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Ondo commits to implementing planning laws for urban development

Michael Simire
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Ondo commits to implementing planning laws for urban development

The Ondo State Government has pledged its commitment to domesticating and implementing urban and regional planning laws to meet the reality of modern-day town planning and urban development.

Mr. Sunday Olajide, State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, made the pledge on Friday, August 29, 2025, in Akure, the state capital, while hosting executive members of the state chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP).

Lucky Aiyedatiwa
Gov Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State

Olajide said the current administration had commenced the process of producing a modern and comprehensive master plan for Akure and other major towns.

According to him, this is with a view to ensure orderly physical development of the state.

“The ministry has commenced the process of digitalising approvals for development permits and other activities for greater efficiency and seamless interaction of business with the public.

“This will also fast track urban regeneration and renewal agenda of the administration of the present government.

“I want to assure you that my ministry will continue to collaborate with you in the areas of capacity building, monitoring and enforcement control.

“I want to assure you we will continue our collaboration on capacity building, monitoring and enforcement control, and prevention of encroachment on government setback and lands preserved for future developmental projects,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of NITP, Prof. Ayo Olajuyigbe, called on the state government to urgently provide funds for the production of a befitting master plan for Akure.

Olajuyigbe, represented by the first Vice Chairman of the institute, Akin Ogundipe, callled for the development of a holistic approach in monitoring and enforcement control.

According to him, this can be done by engaging town planning practitioners resident in towns and neighborhoods in the state.

“The state government should grant amnesty to house owners without building plan permit and allow them to regularise their documentation without paying penalties.

“This will increase internally revenue generation to the government,” he said.

Olajuyigbe assured continuous collaboration of the institute with the government in the areas of decentralisation of planning functions, preservation of government lands and public participation.

“This will enhance sustainable physical development and urbanisation of the state,” he said.

By Segun Giwa

Conservation: CG blames communities for complicity in forests destruction

Michael Simire
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Conservation: CG blames communities for complicity in forests destruction

Conservator-General (CG) of the National Park Service, Dr Ibrahim Goni, has blamed forest communities in Cross River State for complicity in forest destruction. According to him, locals’ support is key to exploitation.

Goni stated this in Calabar, the state capital, during a stakeholder dialogue organised by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), in partnership with the National Park Service and other stakeholders on protection of forest and biodiversity.

National Park Service
Participants at the stakeholder dialogue organised by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), in partnership with the National Park Service and other stakeholders on protection of forest and biodiversity

The meeting was also for the official launch of the European Union (EU) PROFAB project.

The EU PROFAB project is a programme aimed at protecting the forest ecosystem, biodiversity and to enhance climate sustainability.

Goni, who was represented by Caroline Olori, former CP, Cross River National Park, emphasised that climate change was real and that the job of protecting the forests was not for government alone.

According to him, the ongoing destruction of forests in the state is happening because outsiders come, offer money, and the youths as well as the whole community join and accept them.

He said that the meeting was to raise the alarm that “there is a fire on the mountain and unless we act now, it will continue, and forests take years to grow but can be destroyed in days.

“Climate change is real, the extreme heat, floods and environmental changes we thought were far away are upon us today because of our continued forest destruction.

“At the end of this meeting, each of us must go back determined to act; if we say we will no longer allow outsiders to exploit our forests, they cannot,” he said.

On his part, Country Director of WCS, Dr Inaoyom Imong, said the objective of the programme was for a sincere dialogue from all stakeholders on policies, legal and institutional frameworks that enhance protection of the forest.

Imong said that the Cross River forest was fast declining and if something was not urgently done, the state ran the risk of losing all of its forests very soon.

He said that it was important for stakeholders to start looking at measures that could be taken to salvage what was left of the biodiversity in Cross River.

He noted that communities were very important, adding that the fight to protect the forest cannot succeed without the active participation and support of the royal fathers in the communities.

“I also want us to note that what we are doing in conservation in this state is not just for the sake of conservation.

‘’It is to improve the well-being and livelihood of communities living around forest areas; this is why WCS put communities first,” Imong said.

Similarly, Mr. George Oben-Etchi, Chairman, Cross River Forestry Commission, noted that the Cross River National Park harbours the state’s biodiversity and forest.

Oben-Etchi, represented by Mr. Clement Omina of the commission, noted that the lives of all the communities around the parks were intricately tied to the biodiversity and forests the state was endowed with.

He said that whatever error or efforts put in place previously to ensure the protection of the forests resources and biodiversity, the meeting would bring out new ways of positively relating with the environment.

