35.2 C
Lagos
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Home Blog Page 15

African Energy Bank headquarters handed over, to raise $15bn by 2030

Michael Simire
-
0
African Energy Bank headquarters handed over, to raise $15bn by 2030

Africa has advanced a major step toward energy sovereignty with the official handover of the African Energy Bank (AEB) headquarters, a flagship institution created to mobilise capital for the continent’s energy priorities and reinforce Africa’s energy value chains.

The handover ceremony took place on the sidelines of the Nigeria International Energy Summit in Abuja, where the President of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO) and Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, Mamadou Colibaly, commended Nigeria’s leadership in advancing the initiative. He further announced that the Bank is expected to commence operations in June.

“We are committed to launching this Bank no later than June. I sincerely thank our partners for providing the headquarters and office that make this take-off possible. The African Energy Bank represents Africa’s commitment to finance, develop, and secure its own energy future by Africans, for Africans,” Colibaly said.

Mamadou Colibaly
President of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO) and Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, Mamadou Colibaly

The African Energy Bank is a joint initiative of APPO member states and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank). Its core mandate is to mobilise domestic and regional capital for energy infrastructure, reduce Africa’s reliance on external financing, and align energy investments with the continent’s long-term development and industrialisation goals.

While performing the hand-over, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, said: “Nigeria has met every obligation as host. The headquarters is ready, strategically located, and fully equipped and we are prepared for immediate take-off.”  

The ceremony underscored a unified African resolve to take greater ownership of the continent’s abundant natural resources. By offering targeted financial instruments, the Bank will support projects across the energy value chain, including exploration, refining, renewable energy integration, and local content development, ensuring that Africa’s resources translate into tangible economic value and job creation.

Speakers at the event emphasised that the African Energy Bank is not merely a financial institution, but a cornerstone of Africa’s broader quest for economic independence and lasting energy security. The handover, they noted, signals the beginning of a new era in which Africans are determined to finance, produce, and sustain their own energy future.

The African Energy Bank is a pan-African financial institution jointly established by APPO member states and Afreximbank to provide tailored financing solutions for energy projects across Africa. The Bank aims to strengthen regional energy markets, enhance value addition, and support sustainable development through increased access to capital.

Meanwhile, the Association of Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO) says African Energy Bank (AEB) is being positioned to raise about $15 billion to finance oil and gas projects in the continent of Africa by 2030.

APPO said the bank, which would begin operation fully by June in Abuja, was expected to create over 500,000 direct jobs in the local midstream.

APPO Secretary-General, Farid Ghezali, disclosed this on Tuesday in his remarks at the official opening of the 2026 edition of the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) at the State House, Abuja.

African Energy Bank is a joint initiative of APPO member states and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), established with an initial capital of Five billion dollars.

Its core mandate is to mobilise domestic and regional capital for energy infrastructure, reduce Africa’s reliance on external financing, and align energy investments with the continent’s long-term development and industrialisation goals.

“The AEB will unify intra-African pricing for gas and oil, allowing our member countries to achieve savings of up to 30 per cent on their energy imports, a potential gain of 1.4 billion dollars for Africa,” he said.

Ghezali said in spite of the continent’s immense potential, Africa was facing a paradoxical and frustrating reality of exporting about 70 per cent of its crude oil and 45 per cent of natural gas, losing 15 billion dollars yearly.

He said financing remained the main bottleneck hindering the development of the continent’s strategic projects, adding that over 150 essential projects, from refineries to pipelines, such as the Ajeokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline, to gas infrastructure remained blocked.

To address this anomaly, the APPO secretary-general said the African Energy Bank was designed to unlock the 200 billion needed for the continent’s midstream-downstream projects by 2030.

Ghezali disclosed that the African Energy Bank would allow the listing of shares of the national oil companies in the continent and flagship projects, such as the Dangote Refinery or the AKK Gas Pipeline.

He explained that it would also connect Africa’s certified projects to the world’s largest sovereign wealth as well as to capital markets with structured equipment and public-private partnerships.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG), Adegbite Falade, said Nigeria must build an energy industry that could sustain itself, deliver lasting value to Nigerians through collaboration and consolidation rather than through fragmentation.

“The future of the industry lies not in the whole model of extraction and exports of the nation’s raw hydrocarbons, but it lies in creating in-country value that fuels the economy and increasingly contributes to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth,” he added.

Falade said since 2025 edition of the summit, Nigeria’s oil and gas industry had recorded notable progresses across the entire value chain, adding that the upstream scaled up in terms of liquid production while gas production had grown significantly.

“This growth in liquid has been supported by an increase in export pipeline availability, reduced crude losses, and stronger indigenous contribution to production.

