The Nigerian government says it will save N10 billion during the 11 days of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November 2024.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, briefing State House correspondents on Tuesday in Abuja
Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action (SPEC), Ajuri Ngelale, made this known on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at the State House Abuja while briefing journalists on measures the government is deploying to cut down the cost of governance.
Communicating President Tinubu’s directives, Ngelale said the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), in collaboration with the Office of Envoy on Climate Action, has resolved that there will be no showcase pavilion. He was accompanied by the Director General of NCCC, Nkiru Maduekwe.
Ngelale said: “The team decided to deploy the on-site delegation office which would only cost 10 per cent of $500,000 expenditure incurred on the COP28 showcase pavilion. This would also achieve the same set of results in an economically efficient mode.”
He said that this would no longer be part of the COP29 expenditure.
Speaking further on the partnership between the NCCC and the office of the Envoy on Climate Action, Ngelale added that the climate action offices have jointly established the climate accountability and transparency portal, which would facilitate easy capturing of COP29 delegates from across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) including the legislative members.
“So, ahead of COP29, the Nigerian government has decided not to set up a showcase pavilion as part of its cost reduction strategy. Instead, it will utilise the on-site delegation office within the conference complex, which is a more economically efficient option.
“This decision eliminates the nearly $500,000 expenditure on the showcase pavilion from COP28. The delegation office, used for bilateral and other meetings, will cost less than 10% of the previous pavilion’s cost.”
Ngelale emphasised that the aim is to ensure that delegates on government sponsorship have economic imperatives to the conference, multilateral partners and stakeholders thereby attracting finance and opportunity into Nigeria for the benefit of citizens.
He further disclosed that the audit of COP28 which revealed significant expenditures incurred for the provision of platforms that have proven to be wasteful, have now been eliminated.
Furthermore, Ngelale affirmed that the Nigerian Climate Action team would ensure that wasteful platforms that gave rise to consultancies and sub-contracts for technological provision would all also be eliminated.
He explained that “wasteful expenditures from COP28, including consultancies and subcontracts for lighting and technology, have been eliminated. These services can now be provided directly by the Secretariat of the National Council on Climate Change. With the introduction of the climate accountability and transparency portal and a significant reduction in expenditure items identified in the COP28 profile, the government projects savings of over N10 billion for the 11-day event in November.
“This is the change that Nigerians have asked for. This is the change that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is giving to them. Furthermore, we ensure that we are not getting involved in high-end purchases of pavilion spaces at a time when our people are grappling with economic difficulty.”
Ngelale stressed that President Bola Tinubu would continue to ensure that Nigerians have confidence in all its activities following consistent comprehensive audits of events
“COP29 marks the beginning of a new phase, emphasising that the President would continue to ensure that Nigerians have confidence in all future activities.
“Comprehensive audits have been conducted to address past mistakes, with a commitment to resolving them,” he added.
As the world celebrated World Mosquito Day on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, scientists have introduced a revolutionary technology that could conserve mosquitoes instead of killing them while eliminating some of the diseases transmitted by mosquitos.
Dr Willy Tonui
Known as gene drive technology, this innovative approach promises to eliminate malaria, one of the diseases that is transmitted by mosquitos, without harming the mosquito population – a crucial aspect that could make this solution both effective and environmentally sustainable.
The Chairman and Executive Director at Environmental Health Safety (EHS Consultancy Ltd) and the Founder Head African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium, Dr Willy Tonui, stated this in Abuja at a workshop on expanding awareness and understanding of genetic bio-control in Africa.
Dr Tonui said that Gene drives have been successfully tested in laboratory settings to reduce mosquito fertility and spread resistance genes against the malaria parasite.
He further stressed that there are field trials and pilot studies underway to test the effectiveness and safety of gene drives in real-world environments.
“The innovative technology aligns perfectly with this year’s World Mosquito Day 2024 which is ‘Reaching the zero-malaria target’ because the technology is offering a sustainable and environmentally conscious solution to eliminate malaria, a disease that still claims hundreds of thousands of lives each year.”
