The Bolowei (Traditional Prime Minister) of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta State, Dr Wellington Okirika, has commended Sen. Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta) for his bold stance on the proper implementation of the 13 per cent derivation fund.
Senator Ned Nwoko
Okirika, a renowned Niger Delta elder statesman, described Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, as a true patriot and fearless advocate of equity for the oil-producing region.
This is contained in a statement from the Ned Nwoko Media Directorate and made available in Abuja on Friday, July 25, 2025.
According to the statement, the elder statesman also known as “Mr. 13 per cent Derivation Fund” due to his long-standing activism for host communities, expressed his appreciation during a meeting with the lawmaker.
He said his confidence in Nwoko’s leadership prompted him to take the 30-year injustice allegedly perpetuated by some governors in the region directly to the lawmaker.
“You proved to me that you are a true leader by your actions towards the deliberate act of unpatriotism done against the people of the Niger Delta region,” he said.
Okirika, who is the founding Executive Chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) and a founding father of the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSCON), described the Delta North Senator as “one of the best leaders in Nigeria who hate oppression and is very vocal”.
He expressed optimism that the lawmaker’s intervention would mark a turning point in the legal and legislative redress of what he termed a long-standing economic injustice to the host communities.
According to him, communities in Delta Central and Delta South Senatorial Zones “are closely following your activities at the National Assembly and are impressed by your dedication and unique commitment to issues of national and regional significance.”
“We believe the governors will hear from you shortly and the Niger Delta region will never forget you as you take the motion for an act to urgently commence the legal implementation of the 13 per cent derivation fund to reflect the legislative compliance of Section 162(2).
“This section mandates the Federal Government to pay the 13 per cent directly to host communities,” Okirika added.
The House of Representatives committee on Renewable Energy has said that Nigeria has 50 per cent unmet needs in the renewable energy skilled labour sector.
Chairman, House Committee on Renewable Energy, Rep. Afam Ogene
The Chairman, House Committee on Renewable Energy, Rep. Afam Ogene, said this during the Africa Policy Dialogue (APD) workshop, with theme: “Green jobs and low carbon transition,” in Abuja on Thursday, July 24, 2025.
Ogene said that the unmet needs had impeded employment of quality technicians and employees in the sector.
“Today, nearly 50 per cent of skilled labour needs in Nigeria’s renewable sector remain unmet.
“Employers across the country consistently report difficulty hiring qualified technicians, engineers and system operators,” he said.
He also affirmed the gap in local equipment manufacturing, saying that most of the equipment used in renewable energy power generation were imported.
According to him, this has the potential to cause loss of green job opportunities.
Ogene, however, said that this development was not as a result of shortage of raw resources for local manufacturers, but because of the skill gaps and inadequate policies to ensure knowledge transfer.
He explained that the gap was not just a workforce problem, but a policy issue.
The lawmaker noted that China, through its green job programme, backed by government policies and funding, had recorded over seven million green jobs.
He called on academic institutions in Nigeria to align with the energy transition demands.
Ogene, who reiterated the legislature’s commitment to improved renewable energy delivery, said that lawmakers recognised the importance of crafting effective green jobs legislation for women and youths.
This, he said, required meticulous work to ensure alignment with existing laws and potency in achieving the goals.
“With my team of experienced colleagues, expert legal advisors and skilled legislative drafters, we’re confident in delivering a comprehensive and impactful law the nation will be proud of,” he said.
The Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, said that the dialogue was in accordance with the role of the 10th Assembly, which aligned with the broader oversight and legislative responsibility.
Abbas, represented by the Deputy Minority Whip, Rep. George Ozodinobi, expressed the national assembly’s commitment to investigating policy gaps and proposing solutions that were meaningful, realistic and impactful in addressing the challenge.
“Let me sincerely thank the honourable chairman and members of the committee on renewable energy for their diligence, foresight and relentless efforts in championing this important cause.