“For the first time, indigenous producers and independents now account for more than 50 per cent of national production.

“We continue to see sustained implementation of the PIA and strengthening of sales through the issuance of relevant and appropriate executive orders.

“However, a few things still remain by way of all kinds of process stakeholders if we are to build an energy industry that is truly self-sufficient and that consistently creates value for the nation,” Falade said.

He,however, urged the Federal Government to continue to create an industry that could allow the driving and the envelope of private capital to build our industry infrastructure.

Falade said, “Without this, we will not be able to reach the massive gap in potential that we have to meet in our contribution to the nation’s GDP.

“We must reduce bureaucracy, we must streamline industry fees and related charges, just to make sure that operators remain competitive.

“Our industry today operates at a significantly elevated premium in cost relative to other non-share jurisdictions. We must address the issue of access to long-term and affordable capital.

“We must ensure policy stability and adopt competitive fiscal frameworks that support resource monetisation and stimulate interest rate growth.”

Lagos Assembly orders suspension of Makoko demolitions

Michael Simire
-
0
Lagos Assembly orders suspension of Makoko demolitions

The Lagos State House of Assembly has urged the state government to immediately suspend all demolition activities at the Makoko waterfront and neighbouring communities.

Mr. Noheem Adams, chairman of the House ad-hoc committee, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ engagement with leaders from affected waterfront communities in Lagos on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

The committee was constituted by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa following growing concerns over the demolition exercise.

Makoko
Makoko demolition

The intervention followed protests staged last week by displaced Makoko residents at the assembly complex.

The protests reportedly heightened tensions and led to the arrest of some demonstrators.

Adams said the assembly resolved that all ministries, departments and agencies involved must halt demolitions in Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro with immediate effect.

“The House has requested full disclosure of the composition and mandate of the task force coordinating the exercise.

“The government must ensure transparency and include affected residents in all decision-making processes.

“The Assembly assures residents that demolitions remain suspended and compensation will be paid to those already affected,” he said.

The announcement was greeted with cheers from community representatives at the meeting.

Community leaders expressed satisfaction with the assembly’s intervention and commitment to dialogue.

An affected resident, Mr. Tomi Ipaye, described the suspension as a positive step toward resolving the crisis through constructive engagement.

A source remarked: “No compensation could ever be adequate because of the huge losses in properties, livelihoods, cultural heritage, dignity and possibly lives, but hopefully there are global best practices that could at least give them some sense of ‘justice’.”

By Adekunle Williams

WHO seeks $1bn for global health emergency response, says four in 10 cancer cases preventable

Michael Simire
-
0
WHO seeks $1bn for global health emergency response, says four in 10 cancer cases preventable

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says it is seeking $1 billion to respond to health emergencies worldwide.

‎‎The organisation disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, February 3, noting that it has launched the 2026 global appeal to ensure that millions living in humanitarian crises and conflicts can access health care.

It also said that, in 2025, WHO and partners supported 30 million people funded through its annual emergency appeal.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO). Photo credit: AFP / FABRICE COFFRINI / Getty Images

‎‎”These resources helped deliver life-saving vaccination to 5.3 million children, enabled 53 million health consultations, supported more than 8,000 health facilities, and facilitated the deployment of 1,370 mobile clinics.

‎‎”The 2026 appeal seeks nearly $1 billion to respond to 36 emergencies worldwide, including 14 Grade Three emergencies requiring the highest level of organisational response.

‎‎”These emergencies span sudden-onset and protracted humanitarian crises where health needs are critical,” it said.

‎‎WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, said that the appeal was a call to stand with people living through conflict, displacement and disaster to give them not just services, but the confidence that the world has not turned its back on them

‎“It is not charity. It is a strategic investment in health and security.

“In fact, access to health care restores dignity, stabilises communities and offers a pathway toward recovery,” Ghebreyesus said.

‎‎The D-G said that the 2026 appeal came at a time of converging global pressures.

‎‎He said that the protracted conflicts, the escalating impacts of climate change and recurrent infectious disease outbreaks are driving increasing demand for health emergency support, while global humanitarian financing continues to contract.

‎‎Ghebreyesus said that in 2025, humanitarian funding fell below 2016 levels, leaving WHO and partners able to reach only one-third of the 81 million people originally targeted to receive humanitarian health assistance.

‎‎”Renewed commitments and solidarity are urgently needed to protect and support the people living in the most fragile and vulnerable settings,” he said.

‎‎Ghebreyesus said that WHO’s priority emergency response areas in 2026 would include Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Myanmar, the occupied Palestinian territory, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, the Syrian Arab Republic, Ukraine and Yemen, as well as ongoing outbreaks of cholera and mpox.

