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Pump price drops to N739 in Lagos as Dangote promises further relief for Nigerians

Less than 24 hours after the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, announced an imminent reduction in petrol prices, filling stations operated by the refinery’s lead offtaker, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, have begun selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at N739 per litre in Lagos, down from N885, bringing immediate relief to commuters and businesses.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Sunday, December 14, 2025, Dangote assured Nigerians that the pump price of PMS would decline further, stating that petrol would sell at no more than N740 per litre from Tuesday, starting in Lagos. He disclosed that MRS, which operates over 2,000 filling stations nationwide, would be the first to implement the new pricing.

MRS Oil Nigeria Plc
MRS Oil Nigeria Plc filling station

“From Tuesday, all MRS stations will sell PMS at prices not exceeding N740 per litre, beginning in Lagos,” Dangote said. However, the stations started the implementation on Monday to the delight of Lagos commuters.

He also announced that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery had reduced its minimum purchase requirement from two million litres to 500,000 litres, a move designed to enable more marketers, including members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), to participate in product offtake.

“So if you come to the refinery today, you will get PMS at N699 per litre,” he stated.

Dangote maintained that Nigerians would be the ultimate beneficiaries of domestic refining as the refinery was working round the clock to ensure that recent reductions in gantry prices were fully reflected at the retail level.

He further highlighted quality differences between locally refined fuel and imported products, noting that PMS supplied through MRS and other refinery offtakers are straight-run fuels, unlike blended products imported from overseas markets.

“Nigerians have a choice: to buy better-quality fuel at a more affordable price, or to buy blended PMS at a higher rate. Importers can continue to lose, as long as Nigerians benefit, I am happy,” Dangote said.

He disclosed that despite challenges, including resistance from vested interests, the refinery would deploy its fleet of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks in the coming days and was prepared to procure additional units beyond the existing 4,000 trucks to sustain affordable nationwide distribution.

Responding to concerns by some oil importers that the price reductions would lead to losses, Dangote said the refinery was established primarily to serve Nigerians.

“Anyone who chooses to continue importing despite the availability of locally refined products should be prepared to face the consequences,” he said.

Dangote also reiterated his resolve to protect the refinery, describing it as a strategic national asset.

“A business of this magnitude must not be allowed to fail,” he said. “If they want to import fuel, let them continue. We will meet in the market. If 4,000 CNG trucks are not enough, we will buy another 4,000. This is a logistics business.”

Relief for Nigerians

Checks across Lagos showed that several MRS filling stations implemented the new price almost 24 hours ahead of the announced timeline. At the MRS station in Alapere, motorists queued to purchase fuel, expressing appreciation for the price cut.

“This is a relief for us, especially during the festive season,” said Mr Adejare Israel, a commuter. “It is sad that some people are still importing and selling at over N900 when we have locally refined, high-quality fuel at a more affordable rate.”

A university lecturer, Dr Hassan Olalekan, who bought Dangote fuel from MRS Victoria Island,  described the development as a significant intervention, noting that the Dangote Refinery had, for the second consecutive year, helped to prevent perennial fuel scarcity during the festive period while also driving down prices.

He called on the Federal Government to review the issuance of import licences in light of growing domestic capacity, stressing that “no country can achieve sustainable growth without strong local production.”

Infrastructure: Izombe, oil-bearing community, appeals to Govt, Imo for intervention

Michael Simire
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Infrastructure: Izombe, oil-bearing community, appeals to Govt, Imo for intervention

Leaders of Izombe, an oil-bearing community in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, have appealed to the Federal and State Governments, to urgently intervene in the provision of basic infrastructure to improve the living conditions of the people.

Mr. Valentine Onwuka, Chairman, Izombe Central Union (ICU), Abuja Branch, and a Patron of the union, Chief Vitus Egwuagu, made the appeal at their End of Year Get Together on Sunday, December 14, 2025, in Abuja.