Mr. Bette Obi, Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Biodiversity in the state assembly, commended the organisers for the programme, and noted that illegal mining in Cross was becoming a challenge.

Obi, (Boki 1 State Constituency), added that more efforts in the sensitisation and enforcement of regulations were necessary for the communities to curb the problems of illegal mining in the state.

The meeting, which was attended by traditional rulers from forest communities, also witnessed participants brainstorming solution to tackle the forests depletion in Cross River.

By Christian Njoku

Nigeria launches report to integrate conflict-sensitivity, peacebuilding into its adaptation plan

Michael Simire
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Nigeria launches report to integrate conflict-sensitivity, peacebuilding into its adaptation plan

Nigeria has released a report that will serve as a road-map for integrating conflict-sensitivity and peacebuilding into the nation’s ongoing National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process.

The report, titled “Integrating Conflict Sensitivity and Peacebuilding into Nigeria’s National Adaptation Plan Process,” was unveiled on Thursday, August 28, 2025, during a capacity-building workshop organised by the Department of Climate Change (DCC) under the Federal Ministry of Environment in Abuja. It gave a summary of the connection between conflict and climate change and offered some suggestions on how to best accomplish this objective.

National Adaptation Plan (NAP)
Stakeholders in Abuja, at the formal unveiling of the report for Integrating Conflict Sensitivity and Peacebuilding report into Nigeria’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP).

Globally, the effects of climate change are increasing, and Nigeria is no exception. The director in charge of the DCC, Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, hinted that these effects, which include climate variability and extreme weather events, are having a major impact on key sectors and endangering national security.

“While efforts are underway to mitigate the effects of climate change, the need for adaptation is also very important,” the DCC director, who was represented by Mr. Jonah Barde, noted.

According to her, this will help the country adapt its operations and systems to these changes without interfering with Nigerians’ daily activities and lifestyles.

Therefore, she is optimistic that the ongoing development of the nation’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP), which aims to identify medium- to long-term adaptation needs, will facilitate the creation and implementation of strategies and programmes to address these needs in a participatory and fully transparent manner.

In closing, Dr. Abiola-Awe thanked the National Adaptation Plan Global Network for its ongoing support to Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Environment and encouraged the participants – who are drawn from the various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) – to contribute significantly to the training materials that will be developed.

Similarly, Adam Kambari, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, emphasised that, despite its importance in solving the climate catastrophe, mitigation receives more attention than adaptation.

According to the PS, who was represented by Mrs. Victoria Pwol, a director with the DCC, conflicts such as the farmer-herder crisis, cattle rustling, and banditry, which are currently threatening the security of the country, can be linked to climate change. So, he believes it would be a mistake to overlook medium- and long-term adaptation needs in these peacebuilding contexts in the formulation of the country’s NAP process.

“Adapting to climate change means taking action to prepare for and adjust to both the current effects of climate change and the predicted impacts in the future,” he stated.

He went on to say that to accomplish this, strategies for conflict-sensitive adaptation planning and programming must be developed that understand the local conflict dynamics associated with climate change and use that understanding to address such dynamics, combat climatic vulnerabilities, and promote peace.

Consequently, he submitted that it is essential that relevant stakeholders from MDAs should have their capacities built on integrating conflict sensitivity and peacebuilding issues into their adaptation planning initiatives.

“Hence, this inception workshop focuses on climate-sensitive adaptation planning. Stakeholders are expected to gain insight into the importance of ensuring that their development planning activities are sensitive to potential conflicts,” Kambari asserts.

By Etta Michael Bisong, Abuja

Nigeria’s NDC 3.0 is blueprint for inclusive, resilient low-carbon development – Experts

Michael Simire
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Nigeria’s NDC 3.0 is blueprint for inclusive, resilient low-carbon development – Experts

A cross section of climate experts and development partners have appraised Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions 3.0 and described it as a step in the right direction. They made the assertion at the National Stakeholders’ NDC 3.0 Validation Workshop organised by the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) in Abuja to present update of Nigeria’s NDCs in preparation for the National Executive’s approval and eventual submission to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The event was held on August 27, 2025, with stakeholders from across multiple sectors as a hybrid engagement.

Resident Representative of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria, Mrs. Varsha Redkar-Palepu, who was also at the event, described the NDC 3.0 as sharper in emission reduction target and deeper in integration of critical segments of the society including the youth, women and sub-national voices.