‎‎”As the lead agency for health response in humanitarian settings, WHO coordinates more than 1,500 partners across 24 crisis settings globally, ensuring that national authorities and local partners remain at the centre of emergency response,” he said.

‎‎Speaking as co-chair at the launch event, Amb. Noel White, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the United Nations Office in Geneva, said that every humanitarian crisis was a health crisis.

‎‎White said that was the reason Ireland was proud to support the WHO emergency response through unearmarked, flexible and predictable funding of the Contingency Fund for Emergencies.

‎‎Also speaking as co-chair at the event, Ms. Marita Sørheim-Rensvik, Deputy Permanent Representative of Norway to the United Nations, said that in the present day’s most complex emergencies, WHO remained indispensable, protecting health and upholding international humanitarian law.

‎‎Sørheim-Rensvik said the organisation also ensure life-saving care reached people in places where few others can operate.

‎‎”From safeguarding access to sexual and reproductive health and rights to supporting frontline health workers under immense strain, WHO’s role is vital.

‎‎”Norway calls on all Member States to strengthen support for WHO so it can continue delivering for those who need it most,” she said.

‎‎According to her, WHO and partners’ emergency response actions include‎ keeping essential health facilities operational and delivering emergency medical supplies and trauma care.

‎‎”Others are preventing and responding to outbreaks; restoring routine immunisation; and ensuring access to sexual and reproductive, maternal and child health services in fragile and conflict-affected settings.

‎‎”Early, predictable investment enables WHO and partners to respond immediately when crises strike – reducing death and disease, containing outbreaks and preventing health risks from escalating into wider humanitarian and health security crises with far greater human and financial costs.

‎‎”While WHO and other humanitarian partners have been forced to make difficult choices to prioritise the most critical interventions, what remains are the most impactful activities.

‎She noted ‎that with the requested resources, WHO could sustain life-saving care in the world’s most severe emergencies, while building a bridge towards peace.

Meanwhile, the WHO and its International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) say up to four in 10 cancer cases globally can be prevented.

The organisations said this in a statement on Tuesday, citing a new global analysis.

According to it, the release, issued ahead of the is ahead of World Cancer Day on Feb., 4, with theme “United by Unique”, estimates that 37 per cent of all new cancer cases in 2022, were linked to preventable causes.

Also, it said that the estimate represented 7.1 million cases worldwide.

The organisation said the study examined 30 preventable causes of cancer, including tobacco, alcohol, high body mass index, physical inactivity and air pollution.

It also considered ultraviolet radiation and, for the first time, nine cancer-causing infections.

“The findings highlight the enormous potential of prevention in reducing the global cancer burden,” the statement said.

According to the analysis, drawing on data from 185 countries and 36 cancer types, tobacco remained the leading preventable cause of cancer, responsible for 15 per cent of all new cases.

It said infections accounted for 10 per cent, while alcohol caused three per cent of new cancer cases.

It noted that lung, stomach and cervical cancers made up nearly half of all preventable cancers.

‎”Lung cancer was primarily linked to smoking and air pollution, stomach cancer was largely attributable to Helicobacter pylori infection, and cervical cancer was overwhelmingly caused by human papillomavirus (HPV),” it said.

Dr André Ilbawi, WHO Team Lead for Cancer Control and an author of the study, said the analysis was the first to show the extent of preventable cancer risks.

“By examining patterns across countries and population groups, we can provide governments and individuals with more specific information to help prevent many cancer cases before they start,” Ilbawi said.

She said preventable cancer was significantly higher in men than in women with 45 per cent of new cancer cases in men compared with 30 per cent in women.

“In men, smoking accounted for 23 per cent of new cancer cases, followed by infections at nine per cent and alcohol at four per cent,” she said.

“Among women globally, infections accounted for 11 per cent of new cancer cases, followed by smoking at six per cent and high body mass index at three per cent.”

Also, Dr Isabelle Soerjomataram, Deputy Head of the IARC Cancer Surveillance Unit and senior author of the study, said the report was a comprehensive assessment of preventable cancer globally.

She said it incorporated infectious causes of cancer for the first time, alongside behavioural, environmental and occupational risks.

“Addressing these preventable causes represents one of the most powerful opportunities to reduce the global cancer burden,” she said.

She said preventable cancer varied across regions and that among women it ranged from 24 per cent in North Africa and West Asia to 38 per cent in sub-Saharan Africa.

“Among men, the highest burden was in East Asia at 57 per cent and the lowest in Latin America and the Caribbean at 28 per cent,” she said.

She said the differences reflected varying exposure to risk factors, socioeconomic conditions and national prevention policies.

She said they also reflected differences in health system capacity.

