The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) says it has sealed 19 illegal Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and category D cooking gas outlets in Delta State.
Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA, Mr. Farouk Ahmed
The Coordinator, NMDPRA in the state, Mr. Victor Ohwodiasa, disclosed this to newsmen on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, in Warri.
Ohwodiasa said that the illegal outlets were sealed within the last two weeks in Orerokpe, Ogwashi-Ukwu, as well as Warri and its environs during an operation by the Authority.
The category D class of LPG operators are those within localities that refill gas from licenced gas plants for customers.
The NMDPRA coordinator said that the illegal gas outlets were shut over offences ranging from lack of prerequisite approvals to operate such facilities, to unsafe locations.
“During the operations, about 28 illegal outlets were spotted by the Authority. We tried to see if it is possible to have them regularised as they were wrongly sited.
“The outlet that was sealed in Ogwashi-Ukwu was a five metric tonnes refilling plant constructed on a roadside closed to high tension cables.
“The Authority looked at the environment; it was wrongly sited on a right of way and has no approval. It was sealed and relocation order issued immediately.
“Other offenders were the ones doing what we called, ‘decanting’, which means bottle to bottle transfer. We do not allow that.
“What they are expected to do is ‘bottle swap’, that is bring your empty cylinder and go with a filled one,” he said.
Ohwodiasa explained that the essence of the exercise was not to frustrate the small scale gas business owners, but to ensure they operate in a safe and secured environment.
He appealed to landlords to stop allocating land or property to the LPG category D operators who want to do illegal business in their premises or properties.
According to him, the essence is to prevent possible fire outbreak that could destroy lives and properties of the operators and the neighbours.
He added that the NMDPRA was committed to ensuring that lives and properties were adequately protected.
“Imaging someone storing cooking gas close to where welding operation is taking place or where a woman is frying beans cake or roasting corn. Once there is leakage, the resultant effect will be catastrophic.
“If the operator of the illegal outlet does not appreciate his life, it is our duty to ensure that he does not kill himself and others by illegally operating such facility,” he said.
Ohwodiasa also said that the regulatory Authority would continue to sustain the exercise in the state and assured that anybody found wanting would face the wrath of the law.
He further said that any defaulter who refuses to relocate his facility, would be handed over to the relevant security agencies for prosecution.
The coordinator appealed to the public to report anyone transferring cooking gas from one cylinder to another to the NMDPRA for prompt action.
He assured that the regulatory body would continue to sensitise the operators, adding that the authority had annual stakeholders’ engagement with the gas plant owners and the category D operators.
He thanked the Chief Executive of NMDPRA, Mr. Ahmed Faruok, for his consistent support for the state’s operations.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) has listed Sudan, Gaza, Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), Syria and Ukraine as some of the crises most at risk as a result of the freeze on U.S. humanitarian foreign assistance.
A humanitarian crisis situation
According to the UN agency, the freeze has left millions of vulnerable people around the world at risk, and that families facing conflict, famine, and health crises are now in even greater danger and cannot be let down.
“Disrupting life-saving aid will have deadly consequences at a moment when humanitarian crises are multiplying, and the needs are greater than ever.
“The United Nations and partners are working tirelessly to provide life-saving assistance to those in desperate need. But without immediate funding, critical programmes will be cut, and countless lives will hang in the balance,” stated the UN body.
It noted that if aid to Sudan was disrupted, malnutrition and famine would worsen, and more people will die.
“Emergency shelters, critical medical clinics in conflict zones, and sanitation systems combating cholera outbreaks will no longer operate,” declared UN OCHA, stressing that while humanitarian aid is critical to the success of the ceasefire in Gaza, an escalating conflict in eastern DRC in recent weeks has left hundreds of persons dead, injured and trapped in their homes.
On Syria and Ukraine, the UN stated: “The people of Syria stand at a moment of history – the end of more than five decades of brutal, dictatorial rule has given rise to much hope. However, humanitarian needs remain immense, with millions displaced and food insecure. It would be cruel to abandon them now during this historic time. In northern Syria, the suspension of water and other critical aid in camps is endangering the lives of displaced families, the majority of whom are women and children.
“The ongoing war in Ukraine has displaced millions inside and outside the country. Millions were left without homes, heating, or other basic necessities amid winter temperatures due to the large-scale damage and destruction of critical civilian infrastructure. Years of hostilities have profoundly affected the lives of millions across all regions, but particularly those remaining near the front-line – most of whom are older people, people with disabilities and limited mobility.”
