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International Women’s Day: Joe-Ezigbo seeks sustained momentum in appointing women to lead energy firms

Michael Simire
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International Women’s Day: Joe-Ezigbo seeks sustained momentum in appointing women to lead energy firms

The Chief Executive Officer of Falcon Corporation Limited, Audrey Joe-Ezigbo, has called on Nigeria’s energy industry to deepen its commitment to appointing women to top leadership positions, particularly across the gas value chain, as the sector commemorates International Women’s Day 2026.

Joe-Ezigbomade this call as part of the global celebration of women’s social, economic, and political achievements. She highlighted the growing presence of female chief executives and managing directors in Nigeria’s energy sector, describing it as a pivotal transformation in the industry’s leadership structure, which has long been dominated by men.

Audrey Joe-Ezigbo
Audrey Joe-Ezigbo, Chief Executive Officer of Falcon Corporation Limited

She reflected on the remarkable progress made by women who have assumed top leadership roles in the energy sector at the turn of this decade. She highlighted trailblazers and key national energy leaders, including Mrs. Olu Arowolo Verheijen, the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, whose policy advocacy has helped elevate strategic dialogue on energy reforms and sector investment, and Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan, the newly confirmed Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), whose leadership represents a historic milestone in regulatory governance and a strong signal of inclusive industry stewardship.

She also celebrated the rise of influential female energy leaders, including Folake Soetan, Managing Director of Ikeja Electric; Jennifer Adighije, Managing Director of Niger Delta Power Holding Company; Wola Joseph-Condotti, Interim CEO of Eko Electricity Distribution Company; Elozino Olaniyan, Chief Executive of Midwestern Oil & Gas Company; and distinguished upstream industry figures such as Catherine Uju Ifejika of Brittania-U Nigeria Limited and Seinye Lulu-Briggs of Moni Pulo Limited.

According to her, the willingness of boards and shareholders to elevate women into the highest decision-making roles signals maturity within the industry and a growing recognition that competence, discipline, and vision are not gendered attributes.

“Each of these appointments sends a powerful message beyond boardrooms and balance sheets,” Joe-Ezigbosaid. “It signals to the world that Nigeria’s energy sector is prepared to compete on the strength of its full talent pool. It signals to investors that governance and leadership selection are becoming more merit-driven. And most importantly, it signals to the girl child that there is no part of the energy value chain that is beyond her reach, not the control room, not the trading desk, not the executive suite.”

She commended the organisations that have taken what she described as “bold and forward-looking decisions” to entrust women with complex, capital-intensive operational mandates, adding that such choices strengthen institutional credibility and long-term sustainability.

Joe-Ezigboemphasised that the gas sector, in particular, stands at a pivotal moment as Nigeria advances its industrialisation and energy security agenda through expanded domestic gas utilisation. She noted that leadership diversity must accompany infrastructure expansion if the sector is to deliver resilient growth.

“As we build pipelines, scale distribution networks, and finance critical gas infrastructure, we must also build leadership systems that reflect inclusion and foresight,” she said. “Gas is central to Nigeria’s transition story. The leadership shaping that story must reflect the diversity of the nation it serves.”

She added that the current decade presents a rare opportunity to reset expectations around who leads energy institutions, urging boards, regulators, and investors to institutionalise inclusive succession planning rather than treat female leadership appointments as isolated milestones.

“At Falcon, we see inclusion not as a campaign theme but as a governance principle,” she stated. “The progress we are witnessing across the sector should not be episodic. It should be sustained, measurable, and irreversible.”

She concluded that International Women’s Day 2026 offers the industry an opportunity not only to celebrate achievements but also to consolidate momentum and ensure that the next generation of female engineers, economists, and energy executives inherits a sector defined by merit, opportunity, and equal access to leadership.

Women, girls in Africa paying the price for rising debt, fossil fuel extraction, climate change – Report

Michael Simire
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Women, girls in Africa paying the price for rising debt, fossil fuel extraction, climate change – Report

A new report has shown that climate change, fossil fuel extraction and debt all reinforce gender injustices on their own. The injustices only compound and worsen as the associated and growing crises they create overlap. As a result, Africa is at the frontlines of the global climate, fossil fuels and debt polycrisis that is largely based on unjust systems perpetuating extraction of resources to the Global North. 