“The findings underscore the need for context-specific prevention strategies that include strong tobacco control measures, alcohol regulation and vaccination against HPV and hepatitis B.

“Others include improved air quality, safer workplaces and healthier food and physical activity environments,” she said.

Soerjomataram said coordinated action across sectors could prevent millions from experiencing the burden of cancer.

She added that reducing preventable risks would also lower long-term health costs and improve population well-being.

‎‎By Franca Ofili

World Cancer Day 2026: Africa should emulate Sweden’s proven blueprint to reduce smoking-related cancer

Michael Simire
-
0
World Cancer Day 2026: Africa should emulate Sweden’s proven blueprint to reduce smoking-related cancer

Due to declining smoking rates, Sweden has the lowest mortality from all cancers among men in the EU and an overall cancer incidence that is 41% lower than the EU average, offering a stark contrast to Africa

Across Africa, smoking-related diseases continue to place a heavy burden on public health systems, with cancer rates rising despite decades of traditional tobacco control measures. While many countries have focused almost exclusively on abstinence-only approaches, global evidence shows that this strategy alone is not enough to reduce smoking-related harm rapidly.

Tobacco smoking
Tobacco smoking

Each year, World Cancer Day takes place on February 4. For us, it is an opportunity to spread knowledge about what can be done so that fewer people are affected by cancer and to highlight policies that are already delivering real-world results.

Sweden offers a compelling alternative. By embracing tobacco harm reduction, encouraging smokers who cannot quit to switch to significantly less harmful nicotine products, Sweden has achieved the lowest smoking rates in Europe and some of the lowest tobacco-related cancer rates. Sweden’s science-backed harm reduction policies have slashed smoking rates by 54% since 2012, reaching just 5.3%.

This progress was not driven by prohibition, but by pragmatic regulation, consumer choice, and access to safer alternatives. Accurate risk communication and proportionate regulation have helped smokers move away from combustible cigarettes, where the vast majority of smoking-related cancers originate.

Africa faces unique challenges, including widespread illicit trade, limited cessation support, and weak enforcement capacity. Replicating punitive policies without viable alternatives risks pushing consumers into unregulated black markets, worsening health outcomes. Sweden’s model shows that regulated access to safer products, combined with truthful public information, can accelerate declines in smoking while undermining illicit trade.

If African policymakers are serious about reducing cancer-causing smoking, the lesson from Sweden is clear: evidence-based harm reduction works. Adapting this proven blueprint to African realities could save millions of lives, reduce cancer rates, and deliver faster public health gains than the status quo.

By Joseph Magero

Govt cleared 28 new oil field plans worth $18.2bn in 2025

Michael Simire
-
0
Govt cleared 28 new oil field plans worth $18.2bn in 2025

Nigeria approved 28 new Field Development Plans (FDPs) valued at $18.2 billion, with an estimated reserve potential of 1.4 billion barrels in 2025 alone, the Federal Government has said.

It said between 2024 and 2025, four of the seven major Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) announced across Africa were in Nigeria, a development attributed to policy clarity, consistent governance, and deliberate leadership.

Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), disclosed this on Tuesday, February 3, at the official opening of the 2026 Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Aso Villa, Abuja.

Heineken Lokpobiri
Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil)

Tinubu was represented by the Vice-President, Sen. Kashim Shettima.

Speaking at the event, Lokpobiri said the transformation of the sector under Tinubu’s administration marked a decisive break from years of declining production, stalled investments, and capital flight.

Lokpobiri said it repositioned the petroleum sector as a globally competitive and investment-ready destination following far-reaching reforms that have revived production, restored investor confidence, and unlocked billions of dollars in new investments.

“Our investment climate in Nigeria allows for free movement of capital. In line with Global best practice companies can invest and divest at will.

“We recently enabled International Oil Companies (IOCs) to transfer onshore and shallow water assets to capable Nigerian companies. From Shell to Renaissance, ExxonMobil to Seplat, Eni to Oando.

“These are not just transfers of assets, they are transfers of confidence, capability, and ownership which has resulted in additional 200,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd).

“These divestments were stalled for several years, but with the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, we were able to advance them and concluded them in record time leading to the gains made by their new operators for the benefits of all,” he said.

On the downstream segment, he said the removal of fuel subsidies had stabilised the market and improved product availability, while commending indigenous investors such as Dangote and BUA for expanding refining and midstream infrastructure.

He disclosed that licensing processes in the sector had been liberalised to ensure transparency and fairness, while Nigeria’s newly launched West African Reference Market was designed to position the country as the refining hub for the Gulf of Guinea and the wider African region.

On continental outlook, Lokpobiri said Africa spent over 120 billion dollars annually on hydrocarbon imports, describing the figure as a significant drain on the continent’s economy.

