The Sule Lamido University (SLU), Kafin Hausa in Jigawa State, has planted 1,000 assorted tree seedlings to mitigate the impact of climate change.
Tree planting
The tree planting campaign, tagged: “Greener SLU”, is being anchored by the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences (SMS).
This is contained in a statement by Mr Sadiq Lawal, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the university, on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in Dutse, the state capital.
The statement quoted the Dean of the Faculty, Dr Mustapha Hussaini, as saying that the gesture was aimed at enhancing green environment and vegetation in the university.
The don said the campaign was part of the faculty’s desire to impact on the university and the host communities.
While presenting a paper titled “The Need to Make SLU Greener: A paramount Tree Planting Campaign”, Dr Isma’ila Abdullahi, Head, Department of Geography, said that Nigeria’s climate and soil conditions created a favourable environment for natural trees to survive.
“Trees contribute to the country’s rich biodiversity and provide many benefits such as food and snacks, medicinal properties, shades and timber.
“Trees also, with their unique features and distinctive roles demonstrate the beauty and importance of Nigeria’s natural heritage,” Abdullahi was quoted as saying in the statement.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Muhammad Ibrahim-Yakasai urged the university community to plant trees in view of its importance towards desertification control.
“The programme goes in line with the Jigawa Government’s policy of making the state green through tree planting.”
The World Bank has urged states implementing the Sustainable Urban-Rural Water Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme to explore better approaches for the benefit of the people.
Ajay Banga, World Bank President
The $700 million programme is underway in Delta, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Katsina, and Plateau states.
Mr Vinay Vantukhur, World Bank’s Sector Leader, Sustainable Development Practice Group, made this call at a one-day Stakeholders Forum of the SURWASH programme in Abuja on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
The forum was in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.
He stated that the programme aims to provide basic drinking water services to six million people, improve sanitation services for 1.4 million people, and establish 500 open defecation-free communities.
Additionally, 2,000 schools and healthcare facilities are slated to receive upgraded WASH services.
Vantukhur noted that the current progress has been sluggish, emphasising the need for a different approach.
He encouraged stakeholders to take ownership of the implementation processes, noting the importance of innovation and exploring new strategies to achieve sustainable progress for the communities.
He highlighted the disparity between the set targets and the current achievements, underscoring the gap between goals and actual implementation.
Dr Nicholas Madu, Director of Water Supply and Support Services at the ministry, pointed out challenges facing the implementation of the SURWASH programme, noting a discrepancy between current investment and progress.
These challenges include; limited knowledge and capacity concerning programme implementation protocols, Interference from political leaders and frequent changes in critical appointments.
He also listed states’ insufficient prioritisation of WASH access due to inadequate funding, which didn’t align with Federal Government’s commitment and action plan.
Madu also stressed the importance of states and local governments taking ownership of public water infrastructure to ensure sustainability.
He noted the frequent breakdown and abandonment of water infrastructure projects, emphasising the need for proactive measures to address these issues.
Abdulhamid Gwaram, the SURWASH National Programme Coordinator, said the progress achieved in implementing the programme has been overshadowed by population growth, with investment not keeping pace.
Quoting from the WASHNORM 2021 report, he highlighted that only 18 per cent of Nigerians have access to safely-managed sanitation services, underscoring the urgent need for a change in approach.
Gwaram emphasised the wide-ranging implications of inadequate WASH services on national development, including economic losses, health impacts, stunted child development, poor education outcomes, and loss of dignity.
While acknowledging the commitment demonstrated by states towards the sustainable development and progress of the SURWASH programme, he called for renewed dedication to address these challenges effectively.
Goodwill messages from Ukeme Essien of WaterAid Nigeria, Jane Bevan of UNICEF Nigeria, and the representative of the Special Assistant to the President on Health emphasised the crucial role of partnership and intentional collaboration between government tiers.
They all underscored that effective and sustainable implementation of the SURWASH programme hinges on such partnerships.
The forum’s highlight was a discussion on the theme “SURWASH Programme 2022-2024: Which Way Forward,” during which participants deliberated on the challenges of accessing safe drinking water and sanitation.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) is convening global leaders for a Summit on Clean Cooking in Africa in Paris, France, where the body presented its annual study on the issue on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA)
More than 20 African countries are taking part in the meeting.
