In a continent striving for energy access and industrial development, Africa continues to lose billions of dollars in potential revenue by flaring its natural gas – a practice that remains entrenched largely due to infrastructure shortfalls and outdated economic incentives.
Gas flaring
Making a presentation on “Flare Gas Utilisation: The Importance of Mid-Scale Integrated Gas Commercialisation Solutions,” Nmesoma Okereke, Sales Manager and Flare Gas Recovery Specialist at Neuman & Esser, underscored the urgency of addressing this paradox through modern, scalable gas monetisation strategies.
“The most important reason for gas flaring is a lack of infrastructure, but also cost inefficiencies,” said Okereke. “In the past, it was more economically feasible to flare gas than develop or commercialise the gas. That is no longer the case with the rise of innovative gas solutions.”
Three of the world’s top nine gas-flaring countries are in Africa, said Okereke, collectively responsible for an estimated 60% of the continent’s gas flaring. Nigeria alone flared roughly 193 billion cubic feet of gas in 2024, while producing 2.5 trillion cubic feet of gas. That volume of wasted gas represents a market value of $1 billion – at a time when around 40% of the country’s population lacks access to electricity.
Nigeria’s case study illustrates the dual challenge of wasted resources and unmet energy demand. According to Okereke, Nigeria needs five times its current domestic gas supply to reach its goal of 30 GW of power by 2030.
With flaring becoming less economically justifiable due to emerging technologies and modular gas utilisation options, Okereke emphasised the need to shift toward mid-scale integrated solutions that can bridge the infrastructure gap and bring gas to market more quickly and efficiently.
The Republic of Iraq has formally announced its intention to develop a substantial portfolio of projects to enhance its climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Minister of Environment of the Republic of Iraq, Dr. Hallo Al Askari
This commitment, articulated in Iraq’s Green Climate Fund (GCF) Country Programme, will guide the development of projects within key sectors aligned with national priorities in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries.
Furthermore, this programme will serve as a framework for GCF in assessing funding applications and determining future financial requirements.
The unveiling of the Country Programme follows the October 2024 approval of GCF’s first project in Iraq, the $39 million “Strengthening Climate Resilience of Vulnerable Agriculture Livelihoods”.
The Minister of Environment of the Republic of Iraq, Dr. Hallo Al Askari, stated that the primary objective of the Country Programme is to facilitate the implementation of Iraq’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
“Our NDCs encompass strategies for mitigating diverse sources of greenhouse gas emissions, spanning the energy, industrial, and transportation sectors, alongside measures to adapt to the effects of climate change within the most at-risk sectors, notably agriculture and water resources,” he said.
Henry Gonzalez, GCF Chief Investment Officer, welcomed the development of Iraq’s Country Programme and said, “The GCF is committed to supporting the Government of Iraq as it scales up its climate ambitions and actions.”
GCF’s Middle East team is working with the national government (via the Fund’s National Designated Authority) to translate the GCF Country Programme’s strategic vision into a pipeline of transformative climate projects that enhance resilience in agriculture and water sectors and contribute to Iraq’s long-term sustainable development and climate goals.
Building on the “Strengthening Climate Resilience of Vulnerable Agriculture Livelihoods in Iraq” project, GCF is supporting the government in shaping bankable proposals that align with national adaptation and mitigation priorities outlined in its NDCs.
The project, implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organiastion (FAO), will improve the livelihoods of two million vulnerable Iraqis and contribute to the country’s long-term food security and economic stability.
The investment will empower water user associations and improve water management across the agriculture sector via transformative policy reforms, improved irrigation technologies, and integration of renewable energy solutions.
Iraq is experiencing escalating climate risk, including rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and reduced water availability from the Euphrates and Tigris rivers.
Poor water management and soil salinity compound these challenges, significantly impacting the country’s agricultural productivity. Local farming communities are particularly vulnerable due to their dependence on irrigation and limited adaptive capacity.
The Paris Agreement Implementation and Compliance Committee (PAICC) convened its 13th meeting in Bonn in April 2025, at a critical time in the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
The meeting was the first under the leadership of newly elected Co-Chairs Eyad AlJubran and Jacob Werksman – who took up their new roles during a pivotal year for climate action, with new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) due under the Paris Agreement.
The Paris Agreement Implementation and Compliance Committee members
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
During its meeting, the Committee considered the current NDC landscape. It found that the majority of Parties had not yet communicated their new NDCs and decided to send out notification letters, in line with its modalities and procedures, reminding them of their obligation to submit a new NDC.
