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Women in Energy congratulates Tinubu on NNPC Board appointment, seeks gender balance

Michael Simire
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Women in Energy congratulates Tinubu on NNPC Board appointment, seeks gender balance

The Women in Energy Network (WIEN) has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his recent appointment of a new board for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

Eyono Fatai-Williams
Mrs. Eyono Fatai-Williams, President, Women in Energy Network (WIEN)

In a statement signed by Mrs. Eyono Fatai-Williams, President, WIEN, the irganisation stated that the move brings on board a group of highly respected professionals to inject fresh perspectives and energy into the realisation of Nigeria’s national energy and economic aspirations.

According to WIEN, “this strategic reconstitution comes at a pivotal moment for the energy sector, one marked by transformation, diversification, and an ongoing transition toward sustainability.”

The statement reads: “WIEN is pleased to note the appointment of a new Group Chief Executive Officer and the constitution of an 11-member team, led by a non-executive chairman, to steer the direction of NNPC Limited. Additionally, the inclusion of six non-executive directors representing Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, as well as representation from the Ministries of Petroleum Resources and Finance, signals a broad-based approach to tackling the challenges facing the sector.

“These appointments, made in accordance with Section 59, Subsection 2 of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, are expected to enhance operational efficiency, restore investor confidence, increase local content, boost economic growth, and advance the commercialisation and diversification of gas resources. In light of the current economic challenges, particularly the foreign exchange squeeze and inflationary pressures, the need for effective leadership and strategic vision in the energy sector has never been more urgent.

“WIEN also acknowledges the significant progress these appointments represent within the broader framework of energy sector reforms. These reforms are crucial for attracting sustainable investments that will stimulate both oil and gas production and the development of local refining capacity.

“We specially thank Mr. President for the appointment of Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, to the board as the only woman in the 11-member board. We extend our congratulations to her and assure her of our full support.

“As we enter a new chapter under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Renewed Hope Agenda offers a transformative vision for Nigeria’s future. This vision emphasises creating opportunities for all Nigerians, particularly women, to thrive in every sector of the economy. It underscores the commitment to gender equality and inclusivity, recognizing the immense contributions of women across various spheres of society.

“However, while the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda are commendable, we at WIEN (Women in Energy Nigeria) are deeply concerned about the current composition of the newly appointed NNPC board. Despite the President’s progressive agenda for his administration, the board’s lack of sufficient female representation is a stark contradiction to the commitment of ensuring 35% gender representation in leadership positions, as outlined in his plan.

“This absence of women on the NNPC board not only perpetuates a gender imbalance but also fails to recognise the invaluable role that Nigerian women have played, and continue to play, in the energy sector. Women in Nigeria have consistently demonstrated excellence and innovation in energy-related fields, making significant contributions to the industry’s growth and development. Yet, their voices remain underrepresented in the key decision-making spaces.

“We urge President Tinubu and the administration to ensure that the principles of the Renewed Hope Agenda are reflected in every aspect of governance, particularly in the energy sector, where gender equity is not just an ideal but a necessity for sustainable development. It is vital that women are not only included but are empowered to lead at every level. This will not only enhance the industry but will also set a precedent for future generations, where equality in leadership is not merely aspirational but a reality.

“WIEN remains committed to advocating for the full inclusion of women in leadership and decision-making roles across Nigeria’s energy sector, and we look forward to continued dialogue and action in achieving this important goal.

“It is with this in mind that WIEN respectfully calls upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider the inclusion of qualified women in the NNPC Limited board and all boards within the Nigerian energy sector.

“We also urge the leadership of the National Assembly and other relevant government agencies to support the President in addressing this gender imbalance, ensuring that the full potential of Nigeria’s energy sector is realised.

“Nigeria is home to a wealth of female professionals in the six-geopolotical zones who have made exceptional strides across the energy value chain. WIEN stands ready to assist in identifying and recommending accomplished women who can contribute to the realization of the President’s objectives for NNPC Limited.

