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Maduro’s capture: The geopolitical bombshell igniting Africa’s energy opportunity

Michael Simire
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Maduro’s capture: The geopolitical bombshell igniting Africa’s energy opportunity

The world woke to news that felt ripped from a geopolitical thriller: U.S. special forces executed a precision operation and captured Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan strongman who had long defied Washington. Overnight, alliances splintered, condemnations flew from Moscow and Beijing, and the United Nations struggled to navigate the political fallout.

Debates over sovereignty, head-of-state immunity, and international law have set scholars and diplomats abuzz, but for the business and energy community, the immediate drama plays out on the oil trading floor.

Nicolás Maduro's capture
Nicolás Maduro’s capture

Within hours, Brent crude rocketed to $62 per barrel. Traders raced to price in potential supply disruptions, regional instability, and retaliatory actions. By January 7, prices had moderated to around $60, yet the persistent risk premium – fueled by tanker seizures, export restrictions, and geopolitical uncertainty – reminded everyone that volatility is the new normal. For investors and upstream operators, these swings are more than news: they are opportunities for strategic positioning, hedging, and portfolio recalibration.

Venezuela is not just any oil producer – it sits atop the world’s largest proven reserves, exceeding 300 billion barrels. Yet under years of mismanagement, sanctions, and economic decay, production plunged from over 3 million barrels per day to roughly 800,000. With Maduro removed, the horizon could shift dramatically. Analysts project that with targeted investment, production could rise by 500,000 barrels per day within two years.

Full-scale rehabilitation of pipelines, refineries, and offshore assets may require $100–180 billion – a monumental but lucrative challenge for forward-looking investors. The return of Venezuelan heavy crude could reshape the global supply landscape, capping prices and intensifying competition among exporters.

For Nigeria, this moment is a wake-up call. Venezuelan heavy crude directly competes with our Bonny Light and other benchmarks. Renewed competition could compress margins, reduce revenues, and challenge budget assumptions that rely on higher oil prices. Currency volatility and fiscal pressure may intensify. But while the risk is real, so too is the opportunity: the global market shakeup underscores why Nigeria must move decisively to fortify its upstream and downstream sectors, diversify energy revenue streams, and maximize domestic value creation.

The path forward is clear. In the upstream sector, Nigeria must accelerate policy reforms to attract foreign direct investment, increase exploration, and enhance production efficiency. On the downstream side, operationalising the Dangote Refinery, expanding modular refining projects, and building integrated supply chains are critical to capturing more domestic value and reducing import dependence. Beyond oil, Nigeria’s diversification into agriculture, critical minerals, technology, and manufacturing is no longer optional – it is strategic.

Enter the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2026, set for February 2–5 in Abuja. Under the theme “Energy for Peace and Prosperity: Securing Our Shared Future,” NIES 2026 is positioned as Africa’s premier oil and gas gathering. It brings together ministers, regulators, National Oil Companies, multinational investors, and industry leaders to debate, deliberate, and drive actionable partnerships across the continent’s energy value chain.

A key focus this year will be midstream and downstream infrastructure. The summit will spotlight how Nigeria and African nations can process, refine, and consume their own resources, enhancing energy security, industrial competitiveness, and domestic wealth creation. In practical terms, discussions will explore modular and large-scale refineries, gas-to-power projects, regional pipelines, and strategic distribution networks – all under the lens of boosting investor confidence and regional trade.

The Signature Session – “Balancing Commercial Growth with National Development” – promises high-level debates on how African NOCs can leverage partnerships, technology, and capital to achieve economic resilience. For investors, this is a front-row seat to emerging opportunities: joint ventures, cross-border projects, technology integration, and new business models that position Africa as both a supplier and innovator in the global energy market.

Nigeria’s moment is now. Maduro’s capture serves as both a warning and a call to action. It reminds energy leaders and investors that geopolitical shifts can instantly reshape the global oil landscape. Those who act decisively – diversifying portfolios, investing in domestic infrastructure, and engaging with forward-looking policy frameworks – stand to gain the most. For the business community, the message is clear: navigate volatility with strategy, seize disruption as opportunity, and invest in Africa’s energy transformation.

The summit will not only provide insights but also connect capital with opportunity, offering delegates direct engagement with African ministers, regulators, NOCs, and private sector leaders. For financiers, policy shapers, and corporate executives, NIES 2026 is more than a conference – it’s the launchpad for Africa’s next energy frontier.

Maduro’s capture is history in motion. For Nigeria, it’s a reminder: adapt boldly, diversify relentlessly, and lead Africa’s energy future with confidence. The choices made in boardrooms, policymaking chambers, and forums like NIES will determine whether this geopolitical shock becomes a catalyst for growth or a cautionary tale.