In doing so, the Committee highlighted its important role in facilitating implementation and compliance with the provisions of the Paris Agreement, functioning in a manner that is transparent, non-adversarial and non-punitive and paying particular attention to the respective national capabilities and circumstances of Parties.
Taking into account that it is the first time for Parties to communicate NDCs that are informed by the global stocktake (which concluded in 2023 with decision 1/CMA.5) as per Article 4.9 of the Paris Agreement, the Committee agreed that Parties concerned would be provided with an expanded period of time to respond to the notification letters.
The Committee also acknowledged the potential for identifying issues of a systemic nature and will keep this aspect under review.
UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, has said the next round of NDCs are among the most important policy documents governments will produce this century. Stiell has encouraged countries to submit “first-rate” NDCs to ensure the world can meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.
“COP30 will need to respond to the new national climate plans submitted this year – and chart a course for the next decade to get us on track to meeting our commitments and targets under the Paris Agreement,” said Stiell in a recent speech. “Already we’ve seen several major economies send clear signals they are stepping up climate action by submitting bold new climate plans. Because it makes smart financial sense. Climate plans are turning into country platforms, which are driving investment into economies.”
Submission of mandatory reports and information under the ETF
BTRs, which were due at the end of 2024, are a milestone in strengthening national climate data for informed decision-making. Conscious that this is the first time for Parties to communicate their BTRs under the Paris Agreement, PAICC agreed to remind those who had not yet submitted their BTRs through notification letters and to provide Parties with ample time to respond.
The Committee further noted that, in accordance with the relevant decisions, the least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing States (SIDS) may submit their reports and information under Article 13 at their discretion. The Committee welcomed that 14 Parties from LDCs and SIDS had already submitted their BTRs and their information under the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF).
Conclusion of the 13th PAICC meeting
The meeting concluded with words of appreciation and encouragement from the Director of Legal Affairs, Ms. Christine Adam, who commended the Committee for its excellent work in upholding its mandate.
The Co-Chairs also expressed their gratitude to the members and alternate members of the Committee for their participation and the secretariat for its support.
In reflection on their first PAICC meeting, the newly elected Co-Chairs Eyad AlJubran and Jacob Werksman underscored the central role of the Committee in reminding Parties of their core obligations – with NDCs and BTRs representing far more than procedural requirements but forming the backbone for momentum, trust and accountability in global climate governance.
Equally essential for the Committee’s work is its facilitative, non-punitive and non-adversarial nature. In this spirit, the coming months will be an opportunity for Parties to bring any concerns to the Committee’s attention and to engage in a dialogue with PAICC – and a responsibility of the Committee to listen, understand the underlying causes and implementation challenges, and to help in finding constructive solutions.
The Co-Chairs thanked members and alternate members for coming together at this important first meeting of the year – expressing appreciation for their commitment to the shared responsibility of the Committee.
The report on the 13th meeting of PAICC can be found here (document PAICC/2025/M13/3).
Next Steps
The Committee will hold its 14th meeting from July 15 to 18, and the 15th meeting is tentatively planned for September 29 to October 2, 2025.
At both of these meetings, the Committee will consider the most up-to-date information on the communication and maintenance of NDCs and the submissions of mandatory reports and information under the ETF, as well as any information that Parties concerned may provide in their responses to the Committee’s notifications.
The Paris Agreement established the Committee to facilitate the implementation of and promote compliance with its provisions. The Committee is expert-based and facilitative in nature. It consists of 12 members and 12 alternate members, whom the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA) elects based on equitable geographical representation.
The Committee can take different measures to facilitate implementation and promote compliance, such as helping countries engage with relevant bodies or arrangements on finance, technology and capacity building or assisting in developing an action plan.
Many youths in Southwestern states, particularly in Osun, Ondo and Ekiti, are returning to their villages to acquire land for cocoa farming due to the recent surge in the prices of cocoa at the international markets
Harvesting cocoa
A survey has revealed that youths are leaving other jobs or transitioning from other occupations to take advantage of the higher market value of cocoa beans.
Some of the youth in separate interviews appealed to the government for support to boost cocoa production.
A 43-year-old cocoa farmer in Osogbo, Osun State, Adekunle Opatoyinbo, said he inherited a large cocoa farm from his late father, but had to return to the village when he realised that prices of cocoa had gone up significantly.