The report, titled: “Gender, Debt and Fossil Fuels: A Mapping of Key Insights from the African Continent”, which is based primarily on the work of African feminist scholars and practitioners, looks at evidence related to the impact on women and girls related to debt and the structural entrapment of Africa caused by macroeconomic injustice and investment gaps; debt and extractivism driven by neocolonial policies; and energy colonialism and gender injustice related to petromasculinity, embodied risk and the treatment of women involved in fossil fuel resistance.

Women
Women

The report also outlines models for international cooperation ranging from entrapment to sovereignty and offers recommendations on a pathway away from oil, gas and coal towards diverse, resilient and gender-just economies. 

Much of the evidence base focuses on women and girls. More research is needed to better understand how these trends impact gender diverse people. 

Key findings from the report include:

  • Existing unjust economic structures result in African nations prioritising paying off debt over delivering health, education and other critical services. Debt in Africa has doubled since 2020 to more than $1 trillion. Interest on existing debt has doubled in the last 15 years to more than $163 billion as well. Structural adjustment programmes, trade liberalisation and International Monetary Fund imposed austerity have forced African governments to prioritize debt repayments. As a result, more money is being spent to service debt arising from extractive, colonial policies and systems than on public services such as health care and education which have a disproportionate impact on women, girls and gender diverse people. During moments of economic austerity shocks, interpersonal and domestic violence against women and girls can spike.
  • Governments are often forced to expand fossil fuel production to service debt, locking in health, economic and security risks. Fossil fuel extraction imposes a spectrum of violence against communities and women and girls are most vulnerable. Whether Mozambique, Nigeria, Uganda or Tanzania, women and girls are more at risk to the impacts of land dispossession and displacement by oil and gas projects. Militarisation aimed at securing extraction projects drive repression, surveillance and sexual violence by corporate and state security forces. Fossil fuels also cause environmental destruction that is linked to health and social crises due to pollution, food insecurity, land degradation and water contamination. Women’s and Indigenous civil society movements have been at the frontlines of environmental defense given they bear the greatest brunt of this insecurity and degradation. They face violence as a result. 
  • Growing loss and damages from climate change and the associated costs are harming lives, communities and livelihoods while increasing gender injustice at the same time. Global warming affects women and girls the most. Existing societal barriers and exclusions means most women do not have land rights and women and girls are excluded from adaptation programs and funding. The lack of climate finance also means that although Africa possesses 40 percent of global renewable energy potential, the continent receives less than two percent of global renewable investment. This puts a just transition to a diverse, safe economy that meets the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals out of reach including gender rights.
  • International cooperation is needed to allow for a just transition away from oil, gas and coal. African feminist scholars have outlined steps that could be taken to improve international cooperation which includes advancing a Fossil Fuel Treaty. Nations participating in a Treaty could create a platform for renegotiating and cancelling some external debt to create space for an equitable transition away from fossil fuels towards decentralized, accessible renewable energy for all, and phase out of oil, gas and coal while building diverse, resilient and gender-just economies. 

Bemnet Agata, PR & Communications Specialist – Tax Justice Network and Co-author of the report “Gender, Debt and Fossil Fuels: A Mapping of Key Insights from Africa”, said: “Africa is being pushed to drill its way out of debt under a global economic model that treats debt service as sacrosanct. When governments cut health, education and social protection to reassure creditors, the strain does not disappear; it is displaced – into women’s unpaid labour, dispossession and the violence through which fossil fuel extraction is enforced. Women become the shock absorbers of this model, functioning as the hidden subsidy that sustains both debt service and drilling. Any serious conversation about a just transition must begin by naming this political reality.”

Dr. Amiera Sawas, co-author of the report and Director of Research for the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative, said: “African feminists have long been calling our attention to the myriad ways that debt, fossil fuel extraction and climate change are impacting women’s and girls’ rights. It’s time the international community listened.  Despite facing disproportionate risk, women and Indigenous leaders have been at the forefront of calling for a just energy and economic transition rooted in feminist and decolonial principles where all people, societies and nations have equal opportunities to lead and benefit. This includes demanding international cooperation and solidarity via a Fossil Fuel Treaty to support nations to cancel and renegotiate debt repayments and to access fairer finance for renewable energy systems.” 

