On a vibrant Tuesday, the city of Port Harcourt in Rivers State buzzed with anticipation as 50 young lawyers from the River State University and the University of Port Harcourt gathered for a transformative workshop on climate justice.
Participants at the event
Organised by the International Climate Change Development Initiative and supported by the African Youth Commission, the event aimed to equip these emerging legal professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to advocate for environmental justice.
The participants, eager to tackle the pressing issues of climate change in their communities, engaged in a day filled with insightful discussions, interactive sessions, and inspiring success stories.
The workshop featured prominent speakers from various sectors, including environmental law, activism, and policymaking. Among them, Mr Michael Karikpo, a renowned environmental lawyer and Country Director for Natural Justice Nigeria, who captivated the audience with his insights on the legal frameworks surrounding climate justice.
He emphasised the critical role that young lawyers can play in influencing policy changes and holding corporations accountable for environmental degradation. Michael Karikpo’s passion for the subject resonated deeply with the participants, motivating them to become active advocates for sustainability in their respective communities.
Participants shared their success stories, highlighting how the workshop empowered them to take immediate action. One participant recounted his experience of organising a community clean-up drive after learning about the legal implications of pollution in local waterways.
“I never realised how much influence we could have as lawyers. The workshop opened my eyes to the intersection of law and environmental protection,” he stated.
Another participant, Chisom, expressed her newfound commitment to educating her peers on climate change laws, saying, “I now understand our responsibility to advocate for policies that protect our environment, and I am excited to share this knowledge with others.”
The follow-up workshop, scheduled for the following month, aims to build on the momentum generated during this initial event. Organisers plan to facilitate more hands-on activities, including mock trials and community outreach initiatives, to further engage the young lawyers in real-world applications of climate justice principles. The participants’ enthusiasm and commitment to ongoing education reflect a growing recognition of the urgent need for legal advocacy in addressing climate-related challenges.
The collaboration between the International Climate Change Development Initiative and the African Youth Commission has proven to be a vital step towards fostering a generation of lawyers dedicated to climate justice.
As the workshop concluded, it was evident that these young legal minds were not just participants; they emerged as passionate advocates ready to take responsibility for their communities’ environmental issues. With newfound knowledge, inspiration, and a strong network of peers, the future of climate advocacy in Port Harcourt looks promising.
In spite of global advances in the fight against malaria, Nigeria continues to grapple with this leading killer disease.
Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare
Nigeria’s struggles against malaria raises questions about the nation’s capacity to follow in the footsteps of Egypt, Algeria, Cape Verde and Mauritius where malaria has been successfully eliminated malaria in Africa.
Could Nigeria achieve similar success, or do its unique challenges require a new approach?
With a tropical climate and a vast population, Nigeria carries a disproportionate portion of the global malaria burden.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nigeria accounted for nearly 30 per cent of global malaria cases and an estimated 194,000 deaths annually as of 2021.
In communities like the Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, malaria is not just a health concern it is also a threat that impacts family life, education and livelihoods.
For the likes Mr Peter Zaka, a farmer and patient receiving treatment at a primary healthcare centre in Kuje, malaria is a harsh reality. Zaka has lost two of his children to malaria in the past five years.
“We try to protect ourselves with mosquito nets but it’s not enough. Sometimes we can’t afford new nets. The ones we can afford wear out quickly,” Zaka said.
His story is tragically common in Nigeria, where malaria remains a leading cause of death, particularly in rural areas in the face of limited access to healthcare and prevention measures are often inconsistent.
Nigeria’s malaria burden varies significantly across regions, influenced by factors like climate, healthcare infrastructure and socioeconomic conditions.
The highest prevalence rates are often seen in northern and central areas, where healthcare facilities are fewer and far between, according to a 2022 WHO report.
In contrast, southern regions, while also affected, may have somewhat better access to healthcare resources.
This disparity suggests a need for region-specific interventions that address local challenges while ensuring resources reach areas of greatest need.
In Sokoto State in the north, for example, Mrs Mariam Abdullahi, a mother of three, faces constant worry about her children’s health, especially during the rainy season when malaria cases surge.
In spite of using Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs), her youngest child has contracted malaria multiple times this year.
“Sometimes, we don’t have the money for transport or treatment, and I have to borrow from neighbors,” Abdullahi said.
She pointed at the financial and emotional toll malaria takes on families in underserved areas.
