Home Blog Page 192

PETROAN joins NUPENG, issues strike notice over Dangote CNG trucks

Michael Simire
-
0
PETROAN joins NUPENG, issues strike notice over Dangote CNG trucks

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has announced a three-day forewarning of suspension of lifting and dispensing of petroleum products commencing from the early hours of Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

PETROAN’s National President, Dr Billy Gillis-Harry, in a statement issued on Sunday, September 7, 2025, said the forewarning on suspension of dispensing petroleum products was in advocacy for healthy competition as against any form of monopoly in the sector.

Dangote Refinery
Dangote Refinery CNG trucks

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) had announced that its members would commence a nationwide strike from Monday, Sept. 8.

The strike is in protest against what it described as anti-union labour practices, linked to the deployment of newly imported Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks by the Dangote Refinery, for direct distribution of petroleum products.

Dangote’s programme on direct distribution of petroleum products to end users is aimed at eliminating logistics costs, enhancing energy efficiency, promoting sustainability and supporting Nigeria’s economic development.

Gillis-Harry emphasised that the action of NUPENG would be both lawful and peaceful, underscoring the association’s commitment to promoting workers’ rights and benefits through constructive engagement.

“PETROAN underscores its commitment to advancing the interests of Nigerian citizens in the pricing stability of the petroleum sector and promoting a stable and productive industry,” he added.

He called on President Bola Tinubu, Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), and the Authority Chief Executive, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), to intervene in the proposed actions of NUPENG and PETROAN.

He also called on the Group CEO of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), the Director-General of DSS and the Inspector General of Police to intervene urgently in the actions.

The intervention, he said, would avert potential hardship and pain on citizens arising from the suspension of lifting and dispensing of petroleum products.

He appealed to the President to find a solution to the crisis and ensure the smooth operation of the oil and gas sector to minimise disruptions to the nation’s economy.

Gillis-Harry further said that pump attendants at PETROAN-member filling stations were equally registered members of NUPENG, hence, the strike by NUPENG would mean these attendants would be absent from duty.

He warned filling station owners not to discipline or sack any pump attendant who would be absent from duty until the end of the strike.

He said that PETROAN had earlier advocated for healthy competition in the oil and gas sector, as opposed to monopolistic tendencies, adding that the aggressive business strategies of Dangote Refinery would have far-reaching consequences.

He listed the consequences to include pushing private depot owners, modular refinery operators, marketers, retail owners, truck owners, and truck drivers out of business.

These, he said would trigger millions of unemployment nationwide, with devastating effects on the economy and livelihoods.

He advised Nigerians to view any initial strategy aimed at gaining monopoly as a “Father Christmas” promise, cautioning them not to forget the events that unfolded in the cement industry.

“Nigerians should be vigilant and not be swayed by promises that may seem beneficial in the short term but could have long-term negative consequences.

“In a bid to mediate on the proposed shutdown, PETROAN held an emergency ordinary national general meeting, where it resolved to hold consultations on Sunday and Monday.

“In the event of no fruitful outcome, the PETROAN Congress agreed not to sack any employee who participates at all retail outlets nationwide by the early hours of Tuesday.

“To enforce this decision, a 120-man compliance team will be mobilised as watchdogs to ensure safety of our member’s facilities.

“As a critical player amongst stakeholders, PETROAN will join other stakeholders in ensuring healthy competition in the oil and gas sector to promote a conducive environment for workers, foster sector growth, and ultimately benefit the Nigerian economy,” the expert said.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to promptly intervene in the face-off between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Dangote Group,

The congress specifically called on the President to call on the Dangote Group to comply with labour laws and international conventions.

NLC made the call in a statement signed by its President, Mr. Joe Ajaero, which was made available to newsmen in Abuja.

The statement was sequel to the announcement by NUPENG that it would commence a nationwide strike from Sunday, over what it described as Dangote’s “anti-union practices, monopolistic agenda, and indecent industrial relations strategies.”

Ajaero called on the President to “immediately call Aliko Dangote and Alhaji Sayyu Dantata to order” and impress on them to respect the nation and international law

Ajaero added that the government must not look the other way while a few individuals privatise the nation’s energy future and enslave its workforce, stressing,

The NLC President accused Dangote Group of exploiting Nigerian workers while disregarding their constitutional rights to unionise and bargain collectively.