By Kunle Odusola-Stevenson, Public Relations Expert & Energy Issues Commentator, Lagos

Blaise Odunze: NNPC’s $1.42bn, N5.57trn debt write-off and test of Nigeria’s fiscal governance

Michael Simire
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Blaise Odunze: NNPC’s $1.42bn, N5.57trn debt write-off and test of Nigeria’s fiscal governance

When the Federal Government approved the write-off of about $1.42 billion and N5.57 trillion in legacy debts owed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) to the Federation Account, it was rightly described as a landmark decision. After years of disputes, reconciliations, and contested figures, Nigeria’s most important revenue institution was, at least on paper, given a cleaner slate.

The approval, contained in a report prepared by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and presented at the last year November meeting of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), effectively wiped out 96 percent of NNPC’s dollar-denominated obligations and 88 percent of its naira liabilities accumulated up to December 31, 2024. It resolved long-standing balances arising from crude oil liftings, joint venture royalties, production-sharing contracts, and related arrangements.

Blaise Udunze
Blaise Udunze

Judging it critically, the decision carries both promise and peril, but can be viewed from the perspective of a country desperate to restore confidence in public finance management. It offers an opportunity to reset relationships, clean up accounting records, and move forward under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). Yet, it also exposes deep structural weaknesses in Nigeria’s oil revenue governance, weaknesses that, if left unaddressed, could turn today’s debt relief into tomorrow’s fiscal regret.

Context matters. The debt write-off comes not during a period of revenue abundance, but at a time when Nigeria’s upstream revenue performance is under severe strain. According to the same NUPRC document, the commission missed its approved monthly revenue target for November 2025 by N544.76 billion, collecting only N660.04 billion against a projected N1.204 trillion.

Royalty receipts, the backbone of upstream revenue, tell an even starker story. It is alarming that against an approved monthly royalty projection of N1.144 trillion, only N605.26 billion was collected, leaving a shortfall of N538.92 billion. Cumulatively, by the end of November 2025, the revenue gap stood at N5.65 trillion, with royalty collections alone falling short by N5.63 trillion. These figures underscore how fragile Nigeria’s fiscal position remains, even as trillions of naira in historical obligations are being written off.

To be fair, the debts forgiven were not incurred overnight. They are the product of years of disputed remittances, lacking transparent accounting practices, and overlapping institutional roles, particularly under the pre-PIA regime. As petroleum economist Prof. Wumi Iledare has repeatedly observed, the former Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation combined regulatory, commercial, and operational functions, making revenue reconciliation cumbersome and frequently contested.

That legacy continues to haunt the system, as witnessed with the ongoing dispute between NNPC Ltd and Periscope Consulting, the audit firm engaged by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, over an alleged $42.37 billion under-remittance between 2011 and 2017, which illustrates how unresolved the past remains. Though NNPC insists all revenues were properly accounted for as claimed, Periscope maintains that significant gaps persist, forcing FAAC to mandate yet another reconciliation exercise. This recurring pattern of audits, counterclaims, and stalemates has weakened trust in the federation revenue system and eroded confidence among states that depend on oil proceeds for survival.

Crucially, the debt write-off does not mean NNPC has turned a corner financially. Statutory obligations incurred between January and October 2025 remain on the books, amounting to about $56.8 million and N1.02 trillion. Although part of the dollar component was recovered during the period under review, the accumulation of new liabilities so soon after reconciliation raises uncomfortable questions about whether old habits are being replaced with genuine fiscal discipline.

More troubling still is what NNPC’s own audited financial statements reveal about its internal financial health. Despite recording a profit after tax of N5.4 trillion on revenues of N45.1 trillion in 2024, the company’s inter-company debts ballooned to N30.3 trillion, representing a 70 per cent increase within a single year. This is not debt owed to external creditors but largely obligations between NNPC and its subsidiaries, effectively the company owing itself.

Records show that of 32 subsidiaries, only eight are debt-free, and the rest, particularly the refineries, trading arms, and gas infrastructure units, remain heavily indebted to the parent company. There was a recurring cycle where profitable units subsidise chronically underperforming ones, and accountability steadily erodes because cash that should fund maintenance, expansion, and efficiency improvements is instead trapped in internal receivables.

The refineries offer a stark illustration whereby the Port Harcourt Refining Company alone owed N4.22 trillion in 2024, more than double its 2023 figure, while Kaduna and Warri refineries followed closely, with debts of N2.39 trillion and N2.06 trillion respectively. Despite the repeated failed turnaround maintenance with many years of rehabilitation spending, none have operated sustainably at commercially viable levels. Their continued dependence on financial support from the parent company highlights the cost of postponing difficult restructuring decisions.

And, for this reason, international observers have long warned about these structural weaknesses. One of the critics, the World Bank, has repeatedly flagged NNPC as a major source of revenue leakages. It further noted that the persistent gaps between reported earnings and actual remittances to the Federation Account. Even after the removal of petrol subsidies, the bank observed that NNPC remitted only about 50 per cent of the revenue gains, using the rest to offset past arrears. Such practices, while perhaps defensible in internal cash management terms, undermine fiscal transparency and weaken Nigeria’s macroeconomic credibility.