“As of 2022, there were an estimated 608,000 global deaths due to malaria. This represents a slight decrease from the previous year but still highlights the ongoing impact of the disease, especially in high-burden countries. The majority of these deaths occurred in Africa, where the disease burden is highest.”
According to Dr Tonui, this is a major breakthrough because traditional methods of controlling malaria have heavily relied on insecticides and mosquito nets, aimed at either killing the mosquitoes or preventing them from biting humans.
The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has said that its 2024 annual conference will be held in Kogi State on Thursday, October 3.
Maureen Chigbo, GOCOP President
A statement by the Publicity Secretary of GOCOP, Sir Remmy Nweke, quoted the 2024 Conference Planning Committee Chairman, Danlami Nmodu, and Secretary, Mr. Olumide Iyanda, to have said that the event, the 8th in the series, will be the first time a state will be hosting the conference.
The theme, “Nigeria: Tackling Insecurity, Power Deficit, and Transitioning to Digital Economy,” was informed by current security and power deficit challenges facing the nation.
A prominent technocrat versed in the dynamics of power management, from generation through transmission to distribution will deliver the keynote, while two guest speakers with expertise in digital economy and security value chains respectively have confirmed their attendance, the statement said.
Previous speakers at the annual GOCOP conference include Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, who delivered the 2019 lecture on “Economy, Security and National Development: The Way Forward”.
In 2021, Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, keynoted the Conference in his capacity as Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19. He spoke on: “Post Covid-19 Pandemic: Recovery and Reconstruction in Nigeria”.
In 2022, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), delivered the keynote titled “2023 Elections: Managing the Process for Credible Outcome.”
The 2023 edition which held in Abuja had the theme, “Nigeria: Roadmap for Socio-Economic Recovery and Sustainability”, was chaired by Professor Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), while Professor Uche Uwaleke, a Professor of Capital Market, delivered the keynote.
Advanced preparations have been made to ensure that the 2024 event is a success. More details about the 2024 Annual GOCOP conference would be made public as the event draws nearer, the statement said.
A leading academic has identified the targeted investments in education by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Joint Venture as a catalyst for addressing Nigeria’s energy challenges.
L-R: Director, NNPC/SPDC JV Centre of Excellence in Environmental Management and Green Energy, University of Nigeria, Professor Anene Moneke; Head, Corporate Relations Nigeria, and Director Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Igo Weli; and former Vice Chancellor, University of Nigeria, Professor Charles Igwe, during a visit to SPDC management in Port Harcourt, Rivers State… recently
Professor Anene Moneke, Director of the NNPC/SPDC/TotalEnergies/NAOC Joint Venture Centre of Excellence in Environmental Management and Green Energy (CEMAGE) and holder of the NNPC/SPDC JV Professorial Chair in Environmental Management and Control at the University of Nigeria, made the observation during a visit to SPDC’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday, August 15, 2024.
Accompanied by Professor Charles Igwe, the university’s immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Professor Moneke emphasised the pivotal role of the Centre in developing sustainable energy solutions and commended SPDC’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and environmental sustainability, highlighting the immediate and long-term benefits for the country.
The SPDC-operated joint venture established the Centre of Excellence of in Environmental Management and Control (CEMAC), and later the Professorial Chair in Environmental Management and Control now upgraded to the NNPC/SPDC JV Centre of Excellence in Environmental Management and Green Energy (CEMAGE) to equip the next generation of Nigerian leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle the nation’s energy crisis.
“The introduction of the Green Energy programme in the Centre, will further position it to play a pivotal role in proffering sustainable energy solutions,” Professor Moneke said, adding that SPDC’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and environmental sustainability will yield immediate and long-term benefits for the country.
The delegation expressed gratitude for SPDC’s decision to upgrade the Professorial Chair to the Centre of Excellence, recognising the positive impact on the university and the wider community. The Centre, established with a $1 million SPDC-funded building in 2014, will now offer postgraduate programmes in Environmental Management and Green Energy, thanks to increased funding from the joint venture.
