A Nigerian-energy company, Walcot Group, and Angolan National Agency for Petroleum, Gas, and Biofuels (ANPG) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Production Sharing Contract (PSC) to bolster Nigeria-Angola bilateral cooperation.
R-L: Christopher Nwabueze and Alcides Andrade during the signing ceremony in Luanda, Angola.
The Managing-Director of Walcot Group, Suleman Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Abuja.
He said that the MoU would boost trade relations between the two countries in the oil and gas sector.
He said the agreement resulted from the company’s successful bid for three oil blocks within a competitive international licensing round.
Mohammed said the step would expand the organisation’s footprint across Africa’s high-potential energy basins.
He said that the agreement was signed in Luanda by the Founder and President of Walcot Group, Christopher Nwuabueze, and the ANPG’s Executive Administrator, Alcides Andrade.
Nwabueze described the move as a transformative moment for Walcot Group, “as we deepen our presence in Africa’s energy landscape.
“We are excited to partner Angola’s government and the ANPG, to unlock the potential of these blocks, driving value for stakeholders and supporting regional energy security.
“The PSC entails Walcot Group will secure full operator-ship of Block CON-3 and Block CON-7 in the Lower Congo Basins with 100 per cent participation interest in both blocks.
“CON-3 spanned 723.37 km² with estimated prospective oil resources of 1.25 billion barrels, featuring Pre-salt and Post-salt structures.
“CON-7 covered 744.77 km² with estimated prospective oil resources that range from 710 million to 1.15 billion barrels, supported by rich source rocks and nearby commercial discoveries.”
Nwabueze added that, for block KON-13, Walcot Group would take a 10 per cent stake in the Kwanza Onshore Basin.
“This is alongside Angola National Oil Company Sonangol, Effimax Energy and Oando Energy Resources as operators with prospective resources ranging from 770 million to 1.1 billion barrels,” he said.
The Walcot boss said that Angola aimed to maintain its oil output at 1.1 million barrels per day by 2027 and double it in the long term.
Nwuabueze added that ANPG viewed Walcot partnership as a boost to its upstream ambitions.
“The Lower Congo and Kwanza Basins, known for their prolific geology, offer Walcot a prime opportunity to apply its technical expertise and sustainable practices.
“This will align with the company’s broader goal of fostering economic growth across the continent,” he said.
The event attended by Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to Angola, Rebekkah Galadima, among others, was designed to strengthen Nigeria-Angola economic ties.
Biodun Oyebanji, Governor of Ekiti State; Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power; Mele Kyari, former Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited; and Mrs. Elohor Aiboni, the immediate past and first female Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), were among top energy stakeholders honoured at the second edition of the Energy Times’ Award.
Some dignitaries at the Energy Times Award ceremony in Lagos
The event, held in Lagos on Friday, April 11, 2025, celebrated outstanding individuals and institutions driving excellence and innovation across Nigeria’s energy sector.
Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, received the prestigious Energy Icon of the Year award for his impactful leadership in delivering sustainable energy solutions across Nigeria and Africa.
Mr. Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, CEO of First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company (First E&P), was named Industry Personality of the Year for his significant contributions to Nigeria’s oil and gas sub-sector.
His recent appointment as Nigeria’s Governor to the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), and his subsequent emergence as Chairman of the OPEC Board of Governors for 2025, were highlighted.
Jennifer Adighije, Managing Director/CEO of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), received the Young Achiever of the Year award for successfully restoring two previously offline turbine units, thereby adding 230MW to Nigeria’s power generation capacity.
NIPCO Gas Limited was honoured with the Award for Pioneering Nigeria’s Gas Revolution, in recognition of its leading role in the provision of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to support cleaner energy for automobiles and industries.
Chief Chamberlain Oyibo was named Doyen of Nigeria’s Oil Industry for his long-standing influence and contributions to the sector.
Mele Kyari clinched the Man of the Year award for his significant achievements during his tenure as GCEO of NNPC Ltd, notably the revival of the 250,000 barrels per day (bpd) Warri Refinery, the 60,000 bpd Port Harcourt Refinery, among other milestones.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State was named Energy Governor of the Year for his proactive efforts in improving power infrastructure, including granting operational licences to 14 electricity investors to enhance power generation, transmission, and distribution in the state.
