The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has urged individuals and corporate investors to explore emerging opportunities within Nigeria’s Blue Economy, especially in the maritime sector.
L-R: President of Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Mr Jideonwu, Deputy Director, Planning, Research and Data Management Services Department of NIMASA; Mr Umar who representative of NIMASA DG; Mr Umar Mohammed Salisu; and Chief Public, Private Partnership Office in NIMASA, Mr Agu Chiedozie, during the 36th International Enugu Trade Fair
NIMASA’s Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, made the call in a statement on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, by the agency’s Head of Public Relations, Mr. Edward Osagie, at the 36th Enugu International Trade Fair.
Represented by Mr. Umar Mohammed, Deputy Director of Planning, Research and Data Management Services, Mobereola reaffirmed NIMASA’s dedication to implementing the Federal Government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”.
He stressed the importance of inclusive economic growth by encouraging indigenous involvement in both domestic and international shipping.
“To fully harness our maritime potential, NIMASA is implementing an integrated development strategy that will support local operators in acquiring vessels,” Mobereola stated.
He added that NIMASA would also establish a National Carrier Line and create maritime training institutions to develop world-class seafarers.
Mobereola highlighted the Public Sector Cargo Support Programme (PSCPP), aimed at fostering a captive freight market for local operators and reducing foreign dominance in shipping.
He said these initiatives were being implemented through public-private partnerships to ensure sustainability and long-term impact.
“We invite investors and entrepreneurs to partner with us in building a competitive maritime sector that generates employment and drives economic growth,” Mobereola said.
The NIMASA DG thanked Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, and ECCIMA leadership for hosting the trade fair.
He described the event as a crucial platform for networking and attracting investment opportunities.
Mobereola emphasised that NIMASA plays a leading role in promoting Nigeria’s Blue Economy, through its mandate to regulate maritime activities and preserve ocean resources.
The Nigerian Navy has uncovered eight illegal bunkering sites at Obe-Akinboye sea-side community in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Illegal oil bunkering
Capt. Aliyu Usman, the Commanding Officer, Forward Operating Base (FOB), Igbokoda, disclosed this to newsmen on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Igbokoda.
He said that the operation against maritime crime which was executed by personnel of the base took place on Tuesday around 3.00a.m.
Usman said that the discovery was made possible through “a robust intelligence network” and the vigilance of naval personnel in their fight against maritime crime, illegality and economic sabotage within their area of operation.
Usman noted that once intelligence was received about the illegal refining camps, the base Quick Response Team stationed at a nearby Naval Security Outpost was immediately mobilised to conduct the raid.
According to him, the perpetrators flee the area upon sighting the Naval team, abandon the illegal sites.
“Upon inspection, the team uncovered eight illegal refining camps containing several storage tanks and reservoirs filled with an estimated 50,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
“In addition, the camps were equipped with crude oil theft-related equipment, including three wooden boats used to convey the stolen products, pumping machines, and discharge pipes.
“The eight illegal refining sites and associated items were handled in accordance with extant directives from Defence Headquarters,” Usman said.
He, however, issued a stern warning to criminals and economic saboteurs operating in the maritime domain to desist from their activities.
Usman reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to zero-tolerance stance on maritime criminality and crude oil theft.
“Our operation aligns with the directive of Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu-Ogalla (Admiralty Medal).
“The directive was for naval bases to ensure the safety and security of the nation’s waters and actively pursue those undermining Nigeria’s maritime resources,” Usman added.
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to renewable energy, especially in electricity, to stimulate economic activities across the state.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State
He made this known on Monday, April 14, 2025, at the Roundtable Meeting on Rural Electrification and Sustainable Energy Development, held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island.
The event was organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR).
Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said the initiative was in partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
He stated the collaboration aims to tackle the power supply issue, one of the biggest challenges for businesses in Lagos and Nigeria as a whole.
The governor said the initiative supports the government’s vision for a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable energy grid.
He stressed the need to solve energy issues to enhance productivity and increase job creation nationwide.
“Nigerians generate much power, but it is not widely distributed due to isolation. We have excess energy, but it is misdirected,” he said.
He noted that producing more power would spur economic activities and growth.