Since its inception in 2021, CEMAGE has achieved significant milestones, including the production of 22 doctorates, 37 master’s degrees, and 13 postgraduate diplomas. The Chairholder and research team have published five journal papers and conducted three critical habitat assessments for SPDC.
SPDC Director and Country Head of Corporate Relations, Igo Weli, who received the delegation, emphasised the company’s commitment to developing Nigerian leadership.
“Nigeria urgently needs strong leadership, and we believe academia can play a vital role in this area,” he said.
SPDC’s support for education extends beyond CEMAGE, encompassing scholarships, infrastructure development, and industry experience opportunities for students and lecturers.
SPDC’s broader support for education, including scholarships and infrastructure development, is seen as a catalyst for positive change.
August 2024 marks a new turning point for African Meteorology Centres as the African Union through the Intra-ACP Climate Service and Related Applications (ClimSA) programme sends out a team of experts for the verification of the service delivery of the freshly deployed and installed climate infrastructure in Kenya.
Harsen Nyambe Nyambe, Director of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy at the AUC
The verification team comprises AUC staff led Dr. Jolly Wasambo, AUC-ClimSA Programme Coordinator, together with the experts from Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD), Institute for Meteorological Training and Research (IMTR) and IGAD Climate Prediction and Application Centre (ICPAC).
The deployment of these ClimSA and PUMA Stations infrastructure is expected to support all African Union ClimSA programme beneficiaries with capabilities to retrieve, process and visualise weather and climate datasets for the generation and delivery of reliable and timely climate information services needed by decision-makers to adapt to the impacts of climate change, manage risks associated with extreme weather events, and make long-term plans that take climate change into account.
The equipment installation and training commence in Kenya and will continue to the rest of Africa until 2025. The National Meteorological Services, Regional Climate Centres and the Regional Training Centres will be trained on the use of the infrastructure, administration and maintenance of the system as part of a sustainable measure. The training will also include Training of Trainers to pass down the knowledge to other experts from AU member States.
The European Union is providing both financial and technical support through the Intra-ACP Cooperation – 11th European Development Fund (EDF) and the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission, respectively.
Tecnavia SA (the contractor), with the support of the JRC and the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), is contracted by the AUC to supply, deliver, and install the infrastructure, as well as to deliver training on the infrastructure. Both the Climate Station (developed by JRC) and the PUMA Station (developed by EUMETSAT) have evolved over a long period of time, while considering emerging environmental and climate challenges, as well as socio-economic development needs of Africa.
The AUC as a continental body has facilitated this coordination and installation verification.
Harsen Nyambe Nyambe, Director of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy at the AUC, observed that “the infrastructure will enable AU member States and the African continent as a whole to develop and provide timely, science-based and sector-specific climate information for decision-making, development and adaptation planning, and overall climate-informed action”.
“This verification, therefore, is critical for the AUC to ensure that the contractor delivers services that are beneficial to Africa and compliant with predetermined specifications,” Nyambe remarked.
The beneficiaries of the ClimSA programme are the African Union Member States, Regional Climate Centres, and Regional Meteorological and Training Centres. As part of the contract agreement signed between AUC and Tecnavia SA on November 26, 2023, the verification ensures that all hardware and software specifications and related services (including training) meet the requirements of the agreement. Its success is the first milestone on the way to deployment of the climate infrastructure to the Member States.
The socio-economic benefit expected from the infrastructure are numerous and some of which include: efficiency in climate observation on regional and national levels; efficient numerical prediction; enhanced expertise in furcating; and improved forecasting and support for timely national decision making and action.
Communities benefit from reliable and timely weather and climate information, among others, include: climate-informed decision-making and action; safety of life, property and infrastructure; sustainable and secure livelihoods; safety in transport (at sea, land and in air); communication; sustainable energy planning and use; sustainable agriculture and food security; tourism; development of the climate policy and environmental protection.