Opatoyinbo, who claimed that he could not secure a job after his university education in 2015, said that the cocoa business, he eventually ventured into, had positively improve his fortune.
He said that due to an increase in prices of cocoa, young men and women, mostly jobless, were now acquiring land for cocoa plantation.
According to him, many acres of land are now being purchased by young farmers for cocoa business with the hope that it will yield the expected monetary gains.
He, however, said that bad weather conditions, pests and lack of modern equipment were some of the challenges facing cocoa farming.
Another young cocoa farmer, Seyi Adegboye, said that it was the profits he made from his cocoa business that was used to build his two houses.
Adeboye said that many unemployed youths were now embracing cocoa farming due to its profitability.
Similarly, Mr Abimbola Adewole, the General-Secretary of Cocoa Growers Association (CGA) in the state, confirmed that more youths were embracing cocoa farming business due to the surge in its global prices.
Adewole said that youths in the diaspora were also acquiring land for cocoa farming, and would employ a few people to manage the farmland for them.
He, however, said that with the application of modern methods of cocoa cultivation, old cocoa farmers were now making a lot of money and were able to live a life of comfort.
“I am almost 80 years, and I was born into a cocoa farming family. When we were younger, we were always working on the farm during the weekends.
“Then, it was the crude and harsh method of farming we were applying in our cocoa farming, but modernisation has changed the dynamics now.
“Now, there are tractors for farming, machines to apply and spray chemicals, and improved re-engineered cocoa seedlings for better yields.
“Many youths are now inspired to join cocoa farming business because they see the turn around and the profit old farmers are making.
“Cocoa farmers now use the needed and necessary chemicals and modern technology to boost the cocoa production. This is one of the factors that has increased and improved cocoa production and increased yields and profits,” he said.
He, however, said cocoa is a cash crop that took up to three years to produce pods, which gave farmers ample time to nurture it and get the best and bountiful harvest.
Adewole appealed to more youths to join the cocoa revolution and cocoa value chain, as it had become more profitable.
He advised government to put in place cocoa processing companies, so that cocoa could be processed to finished products locally before exporting.
Adewole described the proposed establishment of National Cocoa Management Board (NCMB) as a lofty idea by the Federal Government, suggesting that the board should be domiciled in a cocoa producing region for it to be effective.
Similarly, the Chairman of Cocoa Growers in Ife East Local Government Area, Alhaji Fatai Seidu, said that an increase in foreign exchange was responsible for the surge in the price of cocoa.
According to Seidu, when the currency of a country is weak, the value of cocoa exports increases in foreign markets, which leads to higher prices.
He said the recent increase in the prices of cocoa was a reward of years of labour for cocoa farmers.
Mr. Raphael Oladipupo, a young farmer in Ile-Ife, said the recent unprecedented surge in the prices of cocoa attracted youths to the business.
Oladipupo explained that the development in price of cocoa was the reason behind their choice of going back to villages to acquire farmland for cocoa farming.
“More than ever before, many young people were now acquiring land for cocoa farming as an alternative source of income,” he said.
Another young cocoa farmers in Ile-Ife, Mr. Oluwatosin Peter, said he saw cocoa farming as an opportunity to generate more income than what he received monthly.
“It is an opportunity which must be taken advantage of because of its potential for income generation. I am an accountant and it does not pay me much at the end of the month.
“With cocoa farming, at least I get something substantial to support my monthly income, and with time, I will focus solely on cocoa farming because it is lucrative,” he said.
Peter, however, said pests and diseases, climate change, low soil fertility, and environmental degradation were some of the challenges facing cocoa farming.
Another farmer, Mr. Ade Kuboyejo said he chose cocoa farming due to its high economic value.
“I inherited the farm from my father before he passed on. I have a family and they all support me in this business. I use it to train my three children and with the current economic situation, I cannot complain but focus on my farming,” he said.
In Ondo State, Mr. Sadiq Saliu, a 40-year-old farmer, who said he had been engaging in cocoa farming in the last 10 years, noted that the sales of cocoa in the 2024 production had changed his life for the better.
Saliu said that the new breed of cocoa coupled with the price had helped farmers “to smile to the bank”, especially in the last production season.
“Engaging in farming, especially in cocoa farming, is a good thing that has happened to me because I can as well talk when my age mates living in the city are talking, but the major challenges we encounter are the issue of herdsmen, non availability of workers and chemicals.
“Herdsmen are no more grazing their cattle in the vicinity again, rather they take the cows down to the forests where we plant our cocoa, plantain and many other crops while those workers we are engaging collect not less than N300,000 yearly per person.