“The NLC unequivocally condemn the anti-union, anti-worker, and monopolistic practices of the Dangote Group and its affiliates.

“Nigerian workers are not slaves and cannot be serially abused without consequences,” he said.

Ajaero said the congress further demanded the immediate unionisation of Dangote Refinery and all its subsidiaries.

Accordig to him, preparations are underway for a united resistance in solidarity with NUPENG, including possible industrial action.

“If Dangote continues on this reckless anti-union path, we will move beyond words to action.

“Our solidarity is not negotiable. We will fight because we must.

“The working class must not be sacrificed on the altar of corporate greed,” he said.

But the Federal Government has appealed to the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to suspend its planned nationwide strike scheduled for Monday, Sept. 8, 2025.

Mr. Muhammad Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment, made the appeal in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja and signed by Ms. Patience Onuobia, Head of Press and Public Relations in the ministry.

Dingyadi urged the union to reconsider its decision, warning that shutting down the petroleum sector would severely cripple the Nigerian economy and worsen the hardship faced by citizens.

“I have intervened in this matter and invited all parties for a conciliation meeting,” he said.

The minister also appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to withdraw its red alert directing affiliate unions to prepare for solidarity action with petroleum workers.

“The petroleum sector is the core of our economy.

“Even a day’s strike will cause heavy revenue losses, running into billions, and bring untold hardship to Nigerians,” he added.

He assured the public that the dispute between NUPENG and the Dangote Group over unionisation rights would be resolved peacefully to avoid any disruption in the vital oil and gas industry.

“I plead with the unions to give peace a chance.

“This matter will be resolved amicably, to the satisfaction of all parties involved,” he added.

By Emmanuella Anokam and Joan Nwagwu

Lokpobiri, Ekpo, Adelabu, Komolafe, Ojulari, others to lead talks at NAEC Energy Conference 2025

Michael Simire
-
0
Lokpobiri, Ekpo, Adelabu, Komolafe, Ojulari, others to lead talks at NAEC Energy Conference 2025

On Thursday October 9, 2025, high profile stakeholders in the Nigerian oil & gas, power, mines, steel and solid minerals sectors including ministers, regulators, and operators will converge on Eko Hotel Lagos for the Annual NAEC Energy Conference 2025 organised by the Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria (NAEC).

NAEC has noted that Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil); Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas); Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power; Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC); Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority; and Bashir Bayo Ojulari, GCEO of the NNPC Limited, will be among the speakers at the NAEC Energy Conference 2025.

Ministers
Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri (left) with Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperipe Ekpo

A statement released on Sunday, September 7, 2025, jointly signed by Mr. Ugo Amadi, NAEC Chairman, and Dr. Adeola Yusuf, Chairman, Conference Planning Committee, said the theme of the conference is “Nigeria’s Energy Future: Exploring Opportunities and Addressing Risks for Sustainable Growth.

According to the statement, the slated speakers include Lokpobiri, Ekpo, Adelabu, Komolafe, Ahmed, and Ojulari, who will be presenting special keynote addresses and goodwill messages to set the tone of discussions at the event.

The Association also announced that Dr. Uche Ogah, President of Masters Energy Group, would serve as the confab chairman.

The organisers explained that the 2025 edition of the annual NAEC Energy Conference would bring together policymakers, regulators, operators, and stakeholders across the oil, gas, and power sectors for robust discussions on the future of Nigeria’s energy industry.

According to the programme schedule, the conference will have three panel sessions coming up immediately after the opening ceremony. 

The first panel session will centre around the upstream sector of the petroleum industry, with the topic, “Actualising Nigeria’s Energy Future: Optimizing opportunities and investments for Oil and Gas Production Growth.”

The second panel session focuses on trends in the oil refining, gas processing, product marketing and distribution space, with the topic, “Driving Sustainable Energy Future through Investment in Midstream and Downstream Infrastructure.”

The third and last panel session will explore issues in the power generation, transmission and distribution segments as well as renewable energy penetration under the topic, “Unlocking Power Sector Potential: Infrastructure, Investment, and Innovation for Sustainable Future.”

Besides, NAEC has announced that the 2025 conference would feature the ‘NAEC Industry Awards’, with a streamlined format that will have some merit categories and winners

The statement quoted the association’s chairman to have explained that the move reflects NAEC’s commitment to promoting accountability and inclusivity in the sector, giving professionals and citizens alike the opportunity to actively recognize excellence within the industry.