He called for greater support for the African Energy Bank (AEB), headquartered in Nigeria, to mobilise capital for Africa-focused energy development.

He said Africa’s energy strategy must prioritise availability, accessibility, and affordability, adding that global energy outlooks from the International Energy Agency (IEA) and OPEC confirm that fossil fuels will remain dominant in the foreseeable future.

“The story of Nigeria’s petroleum sector is being rewritten,” Lokpobiri said, urging global investors to partner with Nigeria not just as financiers, but as long-term collaborators in driving Africa’s energy-led growth.

“The full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) has provided a stable fiscal framework, improved licensing processes, strengthened regulation, protected host communities, and ensured predictable contractual terms,” he said.

He added that the Upstream Petroleum Operations (Cost Efficiency Incentives) Order 2025 has further enhanced competitiveness by reducing production costs through targeted tax credits.

Lokpobiri highlighted the success of Project One Million Barrels, inaugurated in October 2024, which has increased national crude oil production to between 1.7 and 1.83 million bpd, representing an incremental rise of about 300,000 bpd within a year.

He also disclosed that the number of active drilling rigs had risen sharply from 14 in 2023 to over 60, signaling renewed industry activity.

The minister said international investor confidence had returned, citing major FIDs including Shell’s $5 billion Bonga North project, TotalEnergies’ $550 million Ubeta project, Shell’s $2 billion HI project, and Chevron’s $1.8 billion investment in the Panther project.

He further revealed that Shell had announced plans for a $20 billion FID, with additional projects expected in the near term.

By Emmanuella Anokam

IPBES12 plenary session kicks off in Manchester

Michael Simire
-
0
IPBES12 plenary session kicks off in Manchester

The twelfth session of the Plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) began on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in Manchester, marking the first time that the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is hosting a session of the IPBES Plenary.

Delegates representing the more than 150 IPBES member Governments, as well as observers, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, stakeholders and many of the world’s leading biodiversity scientists and experts, have converged to strengthen the links between the science of biodiversity and both policy and action.

IPBES
Manchester, United Kingdom, is hosting the twelfth session of the Plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)

One of the most important outcomes of the meeting is expected to be the approval of the Summary for Policymakers of the landmark new IPBES Business & Biodiversity Report. This 3-year scientific assessment, involving 80 expert authors from every region of the world, will become the accepted state of science on the impacts and dependencies of business on biodiversity and nature’s contributions to people, providing all decision-makers with evidence and options for action to measure and better manage business relationships with nature.

The events of the week began on Monday, with what is believed to be the most successful IPBES Stakeholder Day in the platform’s history – with more than 500 stakeholders from the UK and around the world exploring opportunities for engagement with the work of IPBES.

The formal Plenary session got underway on Tuesday with a remarkable performance by local Manchester artists Bionics and the Wires, using bionic arms to enable plants to create music and visual art.

This was followed by a keynote address from Emma Reynolds MP, UK Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; as well as remarks by Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity; Kaveh Zahedi, FAO Director of the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment, as well as by IPBES Chair, Dr. David Obura, and IPBES Executive Secretary, Dr. Luthando Dziba. 

“This week you will work to agree the Business and Biodiversity Assessment; I pray with all my heart, that it will help shape concrete action for years to come, including leveraging public and private sector finance,” said His Majesty King Charles, in a message delivered by UK Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Emma Reynolds MP.

Minister Reynolds added: “Around the world, momentum is building. Countries are restoring wetlands and forests. Communities are reviving degraded landscapes. Businesses are discovering that investing in nature delivers real returns. The tide for nature is beginning to turn. But we cannot afford to slow down. The window to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 is narrowing. We need to build on that momentum – and we need to do it now.

“That is why platforms like IPBES matter more than ever. At a time when some are stepping back from international cooperation, the rest of us must step forward. Together we will demonstrate that protecting and restoring nature isn’t just an environmental necessity, it’s essential for our security, our economy, and our future.”

“Manchester – which has been at the forefront of historic industrial and business transformations – is a fitting venue for consideration of the vital IPBES Business and Biodiversity Assessment,” said Dr. David Obura. “This is especially important just days after the World Economic Forum’s 2026 Global Risks Report again spotlighted biodiversity loss as the second most urgent long-term risk to business around the world.”

“IPBES is therefore on track to deliver – over the coming years – crucial knowledge and inspiration to support the implementation of current goals and targets, and to provide the scientific foundation needed by the many processes now shaping the global agenda beyond 2030,” said Dr. Luthando Dziba.

Cross River strengthens community-led WASH governance in Obubra

Michael Simire
-
0
Cross River strengthens community-led WASH governance in Obubra

In a renewed push to improve public health outcomes and ensure sustainable access to safe water and sanitation, the Cross River State Government has inaugurated the Obubra Local Government Area Task Group on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (LTG-WASH).