While calling for donation that “can make a life-saving difference”, the UN stated: “Foreign aid isn’t just about generosity – it’s an investment in global stability and shared prosperity. Cutting it risks humanitarian crises and economic setbacks far beyond the immediate savings.”
Environmental watchdog, 350Africa, has called on the European Union to immediately suspend its minerals deal with Rwanda and prioritise agreements that are transparent, equitable, and focused on true sustainability.
Humanitarian crisis in Goma, DR Congo
The group submitted that the path to a just and green future must put people, peace, and the planet at the centre, and not the continued extraction of resources at the expense of vulnerable communities.
In a statement made available to EnviroNews on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 350Africa said that it stands in solidarity with the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where escalating violence is exacerbating an already devastating humanitarian crisis. The EU’s minerals deal with Rwanda, signed in February 2024, is said to be fueling this crisis by enabling the continued extraction of minerals from the DRC under exploitative conditions.
350Africa noted that while the deal is framed as part of the green transition, it is clear that reliance on minerals and fossil fuels to drive this transition is not the solution.
“Real solutions must support energy justice, enable energy access first to those in dire need and increase social equity, instead of perpetuating cycles of violence and environmental destruction for the benefit of multinational corporations,” emphasised the group.
Guillaume Kalondji, climate activist from Rise Up Congo, said: “Our resources have been exploited for generations, yet the solutions being put forward continue to harm us. Conflict minerals and fossil fuels are not the answer to the climate crisis. The green transition must be built on clean, renewable energy systems that prioritise the rights of people and protect our environment. We need solutions that empower local communities, not ones that feed into cycles of violence and inequality.”
Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has begun stakeholder engagements as a precursor to scoping activities for the Purple Line rail project, a component of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) system.
Lagos Blue Line rail
This is contained in a statement posted by LAMATA on its official X handle on Monday, February 3, 2025.
“A team from LAMATA visited Ikeja and Agege local government areas as well as Ojodu Local Council Development Authority to initiate discussions with local stakeholders, today.
“The Purple Line will cross two local governments in Ogun and five local governments and four local council development areas,” it said.
The authority said that during the visit, officials of the councils expressed support for the project.
It quoted the Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Dr Balogun Mojeed, as affirming commitment to the project and emphasising its potential to improve the lives of Lagos residents and contribute to the state’s development into a smart city.
LAMATA quoted Agege Local Government Chairman, Mr Kola Egunjobi, represented by Mr Rasheed Adaranijo, as assuring of the council’s readiness to support the initiative.
It added that Mr David Odunmbaku of Ojodu Local Council Development Area commended Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for undertaking such an impactful project.
“The LRMT Purple Line, a 57km rail line, stretching from Redemption Camp in Ogun State to Volkswagen area along the Lagos Badagry Expressway, will feature 17 stations.
“It is designed to integrate with the Red Line at Agege, the Blue Line at Volkswagen, and the Yellow Line at Isheri-Osun, creating a comprehensive and interconnected public transportation network,” it said.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Felix Omatsola Ogbe, on Friday, January 31, 2025, received a delegation from the Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria (SHIN), led by their new Managing Director, Mr. Jin Lee.
Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Felix Omatsola Ogbe, officials of NCDMB, with the new Managing Director of Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria (SHIN), Mr. Jin Lee, and his colleagues
The meeting was held at the Board’s Lagos liaison office and discussions focused on the firm’s in-country capacities, which include heavy fabrication and FPSO integration quayside at the SHI MCI free zone, Takwa Bay Lagos.
The company sought the Board’s assistance to attract new projects to the facility, highlighting their experience to execute major oil and gas projects and pledging support to the Federal Government’s mantra of fast-tracking crude oil production and creating employment opportunities for Nigerians.
The SHIN team reminded the Executive Secretary that their facility executed key scopes in-country aspects of Total Energies’ Egina deepwater project, including the partial integration of the Egina FPSO in 2017 and 2018. The project remains a reference point for local content accomplishment in the Nigerian oil and gas industry till date.
Lee regretted that the facility had not carried out major projects since the onset of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when oil industry operations were significantly impacted.
SHIN officials also requested the Board to introduce their company to the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO) and other international clientele. The introduction would enable them to market their capabilities, attract international businesses, thereby establishing Nigeria as a hub for export such services in Africa, the MD said.
The company also announced plans to diversify into the renewable energy space, and contribute towards providing solutions to Nigeria’s energy challenges. The company intends to manufacture floating foundations and associated assets for wind farms, and other renewable projects.