Comrade Festus Osifo, President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), was honoured as Labour Leader of the Year for his pivotal role in advocating for the N70,000 minimum wage approved by President Bola Tinubu in July 2024.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote received the Achiever of the Year award for his unwavering commitment to the establishment and operationalisation of the 650,000 bpd Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Plant in Lekki, Lagos.
Dr. Daere Akobo, Chairman of PANA Holdings, emerged as Visionary CEO of the Year for his strategic foresight in steering his company’s remarkable growth.
Ikeja Electric was awarded DisCo of the Year for its strong infrastructure development and customer-centric initiatives, including the installation of nearly one million prepaid meters in 2024 – an achievement unmatched by other distribution companies.
Olu Femi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, received an Award of Excellence for fostering transparent engagement with energy journalists and enhancing the company’s brand visibility and stakeholder relations.
Folake Soetan, CEO of Ikeja Electric, was honoured as Amazon of the Nigerian Power Sector for her exemplary leadership in transforming the utility company.
Mrs. Rekhiat Momoh, Acting Managing Director of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), was named Power Sector CEO of the Year for her exceptional performance since assuming office in 2024.
Under her leadership, EKEDC’s revenue collection surged to N36.69 billion from N16.82 billion, while the Aggregate Technical, Commercial and Collection (ATC&C) losses dropped from 17.01% to 10.51%.
Andy Odeh, former General Manager, External Relations and Regulatory Compliance at Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), was also presented with an Award of Excellence for several notable achievements, including successfully leading NLNG’s rebranding initiative, which featured a new logo, payoff line, and purpose statement.
Alhaji Yakubu Lawal, Editorial Board Chairman of Energy Times, stated that the publication’s annual award ceremony is dedicated to celebrating individuals and organisations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria’s energy sector.
Alhaji Lawal further emphasised that Energy Times maintains strong editorial integrity, which is focused on addressing key issues within the energy industry.
He added that the platform continues to leverage the power of the media to influence and shape government policies that support sustainable growth across the sector.
Speakers from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Coca-Cola Company, Lafarge Africa and Polysmart Group are set to lead brainstorming on decarbonisation of waste recycling and co-processing for sustainable climate action.
University of Lagos, Akoka
This is contained in a statement by the Head of Communication Unit of UNILAG, Mrs. Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, on Sunday, April 13, 2025.
Alaga-Ibraheem said that the discussions would be at a seminar being planned by the university for April 22 at the Rahamon Bello Hall, UNILAG.
She said that the seminar was aimed at addressing challenges posed by 32 million tonnes of waste generated annually by Nigeria.
The seminar has ‘‘Sustainable Climate Action in Nigeria Through Waste Decarbonisation and Co-processing Technology” as its theme.
Alaga-Ibraheem said: “The intellectual engagement is a timely intervention organised by the UNILAG Research Group, including the TETFund Centre of Excellence in Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Management.
“It is aimed at exploring innovative solutions for sustainable waste management, discuss co-processing and advanced recycling as transformative tools for climate resilience and resource efficiency.
“The seminar will examine the role of research and development in driving sustainable waste technologies,” she said.
Alaga-Ibraheem noted the seminar would provide industrial opportunities in co-processing and recycling for climate mitigation.
She added that it would facilitate technology transfer and public-private partnerships for long-term impact.
“The seminar will adopt a multi-stakeholder engagement approach. The expert panels and technical sessions will offer insights into the science, economics and policy dimensions of waste innovation.
“There will also be networking forums to foster collaboration among the academia, industry and government, and policy roundtables will hold to examine regulatory gaps, incentives and reform needs,” Alaga-Ibraheem said.
She said that the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, would be the chief host, while the university’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics and Research), Prof. Bola Oboh, would be the host.
“Emeritus Professor of Chemistry, Babajide Alo, will be the keynote speaker.
“Prof. Lucian Chukwu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), UNILAG, and Prof. Sunday Adebisi, Director, Entrepreneurship and Skills Development Centre, UNILAG, will be joining a host of other speakers.