The inauguration, held during a three-day programme at the Obubra Local Government Council Secretariat, brought together government officials, development partners and community actors committed to addressing persistent water, sanitation and hygiene challenges at the grassroots.

Obubra
The inauguration of the Obubra LTG-WASH

Organised by the State Ministry of Water Resources in collaboration with the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWATSSA), Self Help Africa (SHA) and the Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN), the initiative is aimed at strengthening local systems and placing communities at the centre of WASH governance.

Declaring the programme open, Chairman of the State Task Group on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (STG-WASH), Dr Okon Ita, described the inauguration as a critical step towards system strengthening in response to Obubra’s WASH realities.

He noted that sustainable development at the local government level depends largely on functional and committed WASH structures.

Dr Ita called on members of the newly inaugurated task group to approach their assignment with dedication, assuring them of continuous support from the state government. He was represented at the event by Eni Nkanu, a director in the Ministry of Water Resources.

For residents of Obubra, the initiative signals renewed hope for improved access to safe water, better sanitation facilities and healthier living conditions. Chairman of Obubra Local Government Area, Kingsley Arikpo, while welcoming participants, expressed gratitude to the state government and its partners for prioritising the welfare of the people. Represented by James Ekoh, he described the LTG-WASH inauguration as a bold intervention capable of driving lasting change in the communities.

A major highlight of the programme was an overview of the WASH Systems for Health (WS4H) initiative, under which Self Help Africa is supporting WASH interventions in the state.

Speaking during the session, SHA State Coordinator, Mr. Ferdinand Anok, explained that the programme adopts a system-focused approach aimed at ensuring sustainable, reliable, resilient and inclusive WASH service delivery. 

He noted that the WS4H programme is being implemented in Cross River and Kano states in Nigeria, as well as in Sierra Leone.

According to Anok, focusing on systems rather than isolated infrastructure projects is deliberate, as it enhances accountability, strengthens local capacity and ensures that WASH services continue to function long after interventions end. The four-year programme is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

The inauguration of the Obubra LTG-WASH marks a significant milestone in Cross River State’s efforts to institutionalise community-driven and evidence-based WASH governance, reinforcing its commitment to universal access to safe water, improved sanitation and better hygiene practices.

As part of the three-day programme, which commenced on January 27, 2026, the capacity of LTG-WASH members and the Obubra Local Government WASH Department was assessed to identify gaps and strengthen readiness for effective service delivery.

The Obubra LTG-WASH is chaired by Mrs. Florence Asuk, with Mr. Nyiam John as Co-chairperson, Mr. Otu Ekanem as Secretary, Mr. Oyom Ayang as Mobilisation Officer, and Mr. Ovat Obo as Public Relations Officer.

By Stina Ezin, Calabar

CSOs urge COP30 presidency to make fossil fuel transition roadmap a real, inclusive political process

Michael Simire
-
0
CSOs urge COP30 presidency to make fossil fuel transition roadmap a real, inclusive political process

Following the 12th letter from the COP30 Presidency, a group of 114 civil society organisations issued an open letter warning that, without stronger political commitment and a genuinely participatory process, the COP30-led roadmap initiative risks becoming “another document that gathers dust,” rather than a meaningful driver of the fossil fuel phaseout.

The letter, addressed to President André Corrêa do Lago, comes amid escalating climate impacts and geopolitical instability. It asserts that the credibility of global climate action increasingly depends on whether governments can deliver a “just and orderly decline of fossil fuel production and consumption.”

Signatories include climate justice, Indigenous, human rights, faith-based and community groups.

Andre Correa do Lago
COP30 President, Andre Correa do Lago

Organisations stress that the fossil fuel roadmap initiative by the COP30 Presidency must go beyond a technical exercise.

“If anything, the start of 2026 has made one thing unmistakably clear: countries must break free from volatile oil markets that expose them to geopolitical risk and repeated price shocks. This is about a managed decline of fossil fuels and delivering affordable, just energy,” said Andreas Sieber, Head of Political Strategy at 350.org, which has coordinated the letter initiative, along with Brazilian network Observatório do Clima.

“This roadmap is a critical opportunity to turn global commitments into credible action – rather than another document that sits on a shelf,” added Sieber.

To deliver real impact, signatories say the fossil fuel transition roadmap must be transparent, co-created and inclusive, with meaningful participation from civil society, Indigenous Peoples and traditional and local communities, and co-leadership by Brazil alongside partner countries, particularly from Latin America and the Pacific.

