Leading global iGaming brand, 1win, and non-profit environmental organisation, Recycledge, will launch a collaborative Plastic Waste Exchange (PWE) project – a community-driven initiative to combat plastic waste and promote responsible plastic management in Nigeria.
Plastic waste pollution
The launch event takes place on Saturday, December 28, 2024, in Ibadan, Oyo State. Members of the public are encouraged to bring their plastic bottles in exchange for vouchers, food items, gifts, or cash rewards. The more kilogrammes of plastic attendees bring, the more tangible rewards from 1win they will receive, disclosed the organisers.
“The event promises to be engaging and fun, with activities including games and entertainment for participants of all ages, exclusive 1win merchandise giveaways, and appearances by renowned Nigerian personalities,” the promoters added.
They stated that social media influencers, Moyin and Doyin Oladimeji (known as @Twinz_Love), and famous Nigerian actor and producer, Femi Adebayo, will appear on the day to lend their voices to the campaign and inspire community participation.
The PWE project addresses the issue of plastic waste in Ibadan and surrounding areas. Citizens are encouraged to recycle PET bottles by bringing them to 1win-branded PWE stations. With an ambitious goal to collect 5,000 kilogrammes of plastic waste, 1win and Recycledge aim to send it to recycle sites and prevent plastics from polluting landfills, waterways, and natural habitats in Nigeria.
Following the launch event, 1win-facilitated plastic receptacle stations can be found across Ibadan in the following locations: Ilaji Hotel and Resorts, Hybrid Heights, Agodi Parks and Gardens, and IDC School (New Gbagi).
The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) is calling on the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) to support struggling businesses and halt the spread of misinformation and negative media campaigns.
Director-General of NECA, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde
NECA’s Director-General, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, who made the call in a statement on Thursday, December 26, 2024, said that such misinformation was tantamount to economic sabotage.
The call followed the purported closure of the factories of some major manufacturing companies in Lagos by LASWARCO on allegations of non-payment of water abstraction levies.
“The purported news of the sealing of the premises of some businesses on the allegation of non-compliance with water abstraction regulations is not only misleading but also likely to send the wrong message on the already harsh business environment in the country.
“The reported comments and activities of the commission have the damaging potential of scaring away investors, aggravating employees’ apprehension about the security of their jobs, and portraying Lagos State as unwelcoming for legitimate businesses.
“All these at a time when many multinationals are either exiting the country or carrying out a global restructuring with Nigeria and Lagos especially being one of the hardest hit nations/states in divestments and job losses, is worrisome,” he said.
Oyerinde said that businesses had faced probably the harshest economic situation in recent times, with many declaring humongous losses.
He said it was expected, therefore, that the commission would be innovative enough to come up with legitimate ways to generate revenue without adding to the woes of businesses.
Oyerinde described as unreasonable the demand for unjustifiable multimillion sums as water abstraction levies from businesses that had already paid many other forms of taxes for the same activities they use the water for.
“May we reiterate that it is the responsibility of the government to provide water for its citizens and businesses.”
He, however, noted that this noble responsibility was currently not being fulfilled by the government.
According to him, it will be highly insensitive, harsh and punitive for the same government that has failed to adequately provide water to also impose punitive levies on businesses that are constrained to make investments in providing water to run their businesses.
The director-general emphasised that organised businesses were not against responsible regulation.
Oyerinde, however, noted that the association would embark on all legal and legitimate means to resist any form of high-handedness that did not demonstrate empathy with the plight of struggling Nigerian businesses.
“In the quest for revenue generation, the commission and indeed all other regulatory agencies should adopt a more legitimate and civil approach, rather than the predominant disruptive pattern of recent times.
“Those patterns are directly against the efforts of the Federal Government to attract investment, promote job creation and facilitate responsible regulation,” Oyerinde said.
Oyerinde, therefore, appealed to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene in the matter to save businesses in Lagos from further woes.
LASWARCO on Dec. 24 sealed three companies for extracting large quantities of groundwater for commercial purposes without proper authorisation and compliance with regulations.
The three companies are Nigerian Bottling Company (Coca-Cola producers), FrieslandCampina (Peak Milk makers) and Guinness Nigeria Plc.
Events in the Red Sea and regional challenges cost Egypt around $7 billion in revenues from the Suez Canal in 2024, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Thursday, December 26, 2024.
