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NOGASA urges Tinubu to intervene in Dangote Refinery’s planned product distribution

Michael Simire
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0
NOGASA urges Tinubu to intervene in Dangote Refinery’s planned product distribution

The Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) has urged the Federal Government to intervene in Dangote Refinery’s move to supply petroleum products directly to consumers and its effect on current distributors.

NOGASA said the move by the refinery to bypass the traditional distribution could disrupt the oil and gas industry, putting thousands of jobs at risk and jeopardising the existing business models of suppliers nationwide.

Dangote Refinery
Dangote Refinery CNG trucks to be used for the direct supply of petroleum products to end users

NOGASA’s President, Benneth Korie, on Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Abuja at its Annual General Meeting, urged the Dangote Refinery to concentrate on refining and selling products to the marketers, who sell to the end users.

Recall that Dangote Refinery recently announced plans to begin direct supply of petroleum products to end users from Aug. 15.

Korie, however, said the recent plan by the refinery to begin direct distribution of products, with the purchase of 4,000 distribution trucks for nationwide supply, had left the marketers worried in the business.

“So today again, we are pleading for President Bola Tinubu to intervene in this matter by telling Dangote to slow down, and go by the rules of the game. Nobody is against the refinery.

“The Dangote Refinery is doing well by refining products, we urge Dangote to concentrate on the refinery and remove hand from this direct distribution, we are capable to distribute products

“All you need to do is to blend enough products and sell to depot owners and other countries and then we buy and distribute to the end users nationwide to sustain the system and avoid scarcity.”

Korie said the association was eager to maintain stability in the industry and would not want reoccurrence of the experience the marketers had with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (Ltd.).

He explained that the NNPC Ltd. was refining petroleum products and distributing through its subsidiary, the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC) smoothly, but was disrupted immediately it began direct supply to its outlets only.

According to him, as soon as the NNPC Ltd. began concentrating on its retail outlets, the refineries started going down because they are doing a whole lot  including blending, crude sale, and at the same adding filling station to its operations.

He, however, advised the management of the Dangote refinery to engage the relevant stakeholders in petroleum distribution and marketing constructively and discuss with them towards addressing the issues.

In his remarks, Mr. Ugochinyere Ikenga, Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Resources, Downstream, said its goal was to create a situation where everyone would succeed, following the rules set in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

Ikenga, represented by Mr. Saba Ahmed, Member, House of Representative, said it recognised the inefficiencies in distribution networks, adulteration problem, annoying supply bottlenecks that could lead to shortages, and tough logistical issues of moving products nationwide.

“These aren’t just things we talk about; they are real problems that affect people’s lives and our nation’s economy.

“I want to assure you that the National Assembly is aware of these issues. We are particularly paying attention to Dangote’s recent move into distributing and selling products and how it might affect current distributors.

“This is a big change, and I want to assure you that we are carefully looking into this situation,’’ he said.

Also speaking, Dr Billy Gillis-Harry, the National President, Petroleum Product Retail Outlets Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), raised alarm that job loss and business shutdown loomed in view of Dangote’s forward integration strategy of direct product supply.

“With a production capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, which has now been up to 700,000 barrels, PETROAN simply argues that Dangote refinery should be competing with global refineries, not operating as a distributor in the downstream.

“We, the marketers are more than able to do it,’’ he said.

In his remarks, Gen. Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, urged the association to remain resolute as it discharges its duties of petroleum distribution and marketing smoothly in the country.

Musa, represented by Rear Admiral Jonathan Mamman, Director of Logistics, Defence Headquarters, urged the marketers to facilitate expansion of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure and penetration of Liquefied Natural Gas in the country especially in remote places.

Speaking on safety and distribution of products along the coastal areas, he said the armed forces had been doing so much through the Nigerian Navy, which had numerous patrols and coverage of the coastal areas.

“It’s gladdening to say that the International Maritime Bureau in Malaysia and the United Kingdom have delisted Nigeria from one of the countries, red-flagged countries, of piracy and attack on her maritime sectors.

“We have not been having so much security issues, we are open to collaborations, suggestions, and support to the lead agencies protecting the oil and gas infrastructures inland,’’ he said.

By Emmanuella Anokam

Africa unveils integrity principles, coordination platform to strengthen carbon markets

Michael Simire
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Africa unveils integrity principles, coordination platform to strengthen carbon markets

The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) on Thursday, July 31, 2025, announced a series of bold initiatives to elevate Africa’s role in global carbon markets and ensure they deliver both climate and development benefits for the continent.

The announcements were made at a high-level continental dialogue convened in collaboration with the Government of Kenya and Afreximbank.