Conservationists tag Formula 1’s sustainability claims as ‘greenwashing’

Michael Simire
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Conservationists tag Formula 1’s sustainability claims as ‘greenwashing’

A new season of Formula 1 races begins in Melbourne, Australia, where the Australian Grand Prix is set for Sunday, March 8, 2026. The organiser, International Automobile Federation (FIA), presents it as the beginning of a new era of sustainability.

However, observers insist that the changes that have been put in place are disappointing from an environmental point of view.

“It’s typical greenwashing,” noted Dalibor Dostal, director of the conservation organisation, European Wildlife, on the changes to Formula One racing. 

Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2026
Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2026

This is because the new F1 single-seater cars will continue to use internal-combustion engines. The organisers present biofuels to emphasise sustainability.

“Exhaust emissions from the combustion of biofuels have an equally negative impact on nature as combustion products from fuels made from oil. They significantly increase the concentration of nitrogen oxides in the air, which supports the growth of weeds and displaces the original diversity of species from the countryside. Flowers and butterflies disappear. The landscape is changing into a green desert,” Dostal pointed out, adding that this negative effect occurs regardless of how and from what the biofuels are made. 

According to findings made by scientists, exhaust emissions from biofuels also have a similarly negative impact on human health as combustion gases from petrol or diesel oil. Exhaust gases from internal-combustion engines increase the risk of cancer, heart attack, and stroke. They cause respiratory diseases, and may lead to damage to the brain and nervous system. 

That being said, biofuels themselves are no novelty in the motor sport world. For example, Rudolf Diesel demonstrated his internal-combustion engine in 1900 with the use of plant oil.

“This technology is obsolete and long outdated. The motor sport world has already made tremendous progress to truly pure technologies with no adverse impact on nature and human health. European cities should switch to truly modern car races and leave this advertising of internal-combustion engines that are coming to the end of their life to other regions of the planet if they are interested. Celebrating the planet being destroyed in this way contradicts the values that are essential to us in Europe,” added Dostal. 

The technology of electric cars has undergone rapid development in recent years and leaves ICE cars far behind in most of the parameters. In a key indicator – zero local emissions – it is absolutely unbeatable.

“F1 has been unable to follow this trend; on the contrary, it managed to find its footing in the field of greenwashing very well and effectively employs this marketing ploy on outdated technologies with negative impacts on nature and human health over and over again,” concluded Dostal. 

As in recent years, electric motors will generate part of the power output in combination with internal-combustion engines. Although the share of electricity will rise from the previous 20 per cent to 50 per cent, it is still too little when compared to pure electric cars. 

Forest damage in Europe to rise by around 20% by 2100 – Study

Michael Simire
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Forest damage in Europe to rise by around 20% by 2100 – Study

Forest damage in Europe caused by wildfires, storms and bark beetle outbreaks is projected to increase compared to recent decades under all analysed climate scenarios, according to a new international study, published in the scientific journal Science, with contributions from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK).

Even in a scenario with warming limited to roughly 2°C, annually disturbed forest area could rise from about 180,000 to roughly 216,000 hectares per year by the end of the century, compared to the already unprecedented levels of disturbances from 1986 to 2020. In a scenario in which fossil fuel use continues to increase, annually disturbed forest area could double, reaching nearly 370,000 hectares per year by the end of the century.

Forest damage in Europe
Forest damage in Europe

“In the future, Europe’s forests are likely to absorb less carbon,” says Christopher Reyer, scientist at PIK and co-author of the study. “If forests take up less carbon, or potentially even release more than they absorb, this increases pressure on other sectors such as transport and agriculture to reduce their emissions more rapidly. At the same time, forest management needs to focus more strongly on building resilient forests.”

According to the study, forests in Southern and Western Europe will be particularly affected and will undergo the strongest changes in forest disturbance. Northern Europe is expected to be less severely impacted overall, though hotspots of future forest damage are also likely to emerge there. The study was led by researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM).

Global oil spike: Economists credit Dangote Refinery for averting fuel crisis

Michael Simire
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Global oil spike: Economists credit Dangote Refinery for averting fuel crisis

Energy and economic experts have commended Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals for cushioning Nigeria from the full force of the global oil shock triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East.

International developments highlight the scale of disruption across global markets. In the United Kingdom, The Mirror reported petrol prices climbing to 169.9 pence per litre, with long queues forming at filling stations amid fears of supply shortages linked to the crisis.