Suez Canal
Egypt lost more than 60 per cent of the canal’s revenues in 2024 compared with 2023, Sisi added in his statement, without going into details on the events.
Houthi fighters in Yemen have carried out nearly 100 attacks on ships crossing the Red Sea since November in solidarity with Palestinians in Israel’s more than year-old war in Gaza.
The attacks have forced shipping firms to divert vessels from the Suez Canal to longer routes around Africa, disrupting global trade by delaying deliveries and sending costs higher.
International Alert, a peace building organisation, has built the capacity of civil society organsiations and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on conflict sensitivity and climate adaptation approaches.
Country Director, International Alert, Dr Paul Nyulaku-Bemshima
The Country Director of International Alert, Dr Paul Nyulaku-Bemshima, made this known at a workshop on the Nigerian Conflict Sensitivity and Climate Adaptation Facility (NC-SAF) in Abuja.
Themed “Capacity Building and Strategy Planning Workshop on Conflict Sensitivity and Climate Adaptation Approaches”, the workshop was organised with support from Irish Aid.
Nyulaku-Bemshima said that the workshop, which was a follow-up to the launch of the NC-SAF in November 2024, brought together key stakeholders to discuss the intersections of climate change and conflict in Nigeria.
“This is the consultative learning event of NC-SAF because organisations indicated capacity building as something that we should address imminently.
“More importantly, we want this event to enable different organisations understand different perspectives around climate change, climate adaptation, mitigation, and conflict sensitivity.
“Most of the conflicts in Nigeria are resource-based and so conflict and climate change are existential issues that we must deal with all together.
“So in this workshop, key outcome for us is enhanced learning, co-creation of ideas and at the end of the day, this fits nicely into the strategy session,” he said.
According to him, the strategy session prepared stakeholders with enough knowledge and skills to make the most contributions of the priorities into the NC-SAF.
He said that, although there was existing work being done on climate change and peace building in Nigeria, organisations were still working in silos, thus the need for harmonisation.
“Coming together gives us a multiplier effect in terms of advocacy and in terms of creating the needed policy change,”he said.
Also speaking, Prof. Muhammad Baba, National Publicity Secretary, Arewa Consultative Forum, and a Professor of Sociology with interest in Environment, Societies, and Conflict, commended International Alert for the initiative.
Baba said that the convergence was very important because it raised consciousness amongst stakeholders about the impact and the intersection of climate, conflict, and other issues affecting the society.
“We know there is a great nexus between ability of people to utilise the environment and conflict.
“In a lot of places in Nigeria, in the Northwest, in the Northeast and the Central, these are daily issues that affect the lives of the people.
“I think one of the first steps towards the solution is to understand exactly what is going on,” he said.
He said that it was important to understand the dynamics between climate change and induction of conflict and how they impact on human social organisation.
“This is because if we are not careful, climate change is something that will lead to conflict and this conflict will consume everyone, especially with the rising population in Nigeria,” he said.
Baba.said that the dwindling natural resources was frightening, adding that life was declining in the rural areas and getting harder in the urban areas with accommodation, water and electricity challenges.
He said that there was the need to create awareness among Nigerians to adapt to lifestyles to mitigate climate change.
Mr Nathaniel Awuapila, President of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP), said that the workshop was an opportunity to ensure that climate change policy was not just on paper, but implemented across the country.
“Nigerians need to acknowledge that climate change is real. There are stakeholders, very influential people that have continued to deny the impact of climate change.
“Let them see what happens annually when it rains and let them see the drought they experience sometimes.
“These are all impacts of climate change. It is real and we need to begin to take appropriate action immediately,” he said.
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) says that it reached not less than 1.4 million people in Nigeria with its assistance in 2024.
Amy Pope, Director-General of IOM
The IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Ms. Paola Pace, disclosed this in an interview on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, in Abuja.
She said that the organisation achieved such through broad range of actions spanning the nexus that included 1,197,432 beneficiaries of humanitarian support.
This, according to Pace, included Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM), WASH services, and Shelter and Non-Food Items (S/NFI) assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and vulnerable host communities.
She said that 30,562 individuals were supported through development initiatives, such as livelihood and resilience-building programmes in the year.
The IOM boss added that 10,332 people benefiting from peace building efforts targeting conflict-affected communities.
“Our outreach has been significant in both rural and urban areas, providing critical services to internally displaced persons, returnees and host communities,” she said.