“As a responsible People’s House, we are fully aware of the strategic importance of green energy, not just because of its environmental significance but also due to its immense economic potential,” he said.
Tajudeen said that the loud and urgent call for a just energy transition in Nigeria was a reflection of a dual reality, that is, the vulnerability to the impacts of climate change and the untapped renewable energy potential.
He restated the determination of the parliament to collaborate with relevant stakeholders in creating jobs to improve energy access, from preserving the ecosystems to reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
The speaker stated that the legislative agenda placed strong emphasis on energy transition as a key pillar in tackling unemployment and environmental degradation.
According to him, Nigeria is at a critical juncture where bold and deliberate policy choices can determine the expected leap into a sustainable future or remain stalled by outdated systems.
He called for an urgent action to tap into the renewable energy as a way forward in tackling youth unemployment and under-employment.
Also speaking, a representative of INCLUDE Knowledge platform, Ms Victoria Manya, expressed the platform ‘s belief in not just transition but increasing renewable energy skills in Africa.
Manya, however, warned that the low-carbon transition risked becoming the handmaiden of fossil fuel interests – delivering decarbonisation targets on paper.
“What we must do is reclaim the transition – not only as a climate imperative—but as a generational opportunity to rewrite our social contract.
“In Nigeria, the data is clear: too many young people are unemployed or underemployed, and too many women are shut out of emerging green sectors.
“A just transition must not only ask how we reduce emissions – but who gets the new jobs, who trains the workforce and who shapes the policies,” she said.
Manya said that Nigeria stood at the same global threshold with bigger renewable energy nations, with a unique opportunity to lead Africa in embedding labour justice into climate action.
The Media Awareness and Justice Initiative (MAJI), a non-governmental organisation, has called on the government to leverage data in developing policies, enforcing regulations, and raising awareness on the impact of climate change. The call was made during a stakeholders’ consultation forum organised by MAJI for civil society organisations and environmentalists in Port Harcourt on Friday, July 25, 2025.
Malam Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment
MAJI’s Executive Coordinator, Mr. Onyekachi Okoro, emphasised the importance of the forum’s theme, “Strengthening Data for Climate Action in Nigeria.”
Okoro stressed the critical role of data-driven decision-making in addressing climate challenges.
According to him, MAJI plans to collect relevant data and develop a baseline document to serve as a reference point for tracking progress.
“This baseline document will be used to engage stakeholders, build capacity, and provide technical training to improve environmental governance across the country,” he said.
He expressed concern over the poor air quality in Port Harcourt, describing it as a major health threat due to the cumulative impact of fossil fuel production, artisanal refining, and gas flaring.
Okoro also cited additional concerns such as emissions from vehicular movement and heavy machinery, which he said posed a significant risk to public health.
He urged the government to prioritise the protection of lives and livelihoods by using available data to shape effective climate policies and enforce environmental regulations.
Okoro also stressed the need for sustained public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the dangers of climate change and the importance of environmental protection.
He reaffirmed MAJI’s commitment to promoting climate justice and encouraging the use of green energy solutions. such as solar and other renewable sources, to reduce environmental impact.
Also speaking, Mr. Steve Obodoekwe, an environmentalist from the Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development, highlighted the dangers of poor air quality in the Niger Delta region.
Obodoekwe noted that while issues like land and water pollution received considerable attention, “air pollution is often overlooked, despite its severe and silent toll on human health.”
He commended MAJI for its continued efforts in advocating for clean air in Rivers, and the wider Niger Delta region.
GAIA Africa hosted an online media briefing for African journalists ahead of the resumed fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) on the Global Plastics Treaty. Held on July 24, 2025, the session emphasised the critical role of journalists in amplifying the key priorities of African civil society, urging governments to adopt an ambitious position against plastic pollution, and unpacking the treaty’s regional implications.