“The other speakers include Mrs. Amaka Onemelukwe, Senior Director at the Coca-Cola Company; Mr. Dada Adedokun, Head of Geocycle at Lafarge Africa Plc.; and Mr. Wasiu Abolaji Balogun, Managing Director, Polysmart Group,” added Alaga-Ibraheem.
Environmentalists have asked for more public education so that Nigeria can meet its obligations under the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment.
Participants during the workshop hosted by SRADeV Nigeria and the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA, UK) in Abuja
The experts made the request on Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Abuja, during a stakeholders workshop organised by the Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADeV – Nigeria) with support from the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA, UK).
According to them, by raising public awareness, Nigeria can effectively reduce ozone-depleting emissions and encourage sustainable habits that would protect the environment for future generations.
Professor Innocent Barikor, Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA), told the participants at the event that, as Nigeria’s lead agency for environmental compliance monitoring and enforcement, his organisation is committed to implementing policies and regulations that protect the environment from pollutants such as fluorinated gases (F-gases) and ozone-depleting substances (ODS).
The DG, represented by Elijah Udofia, the Director of Environmental Quality Control, stated that NESREA’s efforts to collaborate with relevant ministries, agencies, and development partners have consistently promoted cleaner and more sustainable environmental practices across various sectors.
“Achieving meaningful progress requires collective action in adopting innovative technologies, strengthening regulatory frameworks, raising public awareness, and encouraging private sector participation in the transition to environmentally friendly alternatives,” he added.
The workshop, in his view, therefore presents a critical platform to deliberate on practical solutions, share best practices, and accelerate implementation strategies towards reducing these harmful emissions.
Professor Barikor praised SRADev Nigeria and the project’s financier, EIA UK, for facilitating the dialogue, assuring that NESREA would continue to provide the necessary technical and regulatory support to ensure Nigeria meets its commitments under international environmental treaties while also promoting economic and social development.
He urged the attendees to keep in mind that the decisions they make today will have a long-term effect on environmental resilience, public health, and the planet’s sustainability.
“Together, we can advance a cleaner, healthier, and more climate-resilient Nigeria,” the NESREA boss said.
While also commending the issue, Nigeria’s Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change, Yusuf Kelani, identified education and strong climate-related law enforcement as the most effective measures to addressing Nigeria’s expanding environmental concerns.
According to the presidential aide, raising awareness at a young age will enable future generations to better comprehend and alleviate the effects of climate change while also encouraging sustainable practices.
“We believe that from an early age, people need to understand what climate change is about, its effects, and the role they can play in protecting the environment,” Kelani said.
He also discussed an initiative his office is working on, which intends to nominate at least two climate change ambassadors for each of Nigeria’s local government areas by the end of the year.
This programme, Kelani elaborated, would help ensure that climate change discussions are promoted at the grassroots level, fostering local ownership and engagement on environmental stewardship.
Speaking about the exercise’s goal, SRADev Nigeria Executive Director, Dr. Leslie Adogame, alluded to the fact that it represents a major turning point in the country’s overall progress towards environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
This programme, he explained, is intended to support and amplify the Nigerian government’s ongoing efforts to transition to low Global Warming Potential (GWP) alternatives, thereby lowering the environmental and public health risks associated with Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (F-gases) and Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS).
Dr. Adogame hinted that the project, which is focuses on “promoting fast action to reduce emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) and ozone-depleting substances (ODS) in Nigeria”, will include conducting comprehensive assessments, increasing stakeholder engagement, and building capacity and awareness.
The executive director of SRADev said Nigeria has demonstrated unwavering commitment to international environmental agreements, notably the Montreal Protocol and its subsequent amendments.
According to him, the government’s proactive measures include the phased reduction of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), with a target to phase out 51.35% of HCFC consumption by the end of this year.
He went on to say that initiatives like the AGORA project have been launched to promote energy-efficient and climate-friendly cooling technologies.
However, despite these commendable efforts, he acknowledged that challenges persist in fully transitioning to low GWP alternatives.