AUDA-NEPAD
Participants at the AUDA-NEPAD high-level continental dialogue in Nairobi, Kenya

The consultation opened with statements from Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Republic of Kenya; Ambassador Ali Mohamed, Kenya’s Special Climate Envoy; Neil Wigan OBE, British High Commissioner to Kenya; and Estherine Fotabong, Director of Programme Innovation and Planning at AUDA-NEPAD – reflecting strong political and institutional commitment to Africa’s emerging leadership in carbon markets.

The United Kingdom is supporting these efforts as a key technical partner to AUDA-NEPAD, including through the secondment of UK climate expert Ravi Raichoora to the agency.

Throughout the consultation, AUDA-NEPAD engaged directly with senior representatives from African Union member states, including Madagascar, Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Liberia, and the DRC, who shared their experiences, challenges, and aspirations in navigating carbon markets.

Member States emphasised the vital role AUDA-NEPAD can play – leveraging its continental mandate to promote greater cohesion, alignment, and technical support across the region. In parallel, perspectives from global standard-setters such as the VCMI and ICVCM, rating agencies like BeZero, and leading project developers offered valuable insights into how African priorities can be better reflected in global frameworks.

At the event, AUDA-NEPAD unveiled three major outcomes designed to advance Africa’s carbon market ambitions:

1. The African Integrity & Equity Principles for Carbon Markets – a pioneering framework articulating Africa’s vision for high-integrity, socially inclusive carbon markets. These principles, which will be shaped through broad stakeholder engagement, place social value at the core of market participation. A draft will be presented for formal consultation at the Africa Climate Summit 2 in Addis Ababa (September 9 to 12).

2. A Continental Coordinating Mechanism – comprising technical experts and focal points from across the 55 AU Member States and regional carbon market alliances. This mechanism will reduce fragmentation, promote shared priorities, and strengthen Africa’s collective voice in global carbon market negotiations, thereby fostering a more coherent, transparent, and investable environment.

3. A Digital Tracking Platform for Article 6 Readiness – currently under development, this tool will offer real-time insights into country-level progress. It will enable governments, the private sector, and development partners to identify opportunities, monitor implementation, and direct capacity-building support where most needed. In addition, the platform will support the development of a continent-wide glossary of carbon market terminology, enhancing consistency and alignment with international best practices.

The event also featured strong engagement from the private sector, including project developers, advisory firms, and rating agencies. Private actors and Member State representatives alike welcomed these three key outcomes as critical enablers to unlock Africa’s carbon potential.

Tijani Nwadei, Partner and Co-founder of Visuias Limited, a carbon markets advisory firm, underlined the importance of AUDA-NEPAD’s coordinating role in catalysing participation, enabling benefit-sharing, and supporting the actualisation of a market that places Africa at the forefront of global supply.

Andrew Ocama, Coordinator for the Eastern Africa Alliance on Carbon Markets and Climate Finance, welcomed AUDA-NEPAD taking on a leading coordination role for carbon markets across the continent, emphasising that such leadership is essential to prevent fragmentation and ensure coherent regional implementation.

El-hadj Mbaye, Africa’s lead negotiator for Article 6, called on Member States to take an active role in understanding and engaging in carbon markets, stressing that Africa must shape the future of carbon finance – not simply participate in it.

Philippines: Banned mercury-laden skin whitening creams still sold in Pasay City

Michael Simire
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Philippines: Banned mercury-laden skin whitening creams still sold in Pasay City

Toxics Watchdog, BAN Toxics, has issued a public health warning over the continued sale of banned skin-lightening products (SLPs) containing toxic mercury in beauty shops in Baclaran, Pasay City in the Philippines. The group is urging the local government to take immediate enforcement action.

During a recent market monitoring activity, the group photo-documented and purchased six SLPs, priced between ₱150 and ₱250 each. Using a Vanta C Series Handheld XRF Analyser, they tested the following items: C Collagen Plus Vit E Day and Night Cream, Golden Pearl Beauty Cream, Goree Beauty Cream with Lycopene, Goree Day & Night Beauty Cream, Goree Gold 24K Beauty Cream, and Jiao Li Miraculous Cream. The beauty creams are among the products banned by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2010 due to excessive mercury content.

Mercury-laden skin whitening creams
Mercury-laden skin whitening creams

All samples were found to contain dangerously high levels of mercury, ranging from 1,480 parts per million (ppm) to as much as 26,000 ppm, which far exceeds the 1 ppm limit set by the ASEAN Cosmetics Directive.

“The unwarranted sale of banned, mercury-tainted SLPs will persist unless the government prioritises health and safety measure, strengthens border controls, and cracks down on importers and sellers, both online and offline,” said Thony Dizon, Advocacy and Campaign Officer of BAN Toxics.