Africa has played a leading role in the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations, beginning with the adoption of AMCEN Decision 19/2 – a landmark mandate by African ministers that firmly established the continent’s priorities. This decision solidified the African Group of Negotiators’ (AGN) common position, committing the region to advocate for a legally binding global treaty that addresses plastic pollution across its entire lifecycle – from production to disposal – while safeguarding human health and the environment.
Since then, Africa has consistently demonstrated unity, leadership, and moral authority on the international stage, gaining global recognition and respect. As the negotiations advance, this momentum must not waver. Leaders must now carry this spirit forward into INC-5.2 with renewed determination, upholding their commitments and acting with the courage, integrity, and ambition this moment demands.
Merrisa Naidoo, GAIA Africa’s Plastics Programme Manager and a leading coordinator of the region’s engagement in the Global Plastics Treaty process since INC-1, delivered a timely briefing on the treaty’s progress and the continent’s priorities ahead of INC-5.2 this August. She underscored that while the science is clear and global support for a bold, binding treaty to end plastic pollution is stronger than ever, the process is being held back by a lack of good faith and political will.
“Now, more than ever, we need courageous leadership,” Naidoo stressed. “We have the evidence. We have the momentum. What we’re missing is the commitment to act.”
Civil society members from across Africa, who actively advocate for a strong Global Plastics Treaty, shared their expectations ahead of the upcoming negotiations. Drawing on diverse backgrounds and lived experiences, these speakers highlighted critical issues, including the elimination of toxic chemicals in plastics, the establishment of a robust and equitable financial mechanism, and, most urgently, the need to reduce plastic production at the source.
Their powerful interventions represented voices from South Africa, Ethiopia, Ghana, Egypt, Nigeria, and Kenya, demonstrating a united continental call for an ambitious treaty that puts people and the planet before profit. When it comes to the African people, unity can be seen from south to north, from east to west.
Eskedar Awgichew of EcoJustice Ethiopia shared his perspective, stating, “in my country, Ethiopia, we are witnessing a growing surge in petrochemical infrastructure linked to plastic production. Yet local communities face a serious gap in environmental oversight and public health protection. This is where harm begins, and where justice must be rooted”.
Mohamed Kamal of the Greenish Foundation, Egypt, emphasised: “We need African negotiators to connect with the pollution we face on the ground and recognise that waste management alone is not enough to solve the problem, and we have to tackle it at the source, at production.”
Rico Euripidou of groundWork in South Africa stated, “There are an alarming 16000 chemicals found in plastics, and we need a Plastics Treaty that eliminates the most harmful toxic chemicals in plastics.”
This was further emphasised by Dorothy Otieno of CEJAD Kenya, citing that “research conducted in Africa has revealed the presence of toxic chemicals in children’s toys and the food chain.” She underscored that this treaty is fundamentally an African treaty, and as a net importer of plastics, the continent stands to benefit significantly from the elimination of toxic chemicals in plastics.
Nadine Wahab of Sustainable Network Egypt powerfully called out that we are at a stage of the negotiations where we must prioritise effective, inclusive, and transparent decision-making. “We need to restore trust in multilateralism. The INC must not fall into the traps we’ve seen in other environmental processes, particularly the climate negotiations, where procedural ambiguity and politicisation have hindered ambition.”
“Many African countries are burdened by substantial debt, and there is an urgent need for the Plastics Treaty to establish a dedicated Multilateral Fund (MLF) to support effective implementation across the continent,” said Jacob Johnson Attakpah from GAYO Ghana.
Finally, Sarah Onuoha of SRADeV Nigeria highlighted the critical importance of the human rights impacts that plastic pollution has, stating: “We must recognise that plastic pollution directly impacts livelihoods. In the Nigerian context, journalists have a key role to play in advocating for environmental justice and promoting solutions that alleviate poverty while supporting national development efforts.”
With INC-5.2 on the horizon, speakers urged the Global South to stand united and approach the negotiations with determination and urgency. The road ahead may be challenging, but Africa’s message is resolute: we will not back down, nor will we settle for anything less than a treaty that delivers real solutions to end plastic pollution.