The Sustainable Education and Livelihoods Foundation (SELF), in keeping with its objective of empowering communities by enhancing access to and raising awareness of preventative health services, has announced plans to implement a health and well-being programme in Pella.
The Sustainable Education and Livelihoods Foundation (SELF) during a medical outreach programme in Adamawa State
This gesture, according to SELF’s Executive Director, Hyellagiziya Naiwa Fakuta, reflects her organisation’s ongoing dedication to improving people’s quality of life by empowering and building local relationships. It also symbolises a watershed moment in her group’s efforts to address the vital health requirements of citizens.
The politician, who is now a human rights campaigner, stated that her organisation’s work with Pella Women in Health Primary Health Care Centre illustrates their commitment to ensuring the best use of existing healthcare facilities in the country.
Pella, like many other communities in Nigeria, is confronted with several health issues. Thousands of lives are lost each year as a result of a lack of access to basic health services, proper awareness of preventive measures, and inadequate healthcare delivery. Fakuta revealed that these problems influenced the programme’s design, with the hope that these efforts will bridge current gaps and equip individuals to take steps that improve their health and overall well-being.
She went on to say that it was also meant to complement various government and development partner initiatives aimed at accelerating the provision of sustainable health and advancing the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 3), which calls for ensuring that everyone in the state and beyond has access to good health and wellbeing.
“We are at a tipping point in our history when it comes to addressing our people’s critical health needs. This life-saving effort, we believe, will have an impact on the national health landscape as well as the Pella community’s future,” Fakuta, who contested for the Federal House of Representatives in Adamawa State during the 2023 elections, said.
To achieve this goal, she urged everyone to continue to uphold the values that promote sustainable living, embrace the spirit of care, support one another, invest in humanitarian efforts that foster healthier, more resilient communities, and harness the power of collaboration and determination to drive positive change and set precedent for responsible stewardship in the country’s health sector.
“At SELF, our motto, “Dare to Care,” embodies our commitment to go beyond the norm and actively engage in meaningful humanitarian service,” SELF’s executive director asserts.
When asked why his organisation opted to support the initiative, Pharm Jesse Chidama, founder of the Jesse Chidama Care Foundation, hinted that it was because of the influence that SELF has exhibited in the state and beyond.
“I have been following the work of the Sustainable Education and Livelihoods Foundation (SELF) closely and have witnessed the significant impact it has on the lives of our people, especially the youth,” he said.
In the same spirit, another collaborator, Dr. Emmanuel Musa, president of the Emnamu Foundation, disclosed that his organisation chose to partner with SELF on this medical outreach because of their proven expertise, strong community engagement, and shared commitment to improving healthcare access and education.
As a result, he encouraged all members of this community, particularly women and young people, to take advantage of the life-changing programme to help create a healthier and more prosperous future for all.
“Together, we aim to maximise our impact and create lasting improvements in health outcomes for underserved communities,” he stated.
Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry for Kenya, Cabinet Secretary, Adan Bare Duale, says the African continent has not received sufficient financial and technical support to effectively implement, track and report on their current Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) even as countries are building momentum towards a new set of NDCs.
Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry for Kenya, Cabinet Secretary, Adan Bare Duale
Speaking when he officiated at the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN) COP29 Preparatory Meeting held from August 12 to 16, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya, Duale said the lack of clarity on the amount of current and future funding, capacity building and technical support required to implement NDCs undermines the transparency of support framework under the Paris Agreement.
“As countries are building momentum towards a new set of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the African continent has not received sufficient financial and technical support to effectively implement, track and report on their current NDCs,” said Duale.
“We also lack clarity on the amount of current and future funding, capacity building and technical support required to implement our NDCs. This vagueness undermines the transparency of support framework under the Paris Agreement and should be prioritized in the upcoming negotiations,” he added.
Duale reiterated Africa’s climate-induced socio-economic challenges and outlined the continent’s priorities for COP29 scheduled for Baku, Azerbaijan in November 2024.