This is why the central issue is not the debt write-off itself, but what follows it because debt forgiveness is not reform. Without firm safeguards, it risks entrenching the very behaviours that created the problem in the first place. As Prof. Omowumi Iledare has warned, the scale and pace of the inter-company debt build-up represent a governance test rather than a mere accounting anomaly. Allowing subsidiaries to operate indefinitely without settling obligations is incompatible with the idea of a commercially driven national oil company.

The fact remains that if NNPC wants to function as a true commercial holding company under the PIA, it must enforce strict settlement timelines, restructure or divest non-viable subsidiaries, while clearly separating legacy debts from new obligations. With this, it holds subsidiary leadership accountable for cash flow and profitability. Independent, real-time audits and transparent reporting must become routine features of governance, not emergency responses triggered by controversy.

There is also a broader national implication. At a time when Nigerians are being asked to accept higher taxes, reduced subsidies, and fiscal tightening, large-scale debt write-offs without visible accountability risk undermining the legitimacy of the entire revenue system. Citizens cannot be expected to bear heavier burdens while systemic inefficiencies in the country’s most strategic sector persist.

Of a truth, the cancellation of NNPC’s legacy debts could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s fiscal governance, but only if it is not treated as its conclusion but the beginning of reform.

If discipline, transparency, and commercial accountability follow, the decision may yet help reposition NNPC as a profitable, credible, and PIA-compliant institution. If not, today’s clean slate will simply defer the reckoning until the next reconciliation, the next audit dispute, and the next fiscal crisis.

Blaise Odunze, a journalist and PR professional, writes from Lagos and can be reached via: blaise.udunze@gmail.com

Kidnappers kill Abuja-based lawyer, Princess Nwamaka Chigbo

Michael Simire
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Kidnappers kill Abuja-based lawyer, Princess Nwamaka Chigbo

The family of Princess Nwamaka Mediatrix Chigbo, an Abuja-based lawyer, is saddened to announce her brutal death at the hands of still-to-be-identified kidnappers in the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory on Monday, January 5, 2026.

Before her abduction, Barrister Nwamaka was on the phone with her sister Anthonia, who briefly interrupted the call to attend to a client. When she reverted, the barrister’s phone was still live, and Anthonia could hear her sister’s distress cry before the phone suddenly went dead and unreachable.

Anthonia alerted her elder sister, Maureen Chigbo, and other family members, who called the lawyer’s number repeatedly to reach her or her abductors to no avail.

Princess Nwamaka Mediatrix Chigbo
The late Princess Nwamaka Mediatrix Chigbo

When a call finally went through, a male voice rained curses in English and Hausa language, saying: “Thunder fire you there, send N3 million or else we will kill her.” The captors gave no further details and abruptly terminated subsequent calls.

Barrister Nwamaka’s family later tried to contact the Police Force Public Relations Officer and left a text message on her phone. They were referred to two police complaint numbers.

The family equally sent a distress text and WhatsApp message to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and also contacted the FCT Police Commissioner, who immediately linked them up to the Commander of the Scorpion Squad, in charge of kidnapping in Abuja.

The Commander later called to inform the family that the police were tracking the kidnappers, who were said to be “in motion and would likely drop the lawyer off once they might have collected the ransom.”

The kidnappers never initiated any calls, and when Nwamaka’s family members reached them through her phone for clarification on how the ransom would be paid, they only heard the lawyer screaming in pain, “I am dying. …save me, please send the money, I am dying,” before the phone finally went dead again.

The family maintained contact with the Police Commander throughout Monday night to follow up on the rescue operation.

At 4 am on Tuesday, January 6, when Maureen called the Commander, he expressed surprise that the lawyer had not called or returned home. He then promised to escalate the rescue operation.

The Commander later called to inform the family that “a lady had been found in a critical condition” and taken to an Abuja specialist hospital. He requested that Nwamaka’s picture be sent for identification purposes.

Maureen immediately took a flight from Lagos to Abuja and on reaching the hospital, saw her sister’s lifeless body in the mortuary with bruises, swollen eyes and a cracked skull, all signs of a tortured death.

The Chigbo family has met with the Police authorities, who assured them that the case was under investigation and that the culprits would be apprehended.

Nwamaka was an active member and former treasurer of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja, member of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, IFWL,

FIDA and Global Association of Female Lawyers, GAFA. She was a former President of Catholic Lawyers Association, Abuja.

An ardent Catholic, Nwamaka authored a book on Infant Jesus, and until death was the vice president of the Infant Jesus Association, member of the Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Group among other religious groups.

The family expresses its gratitude to the Police for their efforts and cooperation so far, and urges the force to ensure that justice is served in Nwamaka’s case.

The family also wishes to thank Nwamaka’s friends, colleagues and well-wishers for their support and prayers. Her funeral arrangements will be announced as soon as possible.

By Maureen Chigbo, RealNews

Who is to blame as refuse heaps dot Lagos roads?

Michael Simire
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Who is to blame as refuse heaps dot Lagos roads?