Pace reiterated its commitment to scaling up humanitarian assistance and fostering durable solutions for the most vulnerable populations in Nigeria in 2025.
According to her, Nigerians can expect even greater efforts from IOM in expanding humanitarian reach and scaling up support for vulnerable populations.
The IOM boss said further that the organisation would also be driving initiatives that empowered individuals and communities.
“In 2025, IOM plans to scale these numbers up, especially as the country transitions from humanitarian action to foster durable solutions, ensuring a more sustainable future for the most vulnerable populations.
“Nigerians can expect even greater efforts from us in expanding our reach, scaling up our support for the most vulnerable populations, and driving initiatives that empower individuals and communities.
“Our programmes will continue to focus on sustainable development, resilience building, and ensuring that we can deliver on the promise of migration for all,” she said.
Pace added: “Whether in the context of internal displacement or international migration, Nigerians should expect that counteracting vulnerability and harnessing the many benefits of migration will remain priorities in 2025.
“The floods of 2024 demonstrated how quickly and unequivocally a disaster can push individuals into situations of vulnerability or compound already existing vulnerability.
“We will work not only to respond to such terrible events, but also to push policymaking on anticipatory action and on the environmental front, tackling climate change and land and livelihood degradation.”
Pace underscored the need for sufficient regular migration pathways to tackle challenges associated with irregular migration in Nigeria.
According to her, the driving force behind irregular migration is tied to insufficiency of regular migration pathways.
Pace said, “This means the pathways that allows individuals to migrate in a safe, orderly and regular manner like family reunification or educational visa schemes are familiar to many.
“However, there are other innovative models like skills mobility partnerships, which are pathways that facilitate upskilling of actual or potential migrants to fill labour gaps, either at home or abroad.
“These not only prevent brain-drain, they offer viable, sustainable opportunities for migrants to move in a regular manner that governments can monitor.”
She explained that, for 18 months, the organisation had been prioritising regular pathways, because its social and economic benefits to both governments and migrants are enormous.
She commended the Federal Government, civil society, private sector and migrants themselves, for partnering with it, saying that these partnerships helped in promoting the expansion of existing regular migration pathways and creation of new ones.
“Just this week, I had the honour of speaking to the Nigeria Immigration Service on the occasion of their Anti-Smuggling Week.
“This week-long event focuses on another aspect of irregular migration – smuggling, which, together with human trafficking are two legally distinct crimes that are both harmful forms of coercive migration.
“We will continue our work with the Nigeria Immigration Service to combat smuggling or any human rights violation to migrants, not only at the borders, but throughout the full migration cycle.
“The greater the number of regular migration channels, the greater the likelihood that migrants will choose these, if and when they migrate, reducing their personal risk during the migration process,” she said.
Pace commended Nigeria’s participation in the African review process for implementation of the Global Compact on Migration (GCM).
She said that it was a right step in the right direction toward positioning the country in protecting rights of migrants.
The Global Compact on Migration (GCM) is the first-ever intergovernmentally-negotiated UN agreement on a common approach to international migration.
“This global compact places enormous weight on regular pathways, as a critical avenue to safeguard the human rights of migrants and to reduce irregular migration.
“Nigeria is a Champion Country of the GCM, which means it is a thought and action leader on how best to amplify, streamline and make equitable regular migration pathways.
“In October, IOM hosted a side event to the continental review process in which numerous government officials, private sector and civil society stakeholders participated, to focus on next steps for Nigeria in this context,” she added.
The Democratic Front (TDF) says the announcement of a $5 billion Bonga North Deep Offshore Field Final Investment Decision (FID) by Shell is a sign that Nigeria remains an investment-friendly destination.
Oil pipelines
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Malam Danjuma Muhammad, and Secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo, TDF noted that the investment was an indication that International Oil Companies (IOCs) still find Nigeria attractive.
“We join President Bola Tinubu in celebrating the Final Investment Decision (FID) by Shell on Bonga North Offshore Field,” the statement said.
It said the investment was the outcome of reforms introduced by the president through the Presidential Directives numbers 40, 41 and 42 .
The Directives were to fast-track regulatory approvals, reduce operational costs and promote competitive fiscal incentives in the oil and gas sector.
The statement said the pertinence of the fresh investment in the sector was not only limited to the value of the investment but also extended to the field’s potential volume of 350 million barrels of crude oil.
The group said the investment was bound to further raise the nation’s oil output and revenue as well as bolster its position as Africa’s largest oil producer.
