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Face-off deepens as Dangote Refinery accuses DAPPMAN of demanding N1.5trn subsidy to match gantry price

Michael Simire
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Face-off deepens as Dangote Refinery accuses DAPPMAN of demanding N1.5trn subsidy to match gantry price

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has disclosed that the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) demanded an annual subsidy of N1.505 trillion to enable members to match the refinery’s gantry prices at their own depots.

The refinery disclosed in a statement that although it offers petroleum products to marketers at its gantry price, DAPPMAN insists on taking delivery via coastal logistics, an option that would add N75 per litre in extra costs. Based on daily consumption volumes of 40 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 15 million litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), this amounts to an additional annual cost of N1.505 trillion (N1,505,625,000,000), which they effectively asked the refinery to absorb or pass on to Nigerians.

Dangote Refinery
Dangote Refinery CNG trucks

“Specifically, the marketers are demanding that we discount N70/litre in coastal freight, NIMASA, NPA and other associated costs as well as N5/litre for the cost of pumping into vessels to enable them to transport products from our refinery to their depots in Apapa and sell at the same price as our gantry.

“We wish to make it clear that we have no intention of increasing our gantry price to accommodate such demands, nor are we willing to pay a subsidy of over N1.5 trillion, a practice that historically defrauded the Federal Government for many years. DAPPMAN and other marketers are welcome to lift products directly from our gantry and benefit from our logistics-free initiative.”

The refinery alleged that its refusal to comply with DAPPMAN’s subsidy request is the core reason behind recent public criticisms and attacks. It reiterated that the refinery has sufficient capacity to meet domestic demand and support export as it consistently maintains a closing stock of 500 million litres of refined products in its tanks each month.

“Between June and September, the refinery exported a combined total of 3,229,881 metric tonnes of PMS, AGO, and aviation fuel, while marketers imported 3,687,828 metric tonnes over the same period, an action that amounts to dumping which is detrimental to the Nigerian economy and the wellbeing of its citizens,” it said.

Reaffirming its commitment to supporting the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the refinery stated that through various strategic interventions, it has helped stabilise the Naira, cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal, position Nigeria as a refining hub, boost foreign exchange earnings, and create employment opportunities across multiple sectors.

“We enjoy strong working relationships with government agencies and remain committed to supporting their efforts, while not hesitating to hold institutions accountable where necessary.

“Dangote Petroleum Refinery remains firmly committed to the progress and wellbeing of Nigeria, and is open to partnerships with patriotic and responsible stakeholders in pursuit of national development,” it noted.

The Refinery also reaffirmed its position regarding its recent statement on the DAPPMAN, which was published on Monday, September 15, in several national dailies and reputable online platforms.

The refinery stressed that any party aggrieved by the content of the publication is free to seek redress through appropriate legal channels. It noted that it would not be swayed by threats or so-called seven-day ultimatums and is fully prepared to defend its position through all legitimate means.

Reacting to Dangote Refinery’s allegations of product diversion by its members, DAPPMAN had issued a seven-day ultimatum to the refinery to either retract the allegation or provide documented proof.

“If neither occurs, we reserve the right to seek legal redress,” the group stated, challenging Dangote Refinery to present verifiable evidence that DAPPMAN members are diverting products to neighbouring countries.

“Smuggling is a national security matter. If any member is complicit, let the relevant agencies act,” DAPPMAN submitted, adding that it does not seek conflict, but seeks a petroleum market where all players follow the same rules; consumers benefit from efficiency and choice; and supply is diversified, safe, and competitive.

“We will resist any attempt to create a monopoly masked as patriotism,” said DAPPMAN, even as it rejects statements made by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in its press release of September 15, 2025.

As an association representing legitimate depot owners and marketers in Nigeria’s deregulated downstream sector, we are compelled to correct the record and address claims that threaten the integrity of our industry, mislead the public, and undermine regulatory confidence.

“We categorically state that our members, including Matrix, AA Rano, AYM Shafa, and NIPCO are fully tax compliant as we are not aware of any pending cases or disputes against them for default in their tax obligations.”

While denying sponsoring or supporting NUPENG’s proposed industrial action as its role has been one of de-escalation, focused on averting disruption to fuel supply and national mobility, DAPPMAN accused Dangote Refinery of offering discounts of over $40/MT to foreign traders while denying Nigerian marketers access to coastal vessel loading and restricting them to gantry-only lifting.