According to the IEA, nearly four in five Africans still cook their meals over open fires and traditional stoves, using wood, charcoal, animal dung and other polluting fuels.
This has impacts on health, gender equality and the environment.
According to the IEA study, the inhalation of hazardous smoke from cooking is the second leading cause of premature death among women and children on the continent.
They also miss out on opportunities for education and employment because of the time they have to spend collecting fuel.
Collecting fuel daily also exposed women to the risk of violence and assault.
Simple cooking methods using wood and charcoal often contribute to deforestation, according to the IEA.
The preferred solution for clean cooking is liquid gas, the agency says, followed by electric cookers and appliances such as rice cookers.
In rural areas without a reliable power supply, improved cookers using less fuel and producing less hazardous exhaust fumes could also be used as an interim solution.
The African Development Bank and the IEA hope to mobilise funds for increased investment in clean stoves, equipment and infrastructure.
It has the current annual figure of around €2.3 billion ($2.48 billion) to €7.4 billion this decade.
At the Clean Cooking in Africa summit, COP29 President-Designate, Mukhtar Babayev, joined Fatih Birol and other global leaders to forge paths toward universal Clean Cooking access.
“Together, we’re striving for a sustainable, equitable future,” said Babayev.
The Director-General of West African Health Organisation (WAHO), Dr Melchior Aissi, has called on ECOWAS member states to intensify efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) before the 2030 deadline.
Middle: The Director-General, West African Health Organisation (WAHO), Dr Melchior Aissi, flanked by members of WAHO Health Experts Committee at the 25th Assembly of Health Ministers (AHM) of ECOWAS Conference on Tuesday in Abuja
Aissi made the call on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in Abuja, at the opening of the Health Experts Committee Meeting of the 25th Assembly of Health Ministers (AHM) of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Conference.
The conference was organised by the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), a specialised institution of ECOWAS responsible for health issues.
The conference has “The Quality of Health Care in the ECOWAS Region, Determinants and Prospects” as its theme.
According to Joel, due to the 2030 deadline, pressure is mounting on all States in general and those of the ECOWAS region in particular to achieve the goals.
“This is in view of the progress made and the effective evidence of mechanisms and approaches capable of strengthening and amplifying the effects of our actions in the hope of achieving the expected results in the long term.
“The theme chosen for this 25th AHM is perfectly in line with the elements of analysis of this objective and is in good continuity with the theme of the 24th AHM.
“Indeed, in order to achieve the required quality in the provision of care, quality human resources for health must be available, apply and respect the norms and standards of quality established for care in all its forms.”
Aissi also tasked the experts to carry out a critical analysis accompanied by concrete solutions to comply with the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendation on breastfeeding up to the age of six months, which is one of the most effective ways of preserving health and ensuring child survival.
The Chairman of the health experts committee, Dr Chris Isokpunwu, said that the gathering was not only for them to represent their nations, but for them to serve as stewards of health and well-being for the people.
Isokpunwu, who is the Director, Health Planning, Research and Statistics at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, said that Nigeria, as one of the largest and most populous countries in the region, offers unique perspectives and challenges.
According to him, with a diverse landscape and a significant portion of the population residing in rural areas, it faces the ongoing task of ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare services across all communities.
He, however, said that the nation’s commitment to health was unwavering.
“This is evident in our National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which is designed to reduce physical and financial pains, and produce health for all Nigerians.
“National Health Insurance Scheme is being reorganised, aimed at expanding coverage and reducing out-of- pocket expenses for healthcare.
“However, we recognise that there is still much work to be done, particularly in addressing persistent issues such as maternal and child health, infectious diseases, and the emerging threat of non-communicable diseases.”
Isokpunwu urged the gathering to discuss strategies and forge partnerships that would reaffirm their dedication to the health and well-being of every individual in the region.
He said: “Together, through collaboration, innovation, and shared resources, we can overcome challenges, strengthen health systems, and build a brighter, healthier future for all West Africans.”
The ECOWAS Assembly of Ministers of Health (AMS) is a statutory body of ECOWAS where health authorities assess the health situation in the region and take harmonised decisions on current health issues.
It also makes recommendations to Member States on all matters of interest to the health of the community and beyond.
The meeting which is expected to bring together the Ministers of Health of ECOWAS Member States, Health Experts and Stakeholders began on Monday and will end on Friday.