Onwuka, who lamented the underdevelopment in the community in spite of its status as an oil-bearing community, said that the area lacked basic amenities such as good roads, schools, electricity and other social infrastructure.

Hope Uzodinma
Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo State

He described the level of underdevelopment in the community as unacceptable for an oil-producing area.

“As an oil-producing community, these basic necessities are not privileges; they are our rights. They are needed to improve life in the community,” he said.

He said that economic trees in the area had been destroyed by gas flaring and environmental degradation linked to oil activities, adding that there was nothing on ground to show that oil is being produced in Izombe.

According to him, Izombe is one of the first oil-producing communities in Imo, but has not benefitted from opportunities usually associated with such status, including scholarships and community development projects by oil companies.

“Oil companies are supposed to provide scholarships, both locally and overseas, for our children and support community development but there is nothing like that in Izombe.

“The impact of crises and neglect on education in the area, is worrisome that many government schools are left with only a few teachers.”

He stressed the need for inclusive and reconciliatory leadership, warning that appointing or selecting political divisions and revenge-driven leadership would worsen the plights of the community.

“Reconciliation builds communities and nations. Hatred and resentment only destroy them.

“We need leaders whose focus will be unity and development, not division,” he said.

He specifically commended one of their sons, Rep. Eugene Dibiagwu, who is the member representing Ohaji-Egbema/ Oguta/Oru-West Federal Constituency, for single-handedly sponsoring their end of year get together in Abuja.

Onwuka also lauded the efforts of Dibiagwu and others including Chief Vitus Egwuagu, retired Brig.-Gen. Kalu Egwuagu and Sir Alex Ihesie in moving Izombe forward and uniting its people.

“These men are admirable and worthy of honourable memories for their contributions so far in this union.

“Therefore, the hudes presented to them was to express our much regards because I believe strongly that transparency is crucial to correcting misconceptions.”

Also speaking, the patron of the union, Chief Vitus Egwuagu, appealed to government at all levels to urgently address the infrastructural decay in the area, particularly Izombe/Ogbako road now with several failed portions.

Egwuagu, a retired Deputy Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the Izombe/Ogbaku road linking the communities to Owerri was constructed in 1979 by the government of Chief Sam Mbakwe and had since deteriorated because of the heavy use by oil trucks.

“The community has remained peaceful over the years, yet nothing is being done for it.

“There is no federal institution in the town, or even in the local government area,” he said.

“Izombe once served as a strategic location for oil transportation, with a river route used to evacuate crude oil, but the area has since been abandoned.

“We are asking the government to have a rethink and do something meaningful for Izombe,” Egwuagu said.

The community leaders also called on relevant authorities and stakeholders to recognise Izombe’s contribution to the national economy and respond with concrete development projects that would uplift the living standards of its people.

By Emmanuel Afonne

2026 Budget: Group urges Kano Assembly to boost climate funding

Michael Simire
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0
2026 Budget: Group urges Kano Assembly to boost climate funding

The Kano Coalition for Climate Action and Inclusive Governance (KACIG) has urged the Kano State House of Assembly to prioritise climate resilience in the 2026 Appropriation Bill.

The Head of KACIG, Mr. Safiyanu Bichi, made the call on Monday, December 15, 2025, at a public hearing on the budget, while presenting the coalition’s position paper.

Bichi noted that Kano, with a population of more than 20 million, remained one of the most climate-vulnerable states in the Sahel region.

Dr. Dahir M. Hashim
Dr. Dahir M. Hashim, Commissioner, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Kano State

“Continued underfunding of climate-related interventions can threaten livelihoods, critical infrastructure and long-term development in the state,” he said.

He presented the coalition’s analysis of budget performance between 2022 and 2025.

Bichi said that the real value of the state budget declined by about 20 per cent in dollar terms, despite nominal growth from ₦241 billion in 2022 to ₦696 billion in 2025.

“The analysis shows that capital budget execution averaged 23 per cent during the period, dropping to 19.9 per cent in 2025.