“Also, government is not helping matters as well, we need government subsidised chemicals and other farm tools because the price is high in the market,” he said.
Mr. Femi Babatunde, a cocoa merchant, who spoke on the increase of cocoa prices in Ondo State, said that skyrocketed prices of cocoa beans in the world market had attracted young people to cocoa farming.
“The sharp increase in cocoa prices from around $2,200 per metric ton in 2022 to nearly $11,000 by late 2024 has sparked a wave of interest among young professionals, including former engineers, bankers, and scientists to cocoa farming.
“This trend is especially notable in places such as Ikom in Cross River, as well as parts of Ondo and Osun States.
“Drawn by the sector’s newfound profitability, many of these individuals are now part of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, marking a shift toward agriculture as a sustainable career path,” he said.
According to him, despite the positive trend, the average age of Nigerian cocoa farmers remains around 60.
He said that this underscored the need to sustain and expand youth participation to ensure long-term vitality and innovation within the sector.
Babatunde stated that the innovation of the cocoa seedling was another attraction to cocoa farming as a vocation especially among young Nigerians.
“Recent breakthroughs in agricultural research have led to the introduction of cocoa strains capable of bearing fruit in under two years.
“Institutions like the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) are spearheading these innovations, which aim to significantly boost productivity and shorten the time to harvest.
“These fast-maturing varieties not only promise higher yields but also serve as an incentive for younger farmers seeking quicker returns on investment,” he stated.
Similarly, Mr. Dayo Ogundare, a member of Ondo State Cocoa Council and former chairman of Sunshine Cocoa Farmers, commended the Federal Government for the NCMB initiative.
Ogundare said that the initiative would bring more development and growth to the cocoa value chain in the country, especially cocoa producing states. He noted that the establishment of the board would be the best thing that happened to cocoa value chain.
“With this initiative, the era of where the buyer, the farmer, the exporter, the processors doing whatever they like, which does not help cocoa production, and people involved will be gone.
“The Federal Government needs to entrench discipline and good management in the affairs of the board committee, for the betterment of the board. It will help the government, farmers and any other stakeholders in cocoa production,” Ogundare said.
He, therefore, called on government for the construction of rural roads and check-mating the activities of loggers in the cocoa forest area.
“In one hectare of cocoa farmland, there should be minimum of 18 trees to provide shade for the cocoa plantation but the loggers will come after the tree has matured and cut it and destroy the farm,” he noted.
He, however, admonished youths to engage more in cocoa farming, urging them not to see farming as work for poor people.
“As at now, a kilogram of cocoa is N10,000 and if you have 100 kilograms, it is over a million naira. So, I encourage youths to go and do cocoa farming and make money,” he said.
In Ekiti State, an agric expert, Mr. Juwon Ogunbiyi, said young people returning to village farmlands for cocoa farming was due to a combination of factors which included economic opportunities, and government’s assistance to the sector.
Ogunbiyi said a desire for a more fulfilling life and the potentials for sustainable income were also reasons for the development.
He said that cocoa farming, when done with good practices and efficient management, could offer a significant income, especially when compared to other employment options.
The agric expert said that many young people now saw cocoa farming as a way to build their own business, proving services like farm management, input stores or market gardening ventures.
He added that by engaging in cocoa farming, young people could potentially escape the cycle of poverty, and create a more stable future for themselves and their families.
According to him, many young people are drawn to the idea of a more rural lifestyle, with a stronger connection to their land and community, and improvement of facilities in rural areas by government.
“Young people are embracing modern farming techniques to increase yields and improve the quality of their cocoa. The young cocoa farmers are developing strategies to sell their cocoa directly to buyers maximising their profits.
“By producing cocoa, they can improve their livelihood and contribute to the development of their communities,” he said.
Another agricultural expert, Mr. Kayode Obayemi, said most cocoa farmers faced challenges of deforestation, where the cocoa production was affected by ageing plantations, poor farm management, soil degradation, pests and other diseases.
Obayemi said the misuse, or overuse of pesticides and chemical fertiliser in many cocoa farms, negatively affected the quality of local water resources and contaminates soils.
He said cocoa production was increasingly affected by climate change; prolonged dry season, less rainfall, extreme temperature and the appearance of new pests and diseases, which could reduce both cocoa yields and quality.
The agric expert said low financial literacy, and lack of access to financial services, often made it difficult for farmers to find a way out of poverty.