While awareness campaign has expanded inconsistent use of ITNs remains a challenge.
Cultural beliefs, economic constraints, and climate factors all play roles. In some communities, people avoid ITNs due to misconceptions about their safety or effectiveness, while others find them uncomfortable to sleep under, especially in Nigeria’s humid regions.
Additionally, the economic challenge of regularly replacing worn-out nets further complicates the issue for low income households.
Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2023-24 reveals both progress and persistent barriers.
ITN ownership has increased, particularly in rural areas where ownership rates outpace those in urban regions. However, usage rates remain inconsistent.
For example, in states like Zamfara and Kaduna, households may own ITNs but use them sporadically due to a lack of awareness on proper maintenance or affordability of replacements.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, recently called for a review of Nigeria’s malaria strategies.
During a visit by Malaria Alliance partners, RBM Malaria Partnership, and the WHO Global Malaria Programme, Pate acknowledged that, in spite of over 70 years of efforts, Nigeria still struggles with a high malaria burden.
“Nigeria is still struggling with a high burden of malaria,” he said, stressing the need for urgent interventions.
He highlighted staggering statistics: 68 million malaria cases and 194,000 deaths annually as of 2021.
Ms Amie Batson, president of WomenLift Health, said the disproportionate impact of malaria on women and young girls in marginalised communities.
“Women’s leadership is essential for developing innovative and gender-responsive solutions, especially as we face challenges like drug resistance and climate change,” Batson said.
Empowering women to lead in malaria eradication and climate-resilient health interventions could transform Nigeria’s approach to the disease.
Dr Adekunle Charles, Chief Executive Officer, RBM Partnership to End Malaria, emphasised that traditional methods alone will not suffice to eliminate malaria.
“When it comes to malaria, the approaches that have gotten us this far won’t be enough to eliminate the disease for good,” he said.
Chase called for innovative solutions and collaborative partnerships across sectors.
As Nigeria strives to join the ranks of malaria-free nations, experts recommend a combination of targeted interventions and increased resources for local healthcare systems, especially in rural areas.
Dr Olayinka Umar-Farouk, Deputy Project Director, Risk Communication at Breakthrough ACTION Nigeria, canvasses enhanced community engagement through education campaigns and increased distribution of ITNs and intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine in high-risk areas.
“Addressing the emerging drug resistance issue is critical, as is improving surveillance to monitor malaria trends and respond to new threats swiftly,” Umar-Farouk said.
She said the survey’s findings suggest that while Nigeria has made commendable progress, there were still challenges to overcome in the fight against malaria.
She said that by implementing these targeted recommendations, the country could make significant strides toward reducing malaria’s impact on public health, improving the quality of life for millions across the country.
For Nigeria, reaching malaria-free status may require more than replicating the strategies of Egypt, Algeria, Cape Verde, and Mauritius.
The country’s unique demographic, climatic, and economic conditions necessitate a tailored approach that combines international best practices with local insights.
By implementing targeted recommendations from health experts and leveraging the strength of community leadership, Nigeria could make significant strides in reducing malaria’s impact and improving the quality of life for millions.
Pate’s call for a comprehensive review, coupled with community-driven approaches and gender-responsive solutions, reflect a critical push toward addressing Nigeria’s unique malaria challenges.
With focused, collaborative efforts among the federal and state governments, private sector, and international partners, Nigeria may yet overcome its malaria burden and set example for other endemic countries.
Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, has emphasised the crucial role of biosafety in achieving environmental sustainability at the 2024 International Biosafety Conference (Biotech24) in Abuja on Monday, November 6.
Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Lawal
The conference, themed “Biosafety: An indispensable tool for achieving food security, health improvement and Environmental Sustainability”, was organised by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA).
The conference focused on biosafety as a vital tool for food security, health improvement, and environmental sustainability.
Lawal highlighted the importance of biosafety in ensuring global food security, improved health, and sustainable environmental practices.
“Biosafety is not just a technical issue, but a foundational aspect of our collective security, impacting the health of our ecosystems, food systems, and community well-being,” he stated.
Dr Agnes Asagbra Director-General of NBMA, assured of significant strides to enhance biosafety practices globally.
“As we embark on this important journey together we are reminded of the vital role biosafety plays in safeguarding our human health and the environment.
