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Dangote vs oil regulators: National interest as ultimate arbiter

Michael Simire
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Dangote vs oil regulators: National interest as ultimate arbiter

When the construction of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery Limited began in 2016, Nigerians were upbeat that it will crash the high price of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as fuel and also stop its importation.

Dangote Refinery
Dangote Refinery

The refinery in size of nearly 4,000 football fields and located at the Lekki Free Zone, outside of Lagos, was inaugurated in May 2023.

It has the capacity to produce 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day (bpd), making it the largest single-train refinery in the world.

Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest oil producers, with its oil reserve at 37.50 billion barrels; yet lacks capability to refine its oil; forcing it to rely on imported fuel for so long.

Industry watchers were hopeful that the opening of the refinery will trigger the processing of enough oil; not only to make Nigeria self-sufficient, but to supply petrol, diesel and jet fuel to other countries.

However, perceptive observers are worried that the recent faceoff between Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the owner of the refinery, and the managers of the country’s oil and gas industry, appears to be dashing the expectations of Nigerians.

They regret that the 19 billion dollars refinery is now operational but has not refined PMS due to numerous challenges outlined by the owner himself, Dangote.

Worthy of note, Dangote has accused certain “mafias” of attempting to sabotage his refinery project.

He lamented that the International Oil Companies (IOCs) were hampering the refinery production by either refusing to sell crude oil or charging him up to four dollars extra, above the standard price.

Dangote complained that efforts to hit the ground were being frustrated as the refinery was unable to secure its full crude oil requirement from domestic production for its operation.

He acknowledged that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) supplied about 60 per cent of the 50 million barrels it lifted.

Piqued by aforementioned, Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Dangote Refinery, urged the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to fully enforce the Domestic Crude Supply Obligation (DCSO) as mandated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

“Our concern has always been NUPRC’s reluctance to enforce the DCSO and ensure that we receive our full crude oil requirement from the NNPC and the IOCs producing in Nigeria, which always redirect us to their international trading arms.

“Consequently, we often purchase the same Nigerian crude oil from international traders at an additional three to four dollars premium per barrel which translates to three to four million, per cargo,’’ he said.

At the other end, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and Dangote were also at loggerheads over indiscriminate issuing of licenses to individuals who allegedly imported contaminated fuel.

Dangote’s accusations against some high-placed individuals of the importation of contaminated fuel was, however, refuted by the NMDPRA which was of the opinion that no dirty fuel was imported into the country.

NMDPRA added that it took seriously its statutory mandate to ensure that only quality petroleum products are supplied and consumed in Nigeria.

NMDPRA said that the Dangote refinery was at its pre-commissioning stage, while its diesel was below international standard, adding that the country would not stop fuel importation to avoid monopoly by the refinery.

Dangote, however, refuted the NMDPRA position on the issue and also declared that NNPC Ltd. no longer owned a 20 per cent stake in its Refinery, after it failed to pay the balance of its shares, which was due in June.

The company maintained that the Nigerian oil company owned only 7.2 per cent of the refinery.

For NNPC Ltd., Dangote’s decision amounted to a breach in their agreement, as the decision to cap its equity participation at the paid-up sum was made and communicated to Dangote refinery several months ago.

Dangote subsequently alleged that the NNPC Ltd. opened a blending plant somewhere off Malta, where they brought in poor quality products with fake certificates.

The NNPC Ltd. swiftly refuted the allegation and urged Dangote to disclose the identity of workers of the company whom he claimed owned blending plant in Malta or make them known to relevant security agencies for necessary actions.

The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, had also convened a high-level meeting with key oil managers which marked a significant step in resolving the challenges and issues surrounding the Dangote Refinery.

The meeting had in attendance Dangote, Mr Farouk Ahmed, Authority Chief Executive, NMDPRA, Mr Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive, NUPRC and Malam Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd.

Weighing in on the imbroglio, President Bola Tinubu recently directed the NNPC Ltd. to commence crude oil sale to the refinery and other local refineries in naira denomination, to promote crude oil trade, using the local currency.

Policy analysts are the view that the president’s directive– Naira Crude Sales Initiative– marks significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards economic prosperity and all eyes are on the promising future and development.

Nonetheless, the refinery is yet to buy crude in naira; hence the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Mr Wale Edun, is initiating a meeting of relevant stakeholders to ensure the realisation of the policy objective.

Reacting to the current crisis in the industry, former President, Olusegun Obasanjo said that cabals in the Nigeria’s oil sector would continue to frustrate the Dangote Refinery because they were benefiting from the refined petrol import.

Obasanjo expressed worry that those profiting from the lucrative fuel importation business will do everything thing within their powers to sabotage the Dangote Refinery.

Sharing a similar stance, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, President, African Development Bank (AfDB), warned that the whole issue on Dangote Refinery was shocking and creating bad waves for Nigeria globally.