“Without access to savings system, loans or micro credits, farmers have no means to buy high quality of cocoa plants and input supplies to re-invest in their farms. Inadequate road infrastructure makes the transport of the harvest more expensive and makes farmers more dependent on intermediary trade, which reduces their revenue,” he said.
Similarly, Mr. Oluropo Dada, a former chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Ido-Ekiti in Ekiti State, appealed to government at all levels to further empower crop farmers with cocoa seedlings to boost production.
Dada said that young farmers in the state were currently engaging in massive cocoa farming, because its sustainability had high economic value, compared to other food crops.
“If government can sustain giving out inputs and financial incentives, including improved seedlings to farmers, it will change the country’s fortunes and earnings, within two to three years,” he said.
The Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, said the state’s aim was to recapture its old status as a leading cocoa producer in the country, and increase production for both local and export markets.
According to Boluwade, the state government provides a 50 per cent subsidy on cocoa seedlings to farmers, and encourages replanting with improved varieties, and promoting new farmer participation.
“Government has been distributing fertilisers and fungicides to farmers to support crop health and yield. We have also established community gardens and plans to expand their reach, providing access to improved technology and resources for farmers.
“Ekiti Government has been partnering with both local and international investors to establish processing plants and large-scale plantations, further boosting the cocoa value chain.
“Farmers have been having access to quality agrochemicals and other farming inputs through accredited suppliers, while those yet to get, will soon have them.
“We are promoting the use of improved cocoa technologies, through extension services, and educating farmers on best practices. The state recognises the importance of replacing older, less productive trees with improved seedlings to increase overall yield.
“There are continued efforts to further encourage young people to engage in cocoa farming, providing them with opportunities and support. Initiatives have been made to address post-harvest losses, ensuring that more of the harvested cocoa beans are processed, and marketed successfully,” he said.
The commissioner said the government had always been working to raise awareness about the dangers of bush fires, and was encouraging farmers to take preventative measures.
Boluwaji explained that the private sector was also encouraged to invest in cocoa farming, including the establishment of processing plants and large-scale plantations.
According to him, the government has continually been encouraging farmers to form cooperative societies, to be able to obtain soft loans, and access other benefits.
“The state government is already in collaboration with the Federal Government on initiatives to boost cocoa production, such as the distribution of high-yielding seedlings, and the provision of fertilisers and fungicides.
“We have been investing in research and development to identify improved cocoa varieties and farming practices, among others.
“All the strategies are targeted at returning Ekiti to the golden era of the 1970s when the state was reputed globally as one of the leading cocoa-producing centres in Nigeria,” the commissioner said.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has advised market women in Akwa Ibom State to regularly clear drains and properly dispose waste in their vicinities to forestall flood disasters.
Pastor Umo Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State
Mrs. Mmandu Aisueni, Head of operations, NEMA, Akwa Ibom, gave the advice during sensitisation rally for traders in Akpan Andem market, Udo Umana, Johnson and Ndiya Streets all in Uyo metropolis on Monday, May 19, 2025.
Aisueni, represented by Mr. Awoji Augustine, a Principal Accountant in their office, said that the rally was in collaboration with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
She warned the traders against indiscriminate waste disposal, stressing that its impact on the environment and other ecological disasters was usually bad.
The NEMA official emphasised the importance of proper waste management, saying it promotes healthy and sustainable environment.
Aisueni said that the sensitisation was part of NEMA’s strategy to prepare traders across the state on the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) 2025 prediction.
She said that NiMet had listed Akwa Ibom among states likely to record highest amount of rainfall in the year, ranging from 250 to 290 days, with the attendant risk of flooding and spread of cholera among others.
“As part of our mandates, we are sensitising traders in Uyo metropolis and its environs ahead of the peak period of 2025 rainy season.
“We have been able to educate the traders on proper waste management by keeping the market clean. We have equally enlightened them on the dangers involved in dumping refuse in gutters,” she said.
Aisueni expressed the hope that using multiple languages such as English, pidgin and Ibibio during the sensitisation was for enhanced understanding of the message.
The State Coordinator of NESREA, Mrs. Deborah Dasimaka, expressed displeasure over the use of non-biodegradable polythene bags in the market.
She advocated the development of alternative policies to curb plastic waste in the country.
“The polythene bags used in buying and selling goods are not bio-degradable because they will end up in drainage systems.
“We really want the reduction of plastics because it constitutes nuisance in our environment,” she said.
