Norway has officially announced its national climate target or Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which is the official climate action roadmap the country will take between now and 2035.
Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of Norway
Norway is one of the top fossil fuel expansion countries in the world and environmental activist group, 350.org, is outraged by the lack of emission reduction ambition and clear phase-out of oil and gas extraction projects.
“Norway’s national climate target falls woefully short of what’s needed to keep the 1.5°C global temperature rise targets alive. Norway has shown total reluctance to commit to a clear phase out of oil and gas projects and is unequivocally burying its head in the sand – ignoring science and perpetuating the climate crisis. As a wealthy nation, choosing to opt for insufficient climate ambition is an injustice to the most vulnerable people and the planet,” saidAndreas Sieber, Associate Director of Policy and Campaigns, 350.org
350.org’s analysis of Norway’s NDC
The headline target of a 70-75% emissions reduction by 2035 falls short of Norway’s fair share (at least 80% by 2035) and hinges on the use of international flexibility mechanisms, rather than a fully domestic approach.
Norway has once again opted not to set a climate neutrality target for 2050, instead aiming for a 90-95% emissions reduction by mid-century.
Despite advice from the climate committee, Norway is resisting calls for a clear plan to phase out oil and gas production, signaling an intention to extend fossil fuel extraction contrary to scientific recommendations for a hard end date in line with 1.5°C warming. In the medium term this is short sighted as global oil demand is peaking, and Norway needs a more solid approach for their likely to be stranded oil assets.
While Norway indicates that renewable energy will expand – albeit with a controversial emphasis on bioenergy – it fails to commit to a specific renewable energy target for 2035. Norway fails to set sectoral energy targets unlike most other countries which have already submitted their NDC ahead of COP30 in Brazil.
Suriname on Monday, June 30, 2025, became the first country in the Amazon region to receive malaria-free certification from the World Health Organisation (WHO). This historic milestone follows nearly 70 years of commitment by the government and people of Suriname to eliminate the disease across its vast rainforests and diverse communities.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organisation (WHO)
“WHO congratulates Suriname on this remarkable achievement,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This certification is a powerful affirmation of the principle that everyone – regardless of nationality, background, or migration status – deserves universal access to malaria diagnosis and treatment. Suriname’s steadfast commitment to health equity serves as an inspiration to all countries striving for a malaria-free future.”
With Monday’s announcement, a total of 46 countries and 1 territory have been certified as malaria-free by WHO, including 12 countries in the Region of the Americas.
“Suriname did what was needed to eliminate malaria—detecting and treating every case quickly, investigating to prevent spread, and engaging communities,” said Dr Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), WHO’s regional office for the Americas. “This certification reflects years of sustained effort, especially reaching remote areas. It means future generations can grow up free from this potentially deadly disease.”
Certification of malaria elimination is granted by WHO when a country has proven, beyond reasonable doubt, that the chain of indigenous transmission has been interrupted nationwide for at least the previous three consecutive years.
Dr Amar Ramadhin, Minister of Health of Suriname, stated: “Being malaria-free means that our population is no longer at risk from malaria. Furthermore, eliminating malaria will have positive effects on our healthcare sector, boost the economy, and enhance tourism.
“At the same time, we recognize that maintaining this status requires ongoing vigilance. We must continue to take the necessary measures to prevent the reintroduction of malaria. We are proud that our communities are now protected, and we look forward to welcoming more visitors to our beautiful Suriname – while remaining fully committed to safeguarding these hard-won gains.”
Suriname’s road to elimination
Suriname’s malaria control efforts began in 1950s in the country’s densely-populated coastal areas, relying heavily on indoor spraying with the pesticide DDT and antimalarial treatment. By the 1960s, the coastal areas had become malaria-free and attention turned towards the country’s forested interior, home to diverse indigenous and tribal communities.
Although indoor spraying was successful in coastal areas, its impact was limited in the country’s interior due to the prevalence of traditional open-style homes that offer minimal protection against mosquitoes. In 1974 malaria control in the interior was decentralised to Medische Zending, Suriname’s primary health care service, which recruited and trained healthcare workers from the local communities to provide early diagnosis and treatment.