“African countries have seen major droughts and floods; storms and cyclones have intensified and become more frequent, while the financial and technical capacity of the continent to adapt to climate change and increasing climate and natural hazards continues to be limited,” he said, adding that by 2050, negative climate impacts could cost African countries up to $50 billion annually.
“Our priority, therefore, is to increase the ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development, in a manner that does not threaten food production. A crucial and most urgent objective of this meeting is to prepare our common position paper for COP29. Firstly, finance will lie at the heart of climate diplomacy at COP29 as a critical enabler of climate action. Climate finance is flowing to the continent at an insufficient scale and in unequal directions. Securing a strong favourable finance deal at COP29 is therefore vital.”
Secondly, adaptation and loss and damage are another priority for Africa as climate impacts worsen. COP29 is a pivotal opportunity to prioritise adaptation and loss and damage and secure the necessary financial and technical assistance to close the adaptation finance gap.
AGN Chair and Kenya Climate Envoy, Ali Mohamed, who spoke at the meeting urged negotiators not to lose focus on Africa’s key priorities of finance and adaptation in the context of the continent’s sustainable development and poverty eradication agenda.
“As we deliberate, the bigger picture for us remains climate finance and adaptation as we strive to achieve our sustainable development objectives as a continent. It is clear that our development challenges, which include high poverty levels, poor access to energy, clean water, food security and primary health care amidst a debt crisis, are already being compounded by climate change. It follows therefore that finance is at the pinnacle of our challenges and must be addressed, even as we strive to meet our climate obligations,” he said.
The African common position for COP29 is envisaged to be presented to the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) and the Committee of African Heads of State on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) next month for consideration and adoption.
The common position includes elements that are considered a priority for Africa and for COP29, climate finance and adaptation rank top on the list.
Harsen Nyambe, Director for Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, African Union Commission, said: “Africa’s progress in achieving sustainable development hinges on its ability to tackle the climate crisis, which has a direct impact on the continent’s natural resource base. The African Union Commission is therefore keen to support and maintain Africa’s unity of purpose in climate conversations at a global level.”
Dr Rose Mwebaza, UNEP Africa Regional Director, said: “Africa’s unified position on climate finance, adaptation, and ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) reflects the continent’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development and resilience. The energy transition journey we embark on today is not just about shifting resources but redefining Africa’s future in a way that prioritises both people and the planet. UNEP looks forward to working with the Africa Group of Negotiators on Climate to enhance global support for a green inclusive climate resilient future.”
David Abudho, Regional Climate Justice Advisor, Oxfam in Africa, said: “In 2022, rich countries claimed that they over-delivered by reaching $115 billion of climate finance, but our analysis shows that only $35 billion was mobilised, less than a third of officially reported totals. Oxfam’s analysis shows that the reported figures are counted at face value instead of in grant equivalents, and they do not reflect the true financial effort of contributors. Climate finance continues to be dominated by loans (including a large share of non- concessional loans), contributing to the worsening debt crisis in many lower-income countries.
“Oxfam’s Climate Specific Net Assistance calculations therefore help ensure that the agreement on NCQG, to be adopted at COP29 in Baku later this year, does not repeat the mistakes of the $100 billion goal but instead enhances transparency and accountability over the actual effort undertaken by developed countries.”
Dr. Seif Hamisi, East Africa Director, Conservation International, said: “AGN is such an important voice in shaping the International Climate Regime under the UNFCCC. It is therefore important for the group to continue to use its strong position and voice to obtain the best possible outcomes for the people of Africa. As we go to COP29, we are keenly following key issues on the protection of natural resources in the African region and their importance to both climate change mitigation and adaptation. Of particular interest is the refinement of the rules guiding Carbon Markets under Article 6 and the implications for the region as well as the importance of leveraging natural climate solutions.”
Nihan Erdogan, Deputy Regional Director, International Organisation for Migration (IOM) East and Horn of Africa, said: “Despite contributing only about 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa faces disproportionate impacts from climate change, affecting habitability, human security, and livelihoods. This has led to diverse movements, from temporary and long-term displacement to internal and international migration and planned community relocations. Those unable to move, trapped populations, also face increased vulnerability. In East and Horn of Africa, climate change is already the leading cause for migration.”