Wife of Lagos Governor, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has charged community leaders, religious bodies, health officials and other stakeholders to adopt the right strategies in the campaign against open defecation so as to put the state on the right track in its attempt towards becoming the cleanest in Nigeria.
Dignitaries at the flag-off of Open Defecation Free and Hygiene Behaviour Change Campaign in Lagos
Mrs. Sanwo-Olu made the call on Thursday, July 24, 2025, during the flag-off of Open Defecation Free and Hygiene Behaviour Change Campaign organised by Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources in collaboration with Lagos Waste Forum and WaterAid Nigeria.
Represented by Mrs. Victoria Olowu, Wife of Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Mineral Resources, Sanwo-Olu, noted that “open defecation can lead to environmental degradation, which affects our water sources and pollutes our shared spaces. The campaign against open defecation is necessary because it aims at fostering a healthier, more dignified and environmentally responsible society.
“Apart from the negative environmental impacts, open defecation strips us of our dignity, endangers our health, and undermines our aspirations for a cleaner, smarter and safer Lagos,” she said.
Sanwo-Olu however urged the public to intensify awareness campaigns on the use of clean, safe, and accessible public toilets in markets, motor parks, schools, public institutions, and in every community.
In her remarks, Evelyn Mere, Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, opined that the practice of open defecation constitutes a challenge to public health, derogates from our dignity as humans, and endangers our well-being as a people. “Therefore, to be labelled as the nation with the highest number of people practicing it, is a slight on our collective pride.”
Mere, who was represented by Kolawole Banwo, WaterAid Nigeria’s Head of Advocacy and Communication, further stated: “There are several contributory factors to this common but unacceptable practice. These, among others, range from lack of access to safe, inclusive, and decent toilets, cultural beliefs, lack of awareness and poor social orientation.
“It will therefore require the combination of the collective efforts of multiple stakeholders to effectively address it. These will be by ensuring the availability of functional and hygienic toilets for households in public places, in institutions, as well as an effective behavioural change campaign. These, if complemented by the strict enforcement of relevant laws and imposition of appropriate sanctions on defaulters, will culminate in putting an end to this unhealthy practice.
“At WaterAid Nigeria, we believe that clean water, decent toilets, and good hygiene are not luxuries, but basic human rights. We have therefore provided and are still providing safe, inclusive, gender responsive toilets in selected schools, primary healthcare centres and public places, as our contribution to ending this menace in the state.”
She called on all stakeholders, especially the good people of Lagos to join in the ‘Open Defecation Free and Hygiene Behaviour Change Campaign’.
Mrs. Chizoba Opara, National Coordinator, Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign (CNC), in her submission stated that the campaign signified a renewed commitment to improving public health, protecting the environment and restoring dignity to every Lagos resident.
Opara, who represented the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, said that the Use the Toilet campaign, which was launched in 2019 with Executive Order 009, had made tremendous progress in ending open defecation in the country.
Dr. Hassan Sanuth, Director of Sanitation Service, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, noted: “Nigeria faces a significant challenge with open defecation, ranking first globally in this practice. An alarming 48 million Nigerians (WASHNORM 2021) still practice open defecation, leading to severe consequences. The nation loses an estimated 1.3% of its GDP annually (N455 billion) due to poor sanitation. Tragically, over 100,000 children under five die each year from water and sanitation-related diseases.
“In Lagos State, the situation is dire: 75% of Lagosians lack access to safely managed sanitation and 65% lack adequate hygiene services. In October 2024, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported that Lagos State accounted for 43% of all suspected cholera cases nationwide, highlighting the urgent need for action” he submitted.
To protect public health and enhance the dignity and safety of Lagosians, particularly women and girls, the Director of Sanitation Service advocated for massive sensitization programme about the dangers of open defecation across all communities across Lagos’ IBILE divisions. The should be an improved WASH infrastructure in public places in order to promote good sanitation and hygiene practices.”