On his part, Yusuf noted that the NAEC Conference has built a strong reputation as one of Nigeria’s most respected platforms for policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, and networking. 

He added that this year’s innovation in the awards segment would set a new benchmark for transparency and industry recognition.

He confirmed that registration for the conference is now open through NAEC’s official website.

 Yusuf hinted that the 2025 edition would also feature a pre-conference workshop for NAEC members, sponsored by a leading Nigerian energy company, before the end of this month.

Other expected dignitaries to drive robust conversations on Nigeria’s energy future include: Felix Ogbe, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB); Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI); Chichi Emenike, Acting MD/Gas Asset Manager, Neconde Energy Limited; Ed Ubong, Coordinating Director, Decade of Gas Programme;Tony Attah, MD/CEO, Renaissance; Mr. Roger Brown, MD, Seplat Energy Plc.

Others are: Dr Chris Offokansi, Head of Industrial Relations and Resources, Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO); Suresh Kumar, MD, NIPCO; Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, MD/CEO, FIRST E&P; Mr. Adegbite Falade, MD. Aradel Holdings Plc; Mrs. Moroti Adedoyin-Adeyinka, Executive Director, Sahara Group; Dr. Alex Irune, CEO, Oando Energy Resources; and Folake Soetan, MD/CEO, Ikeja Electric.

Also, on the discussion rosters are Mr. Akachukwu Nwokedi, President, Nigerian Gas Association (NGA); Dr. Gabriel Ogbechie, Group Managing Director, Rainoil Limited; Ogbemi Ofuya, Group CEO, Axxela Group; Mrs. Rekhiat Momoh, MD/CEO, EKEDC; Johnbosco Uche, President, Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE); and Dr. Phillip Mshelbila, CEO, NLNG.

Besides, amongst the prime speakers are Wole Ogunsanya, Chairman, Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN;) Osa Igiehon, CEO, Heirs Energies Ltd; Jennifer Adighije, MD/CEO, Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC); Mokhtar Bounour, MD/CEO, Egbin Power Plc; Mr. Abba Aliyu, MD, Rural Electrification Agency (REA); and Mr. Clement Isong, CEO, Major Energies Association of Nigeria (MEMAN).

HEDA to train media, communicators on transforming climate narratives into action

Michael Simire
-
0
HEDA to train media, communicators on transforming climate narratives into action

In a bid to close the gap between the lived realities of climate change and the urgent need for more innovative, impactful storytelling that can influence policies and drive climate-smart local action in frontline communities, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has announced a four-day media training programme.

The initiative is designed to equip journalists, creatives, and digital storytellers with the skills to move climate change narratives beyond abstract headlines and transform them into compelling stories that inspire action and accountability.

Sulaimon Arigbabu
Executive Secretary of HEDA, Sulaimon Arigbabu

In a statement signed by HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Sulaimon Arigbabu, the free capacity-strengthening programme, structured as a certificate course, will run from September 16 to 19, 2025. The training will feature leading experts working at the intersection of climate justice, media, gender equality, creative arts, and digital technology.

According to Arigbabu, the programme underscores the critical role of the media and creative sectors in shaping public understanding of climate issues. He noted that while floods, droughts, and extreme weather events increasingly disrupt communities, environmental stories in the media are often underreported or lack the depth required to galvanize meaningful action.

“This initiative therefore seeks to provide participants with the tools to tell compelling, inclusive, and relatable stories that not only inform but also mobilize communities and influence decision-makers,” he said.

The training will explore how emerging opportunities in data, technology, and digital platforms can be harnessed to cut through misinformation, amplify marginalised voices, and push for accountability in climate governance. Sessions will cover a wide range of topics, including the science and impacts of climate change, the role of technology in shaping climate decisions, media framing of environmental issues in Nigeria and Africa, and the human rights dimensions of climate justice.

Additional modules will examine the impact of climate shocks on Nigerian communities, the African context of climate justice, storytelling for advocacy, and the use of digital media tools for effective campaigns.

HEDA disclosed that the workshop is open to journalists, artists, filmmakers, writers, social media influencers, and other creatives across Nigeria and Africa. Successful participants will receive certificates upon completion. Interested applicants are encouraged to register via the official link: https://bit.ly/climatecreatives.

HEDA Resource Centre further disclosed that the virtual masterclass will serve as a prelude to its full immersive residential bootcamp on climate storytelling, scheduled for later in September.