“This restrictive access and pricing structure create the very arbitrage opportunity the refinery now criticises.”

On product quality allegations, the group declared: “Dangote’s claims that DAPPMAN members import fuels with sulphur levels above 50ppm contradict its own operational record. The refinery itself applied for waivers from NMDPRA to distribute high-sulphur products, in direct contravention of PIA Section 317(11). We challenge the refinery to publicly deny this.”

DAPPMAN went further: “DAPPMAN members operate hundreds of depots and thousands of filling stations across Nigeria. NARTO manages a fleet of over 30,000 trucks.

“This national infrastructure cannot depend on a single supply source or be replaced by a one-location refinery. Attempts to do so signal a deliberate push toward monopolization.

We reject statements that belittle the infrastructure and investment of marketers and distributors as ‘mere assets’. Such remarks are disrespectful to the hundreds of billions invested by Nigerian entrepreneurs over decades.

“Every player in the value chain, refiners, bulk traders, depot operators, transporters, and retailers, has a defined and vital role. Demanding that marketers build refineries betrays a lack of understanding of modern petroleum economies.

“While DAPPMAN supports the introduction of CNG trucks as a cleaner energy initiative, safety cannot be compromised. The Dangote Group has a well-documented history of fatal road crashes linked to poorly trained or unsupervised drivers. Only weeks ago, Nigerians mourned the lives lost in tragic accidents involving Dangote cement trucks across multiple states.

“Adding 4,000 new trucks to Nigeria’s already strained road network without mandatory training, retraining, and safety audits only heightens the risk of further tragedies, this time involving highly flammable petroleum products.

“We therefore call on the FRSC, insurance industry, and relevant regulators to conduct a comprehensive audit of Dangote’s transport operations and road safety record. Mandatory driver vetting and retraining must be a precondition before widespread deployment of these trucks.

“Residents along major corridors, such as the Lekki-Epe Expressway, are already experiencing worsening congestion and road wear due to increased truck traffic. Without immediate intervention, the risks to lives, property, and public infrastructure will escalate.”

EU countries wrangling over 2035 climate target ahead of COP30

Michael Simire
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EU countries wrangling over 2035 climate target ahead of COP30

Environment ministers set to meet on Thursday, September 18, 2025, in Brussels are wrangling over national emissions targets for 2035 which must be fixed at EU level before the COP30 climate summit in Brazil later this year, according to an internal briefing note seen by Euronews.

A controversial 2040 EU climate emissions target decision which the Danish EU presidency had originally intended to be taken on Thursday has already been dropped to a discussion point since countries claim they need more time to mull the issue, according to EU officials.

European Commission
European Commission. Photo credit: Mark Renders/Getty Images

But the note said that countries are now dividing into more or less ambitious camps in relation to a decision on national targets for 2035, so-called Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which will be discussed at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) next week, where world leaders will take stock of climate efforts ahead of COP30.

“Less climate ambitious” EU countries want to have reductions “closer to 66% of greenhouse gas emissions” and for this target to run on a linear trajectory between 2030 to 2050, according to the note.

For those EU countries regarded as “more ambitious”, the preference is to have an “indicative statement” before the UNGA, kicking off on September 23, with a clear ambitious 2035 target “between 66% and 72,5%”, running from the 2030 target and the proposed 90% target for 2040.

EU’s efforts under Paris Agreement

Under the Paris Agreement, countries submit or update their NDCs every five years. The EU’s NDC needs to be updated to include its 2035 target and reflect intermediate targets, such as for 2040, to be presented at COP30, in November.

While the EU NDC is formally adopted by EU countries, the EU climate target for 2040 will be adopted as an amendment to the European Climate Law, adopted in 2021. However, a number of countries is eager to adopt both targets at the same time, arguing it would strengthen the EU’s ability to push for greater ambition globally at COP30.

“It is unlikely a decision on a general approach [Council’s position] can be taken only at coreper [permanent country’s representatives] level after the European Council discussion in October, hence an extraordinary environment council may be called before COP30 to adopt one,” the note added.

While member states continue to wrangle over the bloc’s green efforts in the global stage, the Danish Presidency rejects an empty-handed situation upon arrival at the UNGA and is working on two different options to bridge the gap: the first where the NDCs would be in a lower range, and the second where the NDCs would be split from the 2040 climate target.