The surge in mining activities, particularly gold mining which often involves travel between malaria-endemic areas, led to increases in malaria, reaching a peak of more than 15,000 cases in 2001, the highest transmission rates of malaria in the Americas.
Since 2005, with support from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the capacity to provide diagnosis was greatly expanded with both improvements in microscopy and the use of rapid diagnostic tests, particularly among mobile groups. Artemisinin-based treatments with primaquine were introduced in Suriname and neighboring countries through PAHO-led studies under the Amazon Malaria Initiative (AMI-RAVREDA), supported by the United States. Prevention among high-risk groups was also strengthened through the distribution of insecticide-treated nets funded by the Global Fund.
By 2006, malaria had drastically decreased among the indigenous populations, prompting Suriname to shift its focus to high-risk mobile populations in remote mining areas. To reach these groups – many of whom were migrants from neighboring endemic countries – the country established a network of Malaria Service Deliverers, recruited directly from the mining communities. These trained and supervised community workers provide free malaria diagnosis, treatment, and prevention services, playing a vital role in closing access gaps in hard-to-reach regions.
Through ensuring universal access to diagnosis and treatment regardless of legal status, deploying an extensive network of community health workers, and implementing nationwide malaria screening, including at border crossings, Suriname successfully eliminated malaria. The last locally transmitted case of Plasmodium falciparum malaria was recorded in 2018, followed by the final Plasmodium vivax case in 2021.
Sustained leadership commitment and funding
The government of Suriname has shown strong commitment to malaria elimination, including through the National Malaria Elimination Taskforce, Malaria Program, Malaria Elimination Fund, and cross-border collaboration with Brazil, Guyana and French Guiana. For many years PAHO/WHO, with the support of the U.S. Government, has provided technical cooperation throughout Suriname’s anti-malaria campaign. Since 2016 Suriname also participated in the “Elimination 2025” initiative – a group of countries identified by WHO as having the potential to eliminate malaria by 2025.
This success in Suriname is a demonstration that malaria elimination is possible in challenging contexts in the Amazon basin and in tropical continental countries. The country’s malaria-free certification plays a critical role in advancing PAHO’s Disease Elimination Initiative which aims to eliminate more than 30 communicable diseases, including malaria, in countries of the Americas by 2030.
As the Lagos State Government prepares to implement its ban on Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, environmental advocates have called for a more robust, inclusive, and transparent approach to the policy to avoid failure.
Single-use plastics
They also cautioned that failure to address key gaps could undermine the effectiveness of the ban.
They made the disclosure in separate interviews on Monday, June 30, in Lagos.
Similarly, some traders in Lagos are lamenting the enforcement of the Lagos State Government ban on single use plastic on July 1. The ban prohibits the sale, and use of disposable plastic bags, including the widely used black nylon bags.
Dr Leslie Adogame, the Executive Director of Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development, emphasised that the Lagos State Government must demonstrate full commitment to eradicating SUPs from the streets and not mere lip service to the issue.
“If Lagos truly wants to retain its status as the Centre of Excellence and demonstrate real commitment to waste management, then SUPs must be taken completely off the streets.
“Exempting PET bottles and sachet water—some of the most visible pollutants—is unacceptable. The government should give clear timelines for a full ban on these as well. Anything short of this undermines the policy,” Adogame said.
He said that without a strong Extended Producer Responsibility framework expanding the list of banned items would have limited effect.
He added that the legacy plastic waste already present in the environment may take up to five years to clean.
Also, the Executive Director of Renevlyn Development Initiative, Mr Philip Jakpor, criticised the government’s exemption of PET bottles and some sachet water.
Jakpor noted that these are among the most common pollutants in Lagos.
“Leaving these out of the ban reflects a disconnect from the actual pollution reality on the ground.
“However, we must commend Lagos for being the first state in Nigeria to make such a move. While some SMEs may be affected, this is also an opportunity for innovation and investment in eco-friendly alternatives like paper bags,” Jakpor said.
He also warned of the broader environmental consequences, citing scientific evidence of plastics entering the food chain through aquatic life, thus threatening both food security and public health.
Mr. Michael Simire, the Executive Director of EnviroNews Advocacy & Campaigns for Sustainability, noted that Lagos generates between 13,000 and 15,000 metric tonnes of waste daily, much of it made up of SUPs.