Together, we can achieve a more inclusive, dynamic, and successful energy sector for Nigeria. Again, we congratulate Mr. President on this bold and strategic move to reposition Nigeria’s energy sector not just for domestic reforms but also to place Nigeria in her rightful place in the international energy community.”

NAEC welcomes Bayo Ojulari’s appointment, congratulates new Board of NNPC Ltd

Michael Simire
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NAEC welcomes Bayo Ojulari’s appointment, congratulates new Board of NNPC Ltd

Highest body of journalists in the Nigeria’s energy sector, Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria (NAEC), has officially congratulated Engr. Bayo Ojulari on his appointment as the new Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC Ltd).

Bayo Ojulari
Mr. Bayo Ojulari, GCEO, NNPC Limited

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, announced the appointment of Ojulari and a new board for NNPC Ltd with a dissolution of the old board taking immediate effect.

Reacting to the news, NAEC in a statement signed by its Chairman, Ugo Amadi, welcomed Ojulari’s appointment, maintaining that the development would bring positive impact to the oil and gas sector in Nigeria given the new GCEO’s wealth of experience in the industry. 

“As Editors and correspondents reporting the sector, we look forward to having a robust working relationship with you and other members of your team with the hope of building a solid base for the development of the sector in the overall good of Nigeria. 

“As you build on the legacies of your predecessor, we once again congratulate you on this latest appointment, and wish you the very best as you settle down to your new task,” the statement read.

MRV: Stakeholders demand transparency to help local communities address climate change

Michael Simire
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MRV: Stakeholders demand transparency to help local communities address climate change

As Nigeria enters the second stage of creating its measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) framework, experts have reiterated the importance of openness, calling it a beacon of hope that can inspire climate action among rural people across the country.

NCCCS
Participants at the consultation workshop in Abuja, Nigeria, which was organised by NCCCS with assistance from the ICAT Initiative

Transparency, according to the stakeholders who emphasised its significance at a forum hosted by the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS) in Abuja to consult on the establishment of the Phase II MRV framework, would enable a complete and integrated MRV system that accurately tracks and reports emissions across all industries.

They went on to assert that it will also help the government track its progress towards its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) goals and achieve its obligations under the Paris Agreement.

“If we are to talk about climate finance, we have to talk about transparency, and if we have to talk about transparency, we have to talk about MRV systems,” Mr. Ibrahim Abdullahi Shelleng, the Senior Special Advisor to the President on Climate Finance and Stakeholders Engagement, stated.

The presidential adviser advocated for a standardised MRV system that includes people living in frontline communities to encourage them to adopt climate-change-related action. He also wants Nigeria to update its data and establish an institutional collection system.

Speaking on the objective of the workshop, Dr Bala Bappa, ICAT Country Coordinator, said it was to assist Nigeria in developing an MRV framework to support the nation’s NDCs under the Paris Agreement.

“A crucial aspect of this scoping mission was to engage stakeholders in creating a comprehensive MRV framework for the Industrial Processes and Product Use (IPPU) sectors, which was not included in ICAT Phase I’s priority sectors,” he hinted.

Dr Bappa explained that this technical support will empower the country to develop and implement a sectoral MRV system.

From Nigeria’s first Biennial Transparency Report in December 2024 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the highest-emitting sectors in Nigeria from 2000 to 2022 based on their gross emissions were LULUCF with 63%, waste with 99%, energy with 111%, agriculture with 75%, and IPPU with 947%. Citing these insights, an increase in CO₂ remained the highest GHG in Nigeria, with 70%, and methane, 25%, from 2000 to 2022.

The IPPU sectors in Nigeria cover the chemical industry, the metal industry, non-energy uses of products, the production and use of fluorinated products, and other industries. For tracking purposes of the data sources, experts say the activity level and emission factors will be used for each tier approach.