“There are around 4.5 million generators in Lagos. Many use 30 kVA or 50 kVA and avoid the public power supply,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu emphasised the importance of planning and sustainability in government initiatives.
He assured that the state would work with the Renewable Energy Asset Management Company to ensure long-term sustainability.
He also highlighted the need to involve Community Development Associations (CDAs) and Community Development Committees (CDCs).
He explained their involvement would help identify community needs and achieve better outcomes.
He urged the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to actively engage CDAs and CDCs in project planning.
Earlier, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, said the project focuses on harnessing sustainable energy sources.
He said the move aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote a greener, cleaner energy grid.
The commissioner said the partnership would create new opportunities in the energy sector.
“We are entering a partnership with REA that will unlock a range of new opportunities. It will give Lagosians access to stable, uninterrupted electricity supply,” he said.
Mr. Abubakar Ndiye, Chief Executive Officer of REA, said the agency aims to become the hub of renewable energy assets in Nigeria.
He assured the REA would ensure the sustainability of its energy interventions nationwide.
He said the agency is working to localise the production of renewable energy equipment in Nigeria, with Lagos playing a key role.
The event’s highlight was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The MoU marks a strategic partnership to expand decentralised solar power generation and distribution projects across Lagos State.
The Abia State Government has said that plans are underway to establish the new Umuahia City, as part of its transformation agenda for the state.
Gov. Alex Otti of Abia State
The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday, April 14, 2025, while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting in Umuahia, the state capital.
Kanu said that the plan was in line with the State Government’s comprehensive Urban Renewal Agenda.
He said, “SEC has directed the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) to fast-track the development of a new Umuahia City.
He said that the move was in response to the need to expand and modernise the current cityscape, considered limited in size and infrastructure.
The commissioner also said that government had ordered the immediate renovation and retrofitting of the long-abandoned Vocational and Skill Acquisition Centre at Mgbarakuma, near Umuahia.
He said that the general manager of UCDA was instructed to ensure the facility was revived and made operational in the shortest possible time.
Kanu said that the government had taken a strong stance against the vandalism of government property.
He said that the Facility Manager of the Aba Textile Mill and two staff members were being detained over a case involving the theft and destruction of equipment at the mill.
He said that the government warned that anyone found vandalising public assets would face the full weight of the law.
On sports, he said that the state recorded significant achievements at the recently concluded maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival.
According to him, the state’s contingent won 33 medals – comprising nine gold, 10 silver, and 14 bronze.
Kanu further said that the state also successfully hosted the Under-12 and Under-15 handball championships, attracting participants from 12 states.
He also said that, in football, the Abia Warriors boosted their hopes of securing a CAF continental slot, after defeating Rivers United 2-0, maintaining third place on the Nigeria Premier League table.
“These successes underscore the unwavering commitment of Gov. Alex Otti’s administration to youth empowerment through sports,” the commissioner said.
On the creative front, Kanu said that an Aba-based artist, Mr. Nuel Geoffrey, was set to attempt a Guinness World Record by painting 300 faces in one hour to surpass the current record of 217, held by Gary Cole from United States of America.
He said that the event, which had received official Guinness approval, would take place on May 23 at Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba.
He further said that the state Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy would be partnering with the artist for the record-breaking attempt, with all materials sourced locally from Aba.
Kanu argued that development in the state did not focus exclusively on physical infrastructure but also focuses on showcasing the creativity and talent of Abia people on the global stage.
The Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) says Africa’s natural gas consumption will hit 183 billion cubic meters (bcm), marking a three per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) increase.
Gas pipelines
The GECF says Africa’s gas consumption is expected to grow by four per cent, fuelled by ongoing industrialisation, increased demand in the power sector, and the expansion of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
The forum made this known on Tuesday, April 15, in its 2025 Annual Gas Market Report (AGMR).
The report said Algeria and Egypt, representing together over 60 per cent of the regional market, were the primary drivers of this growth, with demand fuelled by the industrial and electricity sectors.
According to the report, Nigeria also contributed significantly, particularly through its expanding gas-to-power projects.
It said the power sector remained the dominant force behind gas consumption across the continent, as governments focused on improving electricity access and reliability.