“SUPs clog waterways, release microplastics into the environment, and contribute to health problems. This ban is environmentally beneficial and timely.
“However, its success depends on effective implementation and consideration of the socio-economic realities, especially for small-scale vendors who rely on SUPs,” Simire said.
Simire urged the government to collaborate with local businesses, communities, and environmental groups to ensure smooth implementation and reduce the risk of increased poverty among vulnerable groups.
Meanwhile, Mrs Funmilayo Balogun, a nylon producer in Lagos, expressed concern that the ban, without supportive measures, could lead to higher unemployment.
“The ban will hurt small businesses and increase unemployment, especially among waste pickers who rely on SUPs for their livelihood.
“The government should empower waste pickers with appropriate equipment and technology to handle plastic waste more effectively,” Balogun said.
The policy has also drawn criticism from market traders and plastic manufacturers, who claim that the ban was rushed without providing accessible or affordable alternatives.
Mr. Tunde Adebayo, a manager at a plastic bag production facility at Costain area of the state, said the ban would most likely lead to the loss of jobs in the sector.
“This is our main business. If they stop plastic, what happens to our jobs? We employ over 40 staff. We’ve received no support or notice of alternatives from the government,” Adebayo said.
At Oyingbo market, where nylon bags are used daily to package perishable produce, like pepper, tomato, meat and vegetables, some traders say they were unaware of the ban or when it would take effect.
Mrs. Bimbo Adetola a trader for over 10 years at Oyingbo Market, said she was unaware of the ban or its enforcement in July.
“I do not even know what I will use to wrap tomatoes or meat, what do they expect us to use when they are banning plastics without an alternative in place.”
“The government should bring another option first before they ban nylon bags,” Adetola said.
Also, another trader simply known as Madam Ifeoma, said the traders would work their way around, in navigating what alternatives to use.
“If the ban the plastic nylons is enforced, we will try to manage what we have. We cannot give the goods to our customers in their bare hands, it cannot work that way,” she said.
Also, consumers and shoppers noted that they cannot afford alternatives to single use plastic yet.
As they claim biodegradable nylon bags are three times more expensive than regular nylon bags and many consumers cannot afford them.
A consumer known as Mr. Abdul Musa said even paper bags as alternatives are not strong enough to accommodate most perishable produce.
“Even with the availability of paper bags, what do you expect the shoppers to do when it rains?
“If the government does not provide workable solutions and alternatives following the plastic ban, people will find a way to still engage in single use plastic in secret,” Musa said.
As Lagos prepares to enforce its SUPs ban, these voices are urging the government to go beyond symbolism and ensure a practical, fair, and sustainable solution that benefits both people and the planet.
By Fabian Ekeruche, Kalu Alexander and Mercy Omoike
Stakeholders at the Inception and Discovery Meeting for Climate Equity Project in Nigeria have underscored the amplification of personal experiences of various communities on the effects of climate change.
Executive Director of YARN, Opeyemi Elujulo
The meeting was organised in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday, June 30, 2025, by the Youth Agroecological for Restoration Network (YARN) in collaboration with Ushahidi and NETHOPE.
The event is entitled “Amplifying Community Voices of Climate Change in Nigeria”.
The Executive Director of YARN, Opeyemi Elujulo, stated that the event aimed to ensure that communities across Nigeria were represented in the data on climate change issues.
“This is to amplify the voices of those mostly affected by climate change.
“We have various stakeholders come together to co-create what climate solutions should look like and chart a way to ensure that their voices are well represented,” Elujulo said.
A representative of Ushahidi, Kenya, Joseph Kirai, said the stakeholders’ engagement was insightful as people expressed how climate change was affecting them.
“One of the issues that we’ve seen is that we have always been having satellite data collected, but we haven’t been having lived experience on climate change,” he said.
Kirai stated that the project would collate data of 5,000 community members in three states: Oyo, Osun and Ondo.
According to him, the data will be used to make informed decisions on climate change issues.
From NETHOPE, Aminat Adebayo stated that the project would add to the number of most vulnerable voices, such that tool kits could be developed for community adaptation to climate change.