Analysts argue that without the refinery’s 650,000 barrels per day capacity, Nigeria would have faced acute product scarcity and significantly sharper increases in petrol prices as crude oil surged on the international market.

Dangote Refinery
Dangote Refinery

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane, noted that crude prices have risen by over 32.39% since the crisis began, climbing above $84.5 per barrel. In contrast, the Dangote Refinery implemented a measured adjustment of N100 per litre in its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit, representing an increase of about 12%.

“The price of crude has gone up about 32% but the price of PMS has gone up about 12%, so the Dangote Refinery has absorbed over half of the increase,” Rewane said. He added that, in China, which operates a 10-day averaging pricing window, petrol prices have risen by about 15% within the same period.

Also speaking, Dr Muda Yusuf, former Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, described the refinery as a major stabilising factor for Nigeria’s energy security.

“We are fortunate as a country to have the Dangote Refinery because many countries are currently in crisis as far as energy is concerned, occasioned by skyrocketing prices and product shortages,” he said. “Yes, there has been some increase in price, but that is inevitable because crude feedstock is the major cost variable. The increase cannot be compared to what would have happened if we did not have a functioning local refinery. The volatility has been moderated because we are more energy secure.”

Development economist, Prof Ken Ife, observed that the Middle East tensions would have wider implications for Africa, where refining capacity remains limited. He noted that the continent spends over $120 billion annually importing petroleum products, despite concerns over quality in some markets.

Citing data from OPEC, Ife said Nigeria has about 445,000 barrels allocated for domestic refining under existing arrangements. However, the Dangote Refinery requires about 13 vessels of crude to meet local consumption needs but currently receives only five. He called for stricter enforcement of domestic crude supply obligations to strengthen local refining capacity.

On his part, a university lecturer and public affairs analyst, Dr Abimbola Oyarinu, said the refinery came on stream at a critical moment, particularly as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for roughly 20 to 30 per cent of global oil supply, continue to exert upward pressure on crude prices.

“The strategic value of the Dangote Refinery lies in supply security and reduced scarcity risk,” he said. “However, stabilisation is not the same as insulation. Because crude is priced at international market rates, global volatility will still transmit into the domestic economy, particularly through fuel price induced inflation. Sustainable economic stability will require complementary policy discipline, transparency in pricing and the development of strategic reserves.”

Managing Director and Chief Economist at Analysts’ Data Services and Resources (ADSR) Limited, Afolabi Olowookere, said the issue of inadequate crude supply to Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals by domestic producers must be urgently addressed, given the strategic benefits the facility offers to both Nigeria and the wider African region.

Olowookere explained that although Nigerians expect refined products from the refinery to be significantly cheaper, prevailing market realities such as global crude oil prices, the cost of crude supply and refining margins make substantial price reductions unlikely in the short term. He stressed that improving domestic crude allocation to the refinery would strengthen supply stability and enhance the long-term benefits of local refining for the economy.

Thrive Abia: 100 youths received computers to encourage job creation

Michael Simire
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Thrive Abia: 100 youths received computers to encourage job creation

The Abia State Government and TechEccentric have given 100 young people laptop computers as part of efforts to improve digital skills and alleviate the state’s unemployment crisis. 

Like many other states in Nigeria, Abia has a serious problem with youth unemployment; according to numerous studies, the percentage of young people without jobs may reach 50%. As a result, the “Thrive Abia” project is a tech freelancing initiative that is designed to help transform that problem into an opportunity.

This digital model reflects the Igba Boi system, which has long defined entrepreneurship in the South East. These “digital apprentices” are trained by QurateHQ and then assisted in training and mentoring 100 new technology entrepreneurs annually, much like an established trader mentors and equips a young apprentice to eventually start his own business.

Thrive Abia
Guests at the Thrive Abia project’s official launch in Umuahia, the state capital of Abia

Speaking at the programme’s official launch on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State in Southeast Nigeria, Abia State Commissioner of Science, Technology, and Innovation David Kalu referred to the initiative as accountability-driven, firm, and inspiring, particularly with regard to laptop loan-to-own.

According to him, the event, which was organised by TechEccentric in partnership with the Abia State Ministry of Science and Technology, sets a new standard by highlighting the significance of opportunity tied to structure, discipline, and results.

He stated that Abia State has a large number of talented young people, but that many of them lack structured pathways to convert their gifts into skills and skills into income.