Varsha Redkar-Palepu
Resident Representative of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria, Mrs. Varsha Redkar-Palepu

Redkar-Palepu explained that Nigeria’s journey through NDC 1.0 and 2.0 has laid a strong foundation even as she pointed out that the validation of Nigeria’s NDC 3.0 is a pivotal moment and a milestone that reflects Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to climate action and its leadership in shaping a sustainable future for Africa and the world.

She maintained that Africa, though contributing the least to global emissions, remains disproportionately vulnerable to climate shocks. Yet, it is also a continent of immense potential – rich in natural resources, youthful energy, and innovative spirit. Even with this, she stressed that Nigeria, as the largest economy and most populous nation in Africa, carries a unique responsibility and opportunity to lead by example.

In the same vein, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Finance and Stakeholder Engagement, Ibrahim Abdullahi Shelleng, said that the third version of the NDC is designed to respond to the outcomes of the first Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement, and builds on lessons learned, identifies where there is need to do more, and sets a clear pathway for stronger mitigation and adaptation action across Nigeria’s economy.

He maintained that, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria is committed to inclusive growth, economic transformation, and social development – objectives that align seamlessly with our environmental and climate goals.

“As we unveil and deliberate on Nigeria’s NDC 3.0, it is important to underscore that this document is not just a climate commitment – it is a developmental blueprint. It reflects our national priorities in energy transition, agriculture, waste management, and resilient infrastructure, all of which are central pillars of the Tinubu administration’s policy direction.”

In her opening remarks, Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Barr. Teni Majekodunmi, called on global partners, particularly developed countries, to honour their commitments under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, particularly in the areas of technology transfer and support for innovation in developing countries.

Majekodunmi stressed the importance of localizing innovation by building the capacity of Nigerian entrepreneurs, researchers, and start-ups to develop technologies suited to the nation’s climate realities.

At the event, Yakubu Kolo, a conservation expert said that the states hold a central role in both design and implementation and called for access to finance for states.

Kolo, who is Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Niger State, acknowledged that the process of developing NDC 3.0 has shown committed efforts to course-correct and be inclusive, participatory, and people-centered.

He noted that Nigeria’s NDC 3.0 must set clear ambition that reflects leadership, embed stronger adaptation strategies, and ensure financing is both practical and accessible to states.

He affirmed that the NDC must be ambitious, inclusive, and credible, and must reflect the important contributions of the subnational as the burden bearer of climate change vulnerabilities.

Attendees included representatives from UNDP, Africa Development Bank (AfDB), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Youth Constituency, German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ), United Nation Women, Global Disability Green Initiatives (GDGI), International Labour Organisation (ILO), the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), as well as NGOs/CSOs.

Africa Climate Summit 2: A defining moment for Africa

Michael Simire
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Africa Climate Summit 2: A defining moment for Africa

Two years after its much-acclaimed inaugural meeting, the Africa Climate Summit (ACS) will convene for its second edition in Addis Ababa from September 8 to 10, 2025. The government of Ethiopia and the African Union will host the event. The summit comes at a critical moment as Africa looks to strengthen its climate leadership ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil.

This year’s summit carries greater urgency. Africa remains among the most climate-vulnerable regions, facing an escalating crisis defined by 2024 being the hottest year on record, with 2025 poised to surpass it. ACS2 offers a high-stakes opportunity to shape Africa’s climate agenda before key global events to be held this year.

Addis International Convention Centre
Addis International Convention Centre, Addis Ababa, venue of the second Africa Climate Summit of 2025

Resilience and Green Growth

The theme of this year’s summit,  “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development,” signals Africa’s resolve to reframe the climate narrative. Building on the momentum of ACS1, which presented Africa as a continent of solutions, innovation, and potential, ACS2 seeks to champion homegrown approaches while advancing Africa’s role as a driving force in global climate action.

From the Nairobi Declaration to Addis Ambition

The inaugural summit in Kenya culminated in the Nairobi Declaration, an 11-point call to action that unified Africa’s voice on climate. Over the past two years, countries have worked to turn the declaration into tangible policies and outcomes. But where do they stand? ACS2 will take stock of this progress, consolidate efforts, and spotlight local solutions capable of turning Africa’s climate vulnerabilities into drivers of resilience and growth.

From Nairobi to Addis: ACS2 Takes the Stage

The Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), scheduled for September 8-10, 2025, in Addis Ababa, is being billed as Africa’s COP, a moment to shift from declarations to delivery. With more than 45 Heads of State expected, the summit will showcase African-led solutions, from renewable energy expansion to climate-smart agriculture, while pressing on the core issue of finance: how to close the multi-trillion-dollar gap that leaves African countries spending 5% of their GDP on climate impacts they did little to cause.