She said that the data would be analysed for climate action plans that communities could act upon to improve solutions and develop resilience.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said that engagements were ongoing to sensitise farmers on how to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Olaleye, represented by Mrs Abimbola Agbaje of the Data Collection Department, said the government facilitated a training by NiMET in February on how farmers could adapt to climate change challenges.
According to the commissioner, there is a prediction of a 40-day drought in Oyo State from mid-July to August.
He added that farmers were advised to plant in phases to reduce losses due to climate change.
He, however, urged farmers to insure their business ventures with the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) so that they could bounce back after suffering any loss.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ṣeun Ashamu, said the ministry would continue to work with other stakeholders to reduce the effects of climate change.
Represented by Mrs Ajibade Adepoju of the Pollution Department, the commissioner stated that the ministry had been engaging in various activities to create awareness and solutions to climate change issues.
The Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) has officially inaugurated its newly elected National Executive Committee, led by National President, Mr. Chris O. Osarumwense, who announced a forward-looking strategic roadmap to redefine human capital development in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas sector.
New OGTAN Executive committee
This was stated in a press release signed by the National Publicity Secretary of Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN), Funmi Ogbue, and made available to news men in Lagos.
Speaking during the inaugural address, Mr. Osarumwense expressed deep appreciation to OGTAN members for their trust and reaffirmed the executive committee’s unwavering commitment to serve with diligence, integrity, and vision.
“The mandate given to us is a solemn call to action. We are committed to delivering on our promises with the highest standards of professionalism and accountability,” said Mr. Osarumwense.
The new leadership outlined a seven-point agenda that will steer the association toward national influence and international relevance.
Strategic Partnerships and Affiliations: OGTAN will pursue robust collaborations with international training institutions, Nigerian universities, and polytechnics to foster knowledge exchange and close the academia–industry skills gap.
Certification and Accreditation Authority: Plans are underway to establish OGTAN as a recognised certificate-awarding body with robust quality assurance standards and expanded accreditation for trainers and facilities.
Upholding International Standards and Innovation: The EXCO will champion the adoption of modern training technologies and standardised curricula to ensure Nigeria remains competitive in the global energy workforce.
Enhancing Member Value and Business Growth: The association will actively promote the services of its members and advocate for improved commercial terms with IOCs and government entities.
Strengthening Advocacy and Global Recognition: By deepening ties with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and increasing participation in global forums, OGTAN aims to be a critical voice in national policy development.
Expansion of OGTAN Energy Consult Limited (OECL): OECL will be scaled into a revenue-generating consulting hub offering training needs analysis, curriculum design, and strategic industry solutions.
Financial Viability and Independence: A diversified financial model will be implemented to ensure OGTAN’s long-term sustainability through membership dues, service fees, sponsorships, and transparent financial governance.
Mr. Osarumwense stressed that the success of this transformative agenda hinges on the active involvement of all members. He reaffirmed the EXCO’s open-door policy and encouraged collaborative engagement.
“Together, we will build a more influential, responsive, and prosperous OGTAN,” he affirmed.
The new administration is poised to elevate OGTAN as a beacon of excellence in human capacity development and a formidable partner in Nigeria’s drive for sustainable energy sector growth.
A new national heat record for June was set in Spain at the weekend, with temperatures reaching 46 degrees Celsius in the town of El Granado near the Portuguese border, as a broader early-summer heatwave grips parts of Portugal, France, and Greece.
Tourists in Rome struggle in the heat. Photo credit: AFP/Getty
The Spanish state weather agency AEMET confirmed Saturday’s record-high temperature. Spain’s previous June high of 45.2 degrees was set in Seville in 1965.
Dozens of towns and cities across Spain reported maximum temperatures above 40 degrees, while neighbouring Portugal also sweltered. In the country’s southern Algarve tourist region, highs reached around 40 degrees.
On Spain’s holiday island of Mallorca, temperatures climbed to nearly 35 degrees.
Overnight conditions offered little relief.
In southern Spain, night-time lows remained above 30 degrees – a level of sustained heat that experts say can pose serious health risks.
Locals are accustomed to coping with extreme temperatures by limiting outdoor activity during peak heat, wearing light clothing, and hydrating frequently.
However, the combination of scorching heat and intense sun is rapidly drying out soil and vegetation, sharply increasing the risk of wildfires.