Since 2017, BAN Toxics, in collaboration with the Zero Mercury Working Group (ZMWG), has been monitoring mercury-added SLPs due to their serious health risks, their violation of national regulations, and their prohibition under the Minamata Convention on Mercury. The Convention bans the manufacture, import, and export of mercury-added cosmetics, including SLPs with mercury concentrations above 1 ppm. This provision came into effect in 2020.

“The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the sole government agency responsible for regulating and evaluating cosmetic products marketed in the country. Yet this is not enough. There is a need for interagency collaboration among national agencies and local government units to ensure that banned cosmetic products do not reach consumers and to prevent exposure to toxic mercury,” Dizon added.

According to the ZMWG, mercury compounds are often added to SLPs because they suppress melanin production, which results in lighter skin. SLPs have been widely studied in scientific literature, with numerous reports documenting their harmful effects on health and well-being. The World Health Organization has also identified mercury in such products as a major public health concern.

The regular use of SLPs containing mercury can lead to rashes, skin discoloration and blotching. Long-term exposure may also damage the eyes, lungs, kidneys, digestive, immune and nervous systems. An adult’s use of mercury-laden SLPs can also expose other family members through close contact and may even require home decontamination.

BAN Toxics is advocating for toxics-free cosmetics and is calling on the 20th Congress to pass a law that will protect the public from hazardous chemical exposure. The group reiterated its call for the refiling of Senate Bill 1574 (originally filed in 2013 by the late Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago), also known as the Safe Cosmetics Act, which seeks to ensure that cosmetic products do not contain ingredients identified as chemicals causing cancer or reproductive toxicity.

The group also urges local government units to take immediate enforcement action against beauty shop owners who violate existing regulations. This is to ensure that all cosmetic products sold in the country have valid Cosmetic Product Notifications issued by the regulatory agency, thereby safeguarding public health and safety.

BAN Toxics says it will continue its market monitoring efforts to help remove prohibited products from circulation and push for stricter product standards and stronger consumer protection.

At Chevron-funded HCD graduation, NCDMB leads push for homegrown talents

Michael Simire
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At Chevron-funded HCD graduation, NCDMB leads push for homegrown talents

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has reaffirmed its commitment to local capacity development and sustainable talent growth through strategic collaborations with private sector players, as it celebrated the close-out ceremony of a landmark Human Capital Development programme, in partnership with Chevron Nigeria Limited and Geoscape Nigeria Limited.

The ceremony, held on July 30, 2025, at Geoscape’s facility in Lagos, marked the formal graduation of 11 outstanding trainees, who underwent a rigorous 12-month programme covering classroom instruction and practical exposure, including international training sessions in the United Kingdom.

NCDMB
Graduands and officials of the HCD programme

The one-year training, tagged “Chevron Nigeria Limited Purchase of Unit 20 Autothermal Reformer Cooled Tip Swirler Burner Assembly (Tag: 120-xx102-05)”, selected 11 outstanding candidates from a shortlist of 33 on the NOGIC JQS portal. It featured both classroom instruction and hands-on technical experience aimed at empowering young Nigerians to become industry leaders.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the Board’s General Manager, Human Capacity development, Esueme Dan-Kikile, described the initiative as a powerful expression of the Board’s project-based HCD framework and a key delivery under its Nigerian Content 10-Year Strategic Roadmap.

“Today marks not just the end of a programme, but the celebration of a vision realised – a testament to the transformative power of the NCDMB HCD initiative,” Ogbe said. “This programme is nation-building in action. All of you are prepared as catalysts of change – leaders who will provide local solutions and set new benchmarks for excellence in the oil and gas industry and its linkage sectors.”

Ogbe lauded the contributions of Chevron and Geoscape in the programme’s success, saying, “Together with Chevron Nigeria Limited and Geoscape Nigeria Limited, NCDMB has demonstrated the powerful impact of public-private synergy. My sincere appreciation goes to Chevron for its unwavering commitment to building local talent, and to Geoscape for setting a high standard of professionalism and dedication during this training.”

Urging the graduands to make the most of the investment in their future, he added, “Your discipline, resilience and determination have brought you thus far. This opportunity is a significant investment in your future. Remember: if you do not use it, you will lose it. I urge you to go out and excel in all your endeavours.

“Armed with new knowledge and skills, you now carry the torch of excellence. Wield your expertise with purpose, diligence, and integrity. Stand tall as ambassadors of the NCDMB, and continue to grow, adapt and lead.”

Ogbe urged the graduands to make the programme the springboard for a lifetime of achievement. “Be relentless in learning, resilient in challenge, and inspiring to others. I believe in you. Nigeria believes in you. I challenge you to step forward and create meaningful impact.”