While in the mineral industry, where the production of cement, lime, glass, and other processes of carbonates and ceramics releases GHG emissions, the MRV system is set to have methodology for calculation and data requirements.

For private sector companies and civil society organisations (CSOs) stakeholders mapping, Dangote Industries Limited, BUA Group, Oxfam Nigeria, and Flour Mills of Nigeria were mapped based on the diagonal metrics.

While federal MDAs are in the horizontal metrics (Lagos, Rivers, and Kano MDAs; Ministry of Environment; and Bank of Industry), sub-nationals are in the vertical metrics for the LULUCF MRV systems review and national reporting.

According to the organisers, to decarbonise the cement industry in line with Nigeria’s updated NDC, the recommendations from the IFF in a report are alternative fuel, energy efficiency, substitution of clinker with alternative materials, and efficient cement use and alternative building materials (reducing the volume of concrete by using wood concrete composite to reduce 20% of steel for bridges). However, this does not require new cutting down of trees for wood-concrete composite.

The reason for gathering and reporting this data is to address MRV guidelines, the transparency pillar, the operational GHG implementation system, and the energy transition plan.

Under the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF), nations need to track and provide an emission inventory report on mitigation and adaptation and to track progress on the implementation of NDCs, which is usually used for global stocktaking.

By Nsikak Emmanuel Ekere, Abuja

World Water Day: International Breweries lauded for water conservation commitment

Michael Simire
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World Water Day: International Breweries lauded for water conservation commitment

International Breweries Plc (IBPLC), one of the world’s largest breweries with over 500 beer brands, has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability through innovative water conservation initiatives. In commemoration of World Water Day, the company hosted a series of activities across its four breweries, emphasising its dedication and leadership in responsible water management and environmental stewardship.

International Breweries Plc
L-R: Corporate Affairs & Regulatory Director, International Breweries PLC (IBPLC), Temitope Oguntokun; Sales Director, IBPLC, Nicholas Kade; Route to Market & Trade Marketing Director, IBPLC, Yvonne Onyejiaka; Managing Director, IBPLC, Carlos Coutino; People Director, IBPLC, Esther Ezenwoko and Procurement Director, IBPLC, Ogadimma Mordi, during the company’s World Water Day Celebration in Lagos

Reflecting on the company’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability, the Managing Director, IBPLC, Carlos Coutino, said: “Water conservation, and equitable access to water should be a basic right of all human beings because water is life and an invaluable resource.

“For us at International Breweries PLC, water is a vital resource in brewing, and we make deliberate efforts to conserve water. Understanding its importance, we have implemented industry-leading conservation practices, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and minimising our ecological footprint.”

To mark the 2025 World Water Day, IBPLC welcomed stakeholders to tours across its four breweries to witness, firsthand, the company’s advanced water conservation systems.

During remarks at the IBPLC’s Gateway Brewery tour, the Commissioner for Environment, Ogun State, Ola Oresanya, who was represented by Abayomi Hunpe, the Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA), noted that the physical inspections of IBPLC’s plant proved that the foremost brewer is doing great things around water conservation to ensure that it meets global standards.

“I want other companies to emulate what IBPLC is doing here. The company is striving as much as possible to meet the global standard in water conservation, as they celebrate World Water Day,” he noted.

At the Port Harcourt brewery of IBPLC, the Director, Ministry of Environment, Pollution Department, Joan Tenny-Igoma, expressed her delight for the company’s water stewardship.

“I was truly impressed by the plant’s commitment to water conservation. The water recovery machine is a testament to the fact that you not only value water, but also creatively utilize it to minimize waste. This is a shining example of responsible water management,” Tenny-Igoma noted.

Recognising that sustainability begins from within, IBPLC also organised a townhall session to educate employees on the company’s water conservation efforts. This session provided staff with valuable insights into IBPLC’s sustainability initiatives, empowering them to become advocates for water conservation within and beyond the organisation.