“Our project seeks to bridge these gaps by providing the necessary support through awareness, capacity building and robust stakeholder engagement to accelerate the adoption of sustainable technologies and practices,” Dr. Adogame stated.
As stakeholders embark on this critical endeavour, it is important to reaffirm their collective commitment to safeguarding the environment for present and future generations. This is because, through collaborative action, informed policy-making, and dedicated advocacy, Nigeria can achieve significant reductions in F-gas and ODS emissions, contributing to a healthier planet and a more sustainable nation.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has called on African nations to take strategic positions in the global energy transition by shifting from raw mineral exports to processing and value addition.
AfDB president, Akinwunmi Adesina
The AfDB President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, in a statement on Sunday, April 13, 2025, reiterated Africa’s crucial role in supplying strategic minerals needed for clean energy technologies.
“Africa is rich in critical minerals such as cobalt, bauxite, manganese, and vanadium. The Democratic Republic of Congo alone produces 70 per cent of the world’s cobalt.
“Africa must learn from countries like Indonesia, China, and Chile, which have successfully integrated into global value chains through deliberate policies.
“Indonesia banned raw nickel exports and mandated domestic processing, boosting downstream industries.
“China, which controls over 80 per cent of global refining capacity, used policy coordination and infrastructure investment to dominate the mineral processing industry,” he said.
According to Adesina, Nigeria has the potential to become a key player in solar panel production due to the local availability of required minerals and relatively low production costs.
He stressed the need for a clear critical minerals industrial policy to harness this potential and drive local manufacturing.
To ensure Africa’s competitiveness in the global energy transition, Adesina outlined five priority areas.
“They are: massive investment in energy infrastructure, development of critical minerals, industrialisation linked to clean energy, sound regulatory frameworks, and strong governance and community rights protection.”
He said that the AfDB, in collaboration with the African Union and the Economic Commission for Africa, was currently developing an African Green Minerals Strategy to guide these efforts.
Speaking on the rising cost of capital for African economies, Adesina lamented the persistent “Africa risk premium,” which results in investors facing three to five times higher costs than elsewhere.
“This perception is unfair. While Africa has risks, they are not higher than those in other regions. Misperception drives up capital costs and limits development financing,” he said.
He cited a UNDP report estimating that correcting this perception could save Africa 75 billion dollars annually in debt financing.
To address this, he said the African Union had approved the creation of the African Credit Rating Agency, which wiuld be professionally ran and provide objective credit risk assessments tailored to Africa’s real economic conditions.
In addition, Adesina announced the inauguration of the Africa Financing Stability Mechanism, developed by the AfDB at the request of the African Union, to provide financial safety nets for African countries.
“When fully operational, the mechanism will help refinance at least 10 billion dollars annually in debt service payments for the next decade,” he said.
Adesina reaffirmed the AfDB’s commitment to supporting Africa’s development through initiatives that” promote industrialisation, fair investment opportunities, and financial stability.”
The number of fungi species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ has surpassed 1,000, confirming that deforestation, agricultural expansion and urban development are driving these species to decline worldwide. The update also reveals that frankincense trees face an increasing risk of extinction, and new Green Status assessments show the impact of conservation on species including the lion.
Dr Grethel Aguilar, IUCN Director General
The IUCN Red List now includes 169,420 species, of which 47,187 are threatened with extinction. The addition of 482 newly assessed fungi species brings their number on the IUCN Red List to 1,300, of which at least 411 are at risk of extinction.
“Fungi are the unsung heroes of life on Earth, forming the very foundation of healthy ecosystems – yet they have long been overlooked. Thanks to the dedication of experts and citizen scientists, we have taken a vital step forward: over 1,000 of the world’s 155,000 known fungal species have now been assessed for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the most comprehensive source of information on extinction risk. Now, it’s time to turn this knowledge into action and safeguard the extraordinary fungal kingdom, whose vast underground networks sustain nature and life as we know it,” said Dr Grethel Aguilar, IUCN Director General.
Rapid growth of agricultural and urban areas has replaced fungi habitats, putting 279 species at risk of extinction. Nitrogen and ammonia run-off from fertilisers and engine pollution also threaten 91 species. These are serious threats in Europe, impacting species that are well-known in traditional countryside such as the Vulnerable fibrous waxcap (Hygrocybe intermedia).