According to Adesina, Nigeria cannot and must not undermine, disparage or kill local industries.

“It is more than simply delivering the cheapest product to the market; it is about domestic supply security, driving (and yes, protecting) globally competitive industries, maximising forward and backward linkages in the local economy, job creation, reducing forex expenses and shoring up the naira,’’ he said.

Reflecting on the impasse, an Economic Expert, Dr Chijioke Ekechukwu, said the situation would impede the economic and beneficial projections for 2024 and 2025.

“There is a myriad of by-products from the refining of crude oil which will also add to the export products of Nigeria through Dangote Refinery.

“When more of these products are exported, there will be more foreign currency inflows and attendant increase in their liquidity while the exchange rate is expected to drop accordingly.

“The production of the refinery will obviously reduce the amount of foreign currencies hitherto deployed to import same; our foreign reserve can be used as a buffer for other obligations.

“These are all the beneficial projections which are made for 2024 and 2025 but with the current impasse between the refinery and their regulators therefore, these projections are not likely to materialise,’’ he said.

More so, an Oil and Gas Consultant, Mr Henry Adigun, described the refinery as one of the best in the world and called for a proper engagement between the Dangote group and the regulators than imbibing wild accusations, threats, misinformation and media war.

Adigun advised that issues of crude supply, petrol pricing and subsidy among others in the country should be worked out.

He explained that the call for IOCs to give out crude at less than market prices as expected by Dangote was against the provision of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) which dwelled on willing buyer- willing seller, and not because Dangote was involved.

According to Adigun, the PIA, which is the law governing the oil and gas industry, should be obeyed and respected while the national assets must be protected.

“Even if Nigeria gives all her crude oil, it will not be enough hence Dangote will still need crude oil from outside the country to blend.

“We do not have enough crude oil to offer; we are producing 1.6 million barrels per day; if all the refineries start working, that might not even go round,’’ he argued.

Meanwhile, Speaker, House of Representative, Tajudeen Abbas, has constituted a new seven-member panel that will be part of the joint committee to probe alleged economic sabotage in the petroleum industry.

The development followed the recent dissolution of the adhoc committee earlier set up by the House to probe alleged infractions in the oil and gas sector.

All in all, it is stakeholders’ opinion that the squabble in the Nigeria’s most strategic sector will be counterproductive as the nation drudgeries through economic recovery.

They urge all parties entangled in the melee to put national interest above private interests and resolve the complications amicably.

By Emmanuella Anokam, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Lagos Cinema Convention: CAPPA urges film industry to sustain smoke-free Nollywood

Michael Simire
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Lagos Cinema Convention: CAPPA urges film industry to sustain smoke-free Nollywood

The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has urged the country’s regulators and the film and cinema industry to protect the next generation of Nigerians from the predatory tactics of the tobacco industry by sustaining the #SmokeFreeNollywood campaign.

CAPPA
Some participants at the second edition of the Lagos International Film and Cinema Convention (LIFACC) held at Ebony Life Place, Victoria Island Lagos, on August 14 and 15, 2024

CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, said the tobacco industry had a track record of surreptitiously using movies and music to entice young persons to take up the deadly habit of smoking.

“This is not only unlawful but also undermines tobacco control efforts and worsens Nigeria’s non-communicable diseases (NCDs) burden,” Oluwafemi said.

The tobacco control expert spoke during the second edition of the Lagos International Film and Cinema Convention (LIFACC) held in Lagos, on August 14 and 15, 2024.

LIFACC is promoted as the finest gathering of cinema owners, top executives, film distributors, film producers, cinema set-up facilities/equipment manufacturers/suppliers, and all sundry businesses around the cinema business worldwide.

Oluwafemi, represented by CAPPA’s Policy and Research Manager, Zikora Ibeh, spoke on “Smoking in Movies and Urgency of Regulatory Action: Lessons from Other Film Hub.”

“Tobacco is a killer,” he said, “the tobacco industry is built on deception, lies. The industry is notorious for exploiting the film industry worldwide to influence youths.

“Nollywood films and Nigerian music videos are watched by families and youths in Nigeria and beyond. We must protect them from harmful images encouraging tobacco use.

“There is enough data to show that a lot of teenagers take up smoking because of what they watch on screen. Entertainment is used by the industry to influence young people to use tobacco. Nigerian entertainment is watched across the continent and even Asia and Europe. We cannot allow tobacco corporations to continue exploiting these films to compromise the health and the future of our children.”

Oluwafemi urged Nigeria’s film industry, known as Nollywood, to be wary of the industry’s tricks, adding that “the depiction of tobacco use in films is a form of promotion that influences tobacco use, particularly by young people.”

He explained that the industry targets Nollywood through indirect marketing in movies through “product placement, products mention, actors’ outfits/props, unnecessary smoking scenes and endorsements.”