“In an era where global challenges like climate change pandemics and food insecurity are ever present, our commitment to biosafety has been more crucial,” Asagbra noted.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of awards of excellence to five persons, including Dr Rufus Ebegba, the pioneer Director-General.
Stakeholders in the environment sector on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, converged on Abuja to expedite actions on addressing impact of climate change ahead of the 29th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) holding in Baku, Azerbaijan, from Nov. 11 to 22.
Climate change justice campaign rally
The stakeholders gathered under the aegis of the African Climate Caravan which featured the first inaugural Climate Media Spotlight Award and Arts for Climate event.
The event was organised by the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) and OXFAM.
Rep. Terseer Ugbor, Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Environment, said that the house would address coastal challenges, issues of climate change and farmers/herders conflicts through the speedy passage of bills.
He said that Nigerians should take responsibilities and learn to adapt to all forms of climate change.
Dr Michael David, Executive Director, GIFSEP, said that climate change reporting for journalists in Africa was essential for educating the public, driving policy change, empowering communities and fostering resilience.
“It provides a platform for the continent’s unique climate challenges to be heard and addressed, paving the way for a more informed and proactive society,’’ he said.
On his part, Mr John Makina, Country Director, OXFAM, expressed worries about carbon emissions and called for urgent actions to reduce emissions.
“We are here to sensitise the public on climate issues as Nigerians move to COP29,” he said.
Some schools in the FCT were given arts exhibition awards while some journalists were given climate media awards for their publications between Aug. 1 and Oct. 1.
The Lagos State Government (LASG) has commended the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) for its advocacy in promoting renewable energy solutions as a key response to Nigeria’s energy crisis.
Some dignitaries at the 2024 Renewable Energy Conference in Lagos
Mr Abiodun Ogunleye, Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, said this in his keynote address at the 2024 Renewable Energy Conference organised by the association on Tuesday, November 5, in Lagos.
The theme of the conference is “Unlocking Affordable Energy for All”.
Ogunleye, represented by Mrs Abiola Kosegbe, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, praised REAN for its role in raising awareness about sustainable energy initiatives and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
He said that this would ensure affordable and accessible energy solutions for both businesses and households across Lagos State.
Ogunleye also said that the conference served as a platform to discuss innovative strategies for improving Nigeria’s energy landscape.
He highlighted the importance of making affordable energy a fundamental right for all Nigerians, not a privilege.
“Affordable energy must be accessible to every Nigerian household, including those in low-income urban and rural areas.
“By adopting hybrid systems that combine solar with mini-grids, we can address the unique energy needs of these populations,” Ogunleye said.
He emphasised the necessity of inclusivity in energy strategies, specifically focusing on gender-positive programs that involve women in the energy transition process.
“Women, who are often most impacted by energy poverty, can be transformative leaders in their communities, Ogunleye added.
The commissioner also provided an update on the state’s ongoing energy initiatives, including the passage of the Lagos Electricity Bill 2024 by the State House of Assembly, which awaits the governor’s assent.
He said that this bill was expected to provide a legal foundation for the state’s clean energy projects.
Ogunleye also highlighted the Lagos Integrated Resource Plan and the Energy Transition Plan as key documents guiding the state’s shift toward renewable energy, as well as ongoing collaborations with local distribution companies to refine the state’s energy strategy.
In his remarks, Mr Ayo Ademilua, President of REAN, called for more concerted efforts to ensure that affordable renewable energy solutions are accessible nationwide.
He stressed that transitioning to renewable energy was not only critical for Nigeria’s sustainable development but also essential for economic growth, job creation, and energy security.
Ademilua appealed to the government and financial institutions to increase funding and financial support to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy technologies across the country, particularly in underserved and rural areas.
“Access to finance remains one of the biggest challenges in expanding renewable energy in Nigeria.
“To tackle this, we need tailored funding models and increased investment in the sector,” Ademilua said.
He emphasised the importance of creating innovative financing mechanisms, including concessional loans, subsidies for renewable energy systems, and Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) options that have been successful in other African countries.
These solutions, according to REAN, could make renewable energy more affordable for small businesses and low-income households, who are most vulnerable to high energy costs.
The association also advocated for the creation of a dedicated Renewable Energy Fund, which would provide low-interest loans and grants for renewable energy projects, particularly in off-grid areas where traditional electricity infrastructure is inadequate or absent.