She added that Akwa Ibom being one of the states in the coastal region, is prone to flooding and it is advisable for not only the traders, but everyone to stop the habit of dumping refuse in the drains.
NEMA officials distributed handbills and placards carrying messages such as “Stop disposing refuse in gutters”, “Do not block drains” and “Keep your environment clean”, among others.
The Lagos State Government has announced plans to further scale up the deployment of groyne technology, a supposedly proven coastal defence system, as part of proactive measures to address the growing threat of coastal erosion.
Coastal erosion in Lagos
The Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Mr. Ekundayo Alebiosu, made this known on Monday, May 19, 2025, during the ministerial press briefing at the Baguda Kalto Press Centre, Alausa.
The commissioner said that he had embarked on a strategic working visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, where he led a high-level delegation to explore international best practices and forge partnerships for sustainable coastal management.
According to Alebiosu, a groyne is a rigid hydraulic structure built from an ocean shore or riverbank that interrupts water flow and limits the movement of sediment.
“Though Lagos State has already begun implementing this technology, the sheer scale of the challenge to extend its usage along the 180km shoreline presents a significant financial burden.
“It costs a huge amount to construct a single groyne, and with a targeted 180km coastal stretch, the projected cost exceeds ₦3 trillion a figure that makes it clear that strategic collaboration is required.
“The technology has been effectively used to arrest coastal erosion and stabilise beaches in several parts of the world, including the Netherlands,” Alebiosu said.
The commissioner described the Netherlands, renowned for pioneering coastal engineering solutions, as a perfect case study for the state government’s delegation.
“This is not just a Lagos problem; it is a national environmental and economic challenge.
“If we are serious about preserving our shoreline, preventing further erosion, and protecting coastal communities, then a robust partnership with the Federal Government and the private sector is not just desirable it is absolutely necessary,” he said.
He further stated, “The Dutch model, which integrates groynes, sand nourishment, and nature-based solutions, provides insights into how sustainable and economically viable approaches can be adapted to suit local conditions in Lagos.”
Alebiosu emphasised that the Lagos State Government is actively pursuing a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework to finance and implement large-scale groyne deployment and coastal protection infrastructure.
“This initiative also aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s broader agenda to secure lives, protect public and private assets, and unlock the economic potential of Lagos’ vast waterfronts.
“We cannot afford to delay. Entire communities are at risk, and if left unchecked, the consequences of coastal erosion could be devastating not only to the environment but also to livelihoods and investments across our coastal zones,” he said.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working with international partners, federal agencies, and private investors to deliver long-term, climate-resilient solutions that will preserve the waterfronts for Lagosians.
Alebiosu also revealed that a dispute which had threatened the homes and livelihoods of hundreds of residents within state government schemes was brought to a peaceful and lawful resolution.
According to him, the governor’s unwavering commitment to governance with a human face was the driving force behind a groundbreaking regularisation process that spared over 200 allottees from eviction and property loss.
“What we have achieved here is a testament to the governor’s belief that governance must prioritise people their dignity, their security, and their future.
“Rather than demolish homes and uproot lives, we brought stakeholders to a roundtable and crafted a legal pathway for regularising occupancy,” he said.
The commissioner further explained that the affected individuals had encroached on government land, creating a protracted conflict over ownership.
“Instead of resorting to mass demolitions, the state government, through the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, implemented an accommodation strategy that allowed the settlers to regularise their land documents and remain legally on the property,” Alebiosu said.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) opened its Annual Assembly in Geneva on Monday, May 19, 2025, with a key focus on the formal adoption of a long-anticipated “International Pandemic Treaty”.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organisation (WHO). Photo credit: FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty Images
Developed at record speed in response to lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, the agreement aimed to prevent the kind of chaos seen in the global scramble for medical supplies.
The gathering also aimed to ensure fairer distribution of vaccines in future health crises.
The treaty is scheduled for formal adoption on Tuesday.
However, several contentious details remain unresolved and are expected to be negotiated separately over the next year as part of an annex to the treaty.
These include, for instance, how vaccine manufacturers obtain pathogens with pandemic potential and what the countries that provide them receive in return.
The World Health Assembly brings together delegates from the WHO’s 194 member states and is the organisation’s main decision-making body.
The WHO finds itself at a crossroads after the U.S., currently the organisation’s biggest donor, announced it will leave in early 2026.
It said that a move that would cut nearly one-fifth of the UN health agency’s budget.
In response, the WHO had already announced sweeping cost-cutting measures, including staff reductions.