FCT Department, engineers partner on engineering systems for disaster management

Michael Simire
-
0
FCT Department, engineers partner on engineering systems for disaster management

The FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has forged partnership with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) on engineering systems to enhance disaster management in Abuja.

The Acting Director-General of FEMD, Abdulrahman Mohammed, made this known when he paid a courtesy visit on the Registrar of COREN, Prof. Okorie Uche, in Abuja.

COREN
Acting Director-General of FEMD, Abdulrahman Mohammed, with the Registrar of COREN, Prof. Okorie Uche, in Abuja

According to Abdulrahman, engineering system is failing, and when it fails, it causes disasters particularly on roads.

He attributed the rising incidents of petrol tanker accidents to carrying above the approved capacity and the absence of weigh-in bridge on the roads.

“COREN must police the system to make our work easier.

“We must collaborate in terms of rules and regulations so that we can sanitise the system.

“Plane crashes, refinery collapse or dam failure are major engineering system failures and when they fail they cause disasters.

“So, we need you to put us in your regulations particularly the Engineering Regulations Monitoring (ERM), to enhance emergency preparedness and management,” he said.

Responding, Prof. Okorie Uche, assured that COREN would collaborate with FEMD technically to ensure public health safety and the environment.

“We need to check a lot of things for public safety.

“In this 21st, we should not be having petrol tanker explosions, it means we did not study the safety lines,” he said.

By Angela Atabo

Kogi will never experience devastating flooding, erosion again – Ododo

Michael Simire
-
0
Kogi will never experience devastating flooding, erosion again – Ododo

Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State on Saturday, September 6, 2025, vowed to keep the people of the state safe by deploying the needed Infrastructure to curb impending flooding and erosion threats.

Ododo gave the assurance in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, in Lokoja, the state capital.

Kogi State
Contruction of drainage channel in Kogi State

The governor said that the deployed infrastructure were designed to provide lasting solutions to ecological challenges across the state.

He said that his administration is determined to change the face of Kogi with solution-tailored infrastructure that guaranteed safety, sustainability, and improved quality of life for the people.

“The newly constructed drainage systems in parts of the state, including Etahi, Omigbo and Olubojo in Ankpa, have already begun delivering results.

“Our drains are working as designed. Rainwater is being efficiently collected and channeled away, reducing the risk of flooding. Within minutes of heavy rainfall, the water is soaked away, leaving communities safe and accessible,” he said.

According to him, the government is leveraging the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project to strengthen flood control measures and reclaim land previously destroyed by ecological challenges.

He stressed that the Mr. Ladi Jatto led Kogi ACReSAL has become a game-changing platform for the administration, which is making the best of the opportunities it offered to drive sustainable solutions for ecological challenges.

Ododo added, “My administration’s environmental initiatives reflect my vision of building resilient communities through sustainable projects that directly addressed the peculiar needs of the state.

“Kogi is no longer just reacting to ecological disasters; we are proactively deploying infrastructure that prevents them. This is a new dawn in our approach to flood control and environmental sustainability.”

Kogi is one of the states in Nigeria that has experienced devastation from flood in past years.

By Thompson Yamput

Dangote advocates urgent prioritisation of manufacturing over raw materials export in Africa

Michael Simire
-
0
Dangote advocates urgent prioritisation of manufacturing over raw materials export in Africa

Africa’s wealthiest man and President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has called on Africans to leverage on internal strengths and global opportunities to fill existing gaps, and adopt a deliberate re-orientation toward industrialisation of Africa’s manufacturing sector, as a panacea against the current global economic instability.

The renowned entrepreneur encouraged operators in the manufacturing and industrial sectors across the continent to embrace a fundamental shift in mindset and develop robust regional value chains and deepen intra-African trade as inward solutions to boost overall development across the continent.

Aliko Dangote
Aliko Dangote

Dangote, who noted that current geo-political tensions and trade wars have caused major economies to reevaluate their traditional trade partnerships with a view to diversifying their supply chains, also urged African exporters to benefit from the current process to fill the gap by competitively supplying the required products.

These recommendations were contained in Dangote’s welcome address at the company’s Special Day at the ongoing 4th Intra-African Trade Fair holding in Algiers, Algeria, where he was represented by his Special Adviser and Representative, Ahmed Mansur.