Highpoint of the event was the decoration of the First Lady as the Clean Lagos Ambassador and signing of the Open Defecation Free Commitment Accord by Chairmen of Local Government Areas and Local Community Development Areas in Ikorodu Division.
The UN’s main judicial organ, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), resolves state disputes and issues legal advice. The ICJ has recently prioritised climate change, generating concerns regarding governments’ legal responsibility to minimise its impacts. African young, who are most sensitive to climate change and may alter their communities and beyond, are affected by this changing legal landscape.
ICJ Courtroom
One of the ICJ’s major climate change initiatives is advising small island governments on the legal effects of climate change under international law. This investigation may clarify states’ climate mitigation and adaptation duties. The ICJ’s findings might make African countries liable for climate action, as they are disproportionately affected by climate calamities.
The ICJ’s focus on state commitments allows African youth to fight for improved climate policy. Young people throughout the continent are already facing climate change-related droughts, floods, and food poverty. African youth may demand that their governments solve these issues by interacting with the ICJ’s interpretations of international law, supporting a sustainable future.
The ICJ’s findings may further bolster the idea that nations must safeguard citizens’ rights and well-being from climate change. This legal framework might enable African youth to hold their governments accountable for climate failure and encourage them to switch to renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. Advocacy may transform national policies and behaviours.
The ICJ’s focus on state duties may also boost climate change cooperation. Given the global character of this issue, the ICJ’s interpretations may inspire African governments to engage on regional climate efforts. Youth from various nations may develop coalitions to promote shared renewable energy and water management practices, promoting regional unity.
Legal ramifications from ICJ verdicts might improve financing for African climate adaptation and mitigation programs. Countries that meet their climate obligations may attract international financial help. This allows African adolescents to participate in sustainable development and climate resilience projects.
The ICJ’s climate duties may also spur continental educational changes. Governments may include climate education in school curricula as they recognise its relevance. Young people would learn how to advocate for climate change and solve local environmental issues with this transition. African adolescents also have intriguing legal options from ICJ verdicts. Young campaigners may oppose climate-changing governments and companies using international law. They can explicitly relate climate change to human rights, notably the right to a healthy environment, by suing for environmental destruction.
The ICJ’s framing of climate change as a human rights issue may further increase climate victims’ voices. African youth can support policies that prioritise vulnerable and marginalised groups. Equity and inclusion are essential to climate solutions that address climate-exacerbated imbalances.
ICJ’s involvement in establishing state climate change duties affects African youth. African youth can use legal interpretations to fight for their rights and the environment. They may promote responsibility, collaboration, and sustainable practices in their communities through activism and international legal frameworks, making their communities more climate-resilient.
African youth can guarantee their views are heard in global climate and human rights discussions by leading the climate movement. The ICJ’s interpretations encourage young people to envisage and contribute for a sustainable and equitable future for themselves and future generations.
Chairman of Geometric Power, Barth Nnaji, has urged the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to reconcile the gap between the regulated $2.42 per MMBTU domestic gas price for power generation and the prevailing market rate of $2.70 to $9, advocating a more realistic tariff framework that aligns with actual gas procurement costs for electricity Generation Companies (GenCos).
Prof. Barth Nnaji
He made this known in his opening remark at the Orient News Nigeria 2025 Conference on Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Lagos.
He noted that while the official domestic gas price for power generation was formerly pegged at $2.42 per MMBtu, the NMDPRA revised this down to $2.13/MMBtu effective April 1, 2025.
However, in reality, GenCos often source gas from the open market where prices range from $2.70 to as high as $9/MMBtu, depending on supply constraints and contract terms.
“Because most electricity is generated using gas, and GenCos depend heavily on sourcing this gas from the open market, the disparity between the regulated and actual prices continues to strain the sector,” Nnaji said.