Beyond World Water Day, IBPLC has continuously demonstrated its commitment to sustainable water management. The company has donated solar-powered boreholes to several communities where it operates, including communities in Anambra, Rivers, Ogun, and Osun states. These boreholes provide potable, clean and reliable water sources, significantly improving the quality of life for residents in these regions.

This year, Logbara community in Ogun State received a donation of solar-powered borehole as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility.

International Breweries says it remains steadfast in integrating sustainable practices across its operations. From responsible sourcing of raw materials to pioneering brewing techniques, the company says it continually invests in technology and processes that enhance efficiency while minimising environmental impact.

“Through strategic partnerships, employee engagement, and community-focused projects, International Breweries Plc is leading the charge towards a more sustainable and water-secured future,” submitted the company.

International Breweries Plc (IBPLC) is a part of Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), the world’s largest brewer with over 500 brands. IBPLC is the producer of Trophy Lager, Trophy Extra Stout, Hero Lager, Castle Lite, Budweiser, Flying Fish Beta Malt, and Grand Malt, among other beverages.

“As part of a global brand, International Breweries has a dream of bringing people together for a Future with More Cheers through the building of great brands that stand the test of time using the finest natural ingredients,” the company stated.

Nigeria, UNIDO unveil $175m partnership for economic transformation

Michael Simire
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Nigeria, UNIDO unveil $175m partnership for economic transformation

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) have signed a $175 million Programme for Country Partnership (PCP).

UNIDO
Representatives of the Nigerian government and UNIDO at the signing

While signing the agreement on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Abuja, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, said that the programme was to accelerate Nigeria’s industrial development and economic transformation.

According to Bagudu, the initiative aligns with the government’s Agenda 2050, the National Development Plan, and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

“Through this partnership, we aim to enhance Nigeria’s industrial capacity, drive technological innovation, and promote sustainable growth.

“The total budget earmarked for the PCP 2024-2028 amounts to $174.585 million with a clear funding strategy.

“The government of Nigeria has committed a counterpart contribution of 14.3 per cent amounting to $24.965 million while UNIDO will mobilise the remaining 85.7 per cent, totaling $149.19 million,” he said.

Bagudu said that while Nigeria’s absorptive investment capacity ran into hundreds of billions of dollars, the PCP would catalyse private sector participation and broaden access to capital.

“Of course, the absorptive capacity of our economy is in hundreds of billions of dollars. But nevertheless, this cooperation will help catalyse our ability to absorb that investment and broaden the areas.

“This is particularly for the private sector that is well represented here, to take advantage of this and broaden access to capital internationally.

“The financial framework demonstrates government’s dedication to driving industrialisation while leveraging on international partnership to maximise impact,” he said.

According to the minister, the programme will strengthen industrial growth, create jobs and drive economic transformation.

He said that it would also support President the Federal Government’s bold economic reforms, which had repositioned Nigeria as a competitive economy.

He highlighted key economic reforms undertaken by the government, including the removal of oil subsidies, introduction of  rule-based foreign exchange system, and inauguration of a consumer credit programme.

“For a country of over 200 million people, consumer credit is essential to driving demand for locally manufactured goods.

“This will ensure that manufacturers, both small and big, can focus on efficiency rather than market absorption challenges,” he said.

Bagudu also emphasised Nigeria’s energy transition efforts, noting that the country is prioritising Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as cost-effective alternatives to petrol and diesel.

“We are committed to reducing industrial production costs through cheaper and more reliable energy sources.

“Our transition to CNG and LNG will make Nigeria’s manufacturing sector more competitive,” he stated.

The President of the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (MAN),  Francis Meshioye, said that PCP was a tool for implementation of the industrial component of the country’s national development plan.

According to Meshioye, over 1000 staff of manufacturing companies are experts operating within industrial zones and benefiting from the capacity-building component of the project.

He said that the organised private sector and manufactures would support by giving the needed resources to allow proper domestication of the methodologies.

