The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, has given the assurance that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is being constructed to withstand flood for about 50 years.
Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi (left), at a stakeholder engagement on Section 2 of the highway project in Lagos on Sunday
Umahi gave the assurance at a stakeholder engagement on Section 2 of the highway project on Sunday, April 6, 2025, in Lagos.
“We will make sure that our pavement level is going to counter any climate change,” he said.
According to him, the pavement level would be at the first floor of many buildings.
“To retain the road, we are going to be building retaining board. It has already started.
“We also have the cable duct so you don’t have to cut the road.
“MTN, African Plus or any other network don’t have to cut the road. The cables are there, I saw them.”
He reiterated that there would be closed circuit television cameras on the road so that the response time for any issue would be less than five minutes.
The minister also said that the highway would have an evacuation corridor.
“We are going to be earning carbon credit by the reason of the use of concrete pavement which will have no emission.”
Umahi said that there would be trees all through on the road to make it exciting.
“We have the Dangote Refinery. You need about 60 metres clearance for the trucks to go in and out.
“We are now building a flyover that has a span of 60 metres, and then the next span is 41.6 metres counterbalance.
“We are flying over Dangote Refinery, and the seven axial road is coming. It is going to be a point to behold. It is going to be another tourist site.
“Let me announce that along the corridor, there are lands that the state government has given us the right so we can build what I call relief centres where you can stop to have snacks, buy petrol.”
He added that supermarkets and medical facilities would be part of the centres.
Umahi thanked stakeholders for their support.
“Let me thank you all for coming to this public engagement.
“There are some people who are here not because they have money to claim but because of the love they have for this development.”
Umahi also praised the contractor handling the project, Hitech Construction Company, for excellence and timeliness.
In what appears to be a decisive step towards mainstreaming sustainability into national economic planning, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to operationalising the Climate Change Fund (CCF), a critical financial mechanism for driving the country’s green transition and climate resilience agenda.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun (right), with Director-General of the Nigeria Climate Change Council (NCCC), Nkiruka Madueke
Edun met with the Director-General of the Nigeria Climate Change Council (NCCC), Nkiruka Madueke, in Abuja to push forward efforts to align climate finance with Nigeria’s broader economic strategy.
At the heart of the discussions was the urgency of unlocking the underutilised Climate Change Fund to support projects that will enable the implementation of Nigeria’s net-zero emissions target and third generation Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Madueke noted that activating the fund is essential for delivering on the mandates of the Climate Change Act, particularly in financing regulatory, mitigation, and adaptation efforts.
She called on the Ministry of Finance to provide firm backing to the initiative, citing expressions of interest from key financial institutions such as the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Bank of Industry (BOI), and Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) to manage the fund and drive climate-related investments.
Other strategic focus areas outlined by the NCCC include the development of a climate finance taxonomy, the creation of a carbon market framework, and investments in mangrove conservation, critical to Nigeria’s coastal ecosystem and climate resilience efforts.
The finance minister Edun pledged full support for the NCCC’s vision, describing climate finance as an integral pillar of Nigeria’s long-term economic transformation strategy.
He encouraged the submission of a detailed project framework and budget to enable fast-tracked collaboration and attract foreign direct investment (FDI) in green infrastructure and climate-smart industries.
“Integrating sustainability into economic development is no longer optional,” Edun said, noting that “Nigeria must position itself as a hub for climate-aligned capital to meet its development goals while contributing meaningfully to global decarbonisation efforts.”
The renewed push to activate the Climate Change Fund is expected to catalyse growth in ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance)-linked financing and enhance Nigeria’s credibility in global climate negotiations and capital markets.
Analysts say the initiative could unlock billions of dollars in green finance, particularly from multilateral climate funds, international development institutions, and private equity firms focused on clean energy, climate resilience, and carbon credit opportunities in Africa.
As countries across the continent work to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, Nigeria’s move signals its readiness to lead in climate finance innovation, unlocking opportunities in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, reforestation, and other low-carbon sectors.
The Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) has called on the government to carefully reconsider its decision to ban solar imports into the country.
Renewable energy: Solar panels
In a statement made available to EnviroNews on Monday, April 7, 2025, REAN submitted that government’s bid to promote local manufacturing, strengthen the economy, and ensure energy security notwithstanding, creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive must come before any restrictive measures that could stifle progress and inadvertently hurt the very industry the government seeks to empower.
According to REAN, solar energy has become a beacon of hope for millions of Nigerians who remain underserved by the national grid.