President Bola Tinubu on Monday, May 13, 2024, endorsed the #WeAreEqual campaign for the advancement of gender equity and closing the gender gap in Africa.
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria
Tinubu approved the campaign during his remarks at the launch of #WeAreEqual campaign by the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) hosted by the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu.
Studies, he said, has consistently highlighted education as the cornerstone for national development.
He added that when girls are empowered to pursue their dreams, communities thrive, economies prosper, and nations succeed.
“The campaign will bring to realisation of the fact that the empowerment of women and girls is essential to achieving each of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
“I salute the commitment and dedication of the African first ladies, as members of OAFLAD, to advance gender equality and narrow the gender gap in opportunities and appointments across the African continent.
“This Campaign, spearheaded by your excellences, holds significant importance for us in Africa. I therefore congratulate you all. I particularly congratulate my dear wife, the first lady of Nigeria, who has chosen education as a primary tool to champion this campaign nationwide.
“I reaffirm my commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian child is excluded from quality education that prepares women and girls to lead and bring positive changes to our communities. It is now my honour to launch #WeAreEqual Campaign in Nigeria.”
The president also advised all Nigerians to carry forward the campaign, saying that it promises to gift an educated girl-child the potential to bring the necessary change and transformation in African communities for the better.
“I am aware that this campaign has been successfully launched in 15 other African countries, focusing on health, education, economic empowerment and gender-based violence. I am also delighted to learn of all the various initiatives that your excellences have embarked upon in your respective countries. I celebrate you all.
“The focus of the launch of this campaign in Nigeria, ‘Education as a Powerful Tool for Change’, is critical for Africa’s development, if we are to attain gender equity and ensure equal opportunities for all.
“We must continue to create opportunities for all our children to access quality education without leaving anyone behind, particularly the girl child. We must engender a society where everyone has the same opportunities, regardless of who they are.”
He said the #WeAreEqual campaign was timely following the reintroduction of the Alternative High School for Girls championing by the first lady.
“It is noteworthy that the launch of this laudable campaign in Nigeria came with the reintroduction of the Alternative High School for Girls by the First Lady.
“This initiative offers a second chance to young girls who have dropped out of school to further their education and fulfill their dreams and aspirations.
“I am happy to note that the foundation stone of one of the schools was recently laid in Osun State, in western Nigeria, by the first lady. More schools are underway across the country, supported by state governments, the federal government through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and other development partners.”
The president in his remarks also commended the OAFLAD members across Africa, the development partners, representatives from the civil society organisations and members of the diplomatic community.
The #WeAreEqual campaign is an initiative of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD).
It has been launched in 15 African countries in different nomenclatures, and focuses on health, education, economic empowerment, and gender-based violence.
Azerbaijan is looking forward to international cooperation in tackling climate change under COP29, said Yalchin Rafiyev, Deputy Foreign Minister, COP29 Chief Negotiator.
He made the remarks on Monday, May 13, 2024, during a workshop on capacity building in the preparation of biennial transparency reports.
“We recognise the interconnected nature of climate challenges and believe that by building cooperation and dialogue on a global scale, we can increase our international resources,” Rafiyev said.
He stressed that COP29 would create and leverage the conditions for dialogue, using Azerbaijan’s strategic location to ensure that the negotiations reflect global perspectives and can lead to a more comprehensive and inclusive outcome.
The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change will be held in the Azerbaijani capital Baku in November this year. The decision was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11, 2023. Within two weeks, Baku will become the centre of the world and will host about 70-80 thousand foreign guests.
In a related development, Abdulla Al Hammadi, COP28 Senior Negotiator for Transparency, is in Baku, Azerbaijan, this week for a training workshop hosted by COP29 presidency on building confidence and capacity in the preparation of Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs).
“Implementation of the UAE Consensus must be built on enabling trust and confidence in climate action. The submission of the first BTR is a cornerstone to ensuring that the Paris Agreement’s Enhanced Transparency Framework showcases how Parties are progressing in implementing mitigation, adaptation, and climate finance action to keep 1.5 and global climate resilience within reach. We urge all Parties to make efforts to meet the deadline to submit their first BTR,” COP28 Secretariat said in a post on X.
Soaring land prices, land grabs, and carbon schemes are creating an unprecedented “land squeeze”, threatening farmers and food production, reveals a comprehensive new report released on Monday, May 13, 2024, by the International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food).