In 2025, Lagos State showcased vibrancy in infrastructure development and relentless ambition to be a mega city, among other potential.

However, the Africa’s fifth fastest-growing sub-national economy was weighed down by some urban failures, especially poor environmental sanitation.

In spite of successes recorded by the Sanwo-Olu administration in infrastructure development, agriculture, tourism and health, housing, transport and waterfront and many other areas, heaps of refuse characterised the commercial nerve centre in 2025.

Tokunbo Wahab
Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab

Critics say Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, alongside Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), made visible efforts in keeping Lagos clean but filth remained at the various corners of the state, frustrating its mega city moves as far as cleanliness is concerned.

On highways and inner-city roads such as Ikorodu Road, Agege Motor Road, Oshodi axis, Apapa corridor, CMS stretch, and some parts of Surulere, numerous piles of garbage and discarded waste were scattered.

By mid 2025, blocked drains repeatedly triggered flash floods at Mushin, Alimosho, Ajegunle and Lekki Phase II, with some residents expressing concern about weak enforcement and monitoring frameworks, while others blame the residents for recalcitrancy.

A teacher, Mrs. Nkechi Mba, cautioned that poor sanitation in the commercial centre could pose a health hazard, urging collective efforts in tackling it.

She appealed to Lagos residents to comply with sanitation laws and properly dispose their refuse, urging LAWMA to intensify efforts to manage waste to improve environmental sanitation.

“There should be sanitation officers checking the activities of restaurants at this point in time,” she said.

Sharing her view on Instagram, a popular content creator, Kofoworola Bamidele (Kofo_unfilterterd on Instagram), said: “Lagos deserves a cleaner, healthier environment.

“This can only be achieved through structured sanitation with regular waste collection.”

She claimed that waste collectors had not visited her community, Ayobo, in more than a month.

Bamidele called for more public education/campaigns on sanitation in schools, markets and other public places to encourage civic responsibility.

“These steps will ensure that sanitation efforts are effective, practical and sustainable.

Reacting, the Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said that the authority had not relented in efforts to dispose refuse in time.

He blamed presence of heaps of refuse in some parts of Lagos on recalcitrant attitude of some residents and poor performance of some Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators.

He said that many Lagos residents failed to pay for disposal of their refuse and would not hesitate to dispose their waste indiscriminately.

“Thank you for reaching out and for sharing the photos. Those locations are being cleared routinely (daily and sometimes twice daily).

“What the pictures show is a persistent behavioural issue compounded by service gaps on those corridors.

“PSP operators assigned to parts of that axis have not performed to standard, and we are taking steps to correct that, including changing the operators where necessary.

“In addition, some residents simply don’t want to pay for waste and prefer to place their waste on road median because they know that a LAWMA truck will eventually clear it,” he said.

He gave the assurance that LAWMA was implementing strategies to tackle that issues.

“We are implementing a stop-gap arrangement with community leaders and local stakeholders to end the practice of dropping waste on the median.

“Residents will be directed to hold their waste until LAWMA-supported trucks arrive, so it can be loaded directly into the truck rather than left on the road.

“We are fabricating and deploying additional skip bins along the routes to provide proper collection points,” Gbadegesin said.

According to him, when the bins are in place, LAWMA’s waste-policing and monitoring personnel will be stationed around the points to prevent residents from dumping refuse on road medians and other wrong places, as well as ensure prompt refuse evacuation.

“Our focus this year is stronger operator accountability, better collection infrastructure on high-pressure corridors, and stricter enforcement against illegal refuse dumping so that these road medians stop becoming recurring flashpoints.

“This process will be applied to routes experiencing similar issues around the state,” Gbadegesin said.

Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, also gave the assurance that necessary steps were being taken to address the issues.

“LAWMA and the ministry are carrying out interventions to complement the efforts of the PSP operators,” the commissioner said.

Analysts note that Lagos State has made heavy investments in waste management and introduced technology-enabled drainage mapping, urging effective implementation to close gaps.

They urge the state government to urgently evacuate heaps of refuse across the state, adequately enforce environmental sanitation laws and effectively supervise PSP operators to avoid waste management crisis and its consequences.

By Aderonke Ojediran, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Assessing Nigeria’s marine and blue economy gains, gaps, strategic pathways forward

Michael Simire
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Assessing Nigeria’s marine and blue economy gains, gaps, strategic pathways forward

As Nigeria progresses deeper into the 21st century, the Marine and Blue Economy has evolved from a policy aspiration into a strategic economic pillar for diversification, food security, job creation and global maritime competitiveness.

Under the leadership of Adegboyega Oyetola as minister, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, established in May 2023, has made strides in policy design.

The ministry has also advanced in institutional reform and sector performance, even as key structural challenges persist.

Adegboyega Oyetola
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adgboyega Oyetola, addressing the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France on June 10

Since its creation, the ministry has pursued the Federal Government’s agenda to unlock Nigeria’s estimated $296 billion maritime potential.