“Businesses, communities, and individuals rely on solar solutions to power homes, schools, hospitals, and enterprises. The renewable energy sector has grown significantly, attracting investment and fostering innovation,” stated the group.
A ban on solar imports, without first strengthening local production capabilities, it noted, risks derailing this progress.
REAN added: “Manufacturing is not built overnight. For local production to scale and compete globally, manufacturers need access to finance, infrastructure, technology, and skilled labor. The current reality presents hurdles – high production costs, supply chain inefficiencies, and limited access to raw materials. Expecting local manufacturers to meet national demand without first addressing these challenges is unrealistic and counterproductive.
“Restricting imports too soon could lead to unintended consequences. Prices may rise, making solar solutions less accessible for ordinary Nigerians. Businesses that depend on imported components may struggle to stay afloat, leading to job losses instead of job creation. The momentum the renewable energy sector has gained could slow, discouraging investors who see uncertainty in the policy environment.”
REAN suggested that, rather than an outright ban, a phased approach that nurtures local manufacturing while keeping the market open to necessary imports would be more effective.
“Incentivising local producers through tax breaks, grants, and infrastructure support would build the foundation needed for long-term sustainability. Encouraging partnerships between international companies and Nigerian firms would facilitate knowledge transfer and technology exchange, strengthening the industry from within.
“Nigeria’s energy transition is a journey, not a single policy decision. For a thriving renewable energy sector, the government must act as an enabler, not an obstacle. The focus should be on fostering a competitive and sustainable industry – one that supports local businesses without cutting off the lifeline that imports currently provide.
“REAN remains committed to working alongside policymakers to develop solutions that balance national interests with industry realities. We urge the government to reconsider the proposed ban and instead prioritise building a resilient, self-sustaining solar industry that truly serves the Nigerian people.”
The German government should reconsider its agricultural cooperation model for Africa and prioritise food sovereignty and agroecological practices, urge Kenyan climate and development policy think tank, Power Shift Africa, and German environmental and human rights organisation, Germanwatch, in a joint policy brief titled ‘‘What is the Missing Ingredient? The German Agriculture and Food Strategy for Africa 2025’’.
Farmers
Despite numerous multilateral interventions, Africa remains in the grip of a debilitating food crisis. In 2023, 868 million people across the continent experienced food insecurity, including 342 million suffering from severe hunger. This figure has been made worse by the growing impacts of climate change, which is severely disrupting food production through more frequent and intense droughts, floods and heatwaves.
‘‘Decades of investments in industrialised agricultural systems have not yet shifted the global food system from multinational corporations and have left Africa’s smallholder farmers vulnerable and dependent on external inputs such as seeds and agrochemicals controlled by just a few global players,” says Amy G Thorp, the programmes manager at Power Shift Africa.
She stresses: “The German Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) has to shift its approach, ensuring that African nations have the right to control their agricultural future, particularly in light of the growing food insecurity crisis on the continent. In addition, the effects of the escalating climate crisis must always be considered in programmes to combat the food crisis.”
The policy brief emphasises that food sovereignty – the right of communities to control their food systems – is essential for countering corporate capture in agriculture and ensuring that African farmers have the tools, resources and autonomy to determine their agricultural practices.
‘‘Food sovereignty is also the pre-requisite to secure the right to food, which is enshrined in international law and has been legally adopted by over 160 states,’’ notes Lazarus Nanzala, the policy and advocacy advisor at SDG2 Advocacy Hub.
‘‘Germany and other global partners must prioritise African-led solutions, such as CAADP, and not repeat colonial frameworks. It is important to dismantle extractive trade structures and invest in climate-resilient, farmer-driven food systems. Only then can Africa cultivate dignity, self-reliance, and justice at the heart of its agri-food systems transformation,” adds Nanzala.
To Nanzala, Africa’s food future hinges on reclaiming and owning it not just in policies, but also in practice: ‘‘Decades of neglect and a lack of concerted direct has left our smallholder farmers shackled to external interests. True resilience lies in direct investment by our governments in local knowledge and equitable systems that empower communities to steward their land, seeds and future.’’
On a positive note, BMEL’s strategy reflects a move in the right direction by incorporating agroecology — the practice of integrating ecological principles, social equity, and cultural values, as well as promoting sustainability and the protection of biodiversity — in its agriculture strategy for Africa. However, the CSOs caution that while agroecology is a promising framework, BMEL’s strategy fails to fully integrate food sovereignty as a core guiding principle.