“I would like to assure you of our readiness to respond positively and support you in the implementation of the key pillars of the programme,” he said.

By Nana Musa and Lucy Ogalue

Average person will be 16% poorer if world warms by 2C – Study

Michael Simire
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Average person will be 16% poorer if world warms by 2C – Study

A recent study by Australian researchers has found that global warming could affect wealth much more than we thought.

Dr. Timothy Neal
Dr. Timothy Neal of the University of New South Wales’s Institute for Climate Risk and Response led the study

The study, published on Monday, March 31, 2025, revealed that average income per person could drop by 16% globally even if global warming is limited to 2°C – far worse than previous estimates of a 1.4% decline.

The study, led by Dr. Timothy Neal from the University of New South Wales’s Institute for Climate Risk and Response, was published in Environmental Research Letters.

The study also found that even a temperature increase of just 2°C above pre-industrial levels could cut the average per-person GDP worldwide by 16%.

That’s much more than previous estimates, which suggested a reduction of only 1.4%.

Current projections indicate that global temperatures are likely to rise by at least 2.1°C, even if nations meet their short-term and long-term climate goals.

Integrated assessment models (IAMs), which are used to guide government investments in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, have been criticized for failing to accurately capture the risks posed by climate change.

These include extreme weather events and their potential impact on global supply chains.

The new research built upon one of these popular economic models by factoring in climate change forecasts and extreme weather events’ impact on global supply chains.

Dr. Neal stressed that earlier economic models failed to account for how extreme weather events affect global supply chains.

He said, “In a hotter future, we can expect cascading supply chain disruptions triggered by extreme weather events worldwide.”

This makes it imperative for economic models to consider these factors to accurately gauge how climate change could affect global economies.

Some economists argue that global losses from climate change could be offset by potential benefits in colder regions like Canada, northern Europe, and Russia.

However, Dr. Neal disagrees and asserts that global warming will affect all countries due to interconnected economies through trade.

This perspective challenges the notion of regional benefits from climate change and underscores its universal impact on wealth distribution worldwide.

Scientists now project temperatures will rise by 2.1°C even if countries meet climate targets, underscoring the urgent need for action. The findings suggest the economic benefits of ambitious climate policies have been severely underestimated.

With the cost of living a top global concern, transitioning to affordable renewables offers a double benefit – solar and wind power are now cheaper than fossil fuels, immediately reducing energy bills while also preventing longer term hits to income and productivity caused by global heating.

Prof. Frank Jotzo, a climate policy expert at Australian National University, who was not involved in the research, criticised IAMs for assuming that if climate change made an activity like agriculture unviable in one part of the world, increased output would come from elsewhere.

He said that this assumption contradicts what physical impact science and a nuanced understanding of interdependencies in the economy would suggest.

In a reaction, Anne Jellema, Executive Director of 350.org, says: “The cost of inaction on climate change is striking – both for our wallets and our future. Renewables like solar and wind are now the most affordable energy sources, offering stable prices, energy independence, and a path out of fossil fuel volatility.

“The evidence is irrefutable: clean energy isn’t just good for the planet; it’s a down payment on long-term prosperity and security for individuals, households and communities worldwide.”

Mark Lawrence, a climate risk researcher at the University of Adelaide, and a former financial risk manager, found the results of this new study credible.

He suggested that the economic impacts of climate change could be even worse than reported.

Lawrence also stated that “the potential economic benefits of urgent climate policy action have also been significantly understated,” highlighting an urgent need for immediate action against global warming.

‘U.S. disaster warnings, climate response jeopardised’ – House leaders debate Trump-Musk attacks on NOAA

Michael Simire
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‘U.S. disaster warnings, climate response jeopardised’ – House leaders debate Trump-Musk attacks on NOAA

Expectations are high as House Natural Resources Committee leaders on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, host an issues forum to discuss the escalating attacks on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) by the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s DOGE.