In his comments, the Executive Secretary welcomed the new Managing Director to Nigeria, and assured him of the Board’s support, in line with its mandate to encourage domiciliation of critical oil and gas industry’s operations and patronage of established capacities.
He charged SHIN to work with indigenous service companies, build their capacities and maximise job creation in the economy.
Speaking further, Ogbe promised to recommend SHIN to APPO and other international groups, in furtherance of the Nigerian Content 10-year strategic roadmap’s Sectorial and Regional Linkage enabler, which places emphasis on the creation of international opportunities for Nigerian companies that have built outstanding capacities.
He also promised that the Board would visit SHIN’s facilities, in company with representatives of international and indigenous operating oil and gas companies, with a view to accessing their capacities and mobilizing patronage.
Over 1.1 million Africans are estimated to have died in 2019 as a result of air pollution caused by the transportation sector. In this piece, Etta Michael Bisong discusses the Green Waka New Mobility Africa Campaign’s (GW NMAC) impact on sustainable transport, with a focus on the Lopifit electric walking bike, and how stakeholders can collaborate to implement it as a solution to reduce carbon emissions and boost long-term climate action across the continent
Participants at the 2025 Business Day Ambassador Conference
Introduction
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) acknowledges the significance of active travel and mobility in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and human reliance on fossil fuels, as well as mitigating climate change. Active travel and mobility offer numerous benefits for individuals, communities, and the environment.
For instance, engaging in regular physical activity can help avoid obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Active walking and cycling also contribute to better mental health by lowering depression, anxiety, and stress. It also helps to build muscle and enhance flexibility, which boosts strength.
Despite their various gains, it is unfortunate that a study performed by the Partnership for Active Travel and Health (PATH) revealed that walking and cycling have not received sufficient attention as key components of the climate emergency response. The report discovered that only a quarter of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) include active travel, despite the fact that 56% of countries have a walking policy and 22% have a cycling policy.
These gaps inspired the Green Waka New Mobility Africa Campaign (GW-NMAC), which aimed to encourage countries to prioritise walking and cycling in their NDCs and national policies. The programme focused on championing infrastructural development, active travel campaigns, land use planning, integration with public transport, and capacity building. It also seeks to highlight the significance of safe and accessible walking and cycling infrastructure, particularly in urban areas.
Green Waka New Mobility Africa Campaign
According to Rob van Ooijen, co-founder of Walkingbike/BV, the GW NMAC is a game changer for sustainable transportation in Africa, with Lopifit, the first-ever manufactured electric walking bike, at the forefront of this transformation.
Ooijen, who made the statement on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at this year’s Business Day Ambassador Conference held in the Netherlands, hailed the Lopifit walking e-bike as a practicable alternative to traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles. With its innovative design and eco-friendly features, he added that the e-bike is an ideal solution for Africa’s metropolitan mobility challenges.
“The Lopifit is a unique means of transport. You are able to get around like you never did before! An easy stroll and still reaching speeds of up to 25 km per hour. A true revolution,” he stated.
Some of the ambassadors he met and spoke with during the conference, including those from Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Benin, commended the project’s benefits in terms of health, safety, and environmental protection.
L–R: Michel Deelen, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria, and Rob van Ooijen, co-founder of Walkingbike/BV, during the GW NMAC project brief presentation
During a sideline engagement meeting and presentation of the project’s brief to Michel Deelen, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria, he stated that the initiative would require collaboration from governments, development organisations, and the private sector.
Other diplomats, including Joris Jurriëns, who is in charge of Benin, Cameroon, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea; Jeroen Verheul, who oversees Ghana; and Jeroen Kelderhuis, who is in control of Ivory Coast, urged that the campaign concentrates on image building because of cultural barriers, especially in Ghana, where cycling is seen as a low-income and impoverished activity. They also suggest that the campaign should focus on ways to facilitate the development of policies and infrastructure in order to achieve its ultimate goal of accelerating climate action.
Speaking on the project implementation plan, Green Waka’s co-founder and leader, Michael Mbaike, stated that his organisation is committed to cooperating with any interested body to make walking and cycling in African countries safer, healthier, and more comfortable.
Mbaike commended the various regional and international initiatives and historic accomplishments of groups like the Partnership for Active Travel and Health (PATH), the Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative (TUMI), and the Pan African Action Plan for Active Mobility (PAAPAM) for promoting active travel, walking, and cycling as essential elements of climate solutions and making sure that countries include them in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
“Our primary goal is to promote sustainable and active transport, which prioritises active mobility (walking and cycling) to account for over 50 percent of the mobility mix, enabling an environmentally friendly, socially just, and economically viable life for all,” he said.