Food sovereignty is crucial for addressing the underlying issues of land rights, seed sovereignty, and local control over food systems, which are all essential components of sustainable agricultural practices.
Amy, who was among the authors of the policy brief, says food sovereignty is not just an alternative model but a necessary principle for Africa’s food future.
“Without food sovereignty, the power dynamics that have led to widespread hunger and food insecurity will persist. If Germany’s strategy is truly committed to empowering African farmers, it must put food sovereignty at the center and create a space for African countries to reclaim their food systems from the grip of multinational corporations.”
In addition to advocating for food sovereignty, the policy brief calls for a more robust approach to addressing the climate crisis through agricultural policy. It warns that focusing solely on food production without integrating a deeper climate-resilience lens could further degrade the environment, reduce agricultural capacity, and exacerbate food insecurity. The brief suggests that Germany’s strategy should focus on creating synergies between agricultural productivity, ecosystem restoration, and carbon sequestration.
Lina Adil, Policy Advisor on Climate Adaptation and Loss and Damage at Germanwatch, says: “Agriculture stands on the frontlines of climate change — but it is also a key part of the solution. Neglecting the link between land use and climate action risks undermining long-term sustainability. The German Ministry of Food and Agriculture must implement its strategy in a way that harmonises food production, adaptation, and carbon sequestration, transforming agricultural landscapes into powerful allies in the fight against climate change.”
The policy brief stresses that Germany’s strategy should be informed by the lessons of past policies, including its previous strategy on food and agriculture for Africa, that failed to address the root causes of food insecurity in Africa. It also highlights Germany’s pivotal role in supporting the advancement of Africa’s agricultural future, ensuring that Africa’s food systems are rooted in sustainability, equity, and resilience.
“While the strategy highlights the impact of agricultural imports on local production and food security, it completely overlooks the power of territorial markets in advancing food sovereignty and resilient livelihoods,’’ notes Bridget Mugambe, the programmes coordinator at Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA). ‘‘Across Africa, mega supermarkets are flooding shelves with imported, ultra-processed foods; convenient, but at the cost of local farmers, nutrition, and sustainable food systems.”
Accelerating progress to restore 1.5 billion hectares of degraded land around the world and jumpstarting a trillion-dollar land restoration economy will be the focus of this year’s Desertification and Drought Day on Tuesday, June 17.
Under-Secretary-General and UNCCD Executive Secretary, Ibrahim Thiaw
The theme of Desertification and Drought Day 2025 is “Restore the Land, Unlock the Opportunities”, underscoring multiple benefits linked to land restoration.
Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), said: “Land degradation and drought are major disruptors of our economy, stability, food production, water and quality of life. They amplify climate change, biodiversity loss, poverty, forced migration and conflicts over access to fertile land and water. Land restoration is an opportunity to turn the tide on these alarming trends. A restored land is a land of endless opportunities. It’s time to unlock them now.”
Healthy land underpins thriving economies, with over half of global GDP dependent on nature. Yet the world is depleting this natural capital at an alarming rate – some 1 million km2 of healthy and productive lands, equivalent to the size of Egypt, are becoming degraded every year.
As the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030 marks its halfway point, the world must accelerate efforts to turn the tide of land degradation into large-scale restoration.
“If current trends continue, we will need to restore 1.5 billion hectares of land by 2030 to achieve a land-degradation neutral world. To date, one billion hectares of degraded land has been pledged for restoration through voluntary commitments, such as the G20 Global Land Restoration Initiative hosted by UNCCD,” submitted the UNCCD.
Breathing life back into land yields multiple benefits for people and nature. Every dollar invested in restoring degraded lands brings between $7-30 in economic returns. But despite a strong investment case, land restoration is not happening at the scale and pace that are so urgently needed.
According to the latest financial needs assessment by UNCCD’s Global Mechanism, the world needs $1 billion daily to combat desertification, land degradation and drought between 2025 and 2030. Current investments in land restoration and drought resilience stand at $66 billion annually, with the private sector contributing just six per cent.
“We need to scale up ambition and investment by both governments and businesses. While the benefits of restoration far outweigh the costs, initial investments in the magnitude of billions are needed. We need to unlock new sources of finance, create decent land-based jobs and fast-track innovations while making the most of traditional knowledge,” Thiaw concluded.
Officially declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 1994, Desertification and Drought Day, marked annually on June 17, is a unique occasion to highlight practical solutions to combating desertification, land degradation and drought.
