A former Director, Budgetary Department of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Titus Okunronmu, has commended the Dangote Refinery for reducing pump price of petrol from N885 to N870.
Dangote Refinery
Okunronmu made the commendation in an interview in Ota, Ogun State, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
Dangote Refinery had on May 22 reduced the pump price of petrol nationwide by N15, thus making it six times this year that Dangote had adjusted the petrol price.
According to him, that is very good for Nigeria and its citizens, adding that which other products in the national markets that Nigerians enjoyed falling prices.
“There is the need for federal government to create enabling environment for the refinery to thrive as we are enjoying the benefits of Dangote Refinery investment.
“Dangote can meet our domestic demands with excess production for exports and foreign exchange earnings. Importers of refined petroleum products have no interest of Nigeria at heart,” Okunronmu said.
Okunronmu urged the Federal Government to make concerted efforts to halt the importation of refined petroleum products into the country.
Okunronmu noted that the federal government has no justification for granting import licenses for importation of refined petroleum products, adding that lets develop the Nigerian Economy.
Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Ms. Anaclaudia Rossbach
The Forum provided a platform for inclusive dialogue, helping shape priorities for the Assembly and align the outcomes of the World Urban Forum with intergovernmental processes. Participants took part in high-level plenaries, policy dialogues, and thematic breakout sessions on topics including housing, land, climate resilience, and urban finance.
The Forum also gathered coordinated input into the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan 2026–2029 and UN-Habitat’s draft Stakeholder Engagement Policy.
“The success of the Strategic Plan depends on co-ownership, with inclusive coalitions rooted in trust and action,” said Analia Pastran, Founder of Smartly Social Enterprise on the SDGs.
Forum highlights
Discussions centred on three priorities: stakeholder input to the Strategic Plan 2026–2029 – particularly on housing, land, and basic services; the establishment of a Stakeholder Engagement Policy to ensure diverse representation in UN-Habitat processes; and mobilising contributions for the midterm review of the New Urban Agenda and global SDG 11 reporting.
Participants also called attention to youth inclusion, gender equity, data systems, local capacity building, and community-level action to localise the SDGs.
“We need synergy, dialogue, and joint decision making at all levels… an action-oriented platform that operates as an interactive think tank,” said Razapur Varsi, a stakeholder in attendance.
Key outcomes and messages
Stakeholders stressed the urgency of adopting an inclusive Stakeholder Engagement Policy and providing more support for grassroots groups – especially those led by women and youth. Based on Forum input, a draft Stakeholder Declaration is being finalised and will be presented to the Open-Ended Committee of Permanent Representatives and the resumed United Nations Habitat Assembly.
“In rural areas, local governments are unaware of the SDGs and unresponsive to our outreach… national governments must actively support and fund local-level implementation,” said Mihai Cenis from Asociatia Azi Elevi.
Participants highlighted the importance of community-generated data, digital tools, and multilevel partnerships to boost accountability and support implementation of UN-Habitat’s strategic plan and the New Urban Agenda. They also called for increased capacity-building, funding for local actors, land governance reform, gender-responsive urban planning, and stronger integration of climate resilience and slum upgrading in national policies.
Next steps
To sustain momentum, participants proposed several follow-up actions: developing a stakeholder engagement roadmap toward WUF13, improving participation in SDG and New Urban Agenda reporting, and contributing to the 2026 midterm review of the New Urban Agenda.
They also recommended launching a global campaign to showcase good housing practices at WUF13, encouraging Member States to adopt a robust Stakeholder Engagement Policy, and ensuring inclusive, gender-balanced representation across all stakeholder platforms.
The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to hosting the Africa Climate Change Summit, scheduled for July 8 to July 11, 2025.
Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal
Mr. Nadungu Gagare, Permanent Secretary for Political and Economic Affairs at the OSGF, made this known during a Solar Power CSR Dinner, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Abuja.
The event was organised by PROFOH Nigeria and V&F Solutions Germany in collaboration with ABVIG, Aidez Small Project International (ASPI), and the Africa Infrastructure Climate Change and Investment Summit (AICIS 2025).
Gagare said the dinner aimed to strengthen German-Nigerian relations in the renewable energy sector.
He emphasised the Federal Government’s openness to public-private partnerships, reaffirming its support for both foreign and local investments in climate change and infrastructure development.
“The preparation for the Africa Climate Change Summit is in top gear. We are taking this seriously because anything affecting the climate has a ripple effect on multiple sectors,” he said.