This is through sustainable ocean resource utilisation, port modernisation, coastal infrastructure and marine technology development.

A defining milestone came in 2024 when the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved Nigeria’s first National Blue Economy Policy, providing a unified framework for fisheries, shipping, aquaculture, marine transport and ocean-based renewable energy development.

Mr. Kitack Lim, Secretary-General, International Maritime Organisation (IMO) described the policy as forward-looking and sustainable, commending Nigeria’s alignment with global maritime governance and regional development priorities.

According to the IMO, Nigeria’s maritime sector has achieved a fast-evolving measured progress in maritime security and blue economy development.

One of the most notable achievements has been Nigeria’s sustained record of zero piracy incidents in its territorial waters for over three years.

This feat is credited largely to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and its Deep Blue Project.

The project, coordinated under the supervision of NIMASA’s Director-General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, deploys maritime security assets, surveillance drones and coastal patrol teams that have significantly enhanced regional safety and investor confidence.

These achievements helped to position and secure Nigeria’s victory at the IMO Council, Category C, election for the 2026–2027 biennium session, reinforcing its voice in global maritime governance and international trade facilitation.

On the economic front, Nigeria’s local fish production climbed to about 1.4 million metric tonnes in 2025, up from 1.1 million tonnes in 2024, according to data from the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Dr Ime Umoh, Director of Fisheries, said that the rise reflected better coordination between federal and state agencies, improved aquaculture technology and the adoption of sustainable marine farming systems supported by development partners.

However, the country still faces a fish consumption gap of about 3.6 million metric tonnes annually, requiring continued investment in fish feed production, hatchery development and small-scale aquaculture enterprises.

To boost institutional efficiency, the ministry launched the Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS) to automate workflow, enhance data management and improve transparency in service delivery.

The ECMS is a Federal Government’s initiative to be adopted by all Ministries  Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to enhance swift digitalisation of the public service.

The National Assembly has also played a supportive role.

Chairman of the House Committee on Ports and Harbours, Nnolim Nnaji, confirmed ongoing legislative work on the Nigerian Port Regulatory Agency Bill to streamline overlapping mandates and strengthen competitiveness.

Stakeholders at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) also reported massive savings of over N31 billion from port automation and data integration reforms.

They said that these have reduced leakages and improved efficiency across freight and shipping operations.

Despite the progress recorded, however, the nation’s port infrastructure remains largely outdated, with many facilities dating back more than four decades.

This contributes to cargo dwell times that exceed regional and international averages.

Dr Emeka Akabogu, a maritime lawyer and policy analyst, said that overlapping agency functions and regulatory inconsistencies in the sector continued to hinder investment and operational efficiency.

Akabogu called for a unified maritime governance framework to address regulatory fragmentation and agency overlaps in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

According to him, harmonised industry-wide maritime policy and streamlined administrative responsibilities will ensure coherence across agencies and more effective governance.

As Nigeria consolidates recent gains in maritime security, fisheries output and institutional reform, analysts note that national blue economy strategies across West Africa are shaped by differing economic priorities, resource endowments and market orientations.

According to the analysts, these set the stage for contrasting development and pathways within the subregion.

Comparatively, Ghana and Senegal have expanded export-oriented aquaculture and fish processing.

Nigeria, on the other hand, has concentrated on scaling domestic production, maritime safety and institutional reform.

Each pathway reflects different national strengths within West Africa’s blue economy.

Mr. Eugene Nweke, Head Researcher of Sea Empowerment and Research Center (SEREC) said that regional cooperation remained vital.

According to Nweke, the Gulf of Guinea Commission and ECOWAS frameworks provide platforms for shared investment, maritime security collaboration and joint environmental protection.

Dr Felicia Mogo, former IMO marine pollution consultant, emphasised the need for enhanced funding mechanisms, marine spatial planning and ocean literacy to sustain Nigeria’s current growth momentum.

Oyetola, however, insists that Nigeria’s journey “from policy to prosperity” depends on collective resolve, institutional coordination and long-term commitment across government, industry and communities.

The minister said that vision without financing remains no more than a dream.

He urged domestic and international investors to support infrastructure financing, port automation and blue economy innovation hubs.

Other maritime experts recommend incentivising private investment, accelerating deep seaport development, upgrading logistics corridors, and prioritising maritime education and research to produce a globally competitive workforce.

With Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy now firmly anchored in strategic planning and measurable reforms, it stands as a beacon of opportunity.

However, ts full promise will hinge on policy continuity, innovation and inclusive growth.

By Diana Omueza, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Ignorant, reckless for U.S. to withdraw from UNFCCC – Mohamed Adow

Michael Simire
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Ignorant, reckless for U.S. to withdraw from UNFCCC – Mohamed Adow

Mohamed Adow, Founder and Director, Power Shift Africa, regrets as “yet another ignorant and reckless act from Donald Trump” the United States’ withdrawal from the UNFCCC, the IPCC, and other global climate, trade, and scientific bodies

The US withdrawal from the UNFCCC and IPCC is yet another ignorant and reckless act from Donald Trump.