Meteorologists warn that such heatwaves are becoming more frequent and arriving earlier in the season due to human-driven climate change.
According to AEMET, only two heatwaves were recorded in June between 1975 and 2000.
Between 2000 and 2024, that number rose to nine.
This year, temperatures approached August levels as early as late May.
France is also sweltering under the heatwave, which is expected to last through the middle of next week. On Monday, temperatures above 35 degrees are forecast across much of the country.
By Tuesday, Paris could see highs of 40 degrees, according to the national weather agency Météo France.
Wildfires have broken out in southern France amid the ongoing heat, possibly caused by a barbecue.
A section of the A61 motorway was closed, and a campsite in Bizanet was evacuated, according to the local prefecture based in Carcassonne.
A total of seven fires were reported after a person was transporting a barbecue with still-smouldering embers in a trailer, local civil protection chief Christian Pouget told broadcaster BFMTV on Sunday.
In the small municipality of Bizanet alone, more than 150 firefighters battled the flames. Firefighting helicopters were also deployed, according to authorities.
The fires affected 400 hectares of land.
Experts note that directly linking individual wildfires to climate change is challenging.
In Greece, strong winds brought an abrupt end to a three-day heatwave, with temperatures dropping from around 40 degrees to 30 degrees within hours, the national weather service reported.
Despite the cooldown, the combination of heat and wind has prompted Greece’s civil protection agency to declare the highest fire danger level for large swathes of the country.
Major wildfires have already broken out this European summer south of Athens and on the island of Chios.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says the Federal Government intends to plant 20 billion trees in the next rainy season as part of its national reforestation and environmental sustainability drive.
Alhaji Kashim Shettima, Vice President of Nigeria
Shettima made this known on Saturday, June 28, 2025, after touring multiple agricultural and industrial facilities across Ethiopia.
He also toured the Adama Dairy Farms, Luke Avocado Nursery, Shera Dibandiba Mojo Family Integrated Farm, Biyyo Poultry Farm, and Bishoftu Pea Farm as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral ties in agriculture and industrial development.
Central to the visit was the official launch of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, which the Nigerian Shettima described as a win-win for all.
According to him, the programme combines environmental restoration with job creation.
He said the initiative drew strong inspiration from Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Programme, which he described as a model for combining climate action with economic opportunity.
Shettima, who was on a state visit to that country, said Ethiopia was a success story worthy of emulation and a pathfinder for Africa’s renaissance.
”We intend to plant 20 billion trees in the next rainy season.
“It requires a lot of planning, energy and drive which Ethiopia was able to galvanise its population into doing.
“I was overwhelmed with joy that the real economic renaissance of Africa is in the offing.
“Ethiopia has become the pathfinder, the front runner in us reclaiming our pride and our continent. We are mightily proud of them.
”Ethiopia is a nation of over 100 million people; the success of Ethiopia will reverberate across the length and breadth of East and Southern Africa,” Shettima said.
The vice-president acknowledged Ethiopia’s achievement in wheat self-sufficiency was a key milestone.
He pointed out that the country had transformed from importing $1 billion worth of wheat annually to now exporting to neighboring countries, including Djibouti and Kenya.
Shettima said, ” If Nigeria and Ethiopia work, Africa will work. Jointly, the two of us constitute over 350 million people, more than the population of the United States.
”We have to make these two countries work harmoniously for the betterment of our continent.”
Dr Kingsley Uzoma, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusiness and Productivity Enhancement, described the visit as phenomenal.
Uzoma affirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to replicating Ethiopia’s agricultural transformation model.
“President Bola Tinubu has a whole lot of respect for the people of Ethiopia. Why we came here is to understudy what we have seen and report back to him.
“I believe that he will replicate this in a much stronger and bolder scope,” Uzoma said.
He further said that Nigeria was also pursuing economic diversification strategies as part of efforts to reduce its dependence on oil revenues through expanded agricultural exports, including avocado, pineapple, mango, cashew, and cocoa
Regional Representative for West Africa at AATF and Project Manager of the Pod Borer-Resistant (PBR) Cowpea initiative, Dr. Jean Baptiste Tignegre, has been named one of the recipients of the 2025 Top Agri-Food Pioneer (TAP) award by the World Food Prize Foundation.