He guaranteed that his establishment, a communication-oriented platform that advocates, educates, and protects environmental rights, will offer its expertise to help make sure the GW NMAC plan is carried out successfully.
“We will offer our best-designed campaign for the course and goal,” Mbaike assured.
In the same vein, Chris Bruntlett, International Relations Manager at the Dutch Cycling Embassy (DCE), one of the partnering organistions to the GW NMAC, praised Green Waka for initiating the project, describing it as extremely strategic, given that a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) policy report revealed that over one billion people in Africa Walk and cycle every day.
Like the previous speakers, he voiced his frustration over the absence of clear policies to promote active mobility habits, which still plague the sector’s need for funding to support infrastructure development.
“This project will activate the invisible and silent majority, as well as empower them to demand change from their elected officials and policymakers,” Bruntlett said, during a discussion on the campaign execution.
Conclusion
To be honest, in order for Africa to have a sustainable transport future, governments, businesses, and civil society organisations must work together to promote the use of non-motorised modes of transportation and other eco-friendly mobility options, such as the Lopifit e-bike.
Stakeholders must also explore new funding sources to support the construction of sustainable transport infrastructure and promote cross-border collaboration to exchange best practices, knowledge, and skills for boosting green mobility.
With a well-thought-out collaborative strategy, Africa can create a more sustainable, efficient, and environmentally responsible transportation infrastructure for future generations.
Nasarawa State Government has secured a $160,000 grant from the African Climate Foundation to develop a Climate Investment Platform (CIP) aimed at boosting clean energy solution to the effect of climate change.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State
Mr. Ibrahim Abdullahi, Managing Director, Nasarawa State Investment Development Agency (NASIDA), stated this at a stakeholders’ engagement on the CIP project on Monday, February 3, 2025, in Lafia, the state capital.
Abdullah said that the climate investment platform would serve as a hub to pull together projects that would key into the state’s ambition of transitioning to cleaner energy solutions.
He said the CIP project being implemented by Murty International would enhance climate-smart agriculture, constructions and other climate-smart initiatives.
He explained that the project involved development of strategic policy documents and actions plans for emission reduction, capacity building for businesses to support climate-smart investments and guide climate action in Nasarawa State.
According to Abdullahi, Nasarawa is the first state in Nigeria to develop the CIP.
“The CIP is a key component of a broader strategy to position Nasarawa State as a leading destination for climate-smart investment,” he said.
Mr. Sesan Adedapo, from Murty International, the implementing firm, said the project involves creating a science-based climate policy and action plan for Nasarawa State.
He said the platform would also provide a climate financing strategy to attract local and international investors to the state, and as well provide technical assistance, and capacity building for local businesses to adopt and implement energy efficient technologies.
Also speaking, Dr. Adnan Aminu, the Project Consultant, said the stakeholders’ engagement was meant to gather their insight on climate investment needs, priorities and challenges across key sectors – Agriculture, Transportation, Energy, Waste management, Commerce and Industry.
Aminu also pointed out the engagement was to get stakeholders’ support and commitment and as well as identifying local barriers to climate financing and opportunities for policy or regulatory improvement.
The executive board meeting of the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Monday, February 3, 2025, was set to take on an atmosphere of crisis as it grappled with the consequences of the looming withdrawal of the U.S.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organisation (WHO)
Since President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. to exit the WHO on his first day back in office, there has been an atmosphere of alarm at the UN agency’s headquarters in Geneva.
The U.S. is by far the largest contributor to the WHO.
In 2024, its share of the budget was 18per cent.
It now appears inevitable that jobs and health programmes will have to be cut in order to cover the funding gap.
The U.S. itself was represented on the executive board, which has 34 members and the highest decision-making body of the WHO between annual general meetings.
The U.S. withdrawal was due to take effect on Jan. 22, 2026, but the new administration in Washington has instructed its officials to cease cooperation with the WHO with immediate effect.
The WHO hoped that other countries would consider increasing their contributions.
The mandatory contribution of all 194 WHO member states was based on a country’s economic strength.
When Trump withheld funds for the WHO during his first term in office, Germany stepped in and was the largest contributor in the 2020 to 2021 budget period.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to scale up rural access and agricultural marketing through the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).
Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security
Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, stated this at the 8th Joint World Bank and French Development Agency Implementation Support Mission on Monday, January 3, 2025, in Abuja.