“KACIG also reports a steady decline in climate-related allocations, from 13.9 per cent in 2023 to 6.5 per cent in 2025.

“The Ministry of Environment executed only 26.7 per cent of its ₦12.5 billion allocation in 2025, while funding for agriculture fell sharply from ₦36 billion in 2023 to ₦0.2 billion in 2024,” he said.

Bichi expressed concern that, while spending on non-critical items such as ceremonies, media engagements, office renovations and symbolic purchases increased, funding for climate-critical projects continued to shrink.

He cited cuts in erosion control funding for the Baban Gwari drainage from ₦2.6 billion to ₦514 million.

Others, according to him, are preventive erosion works from ₦1.1 billion to ₦500 million, and the recent ₦210 million allocated for tree planting across the three senatorial districts.

He also described the ₦800 million earmarked for drainage construction under the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change as inadequate.

He warned that persistent underfunding of climate resilience could worsen economic losses from flooding, erosion and drought, while heightening environmental stress, migration, unemployment and insecurity.

Bichi said evidence showed that every one naira invested in climate resilience could save between four naira and seven naira in future losses.

The KACIG head, therefore, urged the assembly to increase capital allocations to climate-critical ministries, departments and agencies.

According to him, these include the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, WECCMA, the Ministry of Water Resources, REMASAB and KNAP’s afforestation project.

He also called for the protection and expansion of funding for erosion control, drainage systems, water treatment, afforestation, renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture and waste management.

Bichi urged lawmakers to align the 2026 budget with the Kano State Climate Change Policy to secure a climate-resilient future for the state.

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

At least 37 people killed in flash floods in Morocco

Michael Simire
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At least 37 people killed in flash floods in Morocco

No fewer than 37 people were killed in flash floods triggered by torrential rains on Sunday, December 14, 2025, in Morocco’s Atlantic coastal province of Safi, 330 kilometres (205 miles) south of the capital Rabat, Morocco’s state-run 2M TV reported on Monday.

Fourteen people were receiving medical care at Mohammed V hospital in the town after the floods and two of them are in intensive care, it added, citing local authorities.

One hour of heavy rain was enough to flood homes and shops in the old town of Safi, sweeping away cars and cutting off many roads in surrounding areas as rescue efforts continued, it reported.

Morocco Flood
eople look at a destroyed vehicle and other debris following a flash flood in the coastal town of Safi, Morocco, Dec. 15, 2025. Photo credit: AFP

Morocco is experiencing heavy rain and snowfall in the Atlas Mountains following seven years of drought that emptied some of its main reservoirs. Sunday’s flooding in Safi is said to be the deadliest such disaster in at least a decade.

Officials warned residents to remain vigilant as weather conditions continue to threaten vulnerable areas. Emergency teams are on high alert to respond to further flooding risks.

Schools have been closed for at least three days and mud and debris clog the streets.

“I’ve lost all my clothes. Only my neighbor gave me some to cover myself. I have nothing left. I’ve lost everything,” one victim told Agence France-Presse (AFP), asking not to give her name.

At least 70 homes and businesses in the historic town center were flooded and 55-year-old shopkeeper Abdelkader Mezraoui said the retail economy had been devastated.

“Jewelry store owners have lost all their stock … and the same goes for clothing store owners,” he said, calling for official compensation to save businesses.

Late Sunday, the rescuer Azzedine Kattane had told AFP about the strong “psychological impact of the tragedy” in light of the large number of victims.

As the waters receded, they left behind a landscape of mud and overturned cars. Onlookers watched Civil Protection units and local residents working to clear debris.

Morocco is struggling with a severe drought for the seventh consecutive year, and last year was the North African kingdom’s hottest on record.

Climate change has made storms more intense, because a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture and warmer seas can turbocharge weather systems.

Flash floods killed hundreds in Morocco in 1995 and scores in 2002.

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