“We’re seeking guidance from the member states for a policy debate and not a general approach (Council’s position),” an EU diplomat told Euronews, adding the EU Presidency is trying to find a way that would still keep the European Climate Law and the NDC linked.

An advocate for linking the 2035 and 2040 targets, Denmark tried to push for a vote last week at ministerial level, but Germany and Italy backed France in pushing the decision to the European Council in October, when heads of State will meet. This move was backed by countries including Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Latvia, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovakia.

But countries like Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia want to discuss the matter with Heads of State in October hoping to revisit the 90% target proposed by the EU executive, according to the letter, while France, Germany and Italy are seeking a discussion on the “framework conditions” enabling the proposal to move forward.

FAO, partners move to strengthen food security in West Africa

Michael Simire
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FAO, partners move to strengthen food security in West Africa

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), in collaboration with stakeholders, has unveiled the Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Subregional Investment Forum to promote agricultural transformation and tackle poverty, hunger and inequality.

Mrs. Bintia Stephen-Tchicaya, FAO Subregional Coordinator for West Africa, made this known on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, in Abuja.

Qu Dongyu
Director-General of FAO, Qu Dongyu

She said the initiative offered a pathway to unlock solutions to complex and interconnected challenges bedeviling agrifood systems in the region.

According to her, such challenges include climate change, water scarcity, land degradation, food insecurity and youth unemployment.

She explained that the HIH initiative, spearheaded by FAO Director-General, Qu Dongyu, is rooted in solidarity, science and strategic partnerships, and is designed to accelerate agricultural transformation across member states.

Stephen-Tchicaya stressed that the platform and its data lab serve as global public goods to support evidence-based planning, while helping countries identify investment areas with the greatest economic, social and environmental impact.

“With 80 active countries already engaged globally, including 37 in Africa, the initiative is country-owned and country-led, built on a territorial approach.

“It leverages cutting-edge geospatial tools and data analytics to identify high-impact investment opportunities,” she said.

She added that the Abuja forum provides a strategic platform to translate priorities into action.

“Over the next two days, we will review the regional investment plan, country-specific proposals and innovative financing mechanisms. It will serve as a space for matchmaking between countries and partners,” she said.

Stephen-Tchicaya emphasised that the initiative aims to mobilise the needed investments to fight poverty and malnutrition, noting that nearly one in five people in Africa; about 307 million, still experienced hunger in 2024.

She urged governments, development banks, private investors and civil society to explore ways of mobilising resources and reducing investment risks.

She added that sustainable partnerships were needed to deliver both commercial returns and inclusive development outcomes for the region.

On irrigation, she noted that it was not merely a technical solution but also a strategic enabler of resilience and food sovereignty.

“The investment cases we will discuss will demonstrate how irrigation can enhance productivity, build resilience against climate change and empower communities,” she said.

She noted FAO’s outstanding experience in supporting irrigation globally and in the sub-region.

She said by organising the forum, FAO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting irrigation in West Africa and the Sahel, while calling for collaboration to achieve results on a larger scale.

“Partnerships are the cornerstone of success. FAO and governments alone cannot do it. We need the private sector, financial institutions, research bodies and civil society to co-invest, co-design and co-implement solutions,” she added.

Stephen-Tchicaya also commended the Federal Government for hosting the landmark event and reaffirming its commitment to agricultural transformation and regional cooperation.

Participants at the HIH forum include 10 Sahel countries; Burkina Faso, Chad, Cameroon, Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria and Senegal, alongside sub-regional organisations such as CILSS and ECOWAS.

By Felicia Imohimi

Flood: Kaduna, ACReSAL sustain river dredging to curb flood risks

Michael Simire
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Flood: Kaduna, ACReSAL sustain river dredging to curb flood risks

The Kaduna State Government and its partners say they will sustain dredging, clearing of debris on River Kaduna to ensure free flow of water to minimise flood risks.

Mr. Abubakar Buba, Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, made this known on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, during an assessment of the ongoing dredging and desilting activities on the river and its major waterways.

Uba Sani
Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State

The assessment was conducted alongside officials of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project and the Kaduna State Environmental Protection Authority (KEPA).

According to him, the visit was to reinforce and realign government’s efforts in managing the river, as well as to assess the situation of communities along the riverbanks affected by flooding despite ongoing interventions.

The commissioner commended the collaboration of key partners including ACReSAL, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the National Orientation Agency (NOA).