“The potential for renewable energy in Nigeria is enormous. However, to fully harness this potential, we need more investment and stronger policy support,” Ademilua said.
He also recommended tax incentives, import duty exemptions, and public-private partnerships as essential tools to support the renewable energy transition.
He called for increased funding and policy support highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive, collaborative approach to Nigeria’s energy challenges.
According to him, the association believes that with the right investments, renewable energy can drive economic growth, create jobs, and help Nigeria achieve its climate goals.
“As Nigeria grapples with its ongoing energy crisis, the need for sustainable, affordable, and accessible energy solutions has never been more pressing.
“Both the government and the private sector must work together to ensure that renewable energy becomes a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic future,” he explained.
Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) says adopting green technologies practices can assist Nigeria in reaching its net-zero emission targets by 2050 to 2070.
Sustainable transport: Achieving zero emission from electric cars
Mr Agabaidu Jideani, Director-General, ACCI, stated this at the workshop on Green Technologies and Digital innovations on Tuesday, November 4, 2024, in Abuja.
The workshop was on the presentation of the research report by the EU, ACCI, and National Policy Advocacy Centre (NPAC) on the potential of green technologies and digital innovations to drive economic growth, job creation and environmental sustainability in Nigeria
Jideani said that green technologies are crucial in minimising pollution and decarbonising Nigeria’s economy.
“Achieving Net-Zero Targets, adopting green practices can assist Nigeria in reaching its net-zero emission targets by 2050 to 2070,” he said.
Jideani said adopting green technologies and integrating sustainable practices within industries, aligned with ACCI’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.
He said that ACCI’s collaboration with the European Union showcased the strength of partnerships in pooling expertise and resources.
“Together, we analyse key sectors such as energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation to uncover sustainable business opportunities and empower stakeholders in integrating green technologies.
“As the voice of the business community in Abuja and its surroundings, ACCI is dedicated to driving initiatives that promote economic growth and sustainable development,” he said.
Jideani thanked European Union for their support and collaboration that would benefit entrepreneurship development in Nigeria.
In a presentation, An EU expert, Dr Folake Anjorin, Institute of Agriculture Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, said the use of digital technology was changing the face of agricultural practice in Nigeria.
She said that leveraging on digital and technology innovation could help to minimise waste from the agricultural sector.
“Agricultural wastes are by-products from various agricultural activities and if not properly manage could lead to environmental pollution,” she said.
Anjorin said that digital technology provided online platforms where farmers could be empowered on circular economy principles through training on sustainable and waste management practices.
The UN has said that more than two billion people currently living in cities could be exposed to an additional temperature increase of at least 0.5 degrees Celsius by 2040.
Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat
A new UN report published on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, revealed that the temperature increase would most urban residents.
Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, in a statement said almost no urban resident would be unaffected, with billions of people subjected to hotter temperatures or exposed to the risks of flooding and other threats.
The report also highlights a significant funding gap for resilient urban infrastructure.
Cities overall need an estimated 4.5 to 5.4 trillion dollarrs investment annually to build and maintain climate-resilient systems, yet current financing stands at just $831 billion — only a fraction of the required amount.
This shortfall leaves cities, and especially their most vulnerable populations, exposed to escalating risks.
While climate action in cities is failing to match the scale of the challenges faced, those most at risk are “also those already facing persistent and chronic structural inequalities,” Rossbach said.
“Informal settlements and slums – typically situated in environmentally sensitive areas and lacking in protective infrastructure – often bear the brunt of climate related disasters or extreme events,” she said.
She added that these vulnerable communities are not only more exposed to risk in the first place but also less likely to receive support once a shock does occur.
“Accelerated transformation of slums and informal settlements, as well as addressing the needs of the most vulnerable territories in cities is thus a priority,” Rossbach said.
The pressures of poorly managed growth have also resulted in the steady attrition of green space in many urban areas, with the average share in urban areas worldwide falling from 19.5 per cent in 1990 to 13.9 per cent in 2020.
Even more troubling is the evidence of climate interventions that have either failed to protect the most vulnerable communities or made their situation worse.
These instances include so-called “green gentrification”, when beneficial measures such as the creation of parks either result in the direct displacement of poor households or push up property values, effectively pricing them out.
However, despite the complex barriers cities face amid the deepening climate emergency, the report also highlights the importance of seeing urban areas not just as part of the problem, but part of the solution too.