NOAA
NOAA

According to the Committee, the attacks jeopardise everything from disaster warnings and public safety to the stability of coastal economies and America’s ability to respond to the climate crisis.

Members of Congress in attendance include Rep. Jared Huffman, Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member, and Rep. Val Hoyle, Water, Wildlife, & Fisheries Subcommittee Ranking Member.

The Panelists comprise Mary Glackin, Retired NOAA official, American Meteorological Society; Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš, Founder and Executive Director, Azul; Elizabeth L. Lewis, Senior Associate Attorney, Eubanks & Associates, PLLC; and Sarah Schumann, Fisherman, and Owner/Principal Consultant, Shining Sea Fisheries.

On February 27, 2025, the Trump administration terminated over 800 NOAA employees, accounting for over 7% of its workforce. The public servants are said to be integral to life-saving operations such as severe weather forecasting, climate change monitoring, and fisheries management.

Observers describe the layoffs as reckless, as employees were notified via email that their positions would be terminated by the end of the day and given just one hour to leave the building. 
 
U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Democrats submitted: “Several National Weather Service offices were forced to suspend weather balloon launches due to staffing shortages, impairing the accuracy of weather forecasts. Several offices around the country have been forced to limit operations or close entirely while programmes in others have been drastically reduced or outright eliminated.

“A temporary restraining order was later issued, leading to the reinstatement of some NOAA employees. However, the future employment status of many remains uncertain, leaving NOAA’s capacity to fulfill its mission in jeopardy.​

“Dismantling NOAA is a central pillar of the extremist Project 2025 agenda – an effort to politicise science, silence experts, and hand over decision-making to Big Oil billionaires. Elon Musk’s DOGE is leading the charge, slashing life-saving services so they can steal from hardworking taxpayers and give more tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy. Scientists working to protect families from hurricanes, wildfires, and rising seas are being censored, intimidated, and purged – threatening the safety and well-being of every American.

“Natural Resources Ranking Member, Jared Huffman, has repeatedly sounded the alarm on Trump and Musk’s attacks on NOAA. Ranking Member Huffman and Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Subcommittee Ranking Member Val Hoyle previously led 13 Members of Congress in sending a letter to Vice Admiral Nancy Hann, then-acting NOAA Administrator, demanding answers on reports of President Trump and Elon Musk’s efforts to unlawfully dismantle NOAA. Ranking Member Huffman sent a similar letter to Chair Westerman urging him to use the Committee’s oversight authority to investigate Musk and DOGE’s infiltration of NOAA.”

NNPC welcomes new GCEO, board, experts react

Michael Simire
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NNPC welcomes new GCEO, board, experts react

The Management of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has welcomed the appointment of its new Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mr. Bayo Ojulari, and Board of Directors by President Bola Tinubu.

NNPC
Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited offices

Mr. Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., in a statement on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, appreciated the outgoing GCEO, Mr. Mele Kyari, and the former Board Members for their selfless and dedicated service to the company and nation.

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday approved a reconstitution of the NNPC Ltd. board, removing the chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure, and the GCEO, Malam Mele Kyari.

Tinubu removed all other board members appointed with Akinyelure and Kyari in November 2023.

The new 11-man board has Mr. Bayo Ojulari as the GCEO and Ahmadu Kida as non-executive chairman.

He said that Kyari’s leadership and tireless efforts had left an indelible mark on the NNPC Ltd.

“We are sincerely grateful for his outstanding contributions.

“We wish him and all departing Board Members continued success and fulfilment in their future endeavours.

Ojulari, the new GCEO, hails from Kwara State, and until his new appointment, was the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company.

His Renaissance recently led a consortium of indigenous energy firms in the landmark acquisition of the entire equity holding in the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), worth $2.4 billion.

Ojulari graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, worked for Elf Aquitaine as the first Nigerian process engineer to begin a stellar career in the oil sector.