“Thrive Abia is designed to close that gap by providing practical, market-relevant digital skills with real support,” the ministry’s chieftain explained, adding that this cohort is the first 100 and that their performance will set the norm for future cohorts.

The standard he went on to describe will encourage a change in the beneficiaries’ mindset because the initiative is empowerment by building capability rather than empowerment by giving. This is important, he added, because success will come from consistency, discipline, and delivery rather than just motivation alone.

Kalu warned the recipients that the laptop is programme equipment provided for learning and delivery, not a free gift, and that any misuse, resale, or carelessness will have repercussions.

“If you treat it like a gift, you will waste it. If you treat it like a tool, it can change your life,” he told the receivers after presenting the devices to them.

In a similar vein, Mr. Gilbert Igwe, co-partner of TechEccentric, stated that the exercise’s goal is to teach 10, 000 young Abians – beginning with 100 – about technology and how to use it to generate income.

He says that tech is fun and that anyone who wants to be successful on the project needs to be consistent and confident; therefore, he encourages them to ask questions when needed.

According to him, tech is similar to learning other professions such as mechanics and electricians, with the exception that whereas the others require the use of a spanner and screwdriver, tech only requires the use of a computer.

He remarked that the challenges one faces can depend on perspective, as there are various ways to earn income through technology. One possibility is to seek local employment, while another is to work remotely as a freelancer, offering services to clients beyond Nigeria.

“Once you get to that place, it’s really, really fun,” he remarked, emphasising the importance of consistency, dedication, and confidence.

The tech and AI expert went on to say that how much you earn is entirely up to you and that it will not happen overnight; it will take a lot of hard effort.

“Our assurance to you is that we want to take you from where you are today, instil the skills in you and show you how to be self-employed,” claimed Mr. Igwe.

He reminded them that the programme involves more than merely generating profit. As interns, they are expected to educate others about digital awareness, inspire them to identify local issues within the public and private sectors, and utilise their newly acquired skills to seek solutions.

Giving a breakdown of the structure of the programme, Mr. Uche Onyekpe, co-partner of TechEccentric, hinted that it would require their entire participation and would take the shape of a hybrid.

The first half of the training, he elaborated, will require students to participate in hands-on activities, while the second will demand them to demonstrate what they have learned.

Mr. Onyekpe expressed his pleasure in working with the state, pointing to the governor’s dedication to the innovation ecosystem as the motivation for the partnership.

The beneficiaries commended the state government for launching the project, which they regarded as a game changer in transforming young people into valuable assets for themselves and the state as a whole.

Ifeoma Solomon, an engineering student and one of the awardees, stated that she chose to enrol in an artificial intelligence and automation course because she wants to mentor others using what she has learned.

“I hope to combine my knowledge to move Abia forward,” she said.

Each of the sponsored individuals will participate in a six-month technology and freelancing bootcamp as part of the Thrive Abia project. They will also receive a laptop, a business identity, and income prospects.

Additionally, they must be taught as peer mentors using a ready-to-use curriculum and toolbox, and they must conduct two training cycles a year with 50 mentees per cohort, with assistance from QurateHQ and the State.

By Etta Michael Bisong, Abuja

Why Nigerians do not trust biosafety agency’s regulation of GMOs

Michael Simire
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Why Nigerians do not trust biosafety agency’s regulation of GMOs

The deployment of products of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) continues to raise concerns and resistance, not only in Nigeria but across the world among consumers, researchers, public health experts, food sovereignty campaigners and others. Nigeria’s National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) however, has continued to take on a defensive front on the matter rather than acknowledging and addressing critical concerns that are quite fundamental and evident.

This we believe comes from a mindset that assumes science and technology especially such as is approved by some foreign entities cannot be flawed and that Nigeria or Africa cannot make a headway in agriculture without without deploying biotechnology.

Bello Bawa Bwari
Bello Bawa Bwari, CEO/Director-General, National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA)

A recent article in The Guardian titled “Nigeria Is Not Experimenting With GMOs, It Is Regulating Them”presents genetically engineered crops as a fait accompli and theNBMA as adequately defending Nigeria’s biosafety. The article almost reads like an NBMA public relations piece. The fact we must not forget is that  the agency is saddled with the  mandate to ensure that the practice of, and products from modern biotechnology do not harm human, animals, or plants health or the environment and they have said in the past that they are not set up to stop the deployment of GMOs but to regulate them.