He noted that the summit had been postponed to July 2025 to allow sufficient time for proper planning and execution.
“We’re optimistic about global participation, given the wide distribution of invitations.
“Government is placing great emphasis on this summit because climate change directly and indirectly affects human lives, animals, and plants. Every effort is being made to ensure its success,” he added.
Gagare also called for a collective approach to organising the summit to attract meaningful investment in climate action and renewable energy.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Moses Owharo, Chairman of the AICIS Planning Committee, commended the Federal Government for prioritising climate change in its policy agenda.
He lauded the Presidency’s commitment and noted the participation of states like Osun, Kwara, and Niger.
“We’re working together to attract investors into Nigeria and Africa at large. Our role is to promote good governance across the private sector, public institutions, and civil society,” Owharo said.
Mr. Matthias Vierheilig, Chairman and Founder of V&F Solutions Germany, highlighted challenges in Nigeria’s power sector, particularly poor electricity distribution.
He stressed that investing in renewable energy could offer sustainable solutions.
According to him, a major hurdle is the lack of reliable feasibility data needed to build infrastructure such as a 50-megawatt power plant.
“We need clarity on how and where to connect to the national grid. It’s a complex system governed by physical laws, so not every type of power can be connected to just any substation.
“This is our key challenge, obtaining critical data from local institutions,” Vierheilig said.
With just weeks until Australia learns the fate of its bid to co-host COP31, Pacific leaders are calling on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s recently re-elected government to reject Woodside Energy’s proposed extension of the North West Shelf gas project out to 2070.
Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese
The decision, expected this week, is said to be a chance for the Australian government to show it is worthy of hosting the biggest international climate negotiations, to deepen trust with its voters and the neighbouring Pacific Island States calling for stronger climate action, to reset the country’s direction showing political will and true climate leadership, and chart a bold course away from fossil dependence and toward a future free from oil, gas, and coal.
The North West Shelf Extension proposal would allow one of Australia’s oldest LNG processing plants, located in the Murujuga cultural landscape and home to sacred Aboriginal rock art, to continue to operate until 2070.
In terms of emissions, the project would generate more than 4 billion tonnes of CO2, equivalent to over 200 years of combined emissions for the 14 Pacific Small Island Developing States (Cook Islands, Federated State of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu).
Dr. Maina Talia, Minister for Home Affairs, Climate Change and Environment, Tuvalu, said: “Pacific leaders have made it clear: there is no future for our nations if fossil fuel expansion continues. The North West Shelf Extension would lock in emissions until 2070, threatening our survival and violating the spirit of the Pacific-Australia climate partnership. If Australia wants to host COP31 with us, it must uphold the trust we placed in it by permanently rejecting this project. This goes beyond politics. It is about the moral clarity to stand with those most affected by climate change.”
Pacific leaders have consistently called for a global just transition away from fossil fuels, including through spearheading the proposal for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, supporting the proposal for a Fossil Free Pacific and increased investments in the transition to be the world’s first 100% renewable energy-powered region.
Civil society leaders across the Pacific have welcomed signs of deeper cooperation between Australia and island nations, from renewed engagement in the region to declarations on climate action, but warn that approving the North West Shelf Extension would undermine that trust.
Auimatagi Joe Moeono-Kolio, Chief Advisor, Pacific, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, says: “Every new gas project is a step backwards. The Pacific is calling for a just and equitable fossil fuel phase-out, not fossil fuel lock-in until 2070. This is about matching rhetoric to action. Rejecting the North West Shelf extension would fulfill the Australian government’s promise to its Pacific neighbours that they are serious about regional cooperation and solidarity in this struggle. Approving it would signal the opposite. Prime Minister Albanese: the Pacific is watching. Will you stand with us, or with the polluters?”
This moment presents a historic opportunity for Australia to demonstrate that it is not only serious about hosting COP31, but also serious about tackling the root cause of climate change: fossil fuel extraction. Rejecting the North West Shelf Extension would send a clear message that Australia is ready to stand with the Pacific in leading the world toward a fossil-free future.
California State’s biggest coastal cities could soon find themselves underwater, according to a new report from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS).
San Francisco, California
Researchers have found that cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Alameda have experienced a noticeable rise in sea levels since 2018.
Among them, San Diego is experiencing the fastest increase, with sea levels rising by 2.6 millimetres per year.