“The Brazilian presidency will be over in a few months, and we need other willing countries or groups of countries to carry the torch, since this will necessarily be a multi-year process”, said Claudio Angelo, head of International Policy at Observatório do Clima. “This is why co-ownership of the roadmap process will be crucial. Brazil will need to balance very carefully the need for a document that is bold and inclusive at the same time.” 

The letter warns that continued dependence on fossil fuels exposes countries to price shocks, conflict and coercion, arguing that a science-based transition is essential not only for climate goals but for economic resilience and political stability.

It further calls for the roadmap to:

  • have strong safeguards against vested fossil fuel interests, including the exclusion or strict limitation of inputs
  • ensure developed countries meet their climate obligations, including finance;
  • address impacts on workers and communities and ensure that the costs, benefits, and opportunities of the transition are fairly distributed across countries and communities,
  • have sustained ministerial leadership, strong democratic accountability and human rights safeguards.

“People of the Pacific and the Amazon celebrated the announcement of a roadmap to take us to a future beyond fossil fuels. We hope the COP30 presidency lives up to the acclamation this roadmap earned them last November.

“This year has shown us that the 1.5-degree target is dangerously at risk, and we can’t afford just another document without concrete steps to transition. A delayed shift from coal, oil, and gas will devastate the Pacific, the Amazon, and countless frontline communities worldwide,” said Fenton Lutunatabua, 350.org Programme Manager, Pacific & Caribbean.

Mike Omuodo: AU must reform into an institution Africa needs

Michael Simire
-
0
Mike Omuodo: AU must reform into an institution Africa needs

From an online post, a commentator asked an intriguing question: “If the African Union (AU) cannot create a single currency, a unified military, or a common passport, then what exactly is this union about?”

The comment section went wild, with some commentators saying that AU no longer serves the interest of the African people, but rather the interests of the West and individual nations with greedy interests in Africa’s resources. Some even said jokingly that it should be renamed “Western Union”.

Mike Omuodo
Mike Omuodo

But seriously, how has a country like France managed to maintain an economic leverage over 14 African states through its CFA Franc system, yet the continent is unable to create its own single currency regime? Why does the continent seem to be comfortable with global powers establishing their military bases throughout its territories yet doesn’t seem interested in establishing its own unified military? Why does the idea of an open borders freak out our leaders, driving them to hide under sovereignty?

These questions interrogate AU’s relevance in the ensuing geopolitics. No doubt, the AU is still relevant as it still speaks on behalf of Africa on global platforms as a symbol of the continent’s unity. But the unease surrounding it is justified because symbolism is no longer enough.

In a continent grappling with persistent conflict, economic fragmentation, and democratic reversals, institutions are judged not by their presence, but by their impact.

From the chat, and several other discussion groups on social media, most Africans are unhappy with the performance of the African Union so far. To many, the organization is out of touch with reality and they are now calling for an immediate reset.

To them, AU is a club of cabals, whose main achievements have been safeguarding fellow felons.

One commentator said, “AU’s main job is to congratulate dictators who kill their citizens to retain power through rigged elections.” Another said, “AU is a bunch of atrophied rulers dancing on the graves of their citizens, looting resources from their people to stash in foreign countries.”

These views may sound harsh, but are a good measure of how people perceive the organization across the continent. 

Blurring vision

The African Union, which was established in July 2002 to succeed the OAU, was born out of an ambitious vision of uniting the continent toward self-reliance by driving economic Integration, enhancing peace and security, prompting good governance and, representing the continent on the global stage – following the end of colonialism.

Over time, however, the gap between this vision and the reality on the ground has widened. AU appears helpless to address the growing conflicts across the continent – from unrelenting coups to shambolic elections to external aggressions.

This chronic weakness has slowly eroded public confidence in the organization and as such, AU is being seen as a forum for speeches rather than solutions – just as one commentator puts it, “AU has turned into a farce talk shop that cannot back or bite.”

Call for a new body

The general feeling on the ground is that AU is stagnant and has nothing much to show for the 60+ years of its existence (from the times of OAU). It’s also viewed as toothless and subservient to the whims of its “masters”.  Some commentators even called for its dissolution and the formation of a new body that would serve the interests of the continent and its people. 

This sounds like a no-confidence vote. To regain favour and remain a force for continental good, AU must undertake critical reforms, enhance accountability, and show political courage as a matter of urgency. Without these, it may endure in form while fading in substance.

The question is not whether Africa needs the AU, but whether the AU is willing and ready to become the institution Africa needs – one that is bold enough to initiate a daring move towards a common market, a single currency, a unified military, and a common passport regime. It is possible!