The CAPPA ED urged stakeholders to comply with the directives of the National Tobacco Control Act and the National Tobacco Control Regulations that already prohibit the use, promotion or sponsorship of tobacco in films.

Oluwafemi also commended recent efforts by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to sanitise the entertainment industry with its latest subsidiary regulation, aimed at prohibiting the glamorisation of tobacco and nicotine products in movies, musical videos, and skits.

He noted that the NFVCB Regulations 2024 mirrors global best practices and should be upheld by all stakeholders in the industry to safeguard the well-being of the public who consume their content.

The event featured the Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Toke Benson-Awoyinka; Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Ali Nuhu; Director-General of the National Film and Video Censors Board, Dr. Shuaibu Husseini; President of the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria, Ope Ajayi; Chairman, Silverbird Group, Ben Murray-Bruce; and Association of Nollywood Core Producers’ Board of Trustees member, Alex Eyengho, actors, producers, and directors, among other stakeholders.

From Serendipity to Synchronicity: An imperfect storm that Nigerians need

Michael Simire
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From Serendipity to Synchronicity: An imperfect storm that Nigerians need

The book, An Imperfect Storm: A pandemic and the coming of age of a Nigerian institution, written by the immediate past Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, with his wife Vivianne Ihekweazu, Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, is a memoir written like a fast-paced thriller, which will keep you turning the pages, not just because it captures the tense and trying COVID-19 years, but for its down-to-earth narration – peppered with suspense and revelatory intrigue.

Hamzat Lawal
Hamzat Lawal

It grips you in an exciting ride to that climactic realisation that, perhaps, the unseen hands of the Almighty Creator had prepared an ordinary hardworking Nigerian to lead his compatriots in a life-or-death fight against a strange pandemic of global dimension.

In this book of 27 chapters, divided into four distinct periodic and thematic parts (The Gathering; Synchronicity; Attenuation; and Full Circle), there is so much information crammed into 263 pages, that anyone from any discipline would certainly encounter a key that opens the door to personal reflection.

Granted, the COVID-19 pandemic affected all of us, and so could be the common denominator for every reader. But I am persuaded to believe that there is something magnetic about a man and or a woman that carries on a mission with passion. Ihekweazu’s single-minded devotion to his life work and professional calling, as depicted in every fabric of the account, sparks a light that warms the reader from the beginning to the end. He was able to take us on a virtual reality ride into his personal life, the way only a gifted storyteller could do.

In chapter seven “Blueprint for fighting pandemics”, I felt goose pimples as I read his experience during the 2017 meningitis outbreak in Northwest Nigeria, caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitides serogroup C. He narrated how the lack healthcare infrastructure caused ‘scales of idealism to fall from his eyes’.

“Centre’s providing care were comprised of essentially of people, even children, being treated underneath trees whose branches held infusion bottles, the intravenous lines swaying carelessly in the wind while attached to the patients,” he recalled.

I could relate. This was almost the exact picture of the situation when I worked in Bagega, Zamfara State in 2010, during the lead poisoning public health emergency. In fact, I chuckled when I read that when images of children receiving medication under the shade provided by trees were published on the front pages of most dailies, without the expected outrage.

He expected condemnation and a demand for accountability; but there no none. He was shocked that there was no public outcry and no allocation of resources to address the situation. This was the exact sense of outrage that overwhelmed me in Bagega which led to the #SaveBagega campaign when I demanded for fiscal transparency in government’s intervention in the endangered community back in 2011.

Then, 10 years later, I activated the same #FollowTheMoney campaign to ensure that monies budgeted for COVID-19 were deployed transparently.

An Imperfect Storm ushers you into the life of a man and his mission. Starting from the cradle in Hamburg, Germany, to the classroom in Nsukka, Nigeria, we encounter a boy who initially wanted to be like his medical doctor father; and who, after doing all in his power to specialise as a surgeon, was finally pushed by fate to public health. The same fate joined him with a life partner who helped shape his career, from London to Johannesburg, and then to Abuja when he was appointed to head the infant Nigeria Center for Disease Control.

In 2016 when he assumed office, the NCDC had no legal mandate as a government establishment (which means no funds to function); had no strategic plan; had less than seventy staff; had no website; and had no reference laboratory. Hence, An Imperfect Storm, solves the riddle of how such a fledgling institution with a ragtag staff and scanty infrastructure was able to seamlessly morph into the well-oiled machine that drove Nigeria’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic within the space of three years.

During the uncertain days of the pandemic, those updates from NCDC to our phones and social media handles had a soothing effect on the jarred psyche of anxious Nigerians. One never, for one moment, imagined that the agency was actually a baby in the bureaucratic world – now being forced to become an emergency mother to all of us.