“With bold investments and good planning and design, cities offer immense opportunities to slash greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to the effects of climate change and sustainably support urban populations,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres, said in the report’s foreword.
He noted that hundreds of cities are “leading the way by expanding inclusive green spaces, reducing emissions through smart planning and building and investing in renewable energy to power civic services like transportation networks”.
The report is calling for a sharper urban focus to advance ambitious national commitments, highlighting the importance of aligning climate action with broader development goals, such as improved services, settlement upgrading, poverty reduction and public health.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC Ltd.) has called for more collaboration and transparency among parties in the global quest to phase out carbon emissions across the oil and gas value chain.
Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Mr Mele Kyari
The NNPC Ltd. said more collaboration in the global energy industry was paramount to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Malam Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd, said this at the on-going Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC 2024) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
Kyari, represented by NNPC Ltd’s Executive Director, Upstream, Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, addressed a Strategic Panel Session titled: “Decarbonising Operations across Upstream, Midstream and Downstream.”
Kyari said beyond collaboration, transparency and openness, there was the need to ensure that the gaps between all parties were bridged.
“Africa is currently facing the challenge of tackling the twin problem of decarbonisation and energy poverty and to deal with such challenge, Nigeria made two fundamental policy shifts to support the nation’s decarbonisation process.
“One is declaring the decade of gas as transition fuel from a predominantly diesel and fuel economy to a gas-driven economy, while the second is the removal of fuel subsidy.
“The NNPC Ltd. has relied on these two policies to drive the nation’s decarbonisation agenda,” Kyari said.
He said that as a signatory to the Oil and Gas Decarbonisation Charter (OGDC), Nigeria was focused on achieving gas flare-out by 2030 through the utilisation of gas for automotive and power generation.
According to Kyari, Nigeria sits on huge gas reserves of up to 209 trillion cubic feet (tcf), and access to capital for funding gas projects has been a challenge.
He said that the balance sheet which could be easily used for raising money to fund gas projects, comes mostly from the International Oil Companies (IOCs), which was also largely focused on export gas.
“If we must solve this existential problem, then, there should be a provision for the global south (less energy endowed countries) to access capital to enable them address their problems,” he said.
Kyari decried all parties being placed in the same bracket in the quest to decarbonise, because the pace of progress was based on current state of the countries.
According to him, the OGDC must continue to provide a level playing field.
With more than 180,000 participants in attendance, ADIPEC is adjudged to be the world’s largest and most inclusive gathering of energy professionals.
This year’s edition, the 40th in the series of the annual event, holds under the theme, “Connecting Minds. Transforming Energy”.
A new World Health Organisation (WHO) study published on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, in eBioMedicinenames 17 pathogens that regularly cause diseases in communities as top priorities for new vaccine development. The WHO study is the first global effort to systematically prioritise endemic pathogens based on criteria that included regional disease burden, antimicrobial resistance risk and socioeconomic impact.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organisation (WHO)
The study reconfirms longstanding priorities for vaccine research and development (R&D), including for HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis – three diseases that collectively take nearly 2.5 million lives each year.
The study also identifies pathogens such as Group A streptococcus and Klebsiella pneumoniae as top disease control priorities in all regions, highlighting the urgency to develop new vaccines for pathogens increasingly resistant to antimicrobials.
“Too often global decisions on new vaccines have been solely driven by return on investment, rather than by the number of lives that could be saved in the most vulnerable communities,” said Dr Kate O’Brien, Director of the Immunisation, Vaccines and Biologicals Department at WHO. “This study uses broad regional expertise and data to assess vaccines that would not only significantly reduce diseases that greatly impact communities today but also reduce the medical costs that families and health systems face.”
WHO asked international and regional experts to identify factors that are most important to them when deciding which vaccines to introduce and use. The analysis of those preferences, combined with regional data for each pathogen, resulted in top 10 priority pathogens for each WHO region. The regional lists where then consolidated to form the global list, resulting in 17 priority endemic pathogens for which new vaccines need to be researched, developed and used.
This new WHO global priority list of endemic pathogens for vaccine R&D supports the Immunisation Agenda 2030’s goal of ensuring that everyone, in all regions, can benefit from vaccines that protect them from serious diseases. The list provides an equitable and transparent evidence base to set regional and global agendas for new vaccine R&D and manufacturing, and is intended to give academics, funders, manufacturers and countries a clear direction for where vaccine R&D could have the most impact.