Building on the 2023 Nairobi Declaration, ACS2 aims to reposition Africa not as a victim of climate change but as a powerhouse of solutions, driving a just energy transition, demanding fair finance, and making the case that investing in Africa is investing in the planet’s future.

GOCOP 2025 annual conference to address Nigeria’s governance realities

Michael Simire
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GOCOP 2025 annual conference to address Nigeria’s governance realities

The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has announced that its 2025 annual conference will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

The conference, which is the ninth edition, is themed: “Reconciling Campaign Promises with Governance Realities: Challenges and Prospects.”

Maureen Chigbo, GOCOP President
Maureen Chigbo, GOCOP President, at Media Roundtable on self-regulation

A press statement by the publicity secretary, Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, quoted the conference planning committee chairman, Danlami Nmodu, as saying that the event was aimed at generating actionable strategies for bridging the gap between electoral promises and effective governance in Nigeria and Africa.

Nmodu, who doubles as the deputy president of GOCOP, also revealed that the conference would feature a distinguished keynote speaker and panel discussions.

Nweke recalled that past GOCOP conferences had hosted prominent speakers including Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, who delivered the 2019 lecture on “Economy, Security and National Development: The Way Forward”.

In 2021, Mr. Boss Mustapha, then Secretary to the Government of the Federation, keynoted the Conference in his capacity as Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19. He spoke on: “Post Covid-19 Pandemic: Recovery and Reconstruction in Nigeria”.

In 2022, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), delivered the keynote titled “2023 Elections: Managing the Process for Credible Outcome.”

The 2023 edition, which held in Abuja, with the theme “Nigeria: Roadmap for Socio-Economic Recovery and Sustainability”, was keynoted by Professor Uche Uwaleke, a Professor of Capital Market.

GOCOP, a professional body comprising 119 member organisations, was founded to uphold the tenets of journalism in the digital age. Its members are seasoned editors and senior journalists who have transitioned from traditional media to online publishing.

The statement noted that “the conference offers unique sponsorship opportunities for brand visibility, media recognition, and networking with high-level journalists, editors, and policy influencers”.

Through a partnership with GOCOP, organisations demonstrate their commitment and promotion to ethical journalism and responsible media, the statement said.

At media parley, Heirs Energies showcases operational milestones, Pan-African growth ambitions

Michael Simire
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At media parley, Heirs Energies showcases operational milestones, Pan-African growth ambitions

Heirs Energies, Nigeria’s leading indigenous integrated energy company, hosted a strategic media parley on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at the Heirs Towers on Victoria Island, Lagos. The interactive session brought together over 50 journalists from top-tier energy and business publications, marking a significant step in the company’s efforts to foster transparency and strengthen industry-media relations.

In his remarks, Sam Nwanze, Heirs Energies’ Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer, who delivered a presentation titled “The Heirs Energies Story: From Vision to Impact”, provided deep insights into the company’s founding vision, operational transformation, and its rapidly expanding role in Nigeria’s energy landscape.

Sam Nwanze
Sam Nwanze, Heirs Energies Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer, addressing journalists during the media parley in Lagos

A key highlight of the session was Heirs Energies’ turnaround of OML 17, a formerly underperforming asset burdened by oil theft and inactivity. According to Nwanze, the company reactivated over 100 dormant wells and achieved a 95–100% terminal delivery rate – all within the first 100 days of taking over the asset.

Heirs Energies also emphasised its strategic pivot toward gas as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s energy future. The company has commissioned the Agbada Non-Associated Gas (NAG) Plant and scaled its gas production to over 100 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd), positioning itself as a key supplier in the Eastern domestic gas market.

Osa Igiehon, Heirs Energies’ CEO, in his submission addressed pressing industry challenges, including crude oil theft, infrastructure sabotage, policy uncertainty, and energy security. He highlighted the role of indigenous companies like Heirs Energies in driving sustainable growth in Nigeria’s upstream sector.

“Our strategy is rooted in resilience and transparency,” Igiehon said. “We are building a globally competitive company with Nigerian leadership, for Nigerian and African prosperity. Africapitalism isn’t just a philosophy for us—it’s our business model.”

Beyond operations, the company spotlighted its commitment to social impact and host community development, aligned with its Africapitalist principles.