“I am glad to be here at the 4th Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF). I am immensely grateful to the organisers – not only for inviting me and giving me the opportunity to speak – but also for going a step further by dedicating this remarkable day to my organisation, Dangote Group. To have today officially set aside as Dangote Day is both an honour and a privilege.

“I thank the conveners – The African Export Import Bank, the African Union Commission and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat – for organising this event. We appreciate the invaluable contributions you have made and the excellent work you continue to do in promoting, facilitating, and deepening trade and investment across the continent”, Dangote added.

According to him, “this year’s theme, ‘Gateway to New Opportunities’, resonates deeply as a powerful reminder of the huge potential and prospects that abound across the African continent. For too long Africa’s resources have been exported as primary commodities in their raw and unrefined state with limited domestic processing or beneficiation.

“There must be a fundamental shift in mindset and a deliberate re-orientation toward industrialisation and the development of Africa’s manufacturing sector. While this was always necessary in the past, it is even more urgent today, given the alarming rise in youth unemployment, and the need for sustainable, inclusive growth,” he added.

The business tycoon observed that current geo-political tensions and trade wars have caused major economies to reevaluate their traditional trade partnerships with a view to diversifying their supply chains. 

“African exporters could benefit if they can fill the gap by competitively supplying the required products. Furthermore, global instability has encouraged African nations to look inward and actively pursue greater regional self-reliance. This inward focus can catalyse the development of robust regional value chains and significantly deepen intra-African trade,” he advised.

“At Dangote, we are very proud of our Afrocentric posture, driven by an unwavering commitment to the continent’s growth and industrial transformation. We have added value to limestone and created the largest cement company in sub Saharan Africa with an aggregate cement production capacity of about 52MMtpa across 10 countries,” Dangote stated.

“Similarly, our 3MMtpa urea plant has contributed to the attainment of fertiliser self-sufficiency. Nigeria, once solely reliant on imports is now a net exporter of granulated urea to destinations in Africa as well as to South America, North America and Europe.

“More recently, we have witnessed the commencement of operation of Africa’s biggest oil refinery – also the world’s largest single-train facility, with a capacity of 650kbpd. This landmark project is gradually reducing the region’s long-standing dependence on imports of refined petroleum products, particularly from Europe, while also generating surplus for export to global markets. As Africa becomes more self-sufficient in energy it should reduce our vulnerability to external shocks and supply disruptions.

“Africa’s potential and prospects are immense. However, this potential will only be fully actualised if individual nations take deliberate steps to improve their business environment. Unlocking new economic opportunities requires the implementation of appropriate policy reforms, investment in infrastructure, and attractive sector wide incentives to facilitate the inflow of private capital,” Dangote concluded.

At the Dangote Special Day, which drew admirers and various attendees, various Business Units of the conglomerate such as Dangote Cement, Dangote Sugar, Dangote Salt (NASCON), Dangote Fertiliser, Dangote Polypropylene, and Dangote Packaging did presentations and urged greater collaboration among trade partners and manufacturers across Africa for the development of the continent.

Advocate joins Nigeria’s ruling party to promote environmental governance

Michael Simire
-
0
Advocate joins Nigeria’s ruling party to promote environmental governance

Seasoned journalist and environmental rights crusader, Etta Michael Bisong, has joined Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), as part of his efforts to combat climate change through effective governance.

Speaking on Friday, September 5, 2025, in Abuja, shortly after being received by the party executives, Bisong, who currently serves as the director of Media and Publicity for the APC Climate Change Network (ACCN), disclosed that his choice of going into politics was informed by his understanding of the relationship between real-life development and political power.

APC
Participants during the official ceremony held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

According to him, all are familiar with the reality of climate change, as its devastating impacts are no longer distant possibilities but what frontline communities experience every day. From flooding issues to extreme weather conditions and the displacement of our families in different locations across the country and around the globe, not to mention the food insecurity challenges that are cropping up and the critical infrastructure that it affects.

However, Bisong pointed out that even in the face of all the climatic challenges that Nigeria is experiencing as a country, opportunities lie ahead for it to explore, because intentional climate governance provides the nation a superlative chance to reinvent its development pathways and to innovate and build resilience that benefits not only the present but generations to come.

“True climate action can only be achieved through effective governance,” he stated, which is why he believes environmentalists should enter politics to strengthen their campaign.