Germany said on Sunday it would increase its support for the WHO by an additional €10 million ($11.2 million) to help fill the gap left by the U.S. exit.
Germany had already supported the WHO with approximately €290 million over 2024 and 2025, according to government figures.
Meanwhile, the WHO has said that it is forced to reduce the number of employees due to a lack of money, and the number of departments will be reduced from 76 to 34.
The Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said this on Monday.
“As you know, we have been engaging in a major structural realignment, guided by an in-depth analysis of priorities.
The prioritisation exercise has informed the development of a new streamlined structure for headquarters, which reduced the executive management team from 14 to 7.
The number of departments from 76 to 34, Tedros said in a report to the World Health Assembly.
Women from the Nissi, Kapam and Rido communities staged a protest on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) over alleged chemical pollution that has reportedly affected their health, farmland and livelihoods.
Women from the Nissi, Kapam and Rido communities staging a protest at the Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company (KRPC)
The protesters, who gathered at the refinery as early as 6:00 a.m., accused the company of allegedly releasing a harmful chemical in August 2024, which they claim led to widespread illness, destruction of crops, and the death of livestock.
Mrs. Juliana Abrak, Women’s Leader of the Nissi community, said the chemical emission had rendered farming activities impossible and left many residents sick and hungry.
“We are suffering. There is no food, and we have to go elsewhere in search of something to eat. We have fertile land, but we are too afraid to farm,” she lamented.
She also criticised the company’s alleged failure to engage with the protesters, in spite of their presence at the premises since 5:00 a.m.
Mrs. Kelita Yaguda, a resident of Kapam, recounted her own experience with the suspected chemical exposure.
“They took some of us to hospital but only gave us paracetamol and ulcer medication. They promised to treat us for a week but only attended to a few people for two days,” she said.
Yaguda added that no medical tests were carried out, and the community has been left to manage ongoing health issues and worsening food insecurity.
“Some of our children have even resorted to stealing out of hunger. We are more than 500 people, yet fewer than 50 received any form of assistance,” she added.
Mrs. Lydia Moses, a women’s leader from Kapam, said that KRPC officials had repeatedly claimed compensation would be provided by authorities in Abuja, but no support had materialised.
“They came in December, documented the damage, and promised a response within two weeks. It’s now May, and nothing has been done. Our crops have failed, our livestock have died, and some women have even suffered miscarriages,” she said.
The women called on both KRPC and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd to take urgent action to address their health concerns and to compensate affected families.
As at the time of filing this report, KRPC officials had yet to respond to the protesters.
As Africa commemorates Africa Day on Sunday, May 25, 2025, communities across the continent are rising in unity under the Afrika Vuka platform to demand climate justice and a clean energy future.
Communities across Africa are rising in unity under the Afrika Vuka platform to demand climate justice and a clean energy future
Under the banner of the REPower Afrika campaign, grassroots groups in over 10 countries will mobilise to spotlight people-powered renewable energy solutions and call for an end to fossil fuel dependency that continues to pollute, displace, and endanger lives across the continent.
In Nigeria, the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) will stage a Cultural Show for REPower Nigeria in Abuja on Thursday, May 22.
This year’s Africa Day of Action will highlight the power of African communities to shape their own energy futures by repowering Africa through socially owned, decentralised renewable energy systems that are clean, just, and accessible to all. The mobilisations come in the context of deepening climate impacts and continued fossil fuel expansion that threaten Africa’s biodiversity, livelihoods, and development aspirations.
From solar installations in rural schools to cultural mobilisations, community dialogues, marches, and artistic actions, REPower Afrika events will showcase a continent ready to rise beyond fossil fuels and lead a just energy transition rooted in justice, equity, and dignity.
Other spotlight events include:
Benin: Renewable Energy Coalition (REC) hosts a Cultural Resilience Concert & Mural Painting on May 23
Kenya (Lamu): Save Lamu leads a REPower Lamu artivism workshop and protest walk calling for cancellation of the Amu Power coal project appeal on May 25
Uganda (Kampala): CERAI organises a University Debate on Renewable Energy vs Oil and Gas with Makerere and Kyambogo Universities on May 25
Uganda: CECIC hosts Youth Energy Cafés to co-create local solutions for energy access on May 25
Ghana: RE4C Coalition and 350 Ghana lead a Renewable Energy Awareness Walk on May 23
Tanzania: Green Conservers hold a Renewable Energy Concert on May 25
South Africa: Climate Finance Podcast Launch on May 25
Additionally, distributed events will hold in Port Harcourt and Obio Akpor (Nigeria), Alexandria (Egypt), Togo, Uganda, South Africa, DRC, Arusha (Tanzania), Zambia, Malawi, Cameroun, Guinea and Casamance (Senegal).