“Looking ahead to 2025, Africa’s gas consumption is expected to grow by four per cent, fuelled by ongoing industrialisation, increased demand in the power sector, and the expansion of LNG regasification terminals in key markets such as South Africa.
“As the region works to strengthen energy security and reduce reliance on coal and oil, natural gas will continue to play a crucial role in Africa’s evolving energy mix.
“Several developments in the region are poised to boost gas consumption.
“Various countries, including South Africa and Ghana, are investing in LNG import infrastructure and pipeline projects to meet the growing demand for gas in industrial and power generation sectors.
“At the same time, as many countries expand their renewable energy capacity, they are also prioritising the development of natural gas supply to ensure grid stability during periods of low renewable output,” the report said.
It said that in spite of the ongoing efforts, several challenges continue to hinder the ability to meet growing gas consumption needs, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
It highlighted key obstacles to include inadequate gas infrastructure, a conflict between prioritising domestic gas use and fulfilling export commitments, limited energy access, especially in remote areas, and difficulty in securing financing for gas development projects.
The report said overcoming these challenges required coordinated efforts in policymaking, investment and infrastructure development.
The GECF is an intergovernmental organisation established in May 2001 but became a fully-fledged organisation in 2008, with headquarters in Doha, the State of Qatar.
As of April 2025, the GECF gathers 20 countries, including 12 full members and eight observer members (hereafter referred to as the GECF Member Countries) from four continents.
Algeria, Bolivia, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Russia, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates and Venezuela have the status of full members, while Angola, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mozambique, Peru and Senegal have the status of observer members.
In accordance with the GECF statute, it aims to support the sovereign rights of its member countries over their natural gas resources and their abilities to develop, preserve and use such resources for the benefit of their people.
Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, launched its official logo at Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
The launch of the official logo of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State
In his remarks, Mr. Igo Weli, General Manager, Relations and Sustainable Development, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, commended key stakeholders in their operational states.
According to him, “today is one of the scheduled engagements taking place in the other states, where we have operations”.
Represented by Mr. Bamidele Odugbesan, Communications, Media and NGO Relations Manager, he said it should not come as a surprise to them, that they are still familiar faces that have been their key contacts.
“But we are now under a brand new name, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited.
“Under this name Renaissance, we are very enthusiastic and wish to share with you our story and our vision.
“Ladies and gentlemen, in March 2025, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited completed the acquisition of the shares of SPDC and took over the SPDC Joint Venture Operations.
“To become the operator of the NNPC/SPDC/TotalEnergy/Nigeria Agip Oil Companies joint venture.
“The unveiling of the logo marks the dawn of a new era in the nation’s energy sector,” he said.
Weli said that the acquisition positions of Renaissance as the leading energy company in Nigeria, and “we wish to establish a foundation for collaborative relationships with you through this ‘get-to-know-you’ approach.”
He said that Renaissance is committed to a smooth and transparent transition, as they respect the legacy of the SPDC JV.
“We are committed to building upon it’s foundation in a manner that fosters transparency, promotes trust, and enables economic prosperity for all stakeholders.
“We have unwavering commitment to responsible operations and environmental stewardship and an equally unwavering commitment to community development.
“We know that these are of major significance to you and we wish to establish open channels of communication that fosters transparency.
“We believe that these channels of communication will enable us to address concerns that you may have and to mitigate potential anxieties related to the transition,” he said.
He reiterate that Renaissance seeks effective engagement with key stakeholders in the Niger Delta, because they are for long term, as they have invested in sustainable development.
On his part, King Barnabas Tarila, Paramount Ruler, Polaku Community, in Yenagoa Local Government, said that he expects Renaissance Company to do more than what Shell has done for the people.
A legal practitioner, Dr Balarade Ahmad, says mandate of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) should be expanded to include engaging in mass production of solar panels and batteries.
Solar panels installation
Ahmad said this during an interview on Monday, April 14, 2025, in Abuja.
The core mandate of NASENI includes developing Nigeria’s science, technology, and engineering infrastructure to enable it drive industrialisation and economic growth.
It involves fostering research and development, promoting indigenous technology solutions, and providing the necessary infrastructure for local industries.
The lawyer urged that NASENI should set up large scale solar photovoltaic (PV) factory and be engaged in the production of high-capacity batteries.