By 2050, the report warns that these cities could face even higher sea levels, leading to severe flooding in densely populated and economically vital areas.
The VIMS report also highlights that East Coast cities like New York and Boston are similarly vulnerable to sea-level rise.
The Public Policy Institute of California estimates that rising sea levels along the coast could threaten $18 billion worth of infrastructure due to flooding.
In the San Francisco Bay Area alone, the VIMS study suggests that $110 billion may be needed to adequately protect homes and residents from future sea-level threats.
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has commended the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for notable progress in the conduct of the 2022–2023 Mini Bid Round and 2024 Licensing Round.
Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary, NEITI
The commendation followed NEITI’s independent monitoring of the pre-qualification and technical bid processes.
The exercise is in line with its mandate under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Standard.
An Advisory Report released by NEITI on Sunday, May 25, 2025, also highlighted notable improvements in inclusivity, digitalisation, and procedural integrity.
The report was presented to the NEITI National Stakeholders Working Group (NSWG) at its statutory meeting in Umuahia, Abia State, on May 9.
It described the licensing rounds as a significant milestones in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector, designed to attract credible investments, unlock hydrocarbon potential and advance national development objectives.
The Advisory Report said that the licensing process was generally professional, transparent, and inclusive, with adherence to published criteria as required by the PIA and EITI provisions.
“Special concessions granted to indigenous and emerging firms were acknowledged as a progressive step that enhanced stakeholder participation and public confidence,” it said.
It identified areas for improvement, including strengthening the evaluation methodology and metrics; enhancing transparency in result disclosure and improving public access to bidder information.
It also identified other areas for improvement to include ensuring full disclosure of beneficial ownership and integrating technical and commercial value assurance in evaluations.
The report offered actionable recommendations to bolster future rounds, emphasising transparent disclosures, standardised scoring, and consistent stakeholder engagement.
Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary of NEITI, expressed commitment to working collaboratively with regulators, civil societies, and industry stakeholders to institutionalise transparency, good governance and sustainable development in Nigeria’s extractive industries
“The NSWG commended NUPRC’s cooperation with NEITI and encouraged the adoption of the recommendations outlined in the advisory,” he said.
At the meeting in Umuahia, the NEITI Board also adopted a comprehensive Energy Transition and Climate Accountability Framework, developed in alignment with Nigeria’s national energy transition plan.
The framework also aligned with the global climate obligations under the Paris Agreement, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the 2023 EITI Standard.
The framework redefines NEITI’s role in the energy transition, introducing a transparent and accountable mechanism for tracking greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related financial risks and monitoring divestments by International Oil Companies (IOCs).
It aims at overseeing the implementation of Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) under the PIA, promoting just transition planning and climate disclosures and aligning NEITI’s reports with national climate instruments.
Orji said that the framework positioned Nigeria at the forefront of climate-compliant resource governance.
“It is our bold response to the urgent need for transparency in how oil investments and divestments affect host communities and the environment,” he said.
To operationalise this policy, NEITI has outlined key implementation steps covering oil, gas, and solid minerals reporting, stakeholder engagement, institutional coordination, and bi-annual performance reviews.
The framework is being developed with support from the Ford Foundation as part of NEITI’s ongoing study on the impact of energy transition on Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy.
The Federal Government says it has completed and inaugurated 565 water supply schemes, three multipurpose dams, four major irrigation projects, and several sanitation facilities within the last two years.
Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, who disclosed this in an interview on Monday, May 26, 2025, in Abuja, explained that these achievements were part of efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6).
He noted that the ministry’s interventions aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, especially in boosting agriculture and ensuring food and water security.
According to him, the government has inaugurated the Rafin Yashin Dam in Niger State, Odo-Ape Hydropower Dam in Kogi, and Amla Dam in Benue.
“These projects are expected to support irrigation, enhance electricity generation, and promote agro-industrial development.”
Utsev also announced the successful concessioning of the 40MW Kashimbila Hydropower Plant in Taraba, and the integrated Agro-Allied Cargo Airport, which generated more than N7.1 billion as commencement fee for the first five years into the federal concession account.
On irrigation, the minister disclosed that four projects which include the Bakalori and Dadin-Kowa schemes in Zamfara and Gombe States, respectively, providing thousands of hectares of irrigated farmlands for dry-season farming have been completed.
”Two micro-irrigation projects have also been completed in Oyo and Jigawa to support smallholder farmers,” he said.