Imagine walking through a busy Nigerian market, where brightly coloured food packages compete for your attention. From small shops to large malls, a wide variety of items are attractively displayed. However, hidden beneath these colourful wraps is a danger of too much sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats in majority of these products, which are contributing to Nigeria’s growing health problems.
Front of Pack Warning Labels (FOPWL)
Without clear, required Front of Pack Warning Labels (FOPWL), consumers are denied the basic right to make informed choices. They unknowingly buy more junk food, which significantly increases the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) which currently contributes to 30 percent Annual deaths in Nigeria.
As a matter of evidence, a recent report titled Junk on Our Plates by Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) underscores this urgent need for FOPWL. The report, based on investigations across seven Nigerian states, reveals how food and beverage companies aggressively market unhealthy foods, often falsely labelling them as “nutritious” or “natural.”
For instance, some sugary yogurts were labelled “not sugary,” while seasoning brands in Northern Nigeria concealed information about their high sodium content but utilised culturally resonant messaging to promote them. It is precisely this kind of lack of openness that strips Nigerians of the ability to make informed food choices, pushing them further into the grip of preventable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions.
The global rise in NCDs is well-documented, and Nigeria is no exception. A key reason for this is the consumption of heavily processed foods, pushed in the market through aggressive advertising and strategic placement. Without mandatory warning labels to signal danger, consumers are left unaware of the risks. As a result, poor dietary choices become normalised, feeding a cycle of illness that burdens families and the national healthcare system alike.
But it is not all doom. International experiences show that countries can successfully reverse these trends with bold regulatory action. In Chile, for example, the introduction of a groundbreaking system of clear, black octagonal warning labels on foods high in critical nutrients of concern, such as sugar, sodium, saturated fats, and trans fats empowered consumers to become more aware, forced companies to reformulate products, and the purchases of sugary drinks to drop by nearly 24 percent within a year.
Mexico and Peru adopted similar systems and recorded significant shifts in consumer behaviour and industry practices. In Peru, marketing claims on processed foods changed drastically as manufacturers reformulated products and utilised warning labels, thereby making their products healthier. Beyond Latin America, other nations are also making progress. In Canada, while not exactly warning labels, nutrition symbols flag high levels of sugar, salt, and saturated fat in food products.
These labels have helped increase consumer awareness and, to some extent, encouraged the development of healthier products. South Africa has published draft regulations for front-of-pack warning labels, backed by research and growing public support. These global examples demonstrate that effective labelling can reduce harmful consumption, reshape industry behaviour, and protect public health.
In addition, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has long endorsed front-of-pack warning labels as one of the most cost-effective tools for preventing diet-related NCDs. In its 2020 guidance, WHO recommended interpretive labelling systems – such as high-visibility warnings and symbols – over complex numeric formats that are difficult for consumers to understand.
According to WHO, such labels not only empower people to make healthier food choices, but also contribute to reducing health inequalities, particularly among lower-income groups who are more vulnerable to aggressive junk food marketing. Countries that have adopted these systems in line with WHO’s guidance have seen measurable declines in the consumption of unhealthy foods, underscoring the effectiveness of labelling as part of a broader nutrition policy framework.
For Nigeria, mandatory warning labels are not just about consumer rights, they are a public health necessity. A clear, standardised system will equip citizens to make better dietary choices, reduce the consumption of junk food, and lessen the burden of NCDs. This proactive approach can stop the rising tide of diet-related diseases and ensure a healthier future for generations to come.
As a matter of urgency, the Nigerian government should enact regulations requiring front-of-pack warning labels for foods high in sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats. These labels must be visible, understandable, and consistent across all brands. Public education campaigns are also essential to help consumers interpret labels and understand the health risks of poor nutrition. At the same time, manufacturers should be compelled to reformulate products to reduce harmful ingredients and align with public health goals.
Ultimately, embracing transparent Front of Pack Warning labelling policies is a vital step towards building a healthier Nigeria, where informed choices win over the deceptive appeal of junk food and the well-being of the population is prioritized over short-term commercial interests and profits.
By Humphrey Ukeaja, Industry Monitoring Officer at Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA)