Chevron’s HCD Adviser, Mr. Victor Inyere, who represented the company’s General Manager, Nigerian Content, Ventures and Regulatory Affairs, Ms. Edwina Kentebe-Oluwakayode, described the initiative not as a regulatory obligation but a social investment in line with the company’s long-term commitment to sustainable development.

“This close-out ceremony marks our powerful relationship with stakeholders such as NCDMB – our regulators, but also our big brothers. Chevron believes in people. The foundation of every community is the people. Investing in people is the only way to sustain development, and we are fully committed to NCDMB’s vision to develop young Nigerians and lift them off the streets,” Kentebe-Oluwakayode pledged.

The Chief Executive Officer of Geoscape Nigeria Limited, Modupe Jegede, in a formal welcome address, applauded both NCDMB and Chevron for their enduring support over the years. She noted that without NCDMB’s enabling framework, companies like Geoscape would not thrive.

She said, “We always say that without NCDMB, Geoscape would not be here today. The Nigerian Content Act gave us a platform to grow our capacity and compete. Though you are our regulators, we see you as partners. We are proud to have received your support, and we have continued to uphold international standards, even becoming ISO certified.”

Jegede also highlighted Geoscape’s plans to unveil a fully equipped training school, as part of the company’s commitment to sustainable capacity building. She noted the state-of-the-art technical training school was nearing completion and extended an invitation to stakeholders for its upcoming commissioning. She emphasised that Geoscape aims to build a company that will outlive its founders, focusing on long-term value rather than short-term gains.

She said, “We’re installing equipment and ensuring it’s a facility you’ll be proud of. We believe in doing things right – quality and excellence are our watchwords.

“We don’t just want to make money; we want to create something sustainable. As we grow, we’ll keep offering opportunities to past trainees, both on contract and full-time basis.”

The impact of the programme was reflected in the testimonies of the trainees. Elizabeth Oyeyemi, the only female among the cohort, expressed gratitude for the exposure and encouragement she received, particularly during the overseas segment of the training. She said the programme empowered her to embrace a technical career without limits.

“This programme has made me realise that there is no limit for ladies in technical fields. NCDMB, Chevron and Geoscape did not just organise this training but cared for us. They gave us care, support and exposure that made this experience memorable and empowering,” she added.

Another trainee, Ayandipo Feyintoluwa, described the training as “innovative and eye-opening,” citing modules such as online leak sealing and composite repair.

According to him, “We appreciate NCDMB, Chevron and Geoscape. This training shouldn’t end – it’s something we’d all like to go further and deeper into.”

All parties echoed a shared vision: that by investing in human capital, Nigeria’s oil and gas industry would become more competitive, inclusive and future-ready.

Arab Bank approves $120m to support Shelter Afrique’s capitalisation programme

Michael Simire
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Arab Bank approves $120m to support Shelter Afrique’s capitalisation programme

Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) has announced the signing of a strategic agreement with the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) to support its transformative capital increase initiative.

Effectively, BADEA has approved a landmark $120 million to support the capitalisation programme of Shelter Afrique Development Bank, the leading Pan-African institution focused on affordable housing and urban development. The concessional financing facility will help eligible member states settle and increase their capital subscriptions to ShafDB.

Shelter Afrique
president of BADEA Abdullah KH Almusaibeeh (left), with Thierno Habib-Hann, Managing Director of Shelter Afrique Development Bank

This initiative, developed in partnership with BADEA, introduces an innovative financing mechanism through which eligible member states can access on-lending at competitive terms. The BADEA-supported facility, totaling USD 120 million, will be used to settle and boost member states’ capital subscriptions to Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB).

“This agreement with BADEA marks a critical step in strengthening our capital base and advancing our mission of financing affordable housing and sustainable urban infrastructure across Africa,” said Thierno Habib-Hann, Managing Director of Shelter Afrique Development Bank. “We are grateful to BADEA for its strong partnership and unwavering support in this pivotal phase of our institutional evolution.”

The new capital increase programme includes an initial equal allocation to all member states, followed by a phased reallocation, first on a pro-rata basis, and then on a first-come, first-served basis. This approach aims to encourage active participation by member states and to strengthen ShafDB’s capital adequacy in a balanced and transparent manner.

Commenting on the programme, the president of BADEA, Abdullah KH Almusaibeeh, said: “We see this capital program as a strategic milestone in Shelter Afrique Development Bank’s evolution. BADEA is proud to back this initiative, and we remain committed to our shared mission of enabling access to decent housing and inclusive urban development across Africa.”

The need to enhance equity capital has become critical following the institution’s transformation into a Development Bank, a milestone formally approved by Shelter Afrique’s shareholders during the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held in Algiers, Algeria, in October 2023.