Countries and communities around the world organise activities to mark the Day. Previous global Desertification and Drought Day celebrations took place in Germany (2024), USA (2023), Spain (2022), Costa Rica (2021), Republic of Korea (2020), Türkiye (2019), Ecuador (2018) and Burkina Faso (2017).
Zambia’s candidate for the African Development Bank (AfDB) presidency, Samuel Maimbo, met with Mozambican President Daniel Chapo Friday, April 4, 2025, to seek strategic advice and strengthen diplomatic ties.
Mozambique leader, Daniel Chapo in audience with AfDB presidential candidate, Samuel Maiambo
“I came here as a candidate for the presidency of the AfDB,” Maimbo told reporters after the meeting.
“The visit to Mozambique was important for two reasons. One, I came home. I worked in Mozambique before and it is always a pleasure.”
Maimbo presented his vision for the bank, emphasising strategic investments in high-impact economic sectors.
“The vision I have for the AfDB is fully aligned with the vision for Mozambique’s development, which focuses on ensuring that the economy grows rapidly,” Maimbo said.
The Zambian economist, who previously met with officials from France, Japan, Morocco and the United Kingdom, also delivered a message from Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema.
Maimbo faces competition from candidates from Senegal, Chad, Mauritania and South Africa in the May 29 election.
African countries control 60 percent of the vote, with non-African nations holding the remainder.
The Southern African Development Community and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa have endorsed Maimbo’s candidacy.
Many electricity consumers on Bands B to E in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have alleged discriminatory supply of electricity to their homes and business premises.
National grid lines
According to them, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company is giving preference to residents on Band A.
The residents, who spoke in Abuja on Sunday, April 6, 2025, said the development had brought about epileptic power supply to those on other Bands, causing significant hardship on them.
Mr. Moses Omoruyi, a resident of Kuje, who said he was on Band B, noted that there should be power supply to all electricity consumers irrespective of the band they belong.
Omoruyi emphasised that consumers should pay based on the units consumed, not the number of hours that power was supplied.
According to him, those on Band A are enjoying up to 18 to 20 hours power supply daily, while others are left to suffer.
“Those on Band A are enjoying regular power supply while others are left to suffer, are we not Nigerians like them?.
“Government should find a way of providing reliable and steady power supply to all Nigerians and the tariff should be uniform not satisfying some and leaving others,” he said.
Mrs. Ufuoma Ifeta, residing in Kubwa, suggested that the price of electricity should be reviewed downward to create an equal tariff for all consumers.
Ifeta said that the issue of Bands where some got power supply for close to 20 hours a day and others don’t get for more than two to five hours should be looked into.
“If we place everyone on an equal, affordable rate, people will still pay based on the number of units they consume,” she said.
Mr. Joseph Akhere, a civil servant also residing in Kubwa, said that government should focus on ways to provide reliable power supply to electricity consumers.
According to him, if power supply is regular people will gladly pay for it .
He said that instead of concentrating only on those on Band A, electricity should be made to go round every household in the country.
Mrs. Titilayo Olowu, who resides at Dutse, noted that if the government decided to move all consumers to Band A, the supply of power should be stable and consistent.
Olowu said that whatever Band anyone found himself, government should ensure that the infrastructure was in place for stable power supply.
Mr. Gilbert Akpan, also residing in Dutse, said that consumers on other Bands were really suffering due to lack of constant power supply.
Akpan suggested that government should stop the preference given to consumers on Band A and give electricity to all its citizens with a uniform tariff.
Under the existing framework, Band A customers, who are guaranteed 18 to 20 hours of electricity, daily pay ₦209.5per kilowatt-hour (kWh), while Band B customers pay ₦63 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
In the heart of Nigeria’s last remaining rainforests, a growing crisis is unfolding.
Elephants
Once revered as symbols of nature’s majesty, elephants in the Mbe Mountains of Cross River are now seen as threats by local farmers.
Their increasingly frequent crop raids are pushing already struggling communities to the brink.
In communities such as Bamba and Butatong, wild elephants have destroyed farmlands, economic trees, and crops worth millions, with reports of human casualties.
Conservation groups argue that a major factor behind these invasions is habitat losses in parts of the Cross River National Park, forcing elephants to encroach on human settlements.
Hence, they have advocated for alternative livelihoods, such as beekeeping and livestock farming, to help reduce human-wildlife conflicts.