From Elf, he joined Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd in 1991 as an associate production technologist.

Aside working in Nigeria, he worked in Europe and the Middle East in different capacities as a petroleum process and production engineer, strategic planner, field developer, and asset manager.

In 2015, he became the managing director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO).

During his career, he was chairman and member of the board of trustees of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE Nigerian Council) and a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.

Some experts have reacted to the development in an interview on Wednesday in Abuja.

An economist, Prof. Evans Osabuohien, has commended President Bola Tinubu for removing both the Chairman, Board and Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

Osabuohien, who is Head of the Economics Department at Covenant University in Ota, said on Wednesday that their removal was a welcome development.

Osabuohien said sacking the NNPC board would help to check sharp practices in the petroleum sector.

“The sacking of the NNPC board was a right step in the right direction,” he added.

The economist however stated that the move should not stop there.

“There is the need for a holistic probe of that sector,” he said.

Osabuohien said NNPC had been recording losses in the past two years when it became a private company.

He suggested that the Federal Government should make NNPC a public liabilities company so that there would be a board of directors which would be responsible to the public.

“This will make the sector vibrant and be contributing positively to the economy and generating employment opportunities in the country.”

Osabuohien also urged the Federal Government to look into the recent conflict between the NNPC and Dangote Group.

Mr. Olabode Sowunmi, an oil and gas expert, described the development as a calculated effort to put some life and energy into the oil and gas industry.

Sowunmi, CEO, Cabtree, described it as a welcome development.

He said that the NNPC Ltd. was a limited liability company with the Federal Government as its major shareholder.

“It is a calculated effort to put some life and energy into the industry.

“It is expected that this will mean new thinking, new focus and more results,” he said.

According to Sowunmi, even the proposed Initial Public Offer (IPO) which is targeted at listing NNPC in the stock market, will not have prevented Kyari’s removal, as he is a government appointee.

“The government can remove any government appointee at anytime,” he said.

Yushau Aliyu, an economic expert, said the changes were timely, especially when the IPO was underway.

“However, the IPO must be professionally determined by relating to the development in the oil market as well as the willingness of the general public.

“Investment potential with the economic growth targets of Nigeria 2030 should also be considered,” he said.

He said that the President was empowered by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021) to dissolve both the NNPC Ltd. board and the CEO.

Another expert, Dr Sand Mba-Kalu, said that Nigeria’s oil and gas sector needed stability and predictability, along with strict adherence to legal standards, to attract sustainable investment and encourage transformation.

According to him, the move represents a bold initiative within the larger framework of aiming to meet our national production and refining targets in the energy sector by 2027 and 2030.

Mr. Lawrence Nze, an economist, said that most of the policies introduced under Kyari never solved the challenges in the oil sector.

Nze said that the Naira-for-crude policy appeared not to be working since it had not resulted to any serious reduction in price.

According to him, Dangote Refinery was gradually achieving that with its slight reduction in ex-depot price which usually affects pump price, but suddenly, authorities in the oil sector cancelled it.

“To me, it looks like a sabotage against the people. Why can we not stop importation? It means that there is a deal that someone or group of people are benefiting from.

“It is not rocket science to get the energy sector working. Nigerians want cheaper petroleum products, is that too much to ask for?

“Only President Tinubu knows why he sacked Kyari, and whatever be the reason, Nigerians should have access to cheaper petroleum products, especially fuel.

“I will advise the president to ensure that the Naira-for-crude policy works in the country to enable local refineries operate on a cheaper scale,” he said.

By Emmanuella Anokam and Ige Adekunle

National Park advocates carbon reduction for climate action

Michael Simire
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National Park advocates carbon reduction for climate action

The National Park Service (NPS) has assured Nigerians of its ongoing efforts to mitigate climate change through carbon reduction.

Dr Ibrahim Goni
Dr Ibrahim Goni, the Conservator-General (C-G) of the National Park Service (NPS)

Dr Ibrahim Goni, the Conservator-General (C-G) of the NPS, made this commitment in an interview in Abuja on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.