Building on this transformation, a significant achievement was realised during the Annual General Meeting in June 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda, where shareholders demonstrated strong leadership by endorsing a transformative capital increase program, and the board approved in December 2024 a capital increase of over a $200 million.

“Expanding capital base will enable the Bank to scale up financing along the housing value chain, access more competitive funding from international and African capital markets, and reinforce its role in addressing the housing deficit and driving inclusive urban development across its 44 member states,” Mr. Hann said.

Increased leverage

The capital increase program has been designed to significantly strengthen ShafDB’s balance sheet over the medium-term, expand its shareholder capital base, and to significantly mobilize debts. The capital raised will also support the Bank’s plans to attain investment-grade credit ratings, attract new institutional investors, and expand its lending and technical assistance programmes in member countries.

World Ranger Day 2025: Wild Africa seeks greater support for Africa’s wildlife defenders

Michael Simire
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World Ranger Day 2025: Wild Africa seeks greater support for Africa’s wildlife defenders

Wildlife conservation group, Wild Africa on Thursday, July 31, joined global celebrations for World Ranger Day 2025, highlighting the extraordinary commitment of nearly 60,000 African rangers who risk their lives daily to protect wildlife and ecosystems.

Celebrated under the theme “Rangers, Powering Transformative Conservation” this year, the annual initiative honours the critical work of rangers worldwide and commemorates those rangers who suffered in the line of duty.

Park Rangers
The park rangers at a refresher training

Africa is grappling with a significant conservation crisis driven by rapid human population growth, and the expansion of urban developments, poaching and other wildlife crimes, climate change and deforestation. These pressures are leading to habitat loss and a decline in countless species. Rangers are at the forefront of addressing these challenges, working to secure protected areas so that ecosystems can function effectively for the benefit of both wildlife and people.

“Rangers are nature’s first line of defense. Without them, our iconic wildlife like lions, elephants, gorillas, and leopards could disappear forever,” said Linus Unah, West Africa Director for Wild Africa. “Their courage, sacrifice, and relentless dedication keep our national parks and communities safe, protect our wildlife, and preserve our natural heritage for generations to come.”

There are an estimated 280,000 rangers globally, far below the 1.5 million needed to protect 30% of the planet by 2030. Yet, despite the urgency, ranger numbers are declining, and the work remains highly dangerous. Between 2006 and 2021, 2,351 rangers died on duty worldwide, with over 42% of these fatalities linked to criminal activity related to wildlife crime and poaching. Other challenges that rangers face include time away from their families, long hours of solitude, traumatic confrontations with poachers and being ostracised by their communities following arrests.

Wild Africa has connected with rangers across the continent to share their personal stories from the field and highlight the courage and sacrifices required for this demanding profession.

Odamo Yemi, a ranger in the Omo Forest Reserve in Ogun State, said World Ranger Day is “a day to recognise and appreciate rangers,” adding: “I love to protect nature, and I love to watch animal behaviour.”

Wildlife rangers are passionate individuals, with unique stories of why they pursued this dangerous career, and why they are so dedicated to their work in preserving Africa’s wildlife.  The role of a ranger extends well beyond wildlife protection as they also provide environmental education, act as first responders, engage in law enforcement, manage fires and conduct community outreach.

Gbenga Ogunwole, a former hunter turned ranger at Omo Forest Reserve, said World Ranger Day “is meaningful, because people will recognise us through that day, they will also appreciate our work.”

“I love seeing animals in their natural home. Protecting nature is not only for rangers alone, it is for all of us,” Ogunwole added. 

Unah added: “On World Ranger Day, and every day, we pay tribute to the bravery, resilience, and dedication of rangers who protect not only endangered species and fragile ecosystems, but also Africa’s natural heritage that sustains us all. Let’s reaffirm our commitment to stand alongside them, providing the resources, recognition, and support they need to continue this vital work for generations to come.”

Shell’s soaring Q2 profits fuel climate breakdown amid Europe heatwaves

Michael Simire
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Shell’s soaring Q2 profits fuel climate breakdown amid Europe heatwaves

As deadly wildfires rage across southern Europe and heatwaves push health systems to breaking point, oil giant Shell has announced another quarter of massive profits, amassing billions of dollars and exceeding expectations – what observers and climate activists see as a symbol of a global system that rewards destruction while communities pay the price.

Indeed, Shell posted second-quarter profit of $4.26 billion, beating analyst expectations and saying it would buy back $3.5 billion of shares over the coming three months.

Shell
Shell

Shell’s Q2 earnings announcement comes amid record-breaking heat, floods, and fires that are killing people, displacing communities, and devastating ecosystems from Greece to Portugal. These profits – built on continued fossil fuel extraction – are said to represent not just a failure of corporate responsibility, but of political leadership.