At least 198 species of fungi are at risk of extinction due to deforestation for timber production, illegal logging, and clearing for agriculture. Clear-cutting of old-growth forests is especially damaging, destroying fungi that do not have time to re-establish with rotation forestry. Thirty per cent of old-growth pine forests across Finland, Sweden and Russia have been cut down since 1975, pushing species such as giant knight (Tricholoma colossus) to become Vulnerable.
Climate change is impacting fungi. Over 50 fungi species are at risk of extinction due to changes in fire patterns in the USA, which have drastically changed forests. Firs have grown to dominate the high Sierra Nevada mountain woods since 1980, reducing habitat for Endangered Gastroboletus citrinobrunneus.
“While fungi mainly live hidden underground and inside wood, their loss impacts the life above-ground that depends on them. As we lose fungi, we impoverish the ecosystem services and resilience they provide, from drought and pathogen resistance in crops and trees to storing carbon in the soil,” said Professor Anders Dahlberg, Red List Authority Coordinator of the IUCN SSC Mushroom, Bracket and Puffball Specialist Group. “It is important that more old-growth forests are protected. Forestry practices should consider fungi, for example leaving dead wood and scattered trees, and proactive forest management can help manage fire intensity.”
Fungi constitute their own kingdom, distinct from animals and plants. They are the second biggest kingdom after animals, with an estimated 2.5 million species, of which around 155,000 are named. They underpin all ecosystems; most plants partner with fungi to take in nutrients, and therefore cannot exist without them, and they make decomposition possible. Many are edible, used in food and drink production including fermentation, form the basis of medicines, and support bioremediation efforts to clean contaminated sites.
Local action holds solutions as frankincense trees move closer to extinction
This update reveals that five species of frankincense (Boswellia) on Socotra Island, Yemen, have moved from Vulnerable to Endangered, one from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered, and three species have been assessed for the first time as Critically Endangered. Saplings are grazed on by goats, and struggle to flourish in prolonged droughts. While goats have been part of Socotra’s herder tradition for thousands of years, the decline of traditional rotational grazing and the growing size of herds in the past century have increased foraging pressure. More frequent and intense cyclones, flash floods and landslides, such as those seen in 2015 and 2018, have damaged and uprooted many trees.
“Frankincense trees are very important to our culture on Socotra, which is home to the highest diversity of frankincense species per square kilometre in the world. Through building fences around young trees, local communities can protect them from goats, and produce frankincense honey for additional income. As extreme weather hits the island, local action is essential to secure the future of Socotra’s frankincense trees,” said Mr. Mohammed Amer, local Boswellia expert who contributed to the Red List assessments and manages the project to conserve these trees on Socotra.
One of the most valuable commodities of the ancient world, today the use of frankincense is well-managed on Socotra. Indigenous people use the resin and bark, for example in traditional medicine and religious practices. It is essential that the use of Socotra’s frankincense remains local and proportionate to the rarity of the trees.
Green Status shows lion needs intensified conservation
There are now over 100 IUCN Green Status of Species assessments on the IUCN Red List. The Green Status complements the IUCN Red List by providing a tool for assessing the recovery of species and measuring their conservation success. The first Green Status assessment for the lion (Panthera leo) shows that it is Largely Depleted, while the species remains Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
The Green Status assessment shows that human impacts are preventing the lion from being fully ecologically functional across its range, as the species declines across large areas and is extinct from North Africa and Southwest Asia. However, the assessment also shows that conservation has prevented likely extinctions from West and Southern Central Africa, South Africa and India. Intensified efforts are needed to maintain the existing population as human settlements across its range continue to grow.
“The latest update of the IUCN Red List features new and revised assessments of Socotran frankincense trees (Boswellia), once again emphasising that tropical islands host the highest proportion of threatened tree species worldwide. Meanwhile, significant local conservation efforts are being implemented to protect these vital multi-purpose trees and promote their sustainable use,” said Dr Malin Rivers, Head of Conservation Prioritisation at Botanic Gardens Conservation International.