The C-G stated that the approval for the establishment of 10 new national parks in the country would contribute to carbon reduction.

“The seven national parks provide a total area of vegetation of 20,000 square kilometres, and we are confident that it would sequestrate carbon by 4.8 million parts.

“This means that with the introduction of the new 10 national parks, carbon dioxide is going to be sequestrated.”

Goni further advised residents to engage in afforestation to reclaim lands that have been degraded due to erosion.

He commended the Federal Government for its efforts in carbon mediation and for planting 25 million trees to cushion the effects of climate change in the country.

Goni also expressed satisfaction with the federal government’s tree-planting efforts, describing it as a huge step towards conserving the country’s natural resources.

“In 2020, the federal government approved the establishment of 10 new national parks.”

The 10 new national parks are located in Alawa National Park in Niger State, Apoi and Edumenun National Parks in Bayelsa State, Galgore National Park in Kano State, and Hadejia Wetland National Park in Jigawa State.

Others are Kampe National Park in Kwara State, Kogo National Park in Katsina State, Marhi National Park in Nasarawa State, Oba Hill National Park in Osun State and Pandam National Park in Plateau State.

By Abigael Joshua

Nigeria’s water crisis: Beyond rising budget allocations

Michael Simire
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Nigeria’s water crisis: Beyond rising budget allocations

By many accounts, dearth of potable water has exacerbated economic challenges and fueled the spread of waterborne diseases like typhoid and cholera.

Prof Joseph Utsev
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reports a 220 per cent increase in suspected cholera cases in Nigeria in 2024.

With Nigeria’s population exceeding 200 million, only about two-thirds have access to clean drinking water services despite the country’s abundant water resources.

Analysts argue that beyond contributing to waterborne diseases, the lack of potable water has consistently affected school attendance and performance, especially in rural areas and urban suburbs.

The impact is particularly severe for girls, who are often responsible for fetching water.

Analysts argue that this could be a contributing factor to the high number of girls out of school in Nigeria, which UNICEF reports as 7.6 million girls.

The importance of potable water is undeniable, as highlighted in the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which aims to ensure universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030.

Achieving this will enhance public health, stimulate economic growth, improve education and social well-being and foster environmental sustainability.

Consequently, stakeholders and experts have emphasised the need for the government to allocate sufficient resources to ensure access to safe drinking water and sanitation, recognising them as fundamental human rights.

They assert that resources are necessary to address the acute shortage of water supply caused by ageing public water infrastructure, a shortage of essential water treatment chemicals such as alum and chlorine and an erratic power supply.

More so, international water politics cannot be go unheeded.

Report from the Global Water Forum indicates that water security has become a central feature of the global policy agenda.

“Climate change, population growth, and pollution are altering the distribution of water resources and the political control of these resources is becoming increasingly contested.

“These and other water security threats are a source of conflict not only within countries but across international boundaries.

“International water politics describes the interactions between governments, non-government organisations, researchers and other actors that determine how and whether water management issues are addressed,’’ the report said.

In Nigeria, reports indicate increasing budgetary allocations to the water sector to address the existing challenges, but stakeholders observe that many states still have aging water facilities, limiting the sector’s performance.

For instance, in the 2017 budget, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources received a total allocation of N92 billion, with N85.1 billion dedicated to capital expenditure.

In 2018, the allocation increased by 68.6 per cent, reaching N155.1 billion, with N147.2 billion designated for capital expenditure.

However, in 2019, the allocation dropped to N100.5 billion, but saw a slight increase in 2020 of 0.01 per cent to ₦100.6 billion. Since then, there has been a steady rise in the budget.

In 2023, President Bola Tinubu’s administration allocated N242.2 billion; in 2024, the allocation increased by 22.5 per cent to N296.64 billion.

By Martha Agas, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

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