Matilda Borgström, UK campaigner at 350.org, said: “Shell’s astronomical profits are a slap in the face to the millions already living through climate catastrophe. While communities are hit by floods, fires, and record heat, Shell is cashing in – fueling the crisis while dodging accountability. It’s time to Tax Their Billions and make fossil fuel giants pay for the damage they’ve caused and redirect that money to fund a just transition – clean energy, green jobs, vital public services and real climate solutions led by communities, not corporations.

“As public budgets for health care, climate adaptation, and disaster response are put under strain, companies like Shell continue to profit from pollution and extract obscene wealth without paying for the harm they cause. These profits come at a time when governments – including the UK’s – are cutting climate and development finance, claiming there’s “not enough money to go around.”

Campaigners are calling for:

  • A tax on extreme wealth and fossil fuel profits, to ensure polluters pay what they owe.
  • A rapid end to fossil fuel subsidies and the redirection of public finance to community-led renewable energy.
  • Support for a UN Tax Convention, to stop corporate tax dodging and raise public revenues for climate and social needs.

According to the activists, the climate crisis is not a future threat – it is a present injustice. The firestorms sweeping Europe are a reminder that those least responsible are suffering the most, while fossil fuel giants continue to profit unchecked.

“It’s time to stop rewarding the arsonists. Governments must step up, tax polluters, and deliver the urgent, just transition the world needs,” they stated.

How Cross River can tackle deforestation, by stakeholders

Michael Simire
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How Cross River can tackle deforestation, by stakeholders

Concerned with the escalating threat of deforestation in Cross River State, We the People, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), and partners held the 3rd edition of the annual Multi-Stakeholder Conference on Deforestation on July 17, 2025, in Calabar, the state capital, assembling stakeholders including community leaders, conservationists, public officials, legal practitioners, the academia, and the media.

Among others, the meeting aimed to emphasise the growing threat of deforestation in Cross River State, examine the shortcomings and challenges associated with government responses, explore policy options for ending forest loss in the state, highlight strategies for protecting wildlife, learn from and empower communities to protect the forests, and design strategies for long term multi-stakeholder cooperation on forest protection.

Cross River State
A panel discussion session during the Multi-Stakeholder Conference on Deforestation in Calabar, Cross River State

The conference, which had over 130 participants, featured an opening presentation highlighting the scale of the deforestation problem by We the People’s Executive Director, Ken Henshaw, a keynote presentation by Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, inputs by Dr. Odigha Odigha, Dr. Martins Egot, and the Conservator of Parks, among others.

Deliberation at the conference centred around building global partnership to end deforestation, legislative opportunities for improving forest management, community strategies and opportunities for protecting forests and preserving wildlife, as well as the emerging dynamics of solid mining and deforestation in Cross River State.

The conference observed that, in 2008, the Cross River State Government instituted a ban on all forest activities, specifically targeting loggers which it considered the key drivers of deforestation at the time. For the government, this action was necessitated by the need to protect the most critical asset of Cross River state which is its vast forests and the wildlife it shelters. Despite the ban, reputable studies indicate that by 2014 1,070Km2 of forest had been lost.

While data for deforestation between 2014 and 2023 are scarcely available, all evidence indicates an alarming rise in forest loss within the period. In 2023, the government came to terms with the futility of the forest ban and the United Nations supported Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) that inspired it and immediately lifted the ban.

The conference further observed that despite the new forest management strategy by the current administration in the state, deforestation continues at an alarming rate, and the classification of Cross River State as the location of West Africa’s largest forests is no longer factual.

The conferences also observed that logging activities have assumed more sinister and troubling proportions in the state. The illicit trade in timber has expanded to include foreign interests as well as international dimensions. Exotic species of wood are illegally extracted from the forests and exported overseas. While the forests undergo systematic dissipation, communities who traditionally own these forests and have protected it for generations are not only losing their livelihoods, but also their heritage.

The conference made the observation that mining for solid mineral in reserved parts of the forests in Cross River State was an emergent factor in deforestation, as well as a major cause of insecurity and social disruptions.

After extensive deliberations, the conference noted the following;

  1. That deforestation has reached alarming proportions in Cross River State, across the National Park, State Forest Reserves and Community Forests. 
  2. That currently, deforestation is being driven by an array of factors including foreigners who work with local collaborators to facilitate illegal logging, rogue law enforcement officials who circumvent the rules, and some compromised communities who provide access to loggers.
  3. That the spread of plantations including cocoa plantations and oil palm plantations have emerged as a key driver of deforestation, noting that these plants do not play the same role as natural forests. 
  4. That the agencies of government saddled with the responsibility of preserving the forests were ill funded, ill staffed and ill equipped to sufficiently play their roles.
  5. That in crafting strategies for ending deforestation, communities have often been ignored, and this has led to a weakening of collaboration.
  6. That the Cross River State Forestry Law 2007 is currently outdated and insufficient to address the myriad challenges facing the state’s forests.