In the chapter “The interface of politics and policy” the book, through a concise and clear narrative, like surgical blades, wades through the conspiracies that defined the lockdown days in 2020, especially the one surrounding the COVID-19 related death of late Chief of Staff to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Mallam Abba Kyari.

Indeed, one could say that the book is the first authoritative account dispelling several pandemic-related conspiracies – including the one about the Infectious Diseases Bill.

Similarly, in chapter 15, “The consonance between clinicians and academics”, we see how the pressure inflicted by the pandemic – dying patients, stalled economies and public panic – set off medical quackery that dominated global conversations and nearly derailed response efforts. In Nigeria there were three major waves of such “fixes” and pseudo-scientific theories. They were the hydroxychloroquine theory; the Madagascar cure; and the zinc and ivermectin medications.

An Imperfect Storm makes it clear that it was not only about contact tracing, testing and isolation; the NCDC and its indefatigable staff led by a determined public health expert must have to communicate with the right tone, language, and message, that informed Nigerians of the situation while allaying their fears and providing reassurances.

In the book, I saw a man who was able to show that managing the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic was indubitably the most difficult professional challenge he had faced in his career. I also saw a woman giving all in her world to support her husband, and enable him achieve to optimum capacity in service to nation. It is a tale of love, fear, faith, service and patriotism woven into one buffet of literal clarity.

Personally, I was inspired to discover that I share similar leadership philosophy and style with the author. Just like Ihekweazu revealed, I also see my staff as colleagues, and I always make them, “forget that I’m the DG/CEO”. I want their opinion, to understand their motivation and assess their understanding of their responsibilities.

Additionally, the chapter on “Bureaucratic battles” was a mirror of sort to see my own career and the challenges I faced as a young Nigerian perceived by some ‘elders’ to be trying too hard to make a change. Ihekweazu, with his progressive and inclusive methods at the NCDC, came face to face with some reactionary forces that did not want him to shake the table, so to speak. As he wrote, “whispers circulating along the corridors of the ministry indicated that I was a ‘young’ man who was ‘pushing too hard’ and not ‘carrying everyone along’”.

Fortunately, with his actions, appearance, strategic planning and commitment to excellence, he was able to deliver results and establish the NCDC as one of the most respected public health agencies in the world, leading to more countries following Nigeria’s lead in setting up a national public health institute.

What was left out? I feel the memoir is incomplete without the Ihekweazu’s taking us into their vision for a personal project (Foundation) that would leverage their experience and networks to give a legacy value to their country, Nigeria. Secondly, I must mention that his alternating time-line style of writing has a dramatic effect that could be better explored through a movie script in order for his COVID-19 story to go beyond a documentary.

All things considered, An Imperfect Storm is worth a space in every library in the nation and beyond. Importantly, as the World Health Organisation just declared the MPox an international health emergency, we now have a resource in An Imperfect Storm to guide us as the threat evolves.

By Hamzat Lawal

Hamzat Lawal (Hamzy!) is a renowned activist and campaigning currently mobilising, organising and leading a group of young people in bringing needed changes across African communities using Follow The Money. He is currently the Chief Executive of Connected Development (CODE)

NNPC releases 2023 audited financial statement, posts N3.3trn net profit

Michael Simire
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NNPC releases 2023 audited financial statement, posts N3.3trn net profit

The NNPC Limited has released its 2023 Audited Financial Statement (AFS), declaring a net profit of N3.297 trillion at the close of the financial year which ended in December 2023, an increase of over N700 billion (28%) when compared to the 2022 profit of N2.548 trillion.

NNPC
NNPC officials briefing the media at the World Press Conference in Abuja on Monday, August 19, 2024

In a world press conference held at the NNPC Towers in Abuja on Monday, August 19, 2024, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, Mr. Umar Ajiya, said the release of the AFS is a testament to the Company’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

“Our fiscal performance reflects both strategic foresight and operational resilience. Despite inherent challenges of our operational and economic environment, we have improved the productivity and the financial performance of this great company,” Ajiya stated.

Ajiya added that posting such impressive returns demonstrates NNPC Ltd’s commitment to sustaining profitability and supporting the attainment of national energy security as stipulated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, and by extension, as expected by the Company’s shareholders.

Explaining that the NNPC Ltd will announce Initial Public offer (IPO) once the shareholders and Board make a decision, Ajiya also debunked claims on subsidy payment, saying the Company was only taking care of the shortfall on PMS importation between it and the Federation.

Speaking earlier at the press conference, the Chairman of the NNPC Ltd Board, Chief Pius Akinyelure, said that the excellent performance came as the fruit of the PIA 2021, the commitment of the Board, Management and staff of the company.

Akinyelure added that the shareholders of the company have since approved a final dividend of N2.1trn in line with PIA 2021 provisions.

In her remarks at the briefing, the Executive Vice President, Upstream, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan said with improvements witnessed as a result of the renewed vigour in the war against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, NNPC Ltd is targeting 2 million barrels per day crude oil production by the the end of the year.