He said that he had earlier advanced this position in his dissertation for the award of Doctor of Philosophy degree in 2024.
He said the research focused discovering the uncertainties solar panel businesses face in the country as well as business models being deployed to navigate them.
He said the importation of solar panels and accessories posed a great challenge to local businesses, adding that NASENI’s involvement in the business could be a game changer.
“Some of these uncertainties are policy, customers’ purchasing power, environmental and exchange rate, as well as security and market uncertainties.
“The fact that solar entrepreneurs in Nigeria can identify these uncertainties means that they can support the penetration of solar as an alternative to Nigerians
“There is a need for expanded research on the additional components of Dynamic Capabilities (DCs), specifically idea screening, uncertainty and risk management,’’ he said.
He urged Solar Photovoltaic Entrepreneurs (SPVEs) deploy Business Model Innovation (BMI), and participate in policy formulation and implementation for the sustainability of their businesses.
The SPVEs are individuals who establish and manage business pertaining to the solar energy industry.
According to him, when solar entrepreneurs deploy the BMI, it will reduce energy cost and make it more affordable to Nigerians.
BMI involves adapting or reinventing how a company creates and delivers value to customers, potentially through new revenue streams, distribution channels, or value propositions.
The process aims to create a more sustainable and competitive business model that better aligns with changing market needs.
Ahmad explained that the business model would allow solar entrepreneurs to push their products and services to energy poverty prone areas.
Ahmad urged government agencies to support SPVEs by providing information and knowledge-sharing platforms and reliable financial support mechanisms.
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria on Monday, April 14, 2025, declared a national emergency on food security, urging expanded irrigation infrastructure and participatory water resource management nationwide.
Dignitaries at the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja
Tinubu made the declaration while opening the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja.
He was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume.
He urged African nations to adopt innovative strategies in addressing the continent’s irrigation and water management challenges.
He described the conference theme, “Tackling Irrigation Development and Water Management Crisis in Africa”, as a clarion call to action for sustainable agriculture and economic resilience.
“Africa continues to face major challenges in unlocking its irrigation potential due to inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, climate change, and governance issues.
“This conference offers a vital platform for us to collectively chart a path forward.”
Tinubu stated that the country had more than 3.1 million hectares of irrigable land located around key river basins such as the Niger and Benue.
In his remarks, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, said the government had completed several landmark initiatives under the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project.
He announced that its successor, the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project, would address outstanding gaps while optimising the economic value of water resources to support food security.
“With the TRIMING project winding down, Nigeria is poised to begin implementation of the SPIN project in partnership with the World Bank.
“This initiative will consolidate on the successes of TRIMING and expand our irrigation potential,” Utsev said.
According to the minister, the TRIMING project, which spanned more than seven years, delivered notable achievements, including the completion of the Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori irrigation schemes and 90 per cent completion of the Middle Rima Valley irrigation project.
It also supported ongoing interventions in Ondo, Kwara, Benue, Kebbi, Edo, Adamawa, and Oyo States.
He also noted that the project established Water Users Associations (WUAs), farmer management centres, and supported market linkages for key value chains such as rice and tomato.
The minister further revealed that River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) had developed more than 153,000 hectares of irrigable land and were being partially commercialised to attract private sector investment.
He also referenced the 2025 Flood Outlook and Risk Management Strategy, aimed at minimising flood-related impacts on agriculture.
“This conference is a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and collective commitment to resolving Africa’s pressing irrigation and water management issues,” he added.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Didi Wilson-Jack, called for renewed commitment across all tiers of government to ensure national food security.
Former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Mr. Godknows Igali, underscored the urgency of strategic planning, particularly in the face of Nigeria’s growing population.
He stressed the importance of professional staffing and proper management of river basins, adding that sub-national governments must play an active role in water governance and food systems.
Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno State raised concerns over the shrinking farming seasons caused by climate change, warning that unpredictable rainfall patterns were creating uncertainty among farmers.
“Our fertile lands are turning to dust. Irrigation is now a necessity, not a luxury.
“Innovation must not be seen as a privilege of the few, we must empower women and youth who are at the frontline of agriculture,” Zulum said
He appealed to development partners to show greater responsiveness to the challenges of water access and rural farming in Africa.