Key CSR achievements include:

  1. Training over 300 youths through vocational programs
  2. Awarding 280+ scholarships to students from host communities
  3. Providing medical outreach to over 20,000 individuals
  4. Rehabilitating 4,500 sqm of access roads
  5. Empowering 1,000+ entrepreneurs in Rivers State through a partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation.

Heirs Energies also revealed plans for continental expansion, with strategic interests in Namibia, Senegal, Angola, and other African energy markets. The company aims to replicate its Brownfield Excellence (BFE) model-leveraging local expertise and operational innovation-to revitalise underperforming assets across Africa.

The media parley underscored Heirs Energies’ ambition to lead not just within Nigeria but across the African energy sector, combining business success with measurable socio-economic impact.

By Ajibola Adedoye

NNPC plans refinery deal to tackle fuel issues

Michael Simire
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NNPC plans refinery deal to tackle fuel issues

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mr. Bayo Ojulari, says the company is considering partnering with a professional refinery operator to address Nigeria’s lingering refining challenges.

Ojulari said this on Thursday, August 28, 2025, while receiving members of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) at the NNPC Towers in Abuja.

NNPC
Mr. Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) (right), and Comrade Festus Osifo, President of PENGASSAN (left), during a courtesy visit by the association to the NNPC GCEO, on Thursday

He said NNPC had completed technical assessments on the country’s three refineries and recently concluded a commercial review of the Port Harcourt Refinery, which revealed the need for a more sustainable business model.

“The solution you are proposing is the same one we are working on.

“We have now completed the technical review of the three refineries, and from the commercial review of Port Harcourt, it’s clear that we need to bring in a true professional refinery company to partner with us,” Ojulari stated.

He explained that years of neglect and inadequate maintenance had rendered the refineries commercially unviable, resulting in losses of between N300 million to N500 million monthly.

“We were pumping around 50,000 barrels of crude daily into the refinery, but getting less than 40 per cent output.

“So, rather than continue to incur losses, we halted operations to seek a viable and profitable model,” he added.

Ojulari emphasised that President Bola Tinubu had not exerted any political pressure on NNPC to resume refinery operations prematurely, stressing that all steps taken so far had been focused on ensuring long-term sustainability.

“There was no political pressure to keep running at a loss. We decided to freeze operations and focus on getting it right,” he said.

He also addressed recent protests and calls for his removal, revealing several targets of coordinated harassment.

“There is a formidable plan to remove me, and staff morale has taken a hit. But we are focused on delivering our mandate,” Ojulari stated.

Earlier, PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, hailed the current NNPC leadership for improved pipeline functionality and increased oil production since Ojulari’s appointment.

He also expressed the union’s readiness to support NNPC in its drive toward energy stability.

“We are currently producing about 1.8 million barrels per day.

“Our goal is to reach 2.6 million barrels by 2026 by addressing issues like non-producing fields,” Osifo said.

By Joan Nwagwu

Dangote Refinery materially reshaping regional oil flows – MEMAN

Michael Simire
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Dangote Refinery materially reshaping regional oil flows – MEMAN

 Commissioning of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos is materially reshaping regional flows but does not eliminate import dependence.

This formed one of the key takeaways by participants at a webinar held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, courtesy of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) and S&P Global Commodity Insights (Platts).

Dangote Refinery gate
Dangote Refinery gate

Themed: “West Africa Fuels Landscape: Market Fundamentals and Geopolitical Drivers”, the virtual session examined how global geopolitics, changing trade flows and new regional refining capacity are reshaping West Africa’s refined products landscape.

Discussions focused on the impact of the Dangote refinery commissioning, shifting export channels from Europe, the role of Lomé as a flexible trading hub, recent price shocks including a Dangote FCC outage, and methodological innovations to better reflect how material trades in the Gulf of Guinea.

While stating that refinery outages remain major price drivers and that Lomé functions as a growing marginal hub providing flexible small clip supply and supporting price discovery, discussants concluded that policy stability, transparent regulation and investor confidence are critical to attract downstream investment that will strengthen supply resilience and influence domestic prices.

The webinar had opened with a safety briefing from Kingsley Ojimba, MEMAN Jetty Superintendent, covering remote event hygiene and question protocols, including chat and raise hand functions.

    MEMAN Chairman, Mr. Huub Stokman, framed the event as timely following Nigeria’s move to full fuel price deregulation, emphasising that rising local refining capacity changes the supply landscape and that MEMAN would support market transparency, benchmarking and coordinated stakeholder engagement during the transition.