Susan Chomba, IPES-Food expert
The report comes as land issues rise up the global agenda – with the World Bank holding a conference on “Securing Land Tenure and Access for Climate Action” in Washington DC this week, a recent World Bank report on net-zero in food systems calling for measures to reduce the conversion of forests to croplands, and as Brazil launches an agrarian reform policy “Terra da Gente” to allocate land for 295,000 families by 2026.
The study exposes the alarming escalation of land grabbing in various forms, including through “green grabs”, opaque financial instruments and speculation, rapid resource extraction, and intensive export crop production. Land around twice the size of Germany has been snatched up in transnational deals worldwide since 2000.
Major new pressures are emerging from “green grabs” for carbon and biodiversity offset projects, conservation initiatives, and clean fuels, the report highlights. Huge swathes of farmland are being acquired by governments and corporations for these “green grabs” – which now account for 20% of large-scale land deals – despite little evidence of climate benefits. Governments’ pledges for land-based carbon removals alone add up to almost 1.2 billion hectares, equivalent to total global cropland. Carbon offset markets are expected to quadruple in the next seven years.
This global trend of land grabs and green grabs is particularly affecting sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, while land inequality is growing fastest in Central-Eastern Europe, North and Latin America, and South Asia. Shockingly, 70% of the world’s farmland is now controlled by just 1% of the world’s largest farms.
As demand for land continues unchecked, the panel of experts says the “land squeeze” is inflaming land inequality and making small and medium scale food production increasingly unviable – leading to farmer revolts, rural exodus, rural poverty and food insecurity. With global farmland prices doubling in 15 years, farmers, peasants, and Indigenous peoples are losing their land (or forced to downsize), while young farmers face significant barriers in accessing land to farm.
IPES-Food calls for action to:
Halt green grabs and remove speculative investment from land markets;
Establish integrated governance for land, environment and food systems to ensure a just transition;
Support collective ownership and innovative financing for farmers to access land; and,
Forge a new deal for farmers and rural areas, and a new generation of land and agrarian reforms.
Susan Chomba, IPES-Food expert, Kenya, said: “Land isn’t just dirt beneath our feet, it’s the bedrock of our food systems keeping us all fed. Yet we’re seeing soaring land prices and grabs driving an unprecedented ‘land squeeze’, accelerating inequality and threatening food production.
“The rush for dubious carbon projects, tree planting schemes, clean fuels, and speculative buying is displacing small-scale farmers and Indigenous Peoples. In Africa, powerful governments, polluting fossil fuel companies, and big conservation groups are elbowing their way onto our land under the veneer of green goals, directly threatening the very communities bearing the brunt of climate change.”
Nettie Wiebe, IPES-Food expert, Canada, said: “Imagine trying to start a farm when 70% of farmland is already controlled by just 1% of the largest farms – and when land prices have risen for 20 years in a row, like in North America. That’s the stark reality young farmers face today. Farmland is increasingly owned not by farmers but by speculators, pension funds, and big agribusinesses looking to cash in. Land prices have skyrocketed so high it’s becoming impossible to make a living from farming. This is reaching a tipping point – small and medium scale farming are simply being squeezed out.”
Sofía Monsalve Suárez, IPES-Food expert, Colombia, said: “It’s time decision-makers stop shirking their responsibility and start to tackle rural decline. The financialisation and liberalisation of land markets is ruining livelihoods and threatening the right to food. Instead of opening the floodgates to speculative capital, governments need to take concrete steps to halt bogus ‘green grabs’ and invest in rural development, sustainable farming and community-led conservation. Bottom line, we’ve got to make some serious changes to democratise land ownership if we want to ensure a sustainable future for nature, food production and rural communities.”
The Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) and the Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) have described the somewhat hasty payment of compensation and other benefits to the illegally disengaged staff of Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) by the Lagos State Government as a peremptory move to stall the reversal of the unpopular decision and clamour for investigation of the finances of the corporation since 1999.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State
A statement by the LWC on Sunday, May 12, 2024, had hailed Governor Sanwo-Olu for settling the emoluments and thanking him for bringing succour to the Corporation by the payments of all emoluments for the period from August 2011 up to Oct, Nov, Dec 2016 and till date. Accrued rights (bond) of the Corporation retirees up to Dec 2022 was also allegedly settled.