This global prioritisation exercise for endemic pathogens, complements the WHO R&D blueprint for epidemics, which identified priority pathogens that could cause future epidemics or pandemics, such as COVID-19 or severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
The findings of this new report on endemic pathogens are part of WHO’s work to identify and support the research priorities and needs of immunisation programmes in low- and middle-income countries, to inform the global vaccine R&D agenda, and to strategically advance development and uptake of priority vaccines, particularly against pathogens that cause the largest public health burden and greatest socioeconomic impact.
WHO Priority endemic pathogens list
Vaccines for these pathogens are at different stages of development.
Pathogens where vaccine research is needed
Group A streptococcus
Hepatitis C virus
HIV-1
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Pathogens where vaccines need to be further developed
Cytomegalovirus
Influenza virus (broadly protective vaccine)
Leishmania species
Non-typhoidal Salmonella
Norovirus
Plasmodium falciparum (malaria)
Shigella species
Staphylococcus aureus
Pathogens where vaccines are approaching regulatory approval, policy recommendation or introduction
Greenpeace Africa activists disrupted the Africa Energy Week (AEW) conference in Cape Town, South Africa, on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, with banners and a disruption of speeches to protest expansion plans by energy companies across the continent.
Greenpeace activists at the Africa Energy Week
The 12 activists blocked the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) entrance, where AEW is being held, until being evacuated by security. The blockage used banners and remains of tragic extreme weather events, fuelled by emissions of international oil and gas companies, such as the catastrophic tornado in Tongaat, Durban, to create a powerful visual representation of the destruction caused by Big Oil.
This included twisted metal, shattered wood, and other remnants of climate-induced devastation, making it impossible for attendees to ignore the damages that climatologists attribute to emissions by the oil and gas industry.
They also interrupted the keynote speech by event organiser, NJ Ayuk, before being removed from the main hall.
Sherelee Odayar, Greenpeace Africa’s Oil and Gas Campaigner, said: “We are protesting against one of the most egregious gatherings of fossil fuel profiteers. The AEW brings together the biggest polluters, including TotalEnergies, BP, ExxonMobil, and others, who continue to push Africa further into the climate crisis while reaping billions in profits. This is a shameless platform for multinational oil corporations to strike deals that line their pockets at the expense of African communities.”
At the conference centre, prominent banners read “No New Oil and Gas in Africa,” “Extreme Weather Events, Proudly Sponsored by Fossil Fuel,” and “Make Polluters Pay,” as the activists chanted, “Climate Justice Now.”
Cynthia Moyo, Greenpeace Africa’s Climate and Energy Campaigner, said: “We are returning debris from extreme weather events, symbolic of the damage caused by Big Oil, to the very corporations responsible. Africa will not remain silent while oil giants profit from our suffering. We cannot allow Africa to be sacrificed on the altar of fossil fuel profits. The voices of our communities must be heard, and the corporations responsible for this crisis must be made to pay for the harm they have caused.”
Abdoulaye Diallo, Co-Head of Greenpeace International’s Stop Drilling Start Paying campaign, said: “Together with communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis, we are protesting outside the sheltered offices of some of the world’s largest polluters. We reject Big Oil’s assault on people and democracy and demand governments finally redress this by forcing oil and gas companies to stop drilling and start paying for the damage they have done.”
Africa Energy Week, organised by the African Energy Chamber (AEC), is marketed as the solution to Africa’s energy poverty. Led by the lobbyist NJ Ayuk, the AEC pushes policies that appear to prioritise fossil fuel exploitation over the needs of the African people. Such policies are believed to have left more than 600 million Africans without access to electricity and nearly one billion without clean cooking solutions while destroying local ecosystems and increasing insecurity.
Greenpeace Africa demands a stop to the expansion of fossil fuels – no new oil, gas, or coal, adding that fossil fuel corporations must also pay for the destruction they have caused across Africa.
“We call for a just transition that redirects investment from fossil fuel energy projects to renewable energy solutions that uplift African communities, create green jobs, and protect our ecosystems.
“We also demand that global financial institutions, including the IMF, World Bank, and private investors, immediately stop funding fossil fuel projects in Africa, which exacerbate the climate crisis. It is time to support a clean, green future for the continent,” stated Greenpeace.