Mohamed Adow
Mohamed Adow

While the US retains the right to debate and determine its own policy priorities, retreating from international climate agreements when the impacts of the climate crisis are biting harder than ever, undermines not just global solidarity, but also effective policymaking everywhere, including in Washington. Political posturing cannot alter the underlying physics of greenhouse gas accumulation, and no amount of rhetoric can extinguish wildfires, hold back floods or stop a hurricane.

Let’s be clear: this withdrawal will also harm the American people themselves. The United States faces escalating climate impacts, from catastrophic wildfires and storms to agricultural disruption and infrastructure damage. By abandoning international climate frameworks, America isolates itself from global solutions and risks being left behind as the rest of the world accelerates toward a clean energy economy that will define 21st century prosperity.

This moment, while regrettable, should serve as a clarion call for renewed unity and resolve. The climate movement is bigger than any one nation. The rest of the world, as well as cities, states and organisations within the US, must now step up with even greater determination.

African nations and the Global South will continue pushing for climate justice, demanding that wealthy polluters honour their historical responsibilities, and building the clean energy future our people deserve. We will move forward with or without American leadership, but we know that ordinary Americans, like people everywhere, deserve better than a government that turns its back on both science and their future security.

Reactions as U.S. withdraws from 66 international bodies

Michael Simire
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Reactions as U.S. withdraws from 66 international bodies

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order withdrawing the United States from 66 international organisations (31 UN entities and 35 non-UN organisations), including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the 1992 treaty that underpins all global climate cooperation, and the global scientific authority Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

President Trump said that these organisations promote “radical climate policies” and global governance that “no longer serve American interests.”

While President Trump claims American taxpayers have spent billions with “little return” on global treaties and organisations, the UNFCCC’s Paris Agreement is said to have reduced projected warming by 2100 from 3.6°C to 2.7°C because of international climate cooperation.

UN Headquarters
UN Headquarters, New York

According to observers, this week’s anniversary of the climate-fueled LA wildfires, which displaced 100,000 Americans from their homes, should also serve as a reminder to the US President of what climate chaos means for its own citizens.

Savio Carvalho, 350.org Managing Director for Campaigns and Networks, said: “The US is shooting itself in the foot by becoming the only country in the world unwilling to participate in humanity’s great race to save the planet and future generations. Renewable energy is fast reshaping the global economy. Walking away from the UNFCCC in a desperate attempt to cling to a dying fossil fuel era won’t bring economic strength, but weakness and isolation.

“This won’t stop us from rising up to demand that the US, the world’s largest historical emitter, fulfills its moral duty to cut its emissions and support climate-vulnerable nations. It won’t stop the more than 80 countries who showed us at COP30 that they are determined to chart a roadmap for a fossil-free future.

“President Trump cannot stop the global momentum towards clean energy and climate justice – but he is ensuring that the US loses out on billions in global climate investments and surrenders its standing as a global leader, as more businesses, governments, and frontline communities build the clean energy economy of the future.”

Fenton Lutunatabua, 350.org Programme Manager Pacific & Caribbean, said: “Global climate cooperation should not be at the mercy of the US government’s decisions, and we continue to look to our own people for true climate leadership. Despite rich nations stalling action, the Pacific has consistently championed an end to climate-destroying fossil fuels, and led the world to the historic climate ruling at the International Court of Justice.

“Now is not the time other high-polluting nations to be shirking their climate responsibilities, like the US. While those in power seek to tear the global community apart, it is more important than ever that we remain united in our fight to secure a safe and livable future for our children.” 

Masayoshi Iyoda, 350.org Japan Campaigner, said: “US President Trump has crossed a line that we absolutely need to hold – not just to protect the planet, but the people, including Japanese citizens still reeling from last year’s heatwaves. But while this delivers another blow to global climate cooperation, the fact that no other country has yet followed the US’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement shows that this unpopular move will not gain traction.

“We urge the Japanese government to exert diplomatic efforts to urge Trump to remain part of the global climate regime. This should not be used as an excuse for Japan’s own inaction on climate. We call on Prime Minister Takaichi to clearly state that Japan remains committed to the UNFCCC process and will accelerate a fast and fair transition away from fossil fuels.”

Trump orders U.S. withdrawal from UNFCCC, IPCC, IUCN, others

Michael Simire
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Trump orders U.S. withdrawal from UNFCCC, IPCC, IUCN, others

In a dramatic turn of events, President Donald Trump on Wednesday ordered the United States to withdraw from dozens of international organisations, United Nations bodies and multilateral initiatives, asserting that continued participation in them is contrary to U.S. national interests.

In a presidential memorandum dated January 7, 2026, Trump directed all executive departments and agencies to take immediate steps to end U.S. membership, participation, or funding for the listed organisations, citing the authority vested in the presidency by the Constitution and U.S. law.