On the current fuel queues in parts of Lagos and the FCT, the Executive Vice President, Downstream, Mr. Dapo Segun appealed for understanding from Nigerians, saying that the the Company is working with relevant stakeholders to address the distribution, evacuation and logistics challenges.

It will be recalled that, in 2021, NNPC declared profit in its operations for the first time. From a loss position of N803 billion in 2018, it reduced the loss further down to N1.7 billion in 2019.

However, in 2020, it posted its ‘first ever’ profit of N287 billion, then in 2021, it recorded a N674.1 billion profit and in 2022, the profit grew to N2.548, an unprecedented achievement in its financial performance. The N3.297 trillion profit declared for 2023 is the highest since the Company’s inception, 46 years ago.

Farmers laud drop in food inflation, seek sustainability

Michael Simire
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Farmers laud drop in food inflation, seek sustainability

Local farmers have lauded the drop in food prices for the month of July 2024 as reported by Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

ActionAid Agriculture
Agriculture

The farmers, in separate interviews, also called for the sustainability of the price-drop.

Mr Femi Oke, Southwest Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), said the palliatives of the Federal Government to the sector also aided the drop in the food prices.

“It is laudable that the food inflation rate dropped in the month as reported by the NBS. It is good that the government is now taking cognisance of agriculture.

“The palliatives to the farmers and subsidisation of agro-inputs by the government has really been helpful this period. Their prices have been subsidised by the government,” Oke said.

He also noted: “We were also pre-informed on when to begin our farming because of effect of climate change. So, this helped most farmers prevent loss of crops and capital.

“With these measures the government has put in a place for the benefit of the sector, we are not surprised the prices came down a bit in the month of July.

“If the government continues with its palliative measures, definitely drop-in food inflation rates will be sustainable.

“With the introduction of mechanised farming that the government is promoting there is no way a farmer cannot produce all year round if he so desires.

“The reason we were not able to produce all year round is because of the nonchalant attitude previously paid to the agriculture sector,” AFAN chairman said.

According to Oke, the price of tomatoes and habenero pepper also known as “Ata rodo” has drastically dropped, compared with previous months.

“Some state governments have also started giving interventions and helping various value-chains in the agriculture sector.

“We, however, need enough extension service agents to help educate farmers on adequate farming techniques for greater yields.

“They should be educated on seed varieties, soil tests, application of fertilisers and agrochemicals, to help increase yields,” he said.

Mr Mojeed Iyiola, Lagos State Chairman, Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), also urged the government to put in more efforts for food price stability.

“The reason for the drop-in food inflation rate in July is largely because of the harvest season as attested to by local farmers.

“However, after some time if adequate measures are not put in place and sustained, we may return to status quo.

“Two tubers of yams were sold at N5000 last week and this week, but weeks ago one tuber sold for as high as N7,000. This price drop is only sustainable for a while because of the harvests.

“However, to a limited extent the government’s palliatives to the sector have also contributed to the drop in some food prices.

“We hope the government’s intervention in the sector will be sustainable, so we do not experience a price reduction just for few weeks and price hike in later weeks.

“We need a programme that will cushion the effect of the issues prompting food hike at least for a period of time,” Iyiola said.

He also reiterated the importance of investing in irrigation systems, to ensure consistent harvests.

“We also need to invest in irrigation systems due to inadequate rainfall, to achieve continuous harvests.

“Irrigation systems will help us ensure timely harvests, to stabilise food prices.

“If majority of local farmers are waiting for the rains, then this will be disastrous to food prices,” the PAN chairman said.

By Mercy Omoike

Rural Electrification Agency inaugurates 40KWp solar mini grid in Abuja community

Michael Simire
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Rural Electrification Agency inaugurates 40KWp solar mini grid in Abuja community

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has inaugurated a 40 Kilowatts peak solar hybrid mini grid in Rafinzurufi Community, Gwagwalada Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Solar mini-grid
A solar mini-grid system

The project, which was completed under the Rural Electrification Fund – Call 2 programme, will provide clean, safe, affordable and reliable electricity for the community members.

Speaking at the event on Saturday, August 17, 2024, the Minister of State, FCT, Hajiya Mariya Mahmoud, said that residents of Rafinzurufi community would experience socioeconomic transformation like never before.

The minister, represented by her Special Adviser, Mr Michael Bawa, said that access to sustainable electricity would create opportunities and possibilities to previously unconnected citizens.

“This is why the work being done in rural communities by the REA further shows that the Federal Government is keen on leaving no one behind in the delivery of its developmental programmes,” she said.

The REA Managing Director, Mr Abba Aliyu, said that the project reiterated the agency’s commitment to electrifying rural communities.

Abba, represented by Mrs Doris Uboh, Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund, said that the mini grid would brighten the community.