In response, the House of Representatives recently called for collaboration with Cameroon to manage the situation, while NEMA has been urged to provide relief for affected communities.
During a recent debate, Mr. Victor Abang, who represents the Boki/Ikom Federal Constituency, revealed the dire situation.
He stated, “Between Jan. and Feb. 2025, wild elephants from the Okwangwo Division of Cross River National Park and Cameroon’s Takamanda National Park invaded farms in Bamba, Butatong, and other communities around the Mbe Mountains.
“Their rampages destroyed farmlands worth millions of naira and reportedly led to loss of lives.”
While conservationists work tirelessly to protect these endangered giants, frustrated farmers are demanding urgent action.
Many fear that, without swift intervention, desperate locals may resort to self-defence, escalating tensions and endangering both humans and elephants.
Building on this information, a correspondent visited several affected communities around the Mbe Mountains in Boki Local Government Area.
The Mbe Mountains, covering approximately 85 square kilometres, serve as an important wildlife corridor between two national parks, home to critically endangered species such as the Cross River gorilla, chimpanzees, and elephants.
However, many of the surrounding communities lack basic amenities such as electricity and potable water.
They rely on boreholes installed by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and other charitable organisations, but these are grossly inadequate.
This once-pristine landscape faces increasing threats from unchecked logging of ebony, mahogany, and other valuable woods, driven by both state and non-state actors.
Agricultural expansion and poaching with wire snares and shotguns further exacerbate the crisis.
Nine communities: Abo Mkpang, Abo Obisu, Abo Ogbagante, Kayang I, Kayang II, Wula Ekumpou, Wula Mgba Esour, Bukalum, and Bamba, are at the heart of this conflict.
With a combined population of roughly 10,000, they depend heavily on farming, yet many now find their livelihoods destroyed.
“We’ve always had these raids, but recently, they have become worse,” said Kingsley Obua, a resident of Bamba, the hardest-hit community.
He added that, in 2023, two people: Mr. Eugene Ekwo and Mr. Simon Ewa, were killed in elephant attacks, warning that action must be taken before the situation spirals out of control.
In Wula I, Chief Damian Aria, the Village Head and a key member of the Conservation Association of Mbe Mountains (CAMM), confirmed that they have received numerous complaints from farmers about elephant raids.
“We have investigated these reports, and they are true. When elephants enter a farm, it looks as if a bulldozer has passed through. However, we have not received reports of them killing anyone,” Aria said.
A report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) revealed that elephants require between 90 and 270 kg of food and 50 to 100 gallons of water daily, depending on the temperature.
In the past, the forests provided these resources, but widespread deforestation has wiped out many fruit-bearing trees, forcing elephants to seek food and water in community farms.
In fact, Dr Peter Oko, an environmental scientist at the University of Calabar, explains that forests serve as watersheds, but excessive logging disrupts them.
“When this happens, both food production and water availability decline, forcing wildlife to move into human territories.
“The problem is worsened by climate change and prolonged dry seasons, as many rainforest streams are fast drying up, leaving the Okorn River, which demarcates the national park from community farmlands as one of the only remaining water sources.
“Elephants, desperate for water, now cross from the park into farmlands more frequently,” he said.
According to Isaac Bessong of the Boki Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, elephants cross the Okorn River to raid crops in Bamba between February and April.
Bessong insists that they then shift to Abo Mkpang and Bokalum from May to September, causing losses in the hundreds of millions.
He warns that financial strain on farmers is pushing some toward retaliatory killings.
Conservationists report that at least seven elephants were killed in the Okwangwo-Takamanda landscape in 2024 due to crop raids.
Given that the region’s elephant population is estimated at just 74, according to the latest African Elephant Status Report, this is a concerning trend.
Similarly, Dr Inaoyom Imong, Director of Cross River Landscape at the WCS, argues that elephant incursions are largely due to human encroachment on their historical ranges.
“When the park was established, a buffer zone separated it from community farmlands, reducing human-wildlife conflict.
“However, these buffer zones have been overtaken by farmlands, leaving no protective space between the park and communities.
“As we face increasing deforestation from illegal logging and unsustainable farming practices, elephants struggle to find food and water, forcing them to venture into community farms”.
Imong also revealed that political unrest in south-western Cameroon has left weapons in the hands of militants who hide in the forests, including Takamanda National Park.
He suspects these agitators are poaching elephants for meat and ivory to fund their conflicts, driving more elephants into Nigerian territory and increasing crop raids.