He said the agencies had been proactive in desilting drainage systems, clearing river channels and supporting the state’s preparedness ahead of the rainy season.

Buba stated that the initiative demonstrated the commitment of Gov. Uba Sani’s administration to protecting the lives and property of the citizens in flood-prone areas.

Some 545 households were displaced after two days of torrential rainfall, with 171 houses also damaged across communities in Kaduna North Local Government Area of the state.

By Ezra Musa

Renewable energy: Govt allocates N300bn to power hospitals, universities – Bichi

Michael Simire
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Renewable energy: Govt allocates N300bn to power hospitals, universities – Bichi

The Federal Government has allocated N300 billion to provide stable electricity supply to teaching hospitals and universities across the country.

Abubakar Bichi, member representing Bichi Federal Constituency and the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, disclosed this on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at the unveiling of a solar hybrid intervention project in the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano.

Bichi
Unveiling of a solar hybrid intervention project in the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano

He said the initiative was part of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to end recurring power outages in critical sectors, especially in healthcare and tertiary education.

According to him, the allocation will fund the installation of renewable energy systems, with priority given to institutions that provide essential services to Nigerians.

“This intervention is designed to guarantee uninterrupted power for hospitals and universities so that doctors can save lives and students can study without disruption,” Bichi said.

He explained that the projects would also reduce the burden of high electricity bills on government institutions, improve efficiency, and promote the use of clean energy.

Bichi commended the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, for providing leadership in translating government’s vision into concrete action.

He added that the Energy Commission of Nigeria would work with other relevant agencies to ensure the timely delivery of the projects.

He commended Tinubu for approving special budgetary allocations to address power challenges in tertiary hospitals and universities across the country.

On AKTH solar power project, Bichi said the intervention followed appeals made to him by Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) of teaching hospitals during the preparation of the 2025 appropriation bill.

He recalled that, in November 2024, CMD of University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, among others, raised concerns over the high cost of powering critical health facilities, sometimes spending up to N200 million monthly on electricity and diesel.

According to him, the issue was discussed with the leadership of the National Assembly and later taken to President Tinubu, who directed the inclusion of funds for solar hybrid projects in the 2025 budget.

Bichi disclosed that about N300 billion was provided in the budget to support power supply in all federal universities and tertiary hospitals.

He said Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) would benefit from between 6 and 7MW solar power.

Also, Bayero University Kano would benefit from 5 to 6MW, while state-owned facilities such as Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital and Nasarawa Hospital would also receive federal support due to Kano’s large population.

“Specifically, AKTH alone got N26 billion in the 2025 budget for projects including accident and emergency, stroke centre, heart surgery, radiology, and family medicine complexes.

“This is unprecedented in the history of the hospital,” Bichi said.

Earlier, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Abdulrahman Sheshe, commended Tinubu for the gesture.

He said that the project would go along way in improving services delivery in the hospital.

Sheshe also lauded the efforts of Bichi and the minister of science and technology in realisation of the project.

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

Jigawa establishes committee to deploy clean cooking stoves

Michael Simire
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Jigawa establishes committee to deploy clean cooking stoves

Jigawa State Government has established a committee to come up with a strategic framework for the deployment of clean cooking stoves and solar dryers in the state.

Mr. Sagir Musa, the state Commissioner for Information, made this known to newsmen on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, in Dutse, the state capital, while speaking on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting.

Umar Namadi
Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa State

Musa said the committee has the mandate to harness carbon assets for climate resilience and economic prosperity in Jigawa State.

According to him, Gov. Namadi administration’s vision for agricultural transformation and climate-smart development, gave rise to the council’s decision to establish the committee.

“The establishment of the committee followed a presentation made by Dare Carbon Limited company to the council on the deployment of a clean cooking stove for climate action, food security, and economic growth.

“The project aligns with the state’s integrated approach to climate action, by reducing deforestation, indoor air pollution and food security by promoting sustainable rice parboiling solutions,” he said.

Musa said the action supports nutrition and household resilience, economic growth through the empowerment of local enterprises and the creation of green jobs.

He said the committee would be chaired by the state Commissioner of Environment, with the Commissioner of Agriculture and that of Power and Energy as members.

Other members include the Director General Economic Empowerment, and Executive Secretary, Alternative Energy Agency.

He stressed that the council decision underscored the Namadi administration’s commitment to innovative, people-centered policies to protect the environment and improve the quality of life and economic well-being of the people of Jigawa.