“Today, as we officially inaugurate this mini grid, we are not merely ushering in brighter nights and productive days in this vibrant community but unlocking opportunities for all,” he said.

Mr Anayo Okenwa, the Chief Executive Officer of Nato Tropical Technology Limited, said that the project would reverse rural urban migration.

According to him, the community is expanding, and we can see the kind of development electricity brings.

“We look forward to the expansion of the project. We want to thank REA for their support to us and the development of electricity projects across the country,” he said.

The Chairman, Gwagwalada Area Council, Mr Abubakar Giri, represented by Mr Muhammad Gasheda, congratulated the people of Rafinzurfi. Giri appreciated the community’s support and cooperation during the implementation of the project.

“It is my prayer that it will help increase and bring more investors to this community,” he said.

On his part, the Etsu of Rafinzurufi, Yunusa Musa, said that the project had made the community to believe in the promises of the Federal Government.

“Indeed, this is a sign that the government has not forgotten the rural people of this country,” he said.

By Constance Athekame

Mpox: Nigeria’s public health in need of urgent improvement – Tomori

Michael Simire
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Mpox: Nigeria’s public health in need of urgent improvement – Tomori

Prof. Oyewale Tomori, a leading virologist and former President of the Nigerian Academy of Science, has warned that the country is at a critical juncture in healthcare delivery.

Oyewale Tomori
Prof. Oyewale Tomori

Tomori said this in an interview on Sunday, August 18, 2024, in Abuja, while commenting on the Mpox outbreak.

The Virologist underscored the urgent need for improving disease surveillance, enhanced laboratory support, while finalising plans to produce vaccines locally to contain outbreaks like mpox.

He stressed the importance of raising awareness about the diseases plaguing the country while fully engaging and empowering communities in surveillance efforts.

“A balanced integration of these aspects of disease control and response is crucial for national preparedness for controlling mpox and, also, for responding to other current and future disease outbreaks,” he said.

He said that Nigeria’s ability to effectively combat emerging infectious diseases rests on a robust surveillance system.

“The foundation for controlling any disease, including mpox, is surveillance. Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty from any disease outbreak.

“Without early detection and monitoring, we will always play catch-up, running helter-skelter like decapitated chickens after rampaging diseases.

“For the good health of our people and our national health security, that is not a position we can afford to be in,” he said.

He described the ongoing upsurge of mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where inadequate surveillance has led to the spread of the disease to neighboring countries, as a cautionary tale for Nigeria.

“Effective disease control requires the integration of several capabilities: rapid detection, reporting, laboratory confirmation, isolation and treatment of cases.

“Proper data management allows us to plan and implement an appropriate response, limiting the spread of cases and preventing a national, continental, or international emergency,” he said.

Tomori said that many African countries had the necessary human health workforce to prevent and control outbreaks.

He, however,  criticised governments for failing to provide sustained funding to create and maintain an enabling environment for health workers.

“Instead of building on our strengths, our experienced health workers, governments have underfunded public health systems and turned around to beg foreign governments and agencies for vaccines

“We forget that with effective surveillance, we can prevent outbreaks that become international concerns, reducing the need for vaccines,” he said.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s current capabilities, he expressed concern over the nation’s dependence on international vaccine supplies.

According to him, we are far from being able to produce human vaccines locally, despite past efforts.

“In my father’s time, Nigeria was self-reliant in many areas.

“Today, though significant efforts are being made by the government, we have wasted too much precious time and are not close to achieving an acceptable position in local vaccine production,” he said.

He warned that relying on external sources for vaccines could leave Nigeria vulnerable, especially in times of global shortages.

Looking forward, Tomori called for a comprehensive national strategy that prioritises health system strengthening, local vaccine production, and research.

“We cannot continue to repeat the same mistakes we have made for the last 50 years.

“It is time for Nigeria to take control of its public health destiny and ensure that we are prepared for the next pandemic,” he assured.

By Abujah Racheal

Urban renewal will discourage rural-urban migration in Cross River – Commissioner

Michael Simire
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Urban renewal will discourage rural-urban migration in Cross River – Commissioner

The Cross River State Government says its decision on an urban renewal drive across the three senatorial districts of the state will further the development agenda and discourage rural-urban migration.

Prince Bassey Edet Otu
Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State

Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Pius Edet, who made this known in an interview in Calabar on Sunday, August 18, 2024, disclosed that the Gov. Bassey Otu-led administration is presently carrying out urban renewal in Ikom, Ugep, and Ogoja Local Government areas of the state.

He added that the process kick-started with the construction and rehabilitation of internal roads in the areas.

Edet said that Calabar, the state capital, was also receiving the attention of the state government as part of efforts to restore the city to its lost glory.

“As for the Calabar metropolis, we have worked on major roads across the city and also the roundabouts.