    Gary Clark, Associate Editorial Director for EMEA Clean Refined Products at S&P Global Commodity Insights, speaking on “Current Supply, Demand, and Pricing Dynamics in Europe and West Africa”, discussed gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel markets, and stressed supply resilience in the face of geopolitical disruption, including effects from Russia, Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East. He highlighted weaker European demand fundamentals such as inflation and slower growth.

    Clark noted that Dangote’s ramp up has reshaped flows, retaining much gasoil in West Africa and exporting some jet fuel internationally, which reduces but does not eliminate import dependence. He also noted that outages and maintenance can quickly reintroduce import needs and market volatility.

    Mrs. Ogechi Nkwoji, Head, Economic Intelligence Research and Regulation at MEMAN, speaking on “Demystifying the Lomé Petroleum Market”, presented the ex-Lomé hub as a pragmatic offshore trading solution that evolved from onshore bottlenecks and declining domestic refinery performance.

    She added that large cargoes are discharged into floating storage off Togo and sold in smaller 5 to 20 kiloton parcels to regional buyers, chiefly Nigerian marketers.

    Matthew Tracey-Cook, Senior Price Reporter, EMEA Gasoline & West Africa Refined Products, S&P Global Community Insights, speaking on “Gasoline outlook”, reviewed European gasoline trends, seasonal quality premiums for summer blends and the links between European dynamics and West African markets. He observed that crack spreads have been softer relative to the post COVID and Russia Ukraine period, driven in part by reduced transatlantic arbitrage and lower exports to West Africa following Dangote’s commissioning.

    Tracey-Cook highlighted a sharp rally in gasoline cracks in August after an FCC outage at Dangote, with implied cracks moving from about thirteen dollars per barrel to above seventeen dollars per barrel. This episode underscored how Dangote outages can have outsized impacts on Atlantic basin product balances and prompt market backwardation.

    MEMAN’s CEO and Executive Secretary, Mr. Clement Isong, reaffirmed MEMAN’s commitment to leverage the partnership with S&P Global Commodity Insights for ongoing media education and stakeholder engagement on pricing and product flows.

    The Gambia achieves national consensus on landmark Climate Change Bill, Policy

    Michael Simire
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    The Gambia achieves national consensus on landmark Climate Change Bill, Policy

    Stakeholders from across The Gambia have unanimously validated the nation’s draft National Climate Change Bill and an accompanying National Climate Change Policy, marking a historic milestone in the country’s commitment to building a climate-resilient future.

    The validation occurred following a comprehensive two-day national workshop held from August 18 to 19, 2025, at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre.

    Gambia
    Participants at the workshop to validate The Gambia’s draft National Climate Change Bill and National Climate Change Policy

    The new integrated framework provides a legal and strategic roadmap to address the nation’s climate vulnerabilities, from sea-level rise to coastal erosion, while charting a path towards a just, green, and blue economy. The Bill establishes a robust legal architecture, while the Policy outlines a clear, five-pillar strategy for implementation.

    In her opening remarks, the Minister of Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources (MECCNAR), Ms. Rohey John Manjang, emphasised the framework’s importance.

    “These frameworks are not just documents; they are our national pledge to strengthen resilience and achieve The Gambia’s ambitious climate targets,” she stated, commending the inclusive process and the “crucial role of Natural Eco Capital, the lead consultant, for delivering the drafts despite a very tight deadline.”

    The validation is the culmination of an extensive consultation process involving government ministries, international partners like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, and civil society organisations.

    A cornerstone of the new legislation is its focus on decentralised action, ensuring that climate action is community-led and locally relevant.

    Mr. Lamine Jammeh, Director of the Climate Change Secretariat, underscored the principles guiding the framework.

    “A just transition, which places the needs of Gambians at the forefront, is a non-negotiable principle,” he said. “Our participation in carbon markets must safeguard national interests with transparency and equity.”

    The drafting process received financial support from the World Bank-funded West Africa Coastal Areas Management Programme (WACA). Dr. Muhammed L. Sanyang, WACA Project Manager, hailed the workshop as a “significant achievement for climate governance” and reaffirmed the World Bank’s “unwavering commitment” to supporting the implementation of these landmark frameworks.

    Key features of the validated bill include a streamlined governance structure, the creation of a Directorate of Climate Finance, legal safeguards, including a Climate Change Division of the Environmental Tribunal, and a mandate to develop a legal framework for carbon rights to attract responsible investment.

    With the validation complete, the bill will be presented to the Cabinet and the National Assembly for enactment into law.

    By Rantiola Akinola, Natural Eco Capital

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