By Aisha Ahmed

Nigeria restates commitment to safer environment, protection of ozone layer

Michael Simire
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Nigeria restates commitment to safer environment, protection of ozone layer

The Federal Government of Nigeria has restated its commitment to safeguarding the environment and to protect the Ozone to enhance clean environment and address climate change.

Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, stated this at the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Convention and 2025 Ozone Day on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, in Abuja.

UNDP
Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, with UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Mrs. Elsie Attafuah

The celebration with the theme: “From Science to Global Action “, was organised by the ministry with support from UNDP, UNIDO and several others.

“Today, scientific evidence shows that the ozone layer is almost back to its recovery, and we hope that by 2066, it would be back to its formal position.

“Nigeria signed the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol in 1988 and had since made key phase out target including the CFC and their lots.

“We have also rectified the Kigali agreement and will soon commence the implementation of this plan,” he said.

Speaking further, the environment minister noted that economic environment under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu has been very supportive in all their efforts.

“Nigeria is determined under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President to meet new obligations and safeguard our environment.

“We also remain committed to promoting gender equity and skill acquisition with the view to enhancing sustainable environmental welfare in Nigeria in line with Renewed Hope Agenda,” Lawal said.

He said that Nigeria owed the world a duty to save the ozone layer by strengthening policies, adopting cleaner technology and building strong partnerships.

“We also need to ensure that future generations inherit a safer and healthier environment,” Lawal said.

The minister further explained that the ozone was not for government, UNDP and other organisations alone, adding that it is for everyone on the earth.

Speaking, the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Mrs. Elsie Attafuah, said that the day does not only celebrate global achievements but remind everyone of power of global cooperation.

According to her, the theme of the celebration speaks to the hearts of entire nations to protect the planet while advancing human development.

“It draws our attention to importance of both national and global efforts to save the ozone layer while recognising the critical role this adventure plays in slowing the pace of global warming.

“The three strategic reflections that guides UNDP partnership with Nigeria include, progress through partnership; climate health synergy and innovation for greener future,” Attafuah said.

Alhaji Ibrahim Jibril, the former minister of state for environment, said that the day was a reminder of the remarkable achievements of the international community under the Montreal Protocol.

Jibril, who is the 13th Emir of Nasarawa Emirate, said that, as a nation, Nigeria had played an active role in global effort.

“I am proud to have contributed during my tenure as the former minister of environment in adopting the historical event and amendment in 2016,” he said.

Jibril was also applauded by the ministry for his contributions to achieving a safer environment.

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer and Idowu Esuku

Eni awards 30 post graduate scholarships to Nigerian graduates

Michael Simire
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Eni awards 30 post graduate scholarships to Nigerian graduates

Eni’s subsidiary, Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited (NAE), on behalf of NNPC Limited and NAE PSC, has awarded scholarships to 30 Nigerian graduates for Post Graduate studies in Nigerian and overseas universities under its 2025/2026 Scholarship Awards Scheme.

Under the scheme, 10 beneficiaries will undertake postgraduate studies in various universities in different parts of the world. The remaining awardees will pursue their postgraduate studies in Nigerian universities in disciplines such as Engineering, Geosciences, Petroleum and Environmental Technology, Energy Economics, Renewable Energy and Energy Transition.

Eni Postgraduate Scholarship
Vice Chairman and Managing Director of NAE, Fabrizio Bolondi, Representative of CUIO of NUIMS, Mrs Edith Lawson presenting the award to the beneficiaries

At the ceremony held to award the beneficiaries in Abuja, the Vice Chairman and Managing Director of NAE, Mr. Fabrizio Bolondi, congratulated the awardees, stating that the scholarship award would offer them the opportunity to pursue their dreams and achieve their career objectives.

“The award ceremony highlights our continuous commitment to the future of education, innovation, and capacity building in Nigeria” he stated.

He advised the beneficiaries to utilise the opportunity to study and gain valuable skills for the benefit of the country, especially within the energy industry.

The Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), represented by the Manager of External Relations, Mrs. Edith Bunmi-Lawson, and the Deputy Manager PSC Asset A3, Mr. Paul Duke, were also present at the ceremony.

The postgraduate scholarship scheme was instituted by NNPC-NAE PSC partners in 2007 as part of the company’s human capital development initiatives to promote knowledge acquisition and bridge the skills gap in specialized fields relevant to deep offshore Oil & Gas operations in Nigeria.