But AUPCTRE and RDI said the House of Assembly has agreed to wade into the matter and would be meeting with the leadership of AUPCTRE in the state this week hence the Lagos governor should wait for the outcomes.
A petition by AUPCTRE, the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) included recommendation for a probe of the finances of the corporation that were allegedly mismanaged by successive management since 1999.
AUPCTRE Lagos State Chapter Secretary, Abiodun Bakare, queried the rush of the Lagos State Government in settling the emoluments when the issues at stake revolve around the breach of due process in laying off 391 staff.
“We have spoken and marched to the Lagos State House of Assembly to demand the reversal of the illegal sack and the House has promised to look into the matter. So why is the executive arm of the government jumping the gun through this action?” he demanded.
RDI Executive Director, Philip Jakpor, said: “The speed with which the state government settled the emoluments is surprising and seems more like trying to arm-twist everyone into accepting the illegal action.”
Jakpor maintained that the sack of the workers on the grounds of redundancy is illegal and illogical, insisting that the woes of the corporation have nothing to do with staff as the LWC is understaffed and the waterworks across the state undermanned.
“The tone of the LWC statement commending the governor for settling of the emoluments is celebratory and clearly exposes the determination of the promoters of privatisation in the highest quarters of government to press on with the failed privatisation models for which the sack of the staff was carried out.
The two organisations encouraged the House of Assembly to remain undeterred in its promise to address the issues to ensure innocent workers do not end up as scapegoats for the actions of individuals playing out a script which has an endgame which is privatisation of Lagos water services.
They also re-echoed their demands which was submitted in a petition to the Lagos State House of Assembly. It includes the unconditional reinstatement of all disengaged staff of the LWC; Probe of all the water contracts awarded in Lagos since 1999, blacklisting of identified contractors and recouping of all monies diverted, as well as a halt to the ongoing privatisation plans of water in Lagos and termination of all partnerships and collaborations that aim to foist water privatisation on the state.
Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa State says International Oil Companies (lOCs), particularly Shell Petroleum Development Company, have been responsible for the environmental degradation in the state.
Gov. Douye Diri with other delegates during the Annual Convention and Fund Raising of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) of the Americas, held in Houston, Texas
Diri disclosed this at the Annual Convention and Fund Raising of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) of the Americas, held in Houston, Texas, U.S., on Sunday, May 12, 2024.
The congress has “Ijaw-Nation: Nurturing Partnership through Symbiotic Relationships Towards Homeland, Social, and Economic Development” as its theme.
The governor specifically fingered Shell as a major culprit in the degradation of the Bayelsa environment.
“After waiting for several years for dialogue without Shell or any other IOC coming forward, we will be compelled to institute legal action against the Dutch super oil major and other IOCs.
‘‘Today, Shell is divesting, and I call on the Minister of Petroleum (Oil) that we have a duty to ensure that Shell’s divestment must take care of ameliorating our environment.
“Today, our flora and fauna are gone. Our beautiful environment is also gone.
“We will need the support of our brothers and sisters in the diaspora because there is so much, we will achieve if we work together,’’ Diri said.
In his remarks, Mr Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), sought the support of ljaw people in joining hands with President Bola Tinubu on the advocacy against oil theft and environmental pollution.
Lokpobiri said: “If you go to our area in Bayelsa State, it is likely to be the most polluted state, but people may not know.
“What is responsible for this pollution, it could be mainly the people or companies. The people in that state are involved in getting illegal crude oil for illegal refining.
“After the refining they throw the rest into the river.
“You will agree with me that by the law, Federal Government owns the water and land resources. So, it behooves everyone to join hands together to fight this menace,” he said.
The Minister urged Nigerians in diaspora to support the efforts of the government, so that the environment can be preserved.
He appealed to ljaw people in diaspora to tell Nigerians in Niger Delta region to stop pipeline vandalisation.
“It will cause more harm to the communities than the little money they will make.
“No matter the proceed gotten from the illegal refining, it cannot feed the people of the communities, so, we appeal to those perpetuating such acts to desist.
“President Tinubu will continue to support all Nigerians in diaspora, including the ljaw people because we occupy strategic position in the country and oil still remains the main strength of our economy.
“It accounts for at least 90 per cent of forex. We occupy the entire areas of coastline.
“For us to benefit from this resource, we need to work with government at all levels,” he added.
Earlier, the President General of INC, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, said the choice of the theme of this year’s event is very apt and captivating.