Stakeholders and science journalists in West Africa have converged on Abuja, Nigeria, to exchange ideas and deliberate on the challenges and opportunities of genetic bio-control technologies.
Participants at the workshop organised by the African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium in Abuja
The event, organised by African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium, provides a platform for interaction among African experts and institutions to enhance opportunities for technical capacity strengthening, knowledge exchange and deliberation of genetic bio-control technologies.
In her opening remarks, the Director-General, National Biosafety Management Agency in Nigeria (NBMA), Dr Agnes Asabgra, said that the mission was to advance understanding of genetic bio-control technologies, which are innovations with immense promise for addressing critical challenges such as vector-borne diseases.
“As we delve into the complexities of gene drives, synthetic biology, and other emerging biotechnologies, we recognise the need for informed decision-making and robust oversight,” she said.
She said that the aim of the three-day workshop is to strike a balance between harnessing the benefits of these technologies and safeguarding the Africa ecosystems.
“As we embark on this journey, let us remain committed to transparency, collaboration, and evidence-based decision-making,” she stated, explaining that, “together we can shape a future where genetic bio-control contributes to a healthier, more resilient Africa.”
Project Manager, Population Health Sciences, the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, Washington, DC, Mr. Alex Sullivan, reiterated the organisation’s efforts at supporting scientists and journalists across the Africa continent.
He promised that the organisation would continue to support Africa in training and capacity building for scientists, regulators, communicators, and more, through efforts such as this workshop.
“I and my colleagues at GeneConvene are pleased to support this group of experts convened here to help continue building bridges between scientists and journalists in West Africa and the rest of the continent,” he said.
Stressing that the workshop plays a crucial role in helping experts and journalists to strengthen capacity building, Mr. Sullivan said that his organisation would continue to support efforts in this regard.
“I look forward to an exciting and productive workshop, and on behalf of GeneConvene, we look forward to continuing to support you all as we move forward with these efforts.
“I’m here on behalf of the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, an organisation based in Washington, DC, and an organisation that is home to the GeneConvene Global Collaborative. for those not yet familiar, GeneConvene is a collaborative entity established more than 20 years ago to support informed decision-making, offer technical information, advice, training, and coordinate research on gene drive and other genetic biocontrol technologies,” he explained.
According to him, these technologies, which can use genetic variants of a target species, like a disease-transmitting mosquito, to control its undesirable impacts, have the potential to greatly improve public health.
Mr. Sullivan said that decisions about these technologies that are effective and ethical require informed stakeholders capable of addressing these questions.
Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Editors Guild, Rosalia Omungo, said that the training would add value and critical knowledge for science reporters to enhance better understanding of science.
She also called for continuous training to promote quality, accurate and ethical reporting.
“We believe the training will add value and critical knowledge for science reporters in order to enhance better understanding on science.
“Continuous training to promote quality accurate and ethical reporting in the subject should be enabled for all journalists. It is my hope that by the end of the three-day gathering we shall “expand Awareness and Understanding of Genetic Biocontrol in Africa,” she said.
According to her, the consultative workshop on communicating the uncertainties associated with emerging biotechnologies could not have come at a better time of renewed deployment of technologies in Africa.
The Consultative Workshop on communicating the uncertainties associated with emerging biotechnologies is hosted by the African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium in collaboration with the NBMA.
The workshop brings together communicators, researchers, policymakers, and industry representatives across West Africa.
The Consortium was officially launched on November 30, 2020, by inaugural not-for-profit member organisations based in Africa.
The member organisations include the Africa One Health Network (AfOHNet), Africa Biological Safety Association (AfBSA), The Multilateral Initiative on Malaria (MIM), Network of African Science Academies (NASAC), Pan-African Mosquito Cont Association (PAMCA) and the GeneConvene Glo Collaborative (GeneConvene).
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
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)
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.
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.