He warned that the pricing gap is worsening liquidity challenges in the power sector, contributing significantly to the ₦1.1 trillion electricity subsidy recorded in the first half of 2025 and the growing trillion-naira debt owed to GenCos by the federal government.
According to him, “The gas-to-power benchmark being below market realities places an unsustainable burden on power producers.”
He also emphasised the need for more cost-reflective electricity tariffs, explaining that the current pricing structure fails to cover the operational and maintenance costs of GenCos, particularly as many critical inputs are imported.
“The energy charge component of the power tariff must be able to cover the cost of maintaining the assets. If operators can’t recover expenses for operations and maintenance, which are often dollar-denominated, there will be recurring system failures,” Nnaji said.
“The regulator must continue to adjust the tariff in line with actual industry costs to ensure sustainability.”
Prof. Barth Nnaji expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s inability to fully harness its vast natural gas reserves for electricity generation, despite having over 200 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of proven reserves.
Nnaji said, “It’s quite perplexing. We are a gas-rich country, yet we struggle to supply enough gas to our power plants.
“NLNG, with its Train-7, is not operating at full capacity due to feedgas constraints. It’s a contradiction that many find hard to understand,” he said.
He further emphasised that while Nigeria previously exported coal and had a functioning mining industry, the country abruptly abandoned these alternatives without adequate transition planning.
Speaking on the future of Nigeria’s energy mix, Nnaji said that while hydro and solar power have a role to play, gas-fired power plants will remain the dominant source of electricity for the next one to two decades.
“Hydro power has its limits in Nigeria due to seasonal variability and geopolitical concerns, particularly as it depends on stable relationships with northern communities and neighbouring countries,” he said.
He further emphasised that Nigeria is not investing adequately in gas production and pipeline transportation infrastructure, calling for greater private sector involvement.
“Nigeria has all the capacity it needs. Government should remain an enabler, but the private sector must take the lead. If we don’t produce enough gas, even promising initiatives like CNG adoption will not take off,” he stated.
Nnaji noted that most gas-fired power plants in Nigeria suffer from erratic operations due to inconsistent gas pressure and supply, an unacceptable situation for a nation with abundant gas resources.
He argued that with sufficient gas supply, Nigeria could stabilize its economy and expand into industrial processing such as petrochemicals, creating a diversified energy ecosystem.
Commenting on the plan by the MainPower Electricity Distribution Ltd to charge Band A customers N160 per kilowatt-hour, down from the previous N209, following a directive by the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC), effective from August 1, 2025,
Enugu State under Band A tariff classification are set to enjoy reduced billing rates from next month, as the state electricity regulator slashed prices by nearly 24 per cent
Nnaji cautioned that states must be financially prepared to bear the burden of subsidy if they are to manage electricity supply effectively.
He warned that once states take over electricity regulation and distribution under the Electricity Act, they must be ready to subsidize electricity directly or risk service breakdowns.
He questioned assumptions behind the current tariff framework, where DisCos are expected to supply power to consumers at ₦45/kWh, based on a presumed federal subsidy through NBET to GenCos.
“There’s a belief that the federal government subsidizes power purchases, but in reality, that subsidy isn’t always there. This has contributed to the over ₦5.2 trillion debt owed to GenCos,” he said.
Nnaji also raised concerns about the contentious application of ATC&C losses (Aggregate Technical, Commercial, and Collection losses), which influence cost-reflective tariffs and remittance obligations.
“Some DisCos remit as little as 30 percent of the power they receive, while others remit up to 60 percent. These discrepancies affect liquidity across the market,” he noted.
He stressed the need for enforceable Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and the resolution of issues like vandalism and operational disruptions that hinder gas supply and power offtake.
“Without a consistent gas supply and proper market design, we can’t expect PPAs to deliver,” he said.
The Federal Government has inaugurated a Technical Working Group to develop a National Carbon Budget for Nigeria.