While conservation groups like WCS and the Elephant Protection Initiative are working to address the issue, urgent government intervention is necessary.
Stakeholders stress that the National Elephant Action Plan (2024–2034) must go beyond paperwork and be fully funded and implemented.
According to them, government visits, such as that of Boki Local Government Chairman Mrs. Beatrice Nyiam, are insufficient.
They opined that concrete action is needed, including expanding buffer zones, promoting sustainable farming, improving infrastructure, and enforcing wildlife protection laws.
Overall, without urgent intervention, Cross River could lose its last elephants, and local communities will continue to suffer. Immediate action is needed from all stakeholders.
The Women Miners in Nigeria (WMIN) has called for strict compliance to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as mandated by law for mining companies before they begin operations.
National President of the Women Miners in Nigeria (WMIN), Mrs. Janet Adeyemi
National President of the association, Mrs. Janet Adeyemi, made the call in an interview on Sunday, April 6, 2025, in Abuja.
“Before any mining activity begins, companies should be made to submit an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as mandated by law.
“This will help in addressing environmental pollution in mining communities across states in Nigeria,” Adeyemi said.
She affirmed that though the laws governing the mining sector were extensive, different regions, however, had their unique challenges, particularly in complying with EIA regulations, especially with illegal miners.
“Enforcement is a major problem, especially with illegal miners. Many illegal operators work without any form of coordination.
“The only solution is to continue enforcing regulations and educating people on the devastating effects of illegal mining on the ecosystem.
“The government must ensure strict enforcement and impose heavy sanctions on those caught violating the laws,” she said.
Adeyemi added that companies should also provide an Environmental Sustainability Governance (ESG) report, which covers broader sustainability factors alongside the EIA report.
According to her, to strengthen environmental protection, Nigeria should adopt a framework similar to America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) to enhance the resilience and safety of its water systems against pollution caused by mining activities.
“We should adopt AWIA certification in Nigeria to promote responsible mining. It is essential because the consequences of mining can be devastating,” Adeyemi stressed.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has urged the new Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) management to activate “Petroleum Products Passport” to secure petroleum products.
Dr Billy Gillis-Harry, PETROAN’s National President
Dr Billy Gillis-Harry, National President of PETROAN, made the call on Sunday, April 6, 2025, in an interview in Abuja, while reacting to the new development in the sector.
The Petroleum Products Passport refers to the document containing detailed and crucial information about the origin, quality and specification of a petroleum product being traded.
PETROAN urged the NNPC Ltd. to adopt activation of the petroleum products passport platform to ensure that every product lifted by petroleum tankers was utilised and accounted for.
Gillis-Harry, while listing some critical areas for the new NNPC Ltd. management, said it should focus on activation of that platform which was being used by some marketers but not nationally used.
“We are looking forward to ensuring that the petroleum products passport platform is activated for national use to ensure safety of tankers.
“The key benefits of this technology include protection of petroleum tankers and products being lifted from depot to fuel stations.
“It ensures that products are secured, safe and received at their destinations without being hijacked or smuggled,’’ Gillis-Harry said.
He further urged the new NNPC Ltd. management to think out of the box and produce an extra one million barrel of crude oil per day for domestic refining and guarantee feed-stock to local refineries.
On the transparency and communication system of the NNPC Ltd., Gillis-Harry described it as a public company owned by all Nigerians, emphasising on the need for Nigerians to know its proceedings to build trust and courage.
“The industry already has what is called the Petroleum Industry Stakeholders’ Forum; that forum has the role to shape the industry, and should be sustained.
“All the refineries under the NNPC Ltd. should be looked into quickly for efficient repair to boost oil production.
“There should be a consultation forum with retail outlet owners to ensure that prices are not arbitrarily fixed,’’ he said.
Gillis-Harry, while congratulating the new leadership, described the new GCEO and board Chairman as seasoned professionals and a square peg in a square hole.
President Bola Tinubu had on April 2 announced the appointment of Mr. Bayo Ojulari as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC Ltd. and Ahmadu Kida as non-executive Chairman.
The Tinubu administration targets raising oil production to two million barrels daily by 2027 and three million daily by 2030.
Concurrently, the government wants gas production jacked to 8 billion cubic feet daily by 2027 and 10 billion cubic feet by 2030.
Furthermore, President Tinubu expects the new board to elevate NNPC’s share of crude oil refining output to 200,000 barrels by 2027 and reach 500,000 by 2030.