Based on the above, the conference resolved and made the following recommendations;

  1. The government of Cross River State must initiate plans to review the state Forestry law towards making it more effective for protecting the forests, and bringing it into sync with other national laws and international frameworks on climate change and energy transition.
  2. As a matter of priority, the state government should strengthen the agencies of state responsible for forest management including the Cross River State Forestry Commission. This effort will provide the expertise and facilities necessary to protect the forests and its wildlife.
  3. The government should actively create synergy with indigenous communities located around forested areas. This will create the incentives, partnership and indigenous know-how required to effectively manage and protect the forest.
  4. The government of Cross River State should cease engaging the state’s forest as a source of revenue through timber sales or concessions. It should rather leverage on the ecotourism and climate change mitigations potentials of the forests to generate critical partnerships and financial support.
  5. The state government should end the practice of giving concessions for plantation development in forested areas. In line with this, the government should reassess concessions already given to ensure that those concessions have not gone beyond their original allocations.
  6. The state government must immediately arrest the escalating threat of mining in reserved forest areas. It is recommended that the state government works with security operatives and the Federal Ministry of Mines to address this threat.

PROMAD, NYFF, OGP, SERDEC to host six youth regional dialogues for 4th National Action Plan

Michael Simire
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PROMAD, NYFF, OGP, SERDEC to host six youth regional dialogues for 4th National Action Plan

PROMAD Infotech Foundation, the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF), the Nigeria Open Government Partnership, and the Socio-Economic Research and Development Centre (SERDEC) have announced a new partnership to host regional dialogues for youth participation in the co-creation of Nigeria’s fourth National Action Plan (NAP IV) for the implementation of the Open Government Partnership (OGP).

The partnership is announced under the “Strengthening Youth Participation in the OGP Process in Nigeria”.

Climate Justice Youth Ambassadors (CJYA)
Climate Justice Youth Ambassadors (CJYA) during a hangout held in Abuja to celebrate the 2024 Earth Day

According to a statement signed by the leadership of the organisations and the national coordinator of OGP, the regional dialogues are a direct effort to support youth participation in the co-creation of the country’s NAP IV, currently being developed by the national OGP secretariat, to strengthen open governance and development.

Nigeria joined the global OGP in 2016 and developed and implemented NAP I-III between 2016-2025, which has helped the country to make progress in driving open governance, accountability and transparency initiatives.

Despite the progress recorded, the previous NAPs lacked a deliberate focus on youth inclusion and their unique challenges that need to be captured in the development process. The six regional dialogues are intended to bring youth to the table and bridge the gaps identified and build on recent efforts to mainstream youth perspectives across open government initiatives and reforms in Nigeria.

Through the support of the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), PROMAD will lead the hosting of three regional dialogues in the South-West, South-South and North-Central, while NYFF will lead the hosting of the dialogues in South-East, North-East and North-West and a national convening, respectively.

The national secretariat of OGP and SERDEC will support the implementation of activities during the regional dialogues across the six political zones of Nigeria.

Objectives and Expected Outcomes

  • To increase youth participation in the co-creation process of the 4th OGP National Action Plan (NAP IV) of Nigeria
  • To ensure commitments in Nigeria’s next OGP NAP IV reflect the ideas and aspirations of young people
  • To enhance the visibility of the OGP process amongst youth and civil society organisations and communities at the subnational levels.

The dialogues, which will take place between July and October 2025, are expected to enrich the co-creation process for the NAP IV between citizens and the government through the national OGP secretariat.

The data, opinions and recommendations from the regions will be synthesised to develop a single report to be presented and adopted during the national convening in Abuja by the national OGP stakeholders as a working document for the NAP IV.

Securing Africa’s agricultural future: The science, communication, politics and urgency of now

Michael Simire
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Securing Africa’s agricultural future: The science, communication, politics and urgency of now

One of the key outcomes of the Second African Conference on Agricultural Technologies (ACAT2025), held in Kigali, Rwanda, in June 2025, was a timely reminder to African governments and people that the continent has a shared vision and aspirations it is pursuing: “The Africa We Want – Agenda 2063.” This 50-year blueprint developed in 2013, serves as the continent’s master plan for sustainable development and economic growth.

Aspiration 1 of Agenda 2063 envisions “a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development,” with the goal of achieving zero hunger. Realising this aspiration, according to the Acting Head of the Genome Editing Programme at the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD), Prof. Olalekan Akinbo, “hinges on the core pillars of policy, science, and community engagement, supported by appropriate science communication.”