“Frankincense trees symbolise the uniqueness of Socotran biodiversity and the status of the island as a World Heritage site. But, like many other tree species around the world, these iconic trees face several threats, in particular from livestock. Since 2020, Fondation Franklinia has been supporting work on the ground by local dedicated people using several approaches to protect the seedlings; it is not good news to see that the situation keeps deteriorating.
“To save these species, it is urgent to reduce grazing impacts and focus on traditional sustainable grazing practices. That is probably the only way for Socotran people’s children to continue to enjoy their unique natural heritage,” said Jean-Christophe Vié, Director General of Fondation Franklinia, which has supported the Boswellia Red List assessments and conservation action for these species.
“Fungi are a vital yet often invisible part of biodiversity, supporting ecosystems in ways we are only beginning to understand. The addition of 1,000 fungal species to the IUCN Red List highlights their importance – and the urgent threats they face. With better data, we can take meaningful action to protect fungi, ensuring the health of the plants, animals, and ecosystems that depend on them,” said Dr Anne Bowser, Chief Executive Officer at NatureServe.
“It’s encouraging to have more than 100 IUCN Green Status of Species assessments published only three years after it was introduced as a new global standard, with hundreds more in the pipeline. The example of the lion demonstrates the power that the additional Green Status data provides, given that we now have data about where local extinction was likely prevented due to conservation efforts, which can help with future strategies to protect and recover the species,” said Dr Barney Long, Senior Director of Conservation Strategies for Re:wild.
“Kew mycologists are celebrating the fungal focus of the latest IUCN Red List update. This increase in representation of fungi on the Red List results from many years of collaborative work in building capacity of the mycological community to conduct fungal assessments. Kew is contributing to this global effort by assessing species and developing tools to accelerate Red Listing of fungi. More assessments are urgently needed across all fungal groups, to identify and mitigate the extinction risks faced by fungi,” said Susana Cunha, PhD student working on fungal conservation at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has engaged Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) on disability-inclusive climate change policy review in Abia State.
Gov. Alex Otti of Abia State
The one-day workshop, which held in Umuahia, the state capital, had participants drawn from different disability clusters in the state.
It was organised in collaboration with Abia State Commission for the Welfare of the Disabled Persons, with support from the Disability Rights Fund.
The Acting Director of CCD, Mr. Godwin Unumeri, said that the purpose of the workshop was to ensure that the perspectives on issues of PWDs were adequately captured in the “Abia State Climate Change Policy”,
He commended Abia State Government for the policy, while describing the state “as a pacesetter on issues of PWDs in every facet of life.”
Unumeri said that the policy was at the draft stage, adding that the organisation would ensure that all the inputs by the stakeholders would be reflected in the final document.
Unumeri said that CCD is an organisation that was founded to ensure that issues of PWDs and their families were brought into policies, programmes and activities across the country.
“PWDs are poorest of the poor and if you are developing a policy for a people who are largely not educated, you have to be very explicit,” he said.
The chairman of the commission, Mr. David Anyaele, said that the commission was designed to support the welfare of PWDs in Abia.
He noted that the commission was saddled with the responsibility of formulating policies and guidelines that would support disability mainstreaming in the activities of the state and non-state institutions.
Anyaele, who is also the Special Assistant to the Governor on Persons with Disabilities, said that the purpose of the workshop was to develop and review existing climate change policies to ensure inclusivity of PWDs.
“All over the world, the climate is changing and the PWDs are particularly vulnerable to this incidence.
“As a commission, we will ensure that the state response around climate change are all-inclusive where issues of PWDs are factored in,” Anyaele submitted.
He thanked CCD for choosing to bring the intervention to Abia and Gov. Alex Otti, for ensuring that issues concerning PWDs were mainstreamed in his administration.
The facilitator, Mrs. Esther Ajah, said that the purpose of the policy review was to ensure that the vulnerable groups, particularly PWDs, were perfectly captured in the low carbon economy transitioning of the state.
Ajah, the Special Assistant to Gov. Alex Otti on Climate Change and Sustainability, explained that it was to let the PWDs go through the policy, see how it affected them and give them a sense of belonging.