This begs for an interrogation of what regulation actually means. Shouldn’t regulation mean that GMOs should be banned altogether if they pose significant risks to humans and the environment? The Precautionary Principle, a key principle of the Cartagena Protocol to which Nigeria is signatory, specifically advises caution and a halt in adoption of GMOs where there are threats to human and environmental safety.

One of the fundamental questions that the Nigerian government through the NBMA is yet to respond to is “where are the results of LONG TERM and INDEPENDENT/PEER REVIEWED risk assessment including feeding tests conducted that informs the safety of the four officially approved products for commercial planting in Nigeria and the 10 or more others approved for food, feed and processing?”

This is unarguably the surest way to build trust in the regulatory architecture, but such information is not on the website of the NBMA as of March 6, 2026. We cannot but say the country is experimenting with GMOs using Nigerians as test subjects with our soils/environment as the laboratory. This is clearly not the way to defend biosafety.

The loudest argument about the need for GMOs in Nigeria is that there is no other way to feed a burgeoning population. The fact that these artificial crops do not have a yield advantage over natural varieties when cultivated under similar conditions is simply overlooked. The overriding impetus for the broadcasting of the GMOs in Nigeria is the economic benefits the speculators and manufacturers of the seeds would reap, riding on their power and control over policy formulation and implementation.

Profit at what cost? Or is it true as an official of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) stated at a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives in December 2024 that “it is better to eat and die than not to eat and die”? Meaning that because Nigeria’s population is huge, we should keep deploying GMOs irrespective of the quality of the food and the long-term impacts whether social, health or environmental, as long as food is available.

But we must dig deeper even on the economic front. The cotton farmers who have planted GMOs for the longest time in Nigeria noted in 2024 that the GM Cotton (Bt Cotton) after three odd years of planting has not outperformed the conventional variety. They lamented that their soil was instead being degraded. This is possibly a result of the release of the CRY1Ab toxins (from Bacillus thuringiensis) in the Bt Cotton into the soils. Again, what cost are we willing to pay just to be in the league of countries deploying so-called cutting edge modern biotechnology in agriculture?

A second fundamental question that remains unanswered is who controls the GM seed market? This gives rise to several other questions: Who owns the intellectual property rights over the genetically modified seeds?  Here’s the catch: GMOs can and will contaminate our local varieties through cross pollination and other processes. What safeguards has the NBMA put in place to prevent gene transfer and contamination of Nigeria’s local seed varieties? Or are we content with depending solely on the intentional seed companies for seeds and for our subsistence in the long run?

A number of other countries have put in place total or partial bans on GMOs based on this risk of genetic contamination. In 2024, Mexico placed an indefinite ban on genetically engineered corn. The courts said that, from the evidence before it, genetically engineered corn posed “the risk of imminent harm to the environment.” Furthermore, they will “suspend all activities involving the planting of transgenic corn in the country and end the granting of permission for experimental and pilot commercial plantings.” This ruling provided a protection for the 20,000 varieties of corn grown in Mexico and Central America.

What are we doing to protect Nigeria’s genetic resources from GMOs contamination? Mexico is the centre of origin of maize and this reality places responsibility on her to protect natural maize varieties from the corruption of transgenic varieties. Nigeria is the centre of origin of beans/cowpea, and yet our farms and markets are open to insecticidal GMO beans.

On this note we encourage the government at all levels to invest in the setting up of seed banks to ensure the preservation of local and high performing indigenous seed varieties.

Nigerians reserve the right to choose their food. GMOs approved for commercial cultivation and sale are not labeled. Although we do not believe labelling will be effective considering our socio-economic context, the absence of labelling signals a disregard for the rights of consumers and an avoidance of responsibility on the part of the producers GMOs.

Releasing GMOs into the market without labels is against the spirit and intent of the biosafety law in Nigeria. This explains why the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) Act lacks provision on strict liability.

Many Nigerians are consuming imported processed foods bought from supermarkets without any idea that they are made from the genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The manner in which these items are imported into the country needs to be interrogated. Although the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has said illegal importation of GMOs into the country is being checked, these products are abundant in our market shelves (over 50 different brands including cereals, vegetable oils, spices, ice-cream, cake mixes, etc) as revealed by a survey which Health of Mother Earth Foundation carried out across 10 Nigerian cities in 2018, 2019 and 2023.