AATF Regional Representative for West Africa, Dr Jean Baptiste Tignegre
The TAP award, introduced as part of the Foundation’s 39th anniversary, recognizes 39 outstanding individuals from 27 countries who are driving agricultural innovation and transforming global food systems. Dr. Tignegre and fellow honorees will be celebrated at the prestigious Borlaug Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa, in October 2025.
A globally respected plant breeder with over 30 years of experience in legume and vegetable improvement, Dr. Tignegre has made significant contributions to agricultural development across West Africa. He previously served as Principal Investigator for the Burkina Faso component of the PBR Cowpea Project before assuming full leadership of the initiative at AATF in 2023.
Under his guidance, the PBR Cowpea project has delivered high-yielding, pest-resistant cowpea varieties that reduce losses and improve livelihoods for farmers in Nigeria, Ghana, and Burkina Faso. First released in Nigeria in 2019, the PBR Cowpea became the country’s first genetically modified food crop.
In 2024, Dr. Tignegre played a central role in the introduction of PBR Cowpea to Ghana, marking it the nation’s first-ever GM crop release, and helped steer Burkina Faso through the regulatory process for environmental approval.
Dr. Tignegre’s recognition as a TAP awardee reflects his enduring commitment to innovation, food security, and farmer empowerment. His career achievements include:
Leading the release of four high-yielding cowpea varieties in Burkina Faso (2012), as well as improved onion, tomato, shallot, okra, and African eggplant varieties in Mali and Ghana (2022–2024).
Pioneering Bt-cowpea research in Burkina Faso, including the establishment of Confined Field Trial (CFT) infrastructure and advocacy initiatives targeting civil society and youth, and using advanced breeding methods for cowpea that include special DNA markers (SNPs) to select important traits like resistance to Striga, protection against pests, and higher yields.
While congratulating him, Dr. Emmanuel Okogbenin, Director of Product Development and Commercialization at AATF, said: “This honor is the culmination of your many years of dedicated service to farmers and the advancement of agriculture in Burkina Faso and across Africa.”
Dr. Okogbenin added that since Dr. Tignegre joined AATF, he has achieved significant milestones on the PBR Cowpea project, notably the release of the product in Ghana and the development of the next generation of products, including PBR CowpeaXtra—a second-generation variety that offers greater durability and enhanced resistance to the pod borer Maruca.
Dr. Tignegre developed low-cost off-soil vegetable gardening methods and enhancing seed systems and breeding programs across West, Central, and Southern Africa and secured and managed competitive grants from USAID, AGRA, and the Generation Challenge Program (funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation).
Before joining AATF, Dr. Tignegre held several leadership roles including Cowpea and Vegetable Breeder at INERA and World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) from 1990 to 2019, Regional Representative of WorldVeg WCA-Dry Regions (2020–2022), and Head of the Genetics and Plant Biotechnology Laboratory at INERA (2007–2013). He has also contributed to USAID/IITA vegetable initiatives in Mali and Ghana and provided expert support to regional and national research systems, including CORAF/WECARD and the University of Mozambique.
His collaborative research has spanned institutions across Africa, Europe, and the United States, including INRAN, ISRA, IITA, ICRISAT, the Kirkhouse Trust, OXFAM, CRS/Cathwel, KAFACI, WACCI-University of Legon-Ghana, and the Universities of California-Riverside and Virginia.
In addition to mentoring PhD and MSc students from Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Niger, and Mali, Dr. Tignegre has authored and co-authored 50 scientific publications and one book, leaving a strong legacy of scientific excellence and capacity building in African agriculture.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has invested over N720 billion to implement its landmark initiative of deploying 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks for the nationwide distribution of petroleum products, which is expected to save Nigerians over N1.7 trillion annually.
Dangote Refinery CNG trucks
This step will see the privately-owned refinery absorb over N1.07 trillion annually in fuel distribution costs. The initiative is also poised to significantly benefit over 42 million Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by reducing energy costs and enhancing profitability.
The initiative, which eliminates transportation costs for fuel marketers and large-scale consumers, is expected to help reduce pump prices and inflation. From August 15, 2025, Dangote will begin the direct delivery of petrol and diesel to filling stations, industrial facilities, and other high-volume consumers.