She said that there would be a second review of the policy and promised that issues of PWDs would be incorporated into the policy when it was done.
A participant, Mr. Iroabuchi Alozie, who is the State Chairman of Persons with Physical Disabilities, thanked CCD and the commission for being in the forefront towards getting the climate change policy initiated for PWDs.
“I’m hopeful that by the time it becomes a policy, duly signed by the governor, it is going to change the lot of PWDs in Abia,” he said.
In 2024, the CCD conducted a research on inclusive-climate change mitigation and adaptation for PWDs in Abia.
UNICEF, in partnership with the Katsina State Government, has trained about 80 youths on plastic waste management, climate change, and the importance of tree planting.
UNICEF-WASH Officer from the Kano Field Office, Stella Ifeoma Okafor-Terver, speaking at the event
The workshop, held in Katsina, the state capital, had “Youth Action on Climate Change: Tree Planting and Plastic Waste Management” as its theme, and included other relevant stakeholders.
The two-day event was organised via the Katsina State Ministry of Youths and Sports Development.
UNICEF-WASH Officer from the Kano Field Office, Stella Ifeoma Okafor-Terver, emphasised the importance of youth participation in protecting the environment.
She warned about the dangers of open defecation and its link to diseases such as polio, cholera, and diarrhoea, among others.
Okafor-Terver expressed optimism that participants would help the state achieve and sustain open defecation-free status.
“Youth are key to achieving and maintaining an open defecation-free environment in Katsina and across Nigeria,” Okafor-Terver said.
She unveiled the Youth Opportunity Marketplace (YOMA), a digital platform offering climate-related skills and entrepreneurship training for young people.
Participants were encouraged to register on the YOMA platform to access further interventions and engagement opportunities.
Okafor-Terver noted that the training aimed to increase youth involvement in future programmes while supporting personal and business development.
“Our goal is to help youths recognise their potential and view climate action as a path for innovation, growth, and positive impact,” she added.
The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Muhammad Rabi’u, urged attendees to lead efforts addressing climate issues and wider development challenges.
“Youths are tomorrow’s leaders—use the lessons learnt here to help tackle global warming,” Rabi’u advised the participants.
The Nigerian Gas Association (NGA) says the gas sector has attracted more than $5 billion in new investments as at 2024.
Officials of the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA) at the media session in Lagos
Mr Akachukwu Nwokedi, President of the NGA, disclosed this during a news conference on Friday, April 11, in Lagos, ahead of the 29th World Gas Conference (WGC 2025) scheduled for May 19 to May 23 in Beijing, China.
He said that the investments meant that there had been growing global confidence in Nigeria’s energy transition strategy.
According to Nwokedi, the investments cut across critical segments of the gas value chain, including infrastructure development, floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, gas processing plants and domestic utilisation projects.
“These investments are a clear signal that Nigeria is making tangible progress in becoming a key player in the global gas market,” he said.
He credited the influx of capital to recent policy reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, including new Executive Orders on oil and gas operations, progress on the Ajaokuta, Kaduna, Kano (AKK) pipeline, and the implementation of the Decentralised Gas Distribution Framework.
The NGA president commended regulatory bodies such as the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for playing vital roles in facilitating commercialisation and improving the domestic pricing framework for gas.
The NGA boss also reiterated the association’s support for methane reduction and enhanced Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) safety, applauding NNPC Ltd., and its leadership under Mr Bayo Ojulari for championing transformative gas initiatives.
He said, “With 209 trillion cubic feet of proven reserves and the potential to reach 600 TCF, Nigeria is positioning gas as the cornerstone of its energy transition strategy,” Nwokedi stated.
“We must ensure the transition works for us. Gas is our best option to combat energy poverty while reducing emissions.”
Nwokedi noted that the Nigeria Pavilion at WGC 2025 would showcase the country’s progress in the gas sector, highlight investment opportunities, and promote strategic goals under the “Decade of Gas” initiative.
He stressed, “This platform is not just symbolic; it’s strategic.