The directive follows a government-wide review initiated under Executive Order 14199, issued Feb. 4, 2025, which instructed the State Department to assess U.S. involvement in international organisations, conventions and treaties.

Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump addresses the 80th United Nations General Assembly

According to the memorandum, the Secretary of State’s findings concluded that continued engagement with the identified entities does not serve the interests of the United States.

The order applies to both non-United Nations and United Nations-affiliated organizations.

Among the non-UN bodies named are the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the International Renewable Energy Agency, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the Freedom Online Coalition.

Several energy, environmental, governance and development-focused organisations are also included.

More than 30 UN entities are listed for withdrawal or cessation of support, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, UN Women, the UN Population Fund, the UN Conference on Trade and Development and multiple UN regional economic commissions. For UN entities, withdrawal is defined as ending participation or funding to the extent permitted by law.

Trump said the review process remains ongoing and that additional actions may follow pending further findings from the Secretary of State.

The memorandum directs the Secretary of State to issue additional guidance to federal agencies to facilitate implementation and authorises publication of the directive in the Federal Register.

It also states that the action does not create any enforceable legal rights and must be carried out in accordance with existing law and available appropriations.

The move represents a significant expansion of the administration’s effort to scale back U.S. participation in multilateral institutions and international agreements.

Organisations from Which the United States Shall Withdraw

(a) Non-United Nations Organisations:

(i) 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy Compact;

(ii) Colombo Plan Council;

(iii) Commission for Environmental Cooperation;

(iv) Education Cannot Wait;

(v) European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats;

(vi) Forum of European National Highway Research Laboratories;

(vii) Freedom Online Coalition;

(viii) Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund;

(ix) Global Counterterrorism Forum;

(x) Global Forum on Cyber Expertise;

(xi) Global Forum on Migration and Development;

(xii) Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research;

(xiii) Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals, and Sustainable Development;

(xiv) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change;

(xv) Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services;

(xvi) International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property;

(xvii) International Cotton Advisory Committee;

(xviii) International Development Law Organization;

(xix) International Energy Forum;

(xx) International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies;

(xxi) International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance;

(xxii) International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law;

(xxiii) International Lead and Zinc Study Group;

(xxiv) International Renewable Energy Agency;

(xxv) International Solar Alliance;

(xxvi) International Tropical Timber Organisation;

(xxvii) International Union for Conservation of Nature;

(xxviii) Pan American Institute of Geography and History;

(xxix) Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation;

(xxx) Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combatting Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia;

(xxxi) Regional Cooperation Council;

(xxxii) Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century;

(xxxiii) Science and Technology Center in Ukraine;

(xxxiv) Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme; and

(xxxv) Venice Commission of the Council of Europe.

(b) United Nations (UN) Organisations:

(i) Department of Economic and Social Affairs;

(ii) UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) – Economic Commission for Africa;

(iii) ECOSOC – Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean;

(iv) ECOSOC – Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific;

(v) ECOSOC – Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia;

(vi) International Law Commission;

(vii) International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals;

(viii) International Trade Centre;

(ix) Office of the Special Adviser on Africa;

(x) Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Children in Armed Conflict;

(xi) Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict;

(xii) Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children;

(xiii) Peacebuilding Commission;

(xiv) Peacebuilding Fund;

(xv) Permanent Forum on People of African Descent;

(xvi) UN Alliance of Civilisations;

(xvii) UN Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries;

(xviii) UN Conference on Trade and Development;

(xix) UN Democracy Fund;

(xx) UN Energy;

(xxi) UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women;

(xxii) UN Framework Convention on Climate Change;

(xxiii) UN Human Settlements Programme;

(xxiv) UN Institute for Training and Research;

(xxv) UN Oceans;

(xxvi) UN Population Fund;

(xxvii) UN Register of Conventional Arms;

(xxviii) UN System Chief Executives Board for Coordination;

(xxix) UN System Staff College;

(xxx) UN Water; and

(xxxi) UN University.

FUTES VC pledges skilled manpower for Nigeria’s tech, environmental growth

Michael Simire
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FUTES VC pledges skilled manpower for Nigeria’s tech, environmental growth

Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES), Iyin-Ekiti, Prof. Gbenga Aribisala, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to contributing meaningfully to national development.

Aribisala, who made this known in an interview, said that this would be through the training of highly skilled manpower in the institution.

He said that the newly-established university had commenced academic activities with about 1,500 students.

Prof. Gbenga Aribisala
Prof. Gbenga Aribisala

“As a pioneer vice-chancellor, I feel excited, very happy that academic activities have started.

“The journey started about nine months ago and there are many hurdles to cross, milestones. We went through the National Universities Commission (NUC) verification exercise and it was successful,” he said.

Aribisala said that the university was focused on producing graduates who would position Nigeria competitively in the areas of technology and environmental sciences.

According to him, the institution’s academic programmes are designed to equip students with relevant knowledge and practical skills needed to address contemporary technological and environmental challenges facing the country.