We reinforce the call for a ban on GMOs in Nigeria. As recommended by the House of Representatives in 2024, no new GMOs should be approved in Nigeria pending a proper interrogation of the processes of approvals so far. We add that such an interrogation must include long term impacts on human and environmental health. The output of this exercise should be critically reviewed by independent scientists and other food system stakeholders.

Nigeria’s approach to tackling food insecurity should be such that address the root causes of the problem. We cannot overlook the poor budgetary allocation to agriculture or the heightened insecurity that keeps farmers out of farms or the lack of basic infrastructure or the poor extension service, etc, and claim to be addressing food insecurity.

It is time to transition back to agroecology -which simply means farming in line with nature and in the light of our socio-cultural, economic and ecological context. Farming that ensures that science recognises local knowledge and that it serves the interest of the people. We must promote and protect farming that assures food security but much better food sovereignty by ensuring shorter value chains/better access to food, improved livelihoods for smallholder farmers and a protection of the rights of peoples.

GMOs only attempt to address the symptoms of major underlying food system issues while increasing profit for their proponents. The price to pay in terms of ecological damage, loss of biodiversity, health and economic implications far outweigh any fickle advantages they may seem to have. It is time to decolonize our food systems.

People over profits!

By Nnimmo Bassey and Joyce Brown

Nnimmo Bassey is an Environmental Activist, Author/Poet and Executive Director at Health of Mother Earth Foundation

Joyce Brown is a Public Health Scientist, Food Sovereignty Campaigner, and Director of Programmes at Health of Mother Earth Foundation

Lagos assembly concludes probe into waterfront demolitions

Michael Simire
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Lagos assembly concludes probe into waterfront demolitions

The Lagos State House of Assembly has concluded its investigation into demolitions in three waterfront communities, with affected residents presenting differing demands.

Chairman of the ad hoc committee, Mr. Noheem Adams, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting with representatives of the affected communities on Thursday, March 5, 2026, in Lagos.

The affected communities are Makoko, Sogunro and Oko-Agbon.

Makoko
Makoko demolition

Adams, who is also Majority Leader, said the committee would submit its findings and the communities’ positions to the Speaker and the 40-member assembly.

He expressed concern over the shifting positions of community representatives during the discussions.

Adams recalled that the communities had initially agreed to compensation but later changed their stance, describing the development as a setback to reconciliation efforts.

At the committee’s final meeting on Thursday, representatives of the three communities presented differing views on compensation and relocation for displaced residents.

The Alase of the Egun community in Makoko, Francis Agoyon, said affected residents should be permanently relocated rather than compensated.

Similarly, the Baale of Makoko, Chief Emmanuel Shemade, said residents preferred relocation to financial compensation.

However, he urged the government to clearly state where displaced residents would be relocated and define the demolition boundaries in Makoko, Sogunro and Oko-Agbon.

In contrast, Sogunro representative, Mr. Bola Ayande, said the community preferred financial compensation.

Ayande suggested that each affected resident should receive about ₦10 million, noting that an average bamboo house in the area costs about ₦4 million.

Vice Chairman of the Fishermen Association, Tobi Kalejaiye, said the situation had created anxiety among residents.

“The people are jittery about the situation. Whatever the traditional rulers say will be the final decision,” he said.

Leaders of the three communities, however, agreed that government should demolish any structures rebuilt on the affected sites.

Officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency told the committee that some demolished structures had been reconstructed.

They requested permission from the assembly to remove the new constructions.

Earlier, the assembly directed the communities to form 10-member committees comprising women, youths, students and traditional leaders.

The move is aimed at resolving disputes and addressing the needs of displaced residents.

The three communities also submitted their reports to the Assembly Secretariat.

By Adekunle Williams

Innovator unveils tool to encourage careers in sustainable development

Michael Simire
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Innovator unveils tool to encourage careers in sustainable development

A free digital application called “Sustainability Career Pathfinder” has been launched by Comfort Apeh Francis, the United Nations and the African Union Youth Climate Innovator, to encourage young people to become interested in sustainable development projects and assist in creating jobs in the green transition plan.

The tool, which was introduced on Thursday, March 5, 2026, aims to increase the talent pipeline of gifted individuals entering the green economy, whether in policy, finance, technology, communications, or technical environmental jobs.