It said Shell’s investment came at a time of misconceptions about IOCs leaving Nigeria when indeed many of them are making strategic investment decisions in response to the administration’s incentives.
“We recall that earlier this year, the Ubeta upstream gas field known as OML 58, attracted a $500 million investment from TotalEnergies on account of Tinubu’s fiscal incentives to drive FDIs into the newly transformed oil and gas sector.
“The Ubeta upstream field is estimated to produce 350 million standard cubic feet of gas per day when operational and will go a long way to raise the country’s profile as a major gas producer.
“TDF is confident that more IOCs will key into the fiscal incentives introduced by the Tinubu administration to make fresh investments in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector,” it said.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted dust haze from Thursday, December 26, to Saturday, December 28, 2024, across the country.
Dust haze weather
NiMet’s weather outlook released on Wednesday, December 25, in Abuja envisaged slight dust haze on Thursday in good visibility throughout the forecast period in the northern region.
According to NiMet, the North central states are expected to experience slight dust haze in good visibility throughout the forecast period.
It anticipated moderate dust haze with visibility range of 2km to 5km throughout the forecast period in the southern parts of the country.
The agency predicted early morning fog or mist over the coastal areas.
“For Thursday, slight dust haze is expected throughout the forecast period in the northern region.
The North central region should be in slight dust haze throughout the forecast period.
“In the South, moderate dust haze with visibility range of 2km to 5km is expected throughout the forecast period,” it said.
The agency predicted moderate dust haze in the northern region on Friday with visibility range of 2km to 5km throughout the forecast period.
According to NiMet, the North Central should be in moderate dust haze with visibility range of 2km to 5km during the forecast period.
It envisaged early morning fog or mist over the coastal areas of the country while slight dust haze in patches of clouds is expected over the region during the afternoon and evening periods.
“Dust particles are in suspension, public should take necessary precaution.
“People with asthmatic health condition and other respiratory issues should be cautious of the present weather condition.
“Adhere to safety advisories issued by relevant authorities,” it said.
The body advised airline operators to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from it for effective planning in their operations.
“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet,” it said.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), under the leadership of Mele Kyari, has introduced the Production Monitoring Command Centre (PMCC) as a transformative step in hydrocarbon operations.
NNPS’s Production Monitoring Command Centre (PMCC)
This initiative, driven by NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), builds on the success of the Command and Control Centre to enhance monitoring, operational efficiency, and production within the oil and gas sector. The PMCC aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s policy to increase efficiency and boost production in the industry.
A Centralised Hub for Monitoring
The PMCC serves as a unified platform for monitoring hydrocarbon molecules from production to export terminals, covering Joint Ventures (JVs) and Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs). By consolidating real-time data from various operators, the PMCC provides a comprehensive overview of production activities. This ensures timely identification of anomalies, minimizes unplanned disruptions, and supports seamless operational continuity.
Advancing Operational Efficiency
With advanced analytics and integrated data, the PMCC empowers stakeholders with actionable insights for proactive decision-making. This capability enhances planning, resource allocation, and risk management, enabling operators to meet production targets efficiently and maintain high operational standards.
Improving Maintenance and Collaboration
A standout feature of the PMCC is its support for predictive and preventive maintenance. By monitoring equipment performance and coordinating maintenance activities, the system ensures the reliability and longevity of assets. Additionally, the PMCC promotes collaboration among stakeholders by providing a secure platform for data sharing and communication, fostering effective problem-solving and continuous improvement across the sector.
Boosting Production and Revenue
The PMCC’s role in minimising downtime and optimising maintenance directly contributes to increased production and revenue. Under Mele Kyari’s leadership, NNPC Ltd has achieved a production increase to 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) and is working towards a target of 2 million bpd. The PMCC is integral to achieving this goal by driving efficiency and enhancing production capabilities.
Round-the-Clock Operations
The PMCC operates 24/7, staffed by trained professionals, and utilises cloud-based solutions to ensure seamless data exchange with internal and external stakeholders. With direct communication links to the Industry-Wide Security Command and Control Centre, the PMCC also enhances the security of production operations.
As NNPC Ltd continues its modernisation journey, the PMCC reflects its commitment to innovation and excellence in the oil and gas sector. This initiative not only aligns with national goals but also strengthens Nigeria’s position in the global energy market, ensuring long-term growth and profitability for all stakeholders.