According to a statement from the refinery, it aims to meet Nigeria’s daily consumption of 65 million litres of refined petroleum products. This includes 45 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 15 million litres of diesel, and 5 million litres of aviation fuel.
With the average logistics cost estimated at N45 per litre, the refinery will cover over N1.07trn annually in free distribution expenses.
Dangote Group is investing N720 billion in the acquisition of 4,000 CNG-powered trucks as well as the establishment of nationwide CNG ‘mother and daughter’ stations, among other infrastructure to implement the free distribution initiative.
This strategic programme forms part of Dangote’s broader commitment to eliminating logistics bottlenecks, enhancing energy efficiency, promoting environmental sustainability, and supporting Nigeria’s economic development. The company noted that lower fuel distribution costs will help reduce production costs, ease inflationary pressures, and stimulate economic growth.
The initiative is also expected to resuscitate dormant filling stations, fostering job creation in the process. Over 15,000 direct jobs are projected to be created across the logistics chain, including drivers, station managers, and attendants at the CNG stations.
The refinery also emphasised that this programme would help curb cross-border smuggling of petroleum products and support a more efficient and environmentally friendly distribution system.
Presidential Endorsement and Industry Praise
The Presidency has described the initiative as a pivotal moment in the Federal Government’s push to mainstream gas-powered transportation.
Commercial Coordinator of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), Tosin Coker, praised the move as a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s gas-fueled future.
“Dangote Group’s acquisition of 4,000 CNG trucks is not only impressive in scale but also highly strategic,” he said. “It signals to the market that CNG is no longer a distant prospect but a current, practical solution to high energy costs, emissions, and supply chain challenges. PCNGI regards this as a milestone achievement in our efforts to accelerate gas-powered transport adoption.”
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) also commended the development, calling it a timely resolution to longstanding challenges in the downstream sector.
IPMAN’s National Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Ukadike, stated that the new model would significantly reduce logistical burdens for independent marketers by delivering more affordable fuel directly to filling stations.
“Our pipelines have been non-functional for years, yet nothing has been done to revive the infrastructure linking the country’s 21 depots. We’ve had to rely on expensive transport from coastal depots,” Ukadike said. “Dangote’s intervention lifts a huge burden off the shoulders of independent marketers.”
Development Economist and Policy Analyst, Professor Ken Ife, said the initiative would drive down the price of PMS and yield widespread benefits for Nigerians.
CEO, Financial Derivatives Company, Bismarck Rewane, dismissed concerns about the refinery becoming a monopoly, arguing that inefficiencies in the sector have been systemic and long-standing. He added that the scheme would help curb the parasitic role traditionally played by middlemen.
“What Dangote is doing achieves two key objectives: delivering products across the entire country at a uniform price by eliminating bridging costs, and significantly reducing logistics expenses through the use of CNG-powered trucks to reach every corner of the nation.
“In economic terms, middlemen—who typically do not invest—are often viewed as parasitic, extracting margins simply for distributing goods. Dangote is bypassing this layer by directly handling distribution and, notably, providing credit facilities to the retail end of the business,” he said.
Energy expert and co-founder of Dairy Hills, Kelvin Emmanuel, said Dangote’s decision to absorb logistics costs marks a turning point that could finally allow Nigerians to enjoy the benefits of local refining.
Energy analyst Ibukun Phillips described the move as “revolutionary”, suggesting it could reshape Nigeria’s energy sector by improving affordability and access, particularly in rural communities.
“Rural consumers, who typically pay more despite earning less, stand to benefit immensely. This could also revive abandoned filling stations and promote equitable distribution,” she explained.
In the heart of Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos, a silent storm is mounting – one not of wind or waves, but of waste. Plastic waste.
Plastic waste pollution in Akobi Crescent, Lagos, Nigeria
From clogged drainages in Makoko to plastic-laden shorelines in Lekki, the state’s 180 km coastline and sprawling urban landscape are under siege. Every day, an estimated 13,000 metric tons of waste are generated in Lagos, and more than 80% of it is plastic. This overwhelming volume – largely composed of post-consumer items, such as PET bottles, Styrofoam containers, and plastic bags – is choking ecosystems, endangering marine life, and exacerbating flooding and disease outbreaks.