To date, 350 graduates have benefitted from the Postgraduate Scholarship Schemes, instituted by the company to contribute to the training of local professionals, providing the knowledge and skills required within the industry.

Eni, through NAE, has implemented other sustainability initiatives in Nigeria in areas of health, education, access to water and infrastructure provisions, as well as specific initiatives for stakeholder empowerment in local communities.

Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited (NAE) was incorporated in 1996 to manage the company’s deep offshore exploration and production assets. NAE has the distinction of being the first oil and gas company in Nigeria to produce oil from the country’s deep offshore. NAE has interests in six deep offshore blocks in Nigeria, either as Operator or as Co-Venturer.

Eni operates in Nigeria through Agip Energy and Natural Resources (AENR), holding a 5% participating interest in the Renaissance Joint Venture, and via Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited (NAE), with a 12.5% interest in OML 135 and 118 (Bonga field) and a 10.4% equity participation in Nigerian LNG. 

IPCC seeks experts to review first draft of Special Report on Climate Change and Cities

Michael Simire
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0
IPCC seeks experts to review first draft of Special Report on Climate Change and Cities

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, opened the registration for experts to serve as Expert Reviewers on the First-Order Draft (FOD) of the Special Report on Climate Change and Cities.

Following the Second Lead Author Meeting this August, authors of this Special Report have prepared a first draft, which will be open in a month for experts worldwide to review and provide comments.

IPCC
Co-Chairs of IPCC Working Group II: Winston Chow (top) and Bart van den Hurk

The review of the First Order Draft is the first of multiple review stages foreseen for every IPCC report. The review process is critical in preparing IPCC reports, as it helps ensure scientific rigour, the widest range of perspectives, and relevance to the urgent challenges urban areas and communities face in a warming world and changing climate.

Scheduled for release in March 2027, the Special Report on Climate Change and Cities will be the first IPCC report published in the seventh assessment cycle. It is also the only special report in the current cycle.  The report aims to provide a timely assessment of the latest science related to climate change and cities, including climate impacts and risks, as well as adaptation and mitigation options.

IPCC says this review is the first opportunity for experts to engage with the draft text of the Special Report. All review comments submitted by experts or governments are addressed by the authors. The comments and the author responses, together with the drafts, are published after the report is finalised.

“Our team of around 100 authors have dedicated their time and expertise to develop a meaningful and holistic first draft of the Special Report. We sincerely invite members of the urban community to come forward to provide comments to ensure this report will reflect the latest science and be relevant to the work of urban practitioners around the world,” said Winston Chow, Co-Chair of Working Group II.

“We want to hear the voices of experts from around the world, as we know that city contexts differ worldwide. Expert reviews are critical touchpoints with the global community. They allow authors to consider diverse perspectives and listen to local realities,” said Bart van den Hurk, Co-Chair of Working Group II.

Interested experts can register for participation in the review here. The registration of experts closes on November 30, 2025. The FOD of the IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Cities is available for Expert Review from October 17 to December 12, 2025. 

How Africa Nature Investors is restoring hope for Nigeria’s National Parks – Morakinyo

Michael Simire
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How Africa Nature Investors is restoring hope for Nigeria’s National Parks – Morakinyo

Nigeria is often associated with bustling cities and rapid development but hidden within its borders are vast and fragile wilderness areas that hold some of Africa’s most endangered wildlife. Few people know this better than Tunde Morakinyo, co-founder of the Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation.

For decades, he has worked to safeguard Nigeria’s national parks by partnering with local communities and government agencies. In this conversation, he shares his journey, the challenges of protecting Gashaka Gumti and Okomu National Parks, and his vision for the future of conservation in Nigeria.

Tunde Morakinyo
Tunde Morakinyo, co-founder of the Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation

Perhaps, first, you could remind us briefly of your background in conservation and what exactly ANI is.

I am a community forester by training. I have worked in conservation since the early 1990s, when I started a community forestry project near Cross River National Park in Nigeria. After working on community conservation for six years in Nigeria, the Philippines, Cameroon, and other countries, I spent 16 years as a partner in an environmental consulting company in the private sector before founding the Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation.

We are an African not-for-profit organisation partnering with governments and communities to protect national parks in Nigeria. ANI provides hands-on protected area management through ranger-led law enforcement and economic development of the surrounding communities. In Nigeria, we work in Gashaka Gumti National Park and Okomu National Park.