At a time when demand for sustainability talent is growing faster than supply, Ms. Apeh’s innovation has received positive early user review, with full impact data expected within the coming week.

Comfort Apeh Francis
Comfort Apeh Francis during an innovator pitch at the 2nd African Climate summit

According to the World Economic Forum report on November 14, 2025, the green transition globally is projected to impact 14.4 million jobs and create 9.6 million new jobs despite 2.4 million jobs becoming obsolete by 2030.

Speaking to EnviroNews after the launch, Ms. Apeh, the founder of GreenBridge Africa Innovation Ltd, said she was inspired to create the tool after taking a close observation of the way global policies are being implemented and new job paths created.

“I’m giving back by providing a tool I wish I had before now. I want more young people to get into technical roles, not just activism,” the innovator stated.

Among the difficulties she recalled was the fact that she was not an expert in software. Consequently, she had to hire a specialist to help with the design and development of the tool, which incurred significant costs that she could not afford.

“But with the help of AI tools, I was able to build and deploy this technology with no technical experience. It is proof that the barrier to building for climate should not be financial or technical,” she said.

By Nsikak Emmanuel Ekere

UN moves to ensure clean energy in Nigeria

Michael Simire
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UN moves to ensure clean energy in Nigeria

The United Nations has advanced its clean energy drive in Nigeria by unveiling a solar power project designed to reduce electricity costs, cut carbon emissions and promote sustainable energy use.

UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, made this known during the switch-on ceremony of Phase I of the Greening of the UN House project, on Thursday, March 5, 2026, in Abuja.

He said that the initiative marked a step toward renewable energy adoption within the UN system.

UN Nigeria
Dignitaries at the switch-on ceremony of Phase I of the Greening of the UN House project, on Thursday, in Abuja

Fall said the solarisation project demonstrated the organisation’s commitment to sustainability, andd that it aligned with global efforts to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

“In a few moments, with the flip of a switch, this building will begin running on sunlight.

“This is more than a technical milestone; it is a statement that the future of energy is already here,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria holds enormous renewable energy potential, particularly through solar power, noting that reliable electricity remains critical for economic growth, productivity and social development.

He said the UN was proud to support Nigeria’s efforts to expand renewable energy in line with the Electricity Act 2023 and the country’s climate commitments.

Fall added that Phase I of the project included “a 400 kilowatt-peak solar photovoltaic microgrid, expandable to 700 kilowatts, alongside 650 kilowatt-hours of lithium-ion battery storage to provide energy resilience.”

He said the system also features artificial intelligence driven energy management and Internet of Things digital monitoring to optimise power use and track system performance in real time.

The UN official explained that the solar installation would reduce annual electricity costs for the UN House by about 40 per cent, translating to savings of between 173 million naira and 216 million naira annually.

He added that the project would also cut grid electricity consumption by nearly one million kilowatt hours each year and reduce carbon emissions by approximately 300 tonnes annually.

Fall also said that the initiative reflected collaboration among various UN agencies operating within the common premises, and was implemented with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme.

Fall further said the UN planned to expand the initiative under Phase II, which will increase solar capacity toward 700 kilowatts and further reduce reliance on conventional grid power.

According to him, the long-term goal is to move the facility toward near complete clean energy autonomy, while encouraging similar projects across institutions in Nigeria.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Mr Abba Aliyu, commended the UN for demonstrating that renewable energy solutions were both practical and economically viable.

Aliyu noted that Nigeria required an estimated 23 billion U.S dollars to electrify underserved and unserved communities across the country using the most cost effective approaches.

He said that initiatives, such as the UN solar project helped to demonstrate how clean energy can support socio-economic development and improve electricity access.

Also speaking, the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, said the project aligned with Nigeria’s energy transition agenda and the government’s efforts to promote renewable energy and modernise the power sector.

Adelabu,  represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mahmuda Mamman, also reaffirmed that the Federal Government remained committed to strengthening partnerships with development organisations to expand clean energy access nationwide.

“We recognise that a diversified energy mix, anchored on a renewable energy solution, is essential for long-term energy security,” he said.

Similarly, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, described the initiative as an important step toward addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development.

Lawal said Nigeria must continue to adopt environmentally friendly energy solutions to reduce carbon emissions and protect the planet for future generations.

He expressed optimism that the project would inspire other institutions and organisations to adopt renewable energy technologies.

By Sarafina Christopher

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