He said that the agricultural sector was a foundation of Nigeria’s economic growth and the sustenance of the country’s communities.
“It (Agriculture) is not merely a means of livelihood for millions of our citizens; it is a catalyst for job creation, food security, and sustainable development.
“Our commitment to transforming this sector is unwavering, particularly in fostering initiatives that enhance rural access and marketing.
“Not only agricultural commodities but moving people closer to life’s necessities such as education, health and other social amenities within our communities,” he said.
Abdullahi said that the project was already playing a critical role in addressing two of the priority areas identified by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He said these areas included boosting agriculture to achieve food security, and enhancing infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth.
“In order to boost agriculture for food security, RAAMP addresses the critical need for improved agricultural practices and market access.
“By enhancing rural infrastructure, including roads, mini-storage facilities, and marketplaces, the project directly impacts the ability of farmers to reach broader markets,” he said.
The minister said that RAAMP was pivotal in developing rural road networks essential for facilitating the transportation of goods and services.
He said that poor road conditions often hindered farmers’ ability to transport their products to market, resulting in decreased income and economic instability.
“By focusing on road construction and rehabilitation, RAAMP aims to enhance connectivity among rural communities and urban markets, lowering transportation costs and facilitating the flow of agricultural goods.
“This means more efficient supply chains and the ability for farmers to engage in larger and competitive markets,” he said.
Abdullahi said that RAAMP is championing an innovative policy reform initiative that proposes the establishment by law, two critical agencies, Rural Access Road Authority (RARA) and the State Road Fund (SRF).
He said that the proposed RAAMP Scale-up project initiative is focused on the construction of climate-resilient infrastructure.
“One of these is the high cost of the rural road assets. This project is open to all 36 States and the FCT.
“By expanding our reach to cover the 36 states and FCT, we aim to create a more inclusive and prosperous agricultural sector that leaves no community behind,” Abdullahi said.
“It is also with the ambitious target of improving the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians through the construction of 10,075 kilometres of roads, 1,040 meters of cross-drainage structures.
“To date, 2,743km of rural roads have been awarded by the states and are currently under different phases of implementation,” he said.
“We remain committed to working alongside all stakeholders to develop policies and programmes that enable the participation of smallholder farmers in the agricultural marketplace,” Abdullahi said.
In a remark, Rakeesh, Tripathi, Task Team Lead (TTL), World Bank, expressed the organisation’s readiness to continue to support the project as well as mobilise expertise.
“We will continue putting our efforts and continue to try to see how we can have an added value, especially in agricultural markets,” he said.
Tripathi was represented by Sali Ibrahim, Project Manager, French Development Agency.
Mr Bukar Musa, Director, Project Coordination Unit, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, said the meeting aimed to brainstorm and proffer solutions to challenges.
He said that the cost of transportation was a major challenge to access markets in the country.
“We want to have a perfect road for our farmers to convey their farm produce.
“We want to make the markets available and conducive, so that farmers would find it easier to convey their farm produce from their various farms,” he said.
He expressed optimism that this would manifest in the drastic reduction of food prices in the country.
TheHuman and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) is set to participate in the unveiling of the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. The event, themed “The Role of Early Warnings towards a Climate Resilient Aviation Industry for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development”, is expected to deliver critical insights into Nigeria’s climatic future.
NiMet Director-General, Prof. Charles Anosike
Whereas the NiMet’s SCP is critical for the smooth running of the aviation sector, it is important to note that it is even more critical for other sectors such as agriculture, health, environment, construction, transportation, and maritime, etc. Moreover, due to the climate-dependent nature of agriculture in Nigeria and Africa, timely and reliable climate forecasts are essential for food production and hunger eradication.
For years, HEDA Resource Centre has leveraged NiMet’s annual SCP to conduct downscale training for farmers across Nigeria. These trainings equip farmers with essential information on how and when to plant their crops to avoid losses due to adverse weather conditions, droughts, and floods. The SCP provides vital forecasts, including the onset and cessation dates of the rainy season, expected rainfall volume, and temperature patterns, which are crucial for guiding agricultural practices and ensuring food security.
NiMet’s SCP is a comprehensive climate prediction document that not only benefits agriculture but also impacts various sectors such as aviation, disaster risk management, health, and water resources management. The socioeconomic implications of these forecasts highlight the importance of early warnings in adapting to climate change and building resilience.
HEDA commends the Director General/Chief |Executive Officer of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, and his entire team for the annual and timely release of climate data that are critical for food production, public health management and economic diversification.