Mr. Omuodo is a pan-African Public Relations and Communications expert based in Nairobi, Kenya. He can be reached on mike.omuodo@mediafast.co.ke

World Wetlands Day: Integrating traditional knowledge in sustaining wetland ecosystems

Michael Simire
-
0
World Wetlands Day: Integrating traditional knowledge in sustaining wetland ecosystems

On Monday, February 2, World Wetlands Day 2026 is being observed across the globe under the theme “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage.” This year’s theme highlights the enduring role of indigenous and traditional knowledge systems in sustaining wetland ecosystems while preserving cultural identity and livelihoods that have evolved alongside them for generations. CITES Secretary-General, Ivonne Higuero, and Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, Country Representative IUCN Pakistan, share their messages

Nguru-Hadejia-Wetlands
The Nguru-Hadejia Wetlands in Yobe State, northern Nigeria

CITES Secretary-General, Ivonne Higuero

Across the world, wetlands are more than ecosystems – they are storykeepers. They carry the traditions, practices, and wisdom of communities who have lived alongside them since the beginning of time.  

This year’s theme, “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage,” reminds us that conserving wetlands also means protecting the cultural identity woven into them.

Wetlands are home to extraordinary species – from the Shoebill to the American alligator, whose international trade is regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES. This 50-year-old treaty aims to ensure that international trade does not threaten the survival of their species.  

But wetlands are not only sanctuaries for wildlife; they are living classrooms, where traditional knowledge has guided sustainable use and coexistence for generations.

Indigenous people have long understood the rhythms of wetlands – how to fish, farm, and harvest in ways that respect nature’s cycles. These practices are more than heritage; they are solutions we urgently need as we confront climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. By valuing and integrating traditional knowledge, we ensure wetlands continue to sustain both people and wildlife.

On this World Wetlands Day, let us celebrate wetlands as cultural landscapes as well as natural ones. Let us work together to achieve our Global Goals for biodiversity and sustainable development, towards a future where wetlands remain places of life, identity, and resilience – for people and for wild species everywhere.

Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, Country Representative, IUCN Pakistan

Wetlands are among the world’s most productive ecosystems. They are home to more than 100,000 species and play a vital role in supplying freshwater, supporting biodiversity, and contributing significantly to global food security. Equally important, wetlands function as natural buffers by absorbing excess rainfall, regulating water flows, and reducing the risks of floods and storm surges.

However, rapid population growth, industrialization, urban expansion, unplanned development, and intensified agriculture are placing unprecedented pressure on these fragile ecosystems. Wetlands, the ecosystems upon which water security and life itself most depend, are being lost at an alarming rate. It is estimated that nearly 40 percent of the world’s species live and breed in wetlands, making their degradation a direct threat to global biodiversity.

In the context of climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, the importance of wetlands has never been greater. By acting as natural shock absorbers, wetlands enhance resilience, support adaptation, and provide cost effective solutions to climate related risks. Protecting and restoring wetlands is therefore not only an environmental priority but also a critical investment in climate resilience and sustainable development.

IUCN has a long standing history of supporting wetland conservation in Pakistan. It has assisted the Government of Pakistan in the formulation of the National Wetlands Policy and Action Plan in 2011 and has played a key role in the designation of eight new Ramsar sites, including the Indus Dolphin Reserve, Nurri Lagoon, Jubbo Lagoon, Hub Dam, Miani Hor and Siranda Lake, Ormara Turtle Beaches, Astola Island, Jiwani Turtle Beach, and the mangrove forests of the Indus Delta. Earlier, IUCN provided technical guidelines for environmental flow releases from reservoirs to sustain downstream wetland ecosystems and dependent livelihoods in 1999 and conducted the environmental assessment of Haleji Lake in 1997.

At present, IUCN Pakistan is implementing several initiatives in collaboration with federal and provincial governments, donors, and private sector partners to restore mangrove ecosystems along Pakistan’s coastline. Through engagement with key stakeholders, these efforts aim to strengthen coastal sustainability while creating livelihood opportunities for millions of people who depend on coastal and wetland ecosystems.

In partnership with Karot Power Company Private Limited and the Governments of Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, IUCN Pakistan is implementing the Biodiversity Management Plan for the 720 MW Karot Hydropower Project. The reservoir created on the Jhelum River has emerged as an ecologically important wetland and is being actively managed for fish and aquatic biodiversity conservation.

On this World Wetlands Day, the time to act is now. Governments, communities, the private sector, and civil society must work together to protect remaining wetlands, restore degraded ecosystems, and integrate traditional knowledge with science-based solutions. By translating commitments into concrete action and investing in nature-based solutions, we can secure wetlands as a foundation for biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods for present and future generations.

1...141516...2,465Page 15 of 2,465

TV Report

Archives

2026 EnviroNews Nigeria. All Rights Reserved.

×