Utsev also disclosed that four major water projects have been completed in Jigawa, Yobe, and the FCT, while three others in Gombe and Yobe were already 90 per cent completed.
”Through collaboration with states and partners, 565 water supply schemes were constructed under PEWASH, SURWASH, and the AfDB programmes, serving over 450,000 people,” he added.
He also announced that 40 additional Local Government Areas (LGAs) have attained Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, bringing the total to 142 across the country.
”We have constructed 159 sanitation facilities in 23 states and developed advocacy jingles in five languages, reaching more than 25 million Nigerians,” he said.
Utsev further revealed that 14 dams and several irrigation projects were near completion across Plateau, Enugu, Ekiti, Oyo, and Kwara states, while more than 100 new water supply projects were awarded in 2024.
”The ministry has also commenced the Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) Project in 20 states to modernise existing infrastructure and explore hydropower generation,” he added.
He emphasised efforts to revitalise River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) by partnering with the private sector and state governments.
”We have leased 4,429 hectares of farmland to commercial farmers and developed irrigation infrastructure for 154,000 hectares, creating jobs for more than 1.6 million farmers.
”Other notable agency activities include issuing 24 water use licenses by the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission, training of 1,377 youths in plumbing and drilling by the National Water Resources Institute.
”We also have the publication of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency,” the minister revealed.
Utsev said the ministry plans to complete 11 new projects in 2025, roll out school and public sanitation initiatives, and develop a National Framework for Flood Insurance.
”We will continue to work towards food security, job creation, and economic growth through sustainable water management,” he added.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu, development partners, state governments, and the media for their support and reiterated the ministry’s commitment to delivering on its mandate.
The Federal Government of Nigeria says it will take steps to build public trust in biotech innovations to revolutionalise agricultural practices.
A presentation at the public lecture
The decision was reached on Monday, May 26, 2025, in Abuja at a public lecture hosted by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) in collaboration with the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), and the University of Abuja
The lecture, themed “Advancing Agricultural Biotechnology for Food Security and Economic Growth in Nigeria’’, was attended by policy makers, scientists, stakeholders and industry leaders.
Dr Emmanuel Okogbenin, AATF Director of Product Development and Commercialisation, said that agricultural biotechnology when responsibly developed and effectively adopted, offered a powerful set of tools that help address challenges.
“Nigeria and Kenya, along with Ghana, stand out as leaders on the continent, having made significant progress in commercialising biotech crops such as Bt Cotton, Bt Maize and PBR Cowpea.
“These innovations are not just scientific milestones, they represent real opportunities to transform lives, improve farmer livelihoods, and enhance national food systems,’’ Okogbenin said.
Also speaking was the AATF Director who was represented by Yarama Ndirpaya, AATF Tela Programme Manager/Out-Grower Strategy Lead in Nigeria, said it was imperative to acknowledge hurdles.
According to him, regulatory uncertainties, persistent misinformation, and public skepticism continue to slow adoption.
“That is why this forum is so important, it offers a platform for evidence-based dialogue where diverse voices can engage, ask questions, share insights, and build common understanding,’’ he said.
While the Director-General of the NBRDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, said biotech innovations hold promise for tackling agricultural challenges like unrest, stress and pandemics, offering solutions, for a better future.
The NBRDA DG, who was represented by Dr. Rose Gidado, Director, Agricultural Biotechnology Department of the NBRDA, disclosed that the lecture would discuss transformative potential of agricultural biotechnology in Nigeria.
“Through the harnessing of science and technology, we can develop resilient crop varieties, improve pest and disease resistance, enhance nutritional content, all while ensuring that our agricultural practices are sustainable and environmentally friendly.’’
Prof. Patricia Lar, Ag. Vice Chancellor of Uni Abuja, said agriculture in Nigeria faced monumental challenges, food insecurity, climate change, pest infestations, and soil degradation which threaten the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers.
She noted that, in spite of these challenges, opportunities still existed for innovation, collaboration and transformation, and that the lecture served as clarion call to action.
Lar, represented by Prof Ahmed Dan-Kishiya, Dean, Faculty of Science, expressed optimism that the power of agricultural biotechnology could be harnessed in Nigeria, such that no family would go hungry.
“That is why this forum is so important, it offers a platform for evidence-based dialogue where diverse voices can engage, ask questions, share insights, and build common understanding,’’ he said.