President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), Dr Marco Arcieri, described the conference as both timely and essential.
“This could be a turning point. We’ve celebrated big ideas and set tangible goals to confront the pressing challenges.
“We remain committed to supporting Africa as it faces population growth and climate stress,” Arcieri stated.
Mr. Ibrahim Musa, who leads the African Regional Working Group, expressed optimism that the conference would lead to innovative approaches and actionable outcomes in addressing Africa’s unique irrigation development needs.
The conference continues in Abuja until April 17, with technical sessions, policy dialogues, and field visits to irrigation sites across Nigeria.
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has called for urgent and coordinated efforts to address the escalating impact of climate change on agriculture across Africa.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State
Speaking on the sidelines of the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja on Monday, April 14, 2025, Zulum said that Africa was at a crossroads between vulnerability and resilience.
Zulum stressed the need for inclusive irrigation systems and resilient food production strategies.
“Across sub-Saharan Africa, nearly 65 per cent of farmland is rain-fed. But the rain no longer comes as it once did. Seasons are shrinking, droughts are intensifying, and floods are becoming more severe,” he said.
Referencing the World Bank’s 2023 Climate Smart Agriculture Report, he noted that rainfall patterns in the Sahel had shifted by 20–30 per cent over the past decade.
“The consequences are dire, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) projects a 50 per cent reduction in crop yields by 2030 if current climate trends continue.
“That is not just a statistic, it’s a direct threat to food security, public health, and the future of millions.
“In spite of contributing less than 4 per cent of global emissions, Africa continues to bear some of the worst effects of climate change.
“The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports a 30 per cent rise in extreme weather events in the region since the 1990s.
“One of the starkest examples is Lake Chad, which has lost more than 90 per cent of its volume since the 1960s. Irrigation is no longer optional, it is indispensable,” Zulum said.
He emphasised the need to shift from rain-dependent farming to climate-smart agriculture by investing in efficient, inclusive irrigation systems.
“Innovation must not be a privilege of the few. Our approach must empower smallholder farmers, especially women and youth who are the backbone of rural agriculture,” he stressed.
The governor said Borno had begun laying the foundation for agricultural renewal through sustainable irrigation.
Zulum urged that efforts should go beyond individual states or countries.
“Today is about a shared African journey, a unified strategy for irrigation and water governance that requires bold policy reform, investment, and community inclusion,” he said.
He called on development partners to align with Africa’s home-grown solutions.
“We seek not dependency, but strategic partnership. Let us build systems that withstand climate shocks and restore dignity to our people”.
Zulum urged delegates to leave with renewed resolve to scale solutions, fix gaps, and drive a continent-wide push for agricultural resilience and water security.
The conference continues in Abuja until April 17, with technical sessions, policy dialogues, and field visits to irrigation sites across Nigeria.
Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd (SNEPCo), one of the sponsors of the Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum (OLEF), has commended it as a platform for driving change in Nigeria’s energy sector through the discussions that centre on business performance, cost discipline and process simplification.
Member, Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Board of Trustees, Felix Chijioke Obike, and General Manager, Wells and Geosciences Operations, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), Joe Mordi, during the 2025 SPE Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum (OLEF) in Abuja
“This event is special to the Shell brand, not only because of the nostalgia of Oloibiri but the quality of discourse it has enabled in our sector over the years,” SNEPCO Managing Director, Ronald Adams, said in a goodwill speech delivered by General Manager, Wells and Geosciences Operations, Joe Mordi.
He said: “We are grateful to the Society of Petroleum Engineers and our host the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) for another successful outing.”
Organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council, the Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum began in 1991, in commemoration of the country’s first commercial oil discovery by Shell at Oloibiri, Bayelsa State, in 1956.
Adams said recent developments in the Upstream and Downstream sectors of the energy industry, including the $5-billion final investment decision by Shell in the Bonga North Deepwater project, echoed the sentiments around the first oil discovery.
He noted: “These strides come with a commitment to excellence required of us – for stakeholders, colleagues, our country and indeed, future generations. The theme for this year ‘Driving energy sustainability through technology, policy and supply chain excellence’ reflects this commitment. The future is bright, and we have the opportunity to co-create it.”