For Doyinsola Ogunye, founder of Recycling Scheme for Women and Youth Empowerment (RESWAYE), the evidence is not just scientific – it’s visual, visceral, and immediate.
“Plastic pollution in Lagos is deplorable,” she said. “Our waterways, drainages, and even the soil are saturated with plastics. It’s a problem that has leached into every part of our lives – including our food chain.”
From Plastic Use to Plastic Ingestion
Ogunye describes a typical journey of a discarded plastic item: a water bottle tossed onto the roadside gets washed into a drainage, eventually flowing into the lagoon and into the ocean.
There, it joins millions of other plastic particles and – alarmingly – begins its return journey to human consumption.
“We eat from the ocean, and we forget that these plastics return to our plates as microplastics. Even ghost nets – abandoned plastic fishing gear – trap fish and other marine animals long after they’re dumped.”
It’s not just an environmental concern, she stressed. It’s a public health emergency.
From viral videos of plastic straws embedded in sea turtles’ nostrils to dead whales found with bags in their stomachs, the consequences are tragic and far-reaching. Sea turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish. Dolphins and fish unknowingly ingest microplastics. And humans – part of the same biosphere – are now discovering microplastics in bloodstreams, lungs, and even placentas.
The SDG Clock Is Ticking
As a Goalkeeper for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Ogunye understands the urgency of Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. With 2030 fast approaching, she warns that time is not on our side.
“We’re running out of time,” she said. “To meet our SDG targets, we must scale up plastic management efforts now. This isn’t just about Lagos – it’s a global crisis with local consequences.”
Policy Progress and Enforcement Gaps
While Nigeria has a National Policy on Plastic Waste Management, Ogunye points out that implementation has been weak. In contrast, she praises Lagos State’s efforts, especially under the stewardship of Hon. Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources.
“The Lagos plastic ban conversation started last year. We’ve made progress – many supermarkets have stopped giving out plastic bags, and Styrofoam use is declining. Enforcement of the ban starts officially on July 1, 2025, and that’s encouraging.”
However, Ogunye insists that policy without public buy-in is like a law without enforcement.
“We need to intensify advocacy and sensitization. People must understand why this matters. Before we enforce, we must offer alternatives.”
Coconut Straws and Innovative Solutions
What could these alternatives look like? According to Ogunye, innovation is already blooming in places like India.
“Someone is using coconut branches to make biodegradable straws that last four hours in water. Coconut trees are everywhere – we could plant 50,000 annually to support that industry. The solution is not scarcity – it’s vision.”
She calls for support of innovation hubs, recycling startups, and grassroots solutions that can address the scale of the crisis. But innovation alone isn’t enough – it must be backed by acceleration.
From Conference Rooms to Coastal Communities
Ogunye is passionate about taking the fight beyond boardrooms.
“We do a lot more talking than acting. We need to hit the ground – engage local communities, markets, schools, and youth corps members. The energy and tech skills of Gen Z and Gen Alpha are unmatched. They can help us do in minutes what used to take days.”
And she isn’t exaggerating. With the rise of AI and digital tools, Ogunye believes that awareness, data collection, and behavior change can occur more quickly if young people are empowered and platforms are leveraged effectively.
A Call to Action for Lagosians
Her advice to fellow Lagosians is direct: plant more trees, reduce plastic use, and recycle intentionally. Tap into the vast potential of the state’s untapped beaches, marine resources, and creative youth population.
“This is a communal effort. The government alone can’t fix it. It’s about us, the people, the private sector, the tech innovators, the traders, the consumers. Everyone has a role to play.”
Conclusion: A Chance to Lead the Continent
Lagos, the economic nerve of West Africa, has the chance to lead the continent in environmental action. With a population of over 20 million and rising tides – both figuratively and literally – the fight against plastic pollution must become everyone’s business.
“Plastic pollution is bigger than Lagos,” Ogunye concluded. “But Lagos has the energy, innovation, and urgency to be the first African city to turn the tide. The question is: will we rise to the challenge?”
By Ajibola Adedoye
This article (“Turning the Tide: How Lagos Can Win the Battle Against Plastic Pollution”) was funded by a grant from the United States Department of State (via Wild Africa). The opinions, findings, and conclusions stated herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of State