Earlier, Vitumbiko Chinoko, Project Manager of Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB), outlined the objectives of the lecture.
The lecture aims to strengthen policy and regulatory frameworks, while expanding collaboration and innovation opportunities in agricultural technology.
Highlight of the first session featured expert presentations and a panel discussions on, “The Science of Agricultural Biotechnology: Case of Nigeria with a focus on PBR Cowpea.’’
The second session focused on creating an enabling environment for the development of GM crops in Nigeria.
King Bubaraye Dakolo of Ekpetiama Kingdom in Bayelsa State has called for environmental consciousness, urging Nigerians to confront the ongoing ecological crisis in the Niger Delta and the country before it becomes irreversible.
King Bubaraye Dakolo during the book reading event
Dakolo, who is the Ibenanowei of the kingdom, made the call at a one-day book reading event on environment and culture, organised by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) in Benin City on Monday, May 26, 2025.
King Dakolo described the Niger Delta as a tragic victim of “ecoside” – a systematic destruction of its environment through unchecked pollution, gas flaring, and decades of negligence by oil multinationals and government regulators.
“For 70 years, the flares have never gone out. Our rivers are poisoned, our people are dying, and no one is being held accountable,” Dakolo said.
He added that “the Kingfisher bird no longer lives in the creeks. It now nests in my palace; that’s how far pollution has chased nature.”
He criticised Nigeria’s regulatory bodies, including the former Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), for their lack of independence and failure to enforce environmental standards.
“How can they regulate when they rely on Shell and Chevron for boats, helicopters, and accommodation?” he asked.
He recalled a childhood when fishes were plentiful, rivers were clean, and communities thrived on nature’s abundance.
“Now, the rivers are sewers. You fish all night and barely catch anything. Our livelihood is gone, and our health is failing,” he said.
Dakolo, who is also an author, shared excerpts from his books – “Riddles of the Oil Thief,” “Pirates of the Gulf,” and “The African Voice”.
The books collectively exposed the exploitation, environmental degradation, and political betrayal that define the Niger Delta’s story.
Through these works, he urged citizens to awaken, organise, and reclaim their land and future.
Supporting the king’s message, Nnimmo Bassey, Executive Director of HOMEF, underscored the urgent need for environmental consciousness.
Bassey noted that the lack of elders in many communities pointed to a deeper problem.
“When a society has many young people and few elders, something is wrong with the environment,” Bassey said.
He highlighted the direct link between environmental degradation and shrinking life expectancy in Nigeria.
“There’s something wrong when a nation has so many young people and so few elders. It means people are not living long enough, and that’s a sign the environment is killing us,” he said.
Bassey warned that without a safe environment, democracy, development, and even basic human dignity remain unattainable.
The environmentalist stressed the role of literature and storytelling in reclaiming agency, noting that books like those written by King Bubaraye Dakolo were critical tools for resistance and awakening.
Bassey urged citizens to break their silence and confront the environmental crisis head-on.
“We must speak the truth, even if we’re the only ones speaking.
“If we fail to act, we are complicit,” he said, setting a resolute tone for the event that celebrated activism through storytelling.
Outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, says hundreds of million lives were directly impacted during his 10-year stewardship of the regional development bank.
AfDB President, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina
Adesina disclosed this on Monday, May 26, during a Media Welcome Breakfast that marked the beginning of the 2025 Annual Meetings of the bank in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Specifically, he said the AfDB directly impacted the lives of over 565 million people through its “High 5s” strategy over the past decade.
According to him, the High 5s, introduced in 2015, focussed on five key development priorities: Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialise Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa.
Adesina said that, with the strategy’s implementation, 128 million people gained access to better healthcare, 121 million benefited from improved transportation, and 104 million were food secured.
“Additionally, 63 million people have access to potable water, 34 million to improved sanitation, and 28 million to electricity.
“These are not just numbers, they are futures. They are hopes realised. Development should be judged not just by statistics but by human impact.
“Today, as we approach the shore of my 10 years as President of the African Development Bank Group, the sails on our ship remained high and strong,” he said.
Adesina said the bank’s work extended to places like Lesotho, Kenya, Egypt and Senegal, where its interventions had transformed access to water, energy and sanitation, and bridged regional divides.
He reaffirmed the High 5s as the bedrock of transformation that had evolved from strategic priorities into a development movement embraced by African leaders and communities.
Adesina will formally conclude his tenure at the end of the ongoing annual meetings, where a new President will be elected.