“These are meant not only to improve traffic but also the aesthetic beauty of the city,” he said.

The Commissioner also announced plans to construct four flyover bridges in Calabar and other cities as part of efforts to control traffic in the State.

He said that the flyovers would be sited in Calabar and Ikom Local Government Areas of the State.

“Since time immemorial, we have been having issues with traffic control in some areas in Calabar and Ikom. The volume of traffic in these spots and their position have led to the loss of lives and properties.

“To put an end to this, the government will construct a flyover at MCC and Mobil by Highway and Effio Ette Junction both in Calabar. Another flyover will be sited at the popular Four Corners, Ikom,” he said.

The Commissioner said that no fewer than 200km of roads had been constructed by the Bassey Otu-led administration within the last year.

Edet, who bemoaned the state of federal roads in Cross River, said that the state government had resolved to improve some of the roads to make life easy for its citizenry.

According to him, the governor has shown leadership in a bid to ensure comfort for the people of the state and the development of the State.

“The governor hit the ground running by quickly embarking on roads that have made life unbearable for the people.

“While the government embarked on the rehabilitation of some roads, new ones are also being constructed across the three senatorial districts. Bridges are not left behind on this ambitious project.

“It should be noted that some of these roads and bridges have been left abandoned for 25 to 40 years,” he said.

He said the state was ready to partner with the federal government to rehabilitate federal roads and bridges.

“We know the enormous responsibilities of the Federal Government across the 36 states, but if they are ready for partnership in the area of roads and bridges, we will not hesitate also.

“But we can’t wait for them and allow our people to continually suffer because of the poor state of federal roads,” Edet said.

He also said that the 365km rail line – a flagship project of Otu’s administration in the state – would be completed within his tenure.

“This rail line that will link the capital city to Obudu will not be abandoned as being insinuated, it will be completed and inaugurated by this government,” he said.

By Ehigimetor Igbaugba

Scientists, media professionals end Arusha meeting with commitment for enhanced relationship to improve science communication

Michael Simire
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Scientists, media professionals end Arusha meeting with commitment for enhanced relationship to improve science communication

African Union (AU)’s quest for member countries to embrace and apply modern scientific tools including biotechnology to redeem Africa’s agriculture from the vagaries of pests, diseases and undesirable climatic conditions, will require the commitment of all stakeholders especially scientists, science communicators and science journalists.

Dr. Willy Tonio
Dr. Willy Tonio, head of GenBio Consortium Secretariat

This group of stakeholders include those who generate, translate, repackage and disseminate information to targeted stakeholders and the general public. They play a key role in the processes that may lead to successful public input and eventual key support in the development, decision-making and adoption of biotechnology and genetic biocontrol technologies for animal, public health, and conservation in Africa.

“Therefore, it is critical that this group of people gain an understanding of how biotechnology intersects with globalisation, trade, poverty, food security, disease control and environmental sustainability,” says Dr. Willy Tonio, head of the African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium (GenBio Consortium) Secretariat. He strongly felt that such communicators needed to sharpen their skills to craft thoughtful and effective arguments, with supporting evidence at the intersection of science and social science on issues of public policy and applicable laws and regulations.

The Arusha Science Communication Workshop

To this end, the GenBio Consortium in partnership with the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO), brought together a group of 20 scientists, science communicators, editors and journalists from Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, to develop their capacity on science communication at a three-day workshop sometime in July 2024, in Arusha, Tanzania.

Their focus was on how to utilise appropriate communication tools and practices to advance informed decision-making for development of genetic biocontrol technologies for animal, public health, and conservation, particularly in the Eastern and Southern African region. Again, it was to increase the number of people with sufficient knowledge and understanding to be able to effectively communicate genetic biocontrol within that region.

The workshop was also an occasion to strengthen alignment among stakeholders to build future collaborative efforts in risk communication that support decision-making processes for genetic biocontrol agents or products in Eastern and Southern African countries.

The Communique

Following the three days of deliberations, the participants issued a communique, calling for enhanced relationships between scientists and communicators/journalists in order to improve dissemination of scientific findings in a simplified manner.

According to the communique, one way of enhancing scientists and media relationship, was for scientific institutions to conduct exhibitions and “seeing is believing” tours to enable communicators and journalists better appreciate ongoing field trials in genetic biocontrol research, for example.

It proposed the establishment of scientists and media partnerships through which scientists could share their research findings, while journalists would have access to reliable sources and also verify scientific facts before publishing their news stories. Such partnerships could facilitate the creation of platforms to prioritise discussions on science matters focusing on emerging technologies.

The communique further called for the identification of biotechnology champions from both scientists and journalists to spearhead and maintain relevant and important topics within the public domain.

It encouraged the development and submission of joint proposals during calls for applications for funding of projects. This is to ensure that communication needs were fully incorporated at the proposal stages.