Prof. Olalekan Akinbo
Acting Head of the Genome Editing Programme at the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD), Prof. Olalekan Akinbo

Communicating science within the political space

Speaking at one of the sessions during the ACAT2025, he emphasised the importance of communicating science “in a way that is understandable and actionable for policymakers.

In a subsequent interview, Prof. Akinbo elaborated: “Communicating science within political spaces is absolutely critical and must be done with an understanding of the dynamics involved in presenting scientific information to non-scientists, particularly those with political interests.”

He noted that the focus of such communication should include “demystifying scientific technology and innovation, and deepening understanding of the role science plays in national development.”

As an agency mandated to support the development and implementation of science-related policy across African Union member states, AUDA-NEPAD, Prof. Akinbo said, insists that science communication must be grounded in national science policies and aligned with the broader continental agenda.

“The African Union works through existing national structures,” he explained. “For instance, scientific institutions are mandated to generate research outputs that reflect government priorities, especially where those institutions receive state funding. These innovations, such as improved crop varieties, must be aligned with national development goals.”

Prof. Akinbo added that effective science communication must involve national structures, such as scientists working directly on technologies of strategic interest to government. He emphasized the importance of highlighting the role of government and its financial commitment to research aimed at reducing poverty and improving livelihoods.

“To ensure impact and sustainability, policymakers’ interests must be aligned with continental science and innovation policies. Otherwise, there’s a risk that local political interests may overshadow or derail broader development goals,” he concluded.

Embracing biotechnology in Africa’s agriculture: The urgency of now

In a related development, the founding Director of the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI) at the University of Ghana, Prof. Eric Yirenkyi Danquah, issued a strong call to action:
“Unless African leaders act boldly to transform the continent’s agriculture, we will continue to fail our people.”

Speaking at a regional stakeholders’ meeting in Accra on agricultural biotechnology in Africa, Prof. Danquah underscored the immense pressure Africa’s agriculture is currently under: from climate change, food insecurity and population growth to limited access to new technologies.

“Biotechnology offers us real hope,” he stated. While acknowledging that biotechnology is not a magic bullet, he emphasised: “…it is a powerful tool – one that allows us to develop better crops faster, to feed growing populations, and to build resilience against the shocks of climate change.”

He continued: “If we embrace it with wisdom and courage, we can change the story of hunger in Africa. But to truly unlock the power of science for the good of all, we must also confront deeper issues of justice, the need for evidence-based action, and the urgency of now”.

That urgency is underscored by rapid population growth across Africa. Ghana, for example, is projected to increase hers by over 2.25 million people within the next five years. This population surge highlights the critical need for new breeding tools that deliver resilient, nutritious, and high-yielding crops to ensure food security.

Prof. Danquah stressed that finding sustainable solutions to improve agricultural productivity and resilience is non-negotiable and the role of biotechnology in this endeavor cannot be overstated.

While commending Ghana’s progress, including the historic approval of genetically modified (GM) Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) cowpea in July 2024, exactly a year ago, he acknowledged that barriers remain. “These approvals demonstrate our cautious but steady approach to adopting biotechnology, carefully balancing innovation with available resources.”

To fully realise the benefits of biotechnology, Prof. Danquah emphasised the need to strengthen and scale up research and regulatory institutions. “Without this, the impact of innovation will be limited, and our ability to respond to future challenges will be compromised,” he warned.

One of the issues that Africa needs to tackle to strengthen it agricultural sector is the development of the required human capital.

Building Africa’s next generation of plant scientists

In Ghana, some key academic institutions are already training students in the tools of scientific technology and innovation adoptable for agricultural purposes. WACCI is one such institution. Since its establishment in 2007, the Centre has been at the forefront of efforts to transform agriculture in Africa through enhancing the capacity of human capital. The Centre is training the next generation of African plant breeders – for Africa, in Africa.

So far, WACCI has graduated over 120 PhDs and 60 MPhil holders, many of whom are leading agricultural innovation across 15 African countries. In Ghana alone, 28 of the Centre’s plant breeders including Prof. Maxwell Asante, Director of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Crop Research Institute (CSIR-CRI) at Fumesua, near Kumasi, and his Deputy, Dr. Ernest Baafi are WACCI alumni. At the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Institute-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) in Nyankpala, near Tamale, Dr. Joseph Adjebeng-Danquah, another WACCI-trained scientist, serves as Deputy Director.

Together, WACCI alumni have developed and released more than 290 improved crop varieties now in the hands of farmers across the continent. In addition, WACCI and its graduates have attracted over $100 million in funding to support agricultural research and development activities in Africa.

By Ama Kudom-Agyemang

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