As a result, the communicator-turned-politician urged other well-intentioned environmental activists to join the political movement in order to further their advocacy and assure a sustainable future for all Nigerians, Africa, and the world.

His heartfelt gratitude goes to Citizen Greg Odogwu, the ACCN’s national coordinator, for spearheading this historic process, as well as the entire executive team of the APC, Wuse, Ward, for their show of love and for welcoming him into this incredible community.

In the same vein, Citizen Greg Odogwu, the ACCN’s national coordinator, hinted that he has been a member of the ruling APC since 2014. He clarified that he chose to call himself a “citizen” in order to use the term as a catchphrase to inspire everyone to be patriotic.

“I happen to be the national coordinator of the APC Climate Change Network (ACCN), because I am trying to bring value of what I do to this space,” he told the participants who gathered to witness the groundbreaking ceremony.

Odogwu, a seasoned environmental journalist, said Bisong’s joining the ruling APC was a huge plus because he will be using his more than 17 years of experience in the media and climate field to help the party win over more green votes during the upcoming general elections in 2027 and beyond.

Ayuba Idi, the chairman of Wuse Ward, in his remarks, commended Bisong for his choice of choosing the ruling APC to foster environmental change.

According to him, the APC is a community for anyone who is aspiring to transform the nation through the delivery of good governance.

He underscored the party’s constitution, which he said is supreme and above all the members, no matter how highly placed or influential the person may be in the society.

In conclusion, Idi thanked members of his executive team for making time to be part of the occasion and urged everyone to remain faithful and avoid anti-party activities, warning that it’s a strong violation of the party ethical guideline.

By Nsikak Emmanuel Ekere, Abuja

Accelerating scalable climate solutions for cities through the NDCs

Michael Simire
-
0
Accelerating scalable climate solutions for cities through the NDCs

At the Implementation Lab on Cities at the ongoing Africa Climate Week in Addis Ababa, I joined the session and we reflected on the fact that cities are always at the frontline of the climate crisis, yet they also hold the solutions. Therefore, to unlock the full potential of cities, we must accelerate scalable, implementable actions across urban areas, backed by proper financing, governance capacity, and inclusive leadership.

It is obvious that cities continue to face a financing gap and weak local government capacity that is limiting their ability to take leadership. The people in informal settlements remain highly vulnerable to climate impacts, underscoring the need for inclusive planning. One thing that became clear to us was that ambition alone is not enough but implementation – this remains the true test of leadership for cities.

Gboyega Olorunfemi
Gboyega Olorunfemi

Several examples were showcased which include: the Durban’s community-based early warning systems to protect vulnerable residents; Dakar’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) solutions reducing emissions and improving mobility; Brazil’s “Adapt-a-City” initiative supporting 600 cities; and, Rwanda and Philippines partnerships fostered through the World Resources Institutes’ (WRI) “bringing national and subnational actors together”.

These examples did not just provide hope, but they also led us to some of the key barriers, such as: Sustainability of financing projects; project preparation gaps that hinder access to climate funds, and catalytic funds that are often misdirected to actors without financial expertise – this trend must be corrected.

For effective cities emancipation, key takeaways from the lab are that stronger collaboration between national and subnational governments is important; co-ownership of financial instruments for long-term resilience is ascertained; development partners aligning catalytic finance with real local needs is guaranteed and more importantly, SMEs and community-led groups are included in financing architecture – this is part of our ongoing dedication at the Society for Planet and Prosperity ensuring that the subnational are given adequate chance and recognition.

Therefore, for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to drive real change, they must be localised. And because the NDCs are political statement of countries, the subnational governments need to be integrated into the process of developing them and national strategic financial frameworks that will enable them to attract sustainable investment outlined and strengthened.

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) and other global financial instruments must provide clear windows for national–subnational–SME collaboration. This is when climate ambition will translate into meaningful and equitable solutions for cities.

By Gboyega Olorunfemi, Senior Policy Analysts, Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), Addis Ababa

No subsidy in oil, gas sector – NMDPRA

Michael Simire
-
0
No subsidy in oil, gas sector – NMDPRA

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) says there are no subsidies in the oil and gas sector as Nigeria operates a completely deregulated market.

Mr. George Ene-Ita, the Director, Public Affairs Department, NMDPRA, made this known in Abuja on Friday, September 5, 2025.