Now, please tell us why Gashaka Gumti National Park is such a special place.

At over 6,000 sq km, Gashaka Gumti is Nigeria’s largest national park. When people think of Nigeria, they think about the crowded, energetic, and chaotic streets of Lagos and other cities teeming with millions of people. Most people, including Nigerians themselves, are unaware of a vast wilderness on the border with Cameroon with sweeping savanna woodlands, huge forests, deep rivers, and spectacular mountains. And then, there is the wildlife. The park has one of the largest populations of the endangered Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee, leopards, African golden cats, buffalo and a wide range of antelopes and primates. It really is an incredible place.

ANI has been working with the Nigerian authorities in Gashaka for a number of years now. What sort of progress have you been able to make?

When we first got to Gashaka in 2017, we met a park on its knees. Animal populations had crashed, and it was plagued by logging, artisanal mining, poaching for urban bushmeat markets and thousands of illegal cattle grazers setting fire to the entire park. We signed a 30-year co-management agreement with the Nigerian government and then set about rebuilding the park’s infrastructure. We recruited and trained 120 rangers who patrol the entire park to curtail all the illegal activities, and this has dramatically improved the security of the region because many of the illegal offenders were the same ones carrying out kidnapping, banditry and armed robbery.

As a result, animal populations are rebounding. We also invest heavily in the local economy, supporting education, agriculture, pastoralism, beekeeping and microfinance programmes to give communities an economic stake in protecting the park. We could not protect the park without the support and partnership of the communities.

It sounds like an inspiring story. What do you think have been the most important lessons that you’ve learnt, in terms of what has worked and what hasn’t worked? 

Signing a delegated management agreement with the National Park Service of Nigeria was essential for releasing the funding needed for Gashaka Gumti. It also enabled us to work effectively alongside the government in a co-management capacity to deal with the challenges facing the park. While ranger protection has been very important, devoting serious resources and energy to community engagement and development has been critical for our success. Communities need to be incentivised to help protect the park, and for this to happen, the park MUST make a difference to their livelihoods. We still face big challenges in tackling artisanal mining and illegal cattle grazing. There are no quick, easy solutions – but we have come a long way from how we met the park in 2017.

Ok, we also know that ANI is working in another Nigerian national park, Okomu, which is a rainforest in the south with a small number of forest elephants. We imagine that is a difficult environment, but how is it going?

Okomu National Park in Edo State is a much smaller park, located on the edge of the Niger Delta. It is a very special place with an incredibly impressive rainforest, hosting one of the last populations of Nigeria’s critically endangered forest elephants – perhaps around 40. We have a similar agreement in place with the government to manage Okomu and have been very successful in curbing the rampant illegal logging that was decimating the park. Being located close to Benin City, community dynamics are quite different from Gashaka and are more challenging in some senses, but we are gradually finding ways to work in partnership with these communities, too.

Nigeria only has a few hundred elephants in total. How do you assess their current status?

Nigeria only has around 400 elephants. Their situation remains very precarious, mainly due to high human population growth and the hunger for agricultural land. Yankari Game Reserve, which has Nigeria’s largest elephant population, is hemmed in on all sides by farmland. The situation is the same for the elephants of Omo Forest Reserve, Okomu National Park and Cross River National Park. We are still fighting to stop them from being poached and losing the little habitat they have left. However, a new challenge is that of human-wildlife conflict with elephants living in such proximity to farmers.

Finally, please tell us your hopes and dreams for Nigeria, ANI, and Tunde Morakinyo.

Most Africans and their governments care little for wildlife. They are too busy struggling to put food on the table. National Parks and their wildlife will only survive if they are economically relevant in the Africa of tomorrow. This is the challenge for ANI and for me personally. I dream of a time when we will welcome thousands of Nigerians from our cities to both Gashaka and Okomu, earning revenue for the government and changing the hearts and minds of people towards our national parks and their wildlife.

I also dream of the parks making the local communities prosperous. This way, the people will actively work with us to fend off the challenges all the parks in Nigeria face from population pressures on all sides. We are also working hard to make sure that the parks can become more financially self-sustaining (from ecotourism and carbon credits), so hopefully, one day, I will no longer have to write an endless stream of funding proposals, year in, year out! Last but not least, I look forward to the day when we will invite people from all over Africa to see Nigeria’s incredible parks and to learn from our experiences in managing these places. 

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