According to Okaba, the theme seeks to identify and address the divergent means, methodologies and strategies of rejigging, mobilisng, galvanising, repositioning credible and symbiotic linkages as well as partnership among the Ijaws in the Americas and others in diaspora.
“Despite the God-given enormous human and natural resources of the Ijaws, who are equally ranked among the four largest ethnic groups in Nigeria, the Ijaw nation, the focus of this conversation, is badly impoverished, brutally balkanised, neglected, and undermined by successive administrations in Nigeria, even before independence.
“The Ijaw local economy is badly articulated. This is worsened by the lack of meaningful wealth creation/empowerment and employment opportunities.
“The Ijaw ecosystem, to say the least, the worst ever anywhere in the world, has continuously faced unmitigated catastrophes arising largely from oil and gas exploitation-related pollution without any reasonable form of remediation and compensation.
“The Ijaws suffer a slave and stranger status in a nation where they are aboriginal and the producers of its economic mainstay,’’ he said.
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has reassured oil and gas stakeholders that service companies and other manufacturers that have established capacities in the country will continue to enjoy patronage through the award of contracts from operating companies in the sector.
Executive Secretary NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, with officials during the visit
The Executive Secretary NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, made this commitment on Friday, May 10, 2024, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, when he led officials of the Board and Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) to visit companies that deliver pipe coating and related services.
The team visited Brightwaters Energy Limited, formerly known as Willbros Nigeria Ltd, Solewant Nigeria Limited and Pipe Coaters Nigeria, managed by Tenaris Nigeria Ltd.
The Executive Secretary said the visits were to assess the companies’ facilities and determine how the Board can galvanise the industry to patronise them. He underscored the importance of getting first-hand information on in-country capabilities before making key decisions on oil and gas projects. He insisted that operating companies must support and patronise local oil and gas service companies in compliance with the provisions of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act.
Ogbe emphasised that activities in the Nigerian oil and gas industry must be used to create employment opportunities for the nation’s teeming youths and help to resuscitate the economy, in line with the aspirations of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
The Chief Executive Officer of Brightwaters Energy Limited, Mr. Scott Gregory, thanked the Executive Secretary for leading the visit while highlighting that Brightwaters, formerly Willbros, carried out Nigeria’s first pipe coating in 1962.
He recalled that the facility had 3,000 employees some years back, executing various spheres of oil and gas projects. He conveyed the management’s aspiration to return the firm to those high-performance levels and sought the Board’s support to win oil and gas projects that would resuscitate the sprawling facility.
“We feel that we can be a positive contributor to Nigeria through the capacities that we have. We want to bring real, true value to the table,” he added. He admitted that the coating facility had suffered downtime but assured that the plant would be up and running within 60 days of the award of a new contract.
The Chairman of Tenaris Nigeria, Dr. Ernest Nwapa, welcomed the NCDMB’s team to PCNL’s facilities. He commended the efforts made by the agency to push local content in the industry, attributing it to the good culture that had been established at the Board over the years.
Nwapa, who was the pioneer Executive Secretary of NCDMB, expressed delight that some of the oil and gas projects that had been pending for nearly 10 years were now being developed and expressed hope that existing local capacities would be maximised in the execution of those projects.
The team was taken around the company’s facilities and shown the various equipment of PCNL in readiness for the award of new contracts. Nwapa pledged the commitment of the company to meet the expectations of clients as well as allow them to participate in the supervision of the work in their factory.
The PCNL facility covers an area of 160,000 m2 in the Onne Free Trade Zone. The company offers Anticorrosion, CWC, Thermal Insulation, Internal and Bends Coating plants as well as Double Jointing and Anode Installation Facilities.
At Solewant Group, an EPCI and Pipe Coating Company, the NCDMB delegation was shown round the company’s facilities as well as the new investments, such as the 5 mega watts generators, procured to guarantee power supply to the facility.
Accompanying Ogbe on the facility visits were the Director, Projects Certification and Authorisation Division (PCAD), Abayomi Bamidele; General Manager, PCAD, Maurice Iwhiwhu; Special Technical Assistant (STA) to the Executive Secretary, Mofe Megbele; Deputy Manager, Corporate Communications, Mr. Obinna Ezeobi; and other staff members of the Board.
The SPDC team was led by the General Manager, Nigerian Content Development, Mr. Lanre Olawuyi.