Farouk Ahmed
Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA, Mr. Farouk Ahmed

Ene-Ita was reacting to the recent reports that the Federal Government has removed subsidies or increased the price of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

CNG refilling stations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had early this week increased the product from N230 to N380 for one Standard Cubic Metre (SCM), amid long queues.

The increase in price might be connected to scarcity of the product due to lack of infrastructure which had necessitated long queues witnessed at every refilling station, especially in the FCT and Lagos.

“What we have is a baseline price for our gas resources, including CNG as dictated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA),” the spokesperson said.

He said that, as long as the prevailing CNG market price conforms to the baseline, then the pricing is legitimate.

Meanwhile, the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (P-CNGI) had said that no directive or policy had been issued by the Federal Government to alter CNG pump prices.

The P-CNGI emphasised that the recent pump price adjustments announced by certain operators were purely private-sector decisions and not the outcome of any government directive or policy.

For absolute clarity, it said while pricing matters fell under the purview of the appropriate regulatory agencies, no directive or policy had been issued by the Federal Government to alter CNG pump prices.

The P-CNGI said its mandate, as directed by President Bola Tinubu, was to catalyse the development of the CNG mobility market and ensure the adoption of a cheaper, cleaner, and more sustainable alternative fuel and diesel nationwide.

By Emmanuella Anokam

IATF 2025: Prime Ministers, other leaders laud Dangote Industries for powering Africa’s industrial transformation

Michael Simire
-
0
IATF 2025: Prime Ministers, other leaders laud Dangote Industries for powering Africa’s industrial transformation

Prominent leaders including the Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell; the Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew; Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole; and the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, were among the personalities who commended the socio-economic impact of Dangote Industries Limited’s investment across Africa at the ongoing 2025 Intra African Trade Fair (IATF) holding at Algiers, capital of Algeria.

At the Dangote Group exhibition stand, said to be one of the most visited at the continent’s leading trade and investment forum, the majority of inquiries centred on polypropylene (PP), a key product of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. Polypropylene is a versatile thermoplastic polymer used in a wide variety of products, ranging from food containers to automobile parts. It is valued for its strength, low weight, and resistance to heat and chemicals.

Dangote
L-R: Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell; Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Terrance Drew; Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Engr. Mansur Ahmed, Special Adviser to and Representative of the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, and Group Head, Commercial Foods, Dangote Industries Limited, Garba EL-Suleiman at the Dangote stand at the ongoing 2025 Intra African Trade Fair at Algiers, Algeria…yesterday

The Grenada and St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Ministers, Nigeria’s two ministers and the Zamfara State Governor, who led separate delegations to the Dangote stand on Friday, September 5, 2025, commended the far-reaching impact of the Dangote Group in its various investments in Nigeria and Africa, which have boosted economic development across the continent. They were received by Mansur Ahmed, Special Adviser to, and Representative of, the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, and Group Head, Commercial Foods, Dangote Industries Limited, Garba EL-Suleiman, and other key executives of Dangote Industries.

As a Premier Partner of the fourth edition of IATF2025, Dangote Group is showcasing its diverse operations spanning cement, fertilisers, petrochemicals, refined petroleum products, sugar, salt, and logistics. The company operates over 18 subsidiaries across sectors vital to Africa’s industrial and economic transformation. The Dangote Special Day is scheduled to take place on Saturday during the fair.

Organised by Afreximbank, in collaboration with the African Union Commission and the AfCFTA Secretariat, and hosted by the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, the biennial IATF seeks to boost intra-African trade and promote investment opportunities throughout the continent.

This year’s edition features participation of production and service companies, alongside an investment and trade forum highlighting Africa’s potential for economic integration. During the week-long fair, more than 2,000 exhibitors, including businesses from the African continent and globally, are showcasing their goods and services to visitors and buyers while exploring opportunities and exchanging trade and market information, which is projected to translate into over US$44 billion in trade and investment deals.

According to the Group Chief Branding & Communications Officer, Dangote Industries Limited, Mr. Anthony Chiejina, “Our partnership with IATF is built on a shared vision of commitment to advancing Africa’s economic growth. Having experienced the tangible impact of IATF2023, we are proud to build on that momentum as a Premier Partner for IATF2025. This platform continues to drive meaningful connections and opportunities across the continent, and we look forward to contributing to its success once again in Algiers.”

The Fair is billed to run from September 4 to September 10.

1...191192193...2,508Page 192 of 2,508