He stated that on a national scale, the university aimed to develop human capital capable of driving innovation, sustainability and economic growth.

The vice-chancellor noted that by investing in quality education, research and capacity building, the university would play a vital role in shaping professionals who would contribute effectively to Nigeria’s development agenda.

He said that the university remained committed to excellence and collaboration, expressing confidence that its graduates would make significant impacts both locally and internationally in advancing technology and environmental sciences.

Aribisala said that the university has some of the best scholars who would bring their wealth of knowledge to bare in the discharge of their duties.

“I’m glad that in our recruitment, I have been able to recruit some of the top scholars in the Nigerian university system.

“The number 16th research scholar in Nigeria is now one of us here, one of the professors. The number 26 too is with this university. And then a lot of others that are here.

“With this, the quality of graduates who we are going to be producing from here will be the type that will be able to be a blessing in this country,” he said.

On the programmes offered by the institution, the vice-chancellor said that the management was staying focused on the mandate of the institution.

He said: “The name of the university is the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences and we have stayed focused.

“We have the Faculty of Engineering and Technology; we have the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences; we have the Faculty of Computing; we have also the Faculty of Environmental Sciences.

“And when we are talking about computing, it’s like the future of the world.

“There’s also natural and applied sciences and then you are talking about forensic science; you are talking about Science Laboratory Technology (SLT); you are talking about animal and environmental biology; you are talking about toxicology.

“These are the latest on the list. This university will be at the forefront of developing technological gadgets with which to protect our environment,” he said.

Aribisala commended the Federal Government on the take-off grants provided for the development of the university.

“What they have for us in developing this place in take-off grants is more than other conventional universities,” he said.

By Naomi Sharang

News outlet partners with Niger Delta Awards to boost regional development coverage

Michael Simire
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News outlet partners with Niger Delta Awards to boost regional development coverage

Alexa News Network Limited has entered a strategic media partnership with the Niger Delta Advancement Awards to provide comprehensive coverage of the event recognising excellence across Nigeria’s oil-rich region.

The partnership positions Alexa News Network as a key media ally for NDAA 8.0, strengthening the awards’ visibility while consolidating the platform’s role in developmental narratives, accountability reporting and recognition of outstanding performance.

Jokpeme Joseph Omode, founder and CEO of Alexa News Network, described the collaboration as a strategic step toward strengthening development-focused media engagement in the Niger Delta.

Godswill Akpabio
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Senator of the Year nominee

“Media partnerships such as this go beyond branding or event coverage; they represent a shared responsibility to document progress, interrogate challenges, and celebrate individuals and institutions that are making tangible impacts in their communities,” Omode said through the organisation.

The media outlet will provide extensive pre-event, event-day and post-event coverage, including in-depth features, nominee spotlights, interviews, analytical reports and multimedia storytelling.

The platform will also engage audiences through educational content on the awards’ significance, the voting process and broader implications for Niger Delta development.

Alexa News Network will deliver targeted awareness, real-time updates, expert analyses and post-event recaps, amplifying participation and engagement for the awards focused on good governance, innovative investments, enterprise, social justice and community development.

The NDAA 8.0 features 56 categories with 840 nominees competing for honours across the nine Niger Delta states: Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.

Oxford T. Okpalefe, president and founder of the awards, said public participation increased during the nomination phase, with over 50,000 entries received.

After nominations closed, the process moved into sorting entries, research, evaluation, stakeholder consultations and compilation of the final nominee list.

Public voting is open on the official website, where visitors can select preferred nominees in each category.

Categories span entertainment, media, business, public service and leadership. Governor of the Year nominees include Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and Alex Otti of Abia. Senator of the Year features Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom and Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa.

Traditional Ruler of the Year recognises monarchs including Ogiame Atuwatse III of Delta and Oba Ewuare II of Edo.

Man of the Year contenders include Pastor Umo Eno and Jack-Rich Tein Jr. of Rivers. Amazon of the Year celebrates women leaders such as Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori of Delta and Dr. Gloria Diri of Bayelsa.

The grand event is scheduled for Feb. 8, 2026, at The Arena Event Centre in Port Harcourt. The awards will be hosted annually in Port Harcourt unless sponsored by another state government, Okpalefe said.

Founded on principles of independent journalism with integrity, Alexa News Network has carved a distinct identity within Nigeria’s media ecosystem through its digital-first approach, investigative depth and people-centered storytelling.

Under Omode’s leadership, the platform has prioritised balanced journalism fostering understanding and positive change.

The editorial mission emphasises credible reporting, inclusive storytelling and impactful narratives that inform, inspire and unite diverse audiences.

The outlet frequently profiles initiatives driving economic empowerment, environmental stewardship, youth advancement and community peacebuilding – themes aligning with challenges and opportunities in the Niger Delta.

The collaboration marks another milestone in Alexa News Network’s mission to amplify stories that matter, promote excellence and contribute to the development narrative of the Niger Delta and Nigeria.

By Winston Mwale, AfricaBrief

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