Central Africa can put an end to a paradoxical situation where it depends on massive imports of food products to feed itself while it holds a unique potential for competitive agriculture capable of satisfying the needs of its population.
Bags of fertiliser
The growing food insecurity in the sub-region is due, among other things, to low agricultural productivity, the rise in fertiliser prices exacerbated by the twin shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as well as and persistently high prices for imported food.
Gathered for a webinar on December 19, 2024, on the theme “Investing in Fertiliser Special Economic Zones and Petrochemical Value Chains to Revolutionize Agriculture in Central Africa”, the continent’s experts call on the countries in the subregion to intensify agricultural production through the establishment of special economic zones for fertiliser production.
Boaz Keizire, Vice-President of the Alliance for the Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), says that “despite abundant arable land and despite the commitment made by the Heads of State at the Malabo Summit in 2014, the continent’s agricultural systems and in Central Africa continue to record low yields. For example, the productivity per hectare of maize is 1.7 tonnes in Africa while it varies between 7 and 8 tonnes in the United States of America. Central African countries must work to enrich the soils they own”.
There is no shortage of factor endowments. Based on a study being finalised by the ECA Subregional Office for Central Africa, Bertrand Ngnie notes that the “sub-region is richly endowed with the necessary inputs to the production of nitrogen fertilisers. Central Africa has significant reserves of oil, natural gas, potash and phosphate that justify the development of a regional NPK fertiliser value chain.”
The sub-region can benefit from the good practices of countries such as Egypt, Morocco and South Africa. Samir Elkareish suggested “the establishment of a platform composed of the countries of the sub-region and advanced countries as well as partners for a coalition leading to fertiliser production and increased agricultural production in Central Africa.”
Jean Luc Mastaki, Director of the ECA Sub-Regional Office for Central Africa, called for the establishment of an exchange platform extended to various stakeholders in order to continue discussions on the issues, challenges and opportunities of the agricultural transformation of Central Africa.
“Local production and the increased use of fertilisers combined with an improvement in agricultural production techniques would eventually contribute to the gradual emanciation of agricultural production. Central Africa from its great dependence on the import of food products, which increases the vulnerability of populations, especially the poorest, to external shocks,” said Mastaki.
An Abuja High Court has given an order of interim injunction restraining the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and others from selling a landed property.
Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria
The property is located at Plot No. 4411, Cadastral Zone A09, Guzape District, Abuja.
Justice Mohammed Zubairu made the order following an ex-parte motion moved by counsel to the applicant, Reuben Atabo, SAN.
Although the motion ex-parte, marked: M/16807/2024, was moved by Atabo on Monday, its certified true copy was made available on Tuesday, December 24, 2024.
Justice Zubairu, who is a vacation judge, held that he was inclined to grant the application as prayed in the interest of justice and the spirit of fair hearing.
“The interim order of injunction is to last for few days pending when all parties are served and appeared before this court for the hearing of the motion on notice.
“Consequently, an order of interim injunction is hereby made restraining the defendants/respondents whether by themselves or agents. privies, servants, workmen and any person howsoever called acting on their behalf from trespassing into and interfering wilh the claimant’s exclusive possession of the properly.”
He said the order subsisted pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
“In the same vein, prayers 2, 3 and 4 are granted as prayed,” he added.
The judge, who directed that the motion on notice already filed before the court be served on all the defendants, adjourned the case until Dec. 30 for hearing of the substantive suit.
In the motion ex-parte dated and filed Dec. 16, the applicant, Nextdora Nigeria Limited, sued Mr Eric Anyamene Nnamdi, Hajiya Bilikisu Mallam, FCT Minister and Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) as 1st to 4th defendants respectively.
The company sought four interim orders which were granted.
The fourth relief is an order of Interim injunction restraining the defendants from developing or assigning the properly lying and situated at Plot No.4411, Cadastral Zone Ao9, Guzape District, Abuja which is coveted by a Right of Occupancy wilh File No. MISC 128232 or any portion thereof to a third party pending Ihe hearing and determination of tne motion on notice.
The company, in a motion on notice filed on Dec. 16 and marked: CV/5517/24, had sued the four defendants, praying the court to bar them from selling its landed property, among others.
The writ of summons sought seven reliefs, including a declaration that the claimant is the title holder of the property lying and located at Plot No. 4411, Cadastral Zone A09, Guzape District, Abuja.