On the subject of increasing general knowledge and media coverage of science matters as well as build a critical mass of science communicators, while fostering a society that values science innovation and evidence-based decision making; the communique advocated the development of a training manual/curriculum that also provides guidelines on biotechnology communication.

The communique ended on a note of anticipation for the recommendations to serve as an input to consultations among all stakeholders tasked with furthering implementation, monitoring and evaluation of emerging technologies in their countries.

Excerpts of the opening session of the Workshop

Earlier at the opening session, Prof. Dorington Ogoyi of the Technical University of Kenya presented an overview on the International and regional frameworks governing biotechnology and biosafety. He recalled that the Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety is a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and is a major global instrument on the movement of Living Modified Organisms (LMO) for the safety of the environment, human and animal health.

The Protocol was adopted in January 2000 by the Conference of Parties (COP) to the CBD and came into force in September 2003. It has established rules and procedures based on five core areas. These are: procedures for moving LMOs across borders, risk assessment procedures, the biosafety clearing house, capacity building and public awareness.

The Executive Director of EASTECO, Sylvance Okoth, reminded participants that there is a lot of work to be done and “it begins with proper science communication.” He further reminded them of how inaccurate information adversely impact communication and urged them, “to ensure that great care is taken on the kind of messages they pass onto specific target groups.”

The Executive Director of the Kenya Editors Guild, Rosalia Omungo, was of the view that the fact that the technology was still developing, is an opportunity for journalists to focus on science and sustainability.

She stated: “The beauty of the technology is how well we communicate the message of how the technology is scaling up food security.”

By Ama Kudom-Agyemang

COP29: ‘Host Country’ Agreement text fully agreed upon

Michael Simire
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COP29: ‘Host Country’ Agreement text fully agreed upon

The final text of the “Host Country” Agreement to be signed between the Government of Azerbaijan and the Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, has been fully agreed upon.

Samir Nuriyev
Samir Nuriyev

Samir Nuriyev, Head of Azerbaijan’s Presidential Administration and Chairman of the COP29 Organising Committee, said during the sixth meeting of the committee held on Friday, August 16, 2024, that full inclusivity has been ensured regarding the invitations to the Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change for the Leaders’ Summit, scheduled to take place from November 12-13.

As the Organising Committee of COP29 met on Friday, Nuriyev noted that the preparation for COP 29 is progressing extensively under supervision of President Ilham Aliyev.

He highlighted President Ilham Aliyev’s remarks at the Shusha Global Media Forum held on July 20 as the head of state’s vision lies in building bridges between developed and developing countries.

Nuriyev underlined that full inclusivity had been ensured with respect to invitations sent to the parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change to attend the World Leaders Climate Action Summit to take place on November 12-13.

The Chairman of the Organising Committee stated that Azerbaijan is making sincere efforts to bridge the differences between developed and developing countries regarding the new financial target. He highlighted that on July 26-27 in Shamakhy, an innovative format of informal consultations was organised at the level of heads of delegations from various countries.

He also noted that Azerbaijan’s COP29-related initiatives have been widely communicated to the public, with particular international attention given to the proposals for a ceasefire during the COP and the creation of a Climate Finance Action Fund.

Nuriyev announced that, at the end of August, Azerbaijan is set to sign Memorandums of Understanding with the Commonwealth regarding the establishment of a Technical Assistance Fund for Small Island Developing States, and the implementation of projects on climate change by “Azercosmos” in these states.

Highlighting the meetings of the COP29 International Advisory Committee and the COP29 Scientific Council, Nuriyev stressed the importance of using full potential of both institutions.

Then, Mukhtar Babayev, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, President-Designate of COP29, provided an update on the overall state of affairs concerning COP29, the informal consultations held at the end of July in Shamakhi at the level of heads of delegations from various countries, and the upcoming international visits of the COP29 team.

Arif Samadov, Chief of the Protocol Service of the Azerbaijani President, touched upon the preparations for the World Leaders Climate Action Summit during the COP29.

Vilayat Eyvazov, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Internal Affairs shed light on measures undertaken to ensure public security during COP29.

Rashad Nabiyev, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport, discussed transportation arrangements during COP29, including the capacity of airports to handle the expected traffic.

Nigar Arpadarai, the Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP29, provided an update on her activities in this role.

Elchin Guliyev, Chief of the State Border Service, reported on the operation of border checkpoints in preparation for COP29.

Narmin Jarchalova, the Chief Operating Officer for COP29 Azerbaijan, discussed organisational and logistical preparations, including work at the Baku Olympic Stadium, the “Blue” and “Green” zones, and the organisation of events and pavilions.

Maryam Majidova, Chairwoman of the Youth Gender Equality Centre “Gender Hub,” informed the meeting about the activities of NGOs related to COP29.

The meeting concluded with directives for the implementation of the COP29 Action Plan and other related tasks.

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