“It signifies Nigeria’s readiness to take its rightful place in the global gas ecosystem—not only as a resource-rich nation but also as a prime investment destination.”
He added that the Nigeria Pavilion would convene government officials, industry stakeholders, and international partners to spotlight major projects across the gas value chain.
Nwokedi emphasised that the conference would promote Nigerian content champions, offer top-tier networking opportunities and foster critical global conversations on energy transition and sustainability.
He noted that the Pavilion’s objective is to attract global investment into Nigeria’s gas infrastructure, processing and distribution projects, while encouraging international collaboration in financing, technology and off-take agreements.
He noted that the initiative would also reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging gas for sustainable, low-carbon development.
“This isn’t just about gas; it’s about jobs, industry, cleaner energy and national transformation.
“Nigeria is ready. NGA is ready. WGC 2025 is our global stage. Let’s seize it, together,” Nwokedi said.
A new $40 billion Africa Energy Fund, launched at the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, aims to provide 300 million people with access to cleaner, more reliable energy by 2030. The initiative aligns with Africa’s broader push for sustainable energy solutions, including clean cooking technologies, which remain one of the most critical yet underfunded sectors in the energy transition.
Biofuel clean cooking stove
As African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 approaches, discussions on scaling investment in clean cooking solutions will be high on the agenda, particularly in light of the commitments made by African nations to advance energy access.
Access to clean cooking solutions remains one of Africa’s most pressing energy challenges. Over 900 million people on the continent still rely on traditional biomass, such as wood and charcoal, for cooking. The health, environmental and economic consequences are severe – household air pollution from these fuels contributes to over 600,000 premature deaths annually, while deforestation and carbon emissions continue to rise. While electrification projects are a major focus of Africa’s energy transition, clean cooking remains an urgent issue that requires targeted investment and policy support.
The Fund is a step in the right direction and demonstrates global commitment to accelerating energy access and supporting Africa’s transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions. The World Bank has pledged $22 billion to support the initiative, while the African Development Bank has committed $18.2 billion. Additional contributions include $2.65 billion from the Islamic Development Bank and $1 billion from the OPEC Fund, highlighting strong financial backing from major international institutions.
Several African countries have demonstrated strong commitments to expanding clean cooking access through national policies, targeted financing mechanisms and public-private partnerships. Kenya, seeking universal access by 2028, is advancing LPG expansion, electric cooking and bioethanol alternatives with support from private sector investment and international partnerships. By subsidising LPG and investing in infrastructure, the country has significantly increased adoption rates.
Neighbouring Tanzania is integrating clean cooking solutions into its national electrification plan and broader energy transition strategy, supported by a dedicated National Clean Cooking Strategy. Meanwhile, Ghana has adopted a multi-pronged approach, enhancing the affordability of LPG and promoting efficient biomass stoves. The country is also raising public awareness of the health benefits of clean cooking, while encouraging local manufacturing of stoves and fuel alternatives.
The newly launched energy fund not only works to expand electricity access, but also to catalyse economic opportunities by powering industries, businesses and households. Reliable energy is a fundamental enabler of economic growth, and investments in clean cooking align with broader energy access goals by reducing health costs, increasing productivity and improving gender equality. AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 provides a platform for stakeholders to explore investment opportunities in clean cooking and broader energy access initiatives.
Discussions will focus on mobilising financing for clean cooking projects, including public-private partnerships and carbon credit mechanisms; strategies for integrating clean cooking into national electrification plans; and best practices from leading African countries and how their policies can be replicated across the continent. Discussions will also focus on scaling up investment in clean energy infrastructure, including off-grid electrification and innovative financing mechanisms for clean cooking technologies.
With the launch of the Africa Energy Fund and growing momentum around clean cooking investments, Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its energy transition. Achieving universal energy access requires a multi-faceted approach that includes large-scale electrification projects, off-grid solutions and immediate interventions in clean cooking.
AEW 2025 provides an opportunity for governments, businesses and investors to align their strategies and secure funding to drive impact. The commitment to connecting 300 million Africans to cleaner energy is ambitious, but with the right policies and investments, it is within reach – and clean cooking solutions must be a central part of the conversation.