The minister with other delegates at the inauguration of a Technical Working Group to develop a National Carbon Budget for Nigeria
The initiative is part of efforts to address climate change and meet international commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, disclosed this on Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Abuja during a Stakeholders’ Engagement towards the Development of the Carbon Budget.
“Nigeria stands at a crucial juncture in addressing the climate challenges that threaten our environment, economy, and social fabric,” Lawal said.
He emphasised that the move reflects Nigeria’s commitment to fulfilling its climate obligations while aligning national policies with sustainable economic growth, social development, and environmental preservation.
According to the minister, the development of a carbon budget is not merely a technical exercise but a national imperative that requires input from all sectors of society.
He said members of the technical group were drawn from the energy, transport, agriculture, water resources, financial sectors, civil society organisations, academia, youth, and women-led climate groups, among others.
“Nigeria is committed to addressing climate change through ambitious emission reduction targets as outlined in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the implementation of relevant legislation,” he said.
Lawal noted that government agencies would provide strategic oversight, while civil society organisations would serve as advocates and watchdogs to ensure transparency and inclusiveness.
He added that the private sector would play a key role in innovation and sustainable practices, while academia and development partners would provide technical insights, funding, and capacity building.
“A well-structured carbon budget will help Nigeria monitor and reduce greenhouse gas emissions effectively, contribute to global mitigation targets, protect ecosystems, and enhance resilience against climate impacts such as flooding, drought, and desertification,” he said.
Earlier, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, a Professor of Global Climate and Environmental Governance, said carbon budget is the total amount of greenhouse gases a country can emit within a specified period to remain within a temperature target.
“Scientists have shown that the bulk of the rise in global greenhouse gas emissions stems from human activity,” he said.
Mr. Kenneth Kwujeh, Director of Planning and Projects at the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, said a carbon budget aligns economic planning with climate goals.
He added that developing a succession plan for Nigeria’s carbon budget between 2026 and 2030 is essential for long-term economic growth.
Ms. Yasmin Mohammed, Special Assistant to the President on Energy Transition, called for alignment across ministries, departments, and agencies to make the carbon budget a reality.
On his part, Mr. Kunle Olusile, National Project Coordinator for the UN Industrial Development Organisation, assured of the organisation’s support towards the carbon budget initiative.
In a major step toward inclusive and equitable climate action, UN Climate Change’s Regional Collaboration Centre for East and Southern Africa (RCC EASA) completed a two-year initiative to strengthen the leadership of women and gender experts in climate negotiations and national policy processes in East and Southern Africa.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening the leadership of women and gender experts in climate negotiations and national policy processes in East and Southern Africa. Photo credit: UN Climate Change
Funded by the African Development Bank’s Africa Climate Change Fund, the project culminated in the in the release of a technical guide on integrating gender in the preparation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Long-Term Low-Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDs). Designed for policymakers, national climate teams and gender focal points, the guide serves as a practical tool for integrating gender perspectives across climate planning and instruments.
Since its launch in February 2023, the initiative has supported 19 countries across the region, focusing on National Gender and Climate Change Focal Points (NGCCFPs) and other key negotiators. The project helped boost their ability to shape national policies and engage meaningfully in global negotiations, while advancing a vision of climate action that centers on equity and inclusivity.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the project team for the invaluable engagements over the past two years – from the insightful knowledge exchange sessions to the unwavering support in facilitating our participation in UNFCCC meetings,” said Jackline Makokha, Director of Gender at the State Department for Gender Affairs and Affirmative Action, Kenya and UNFCCC National Gender and Climate Change Focal Point. “The technical assistance has been transformative. We are certainly not the same, and we are committed to passing on the knowledge and skills we’ve gained, in the true spirit of mentorship. We look forward to similar initiatives in the future – for the good of our region and humanity at large.”
Key achievements of the initiative include four regional dialogues that brought together NGCCFPs, NDC focal points, civil society, and experts to co-develop regional strategies for gender mainstreaming. A month-long online training course equipped over 60 participants with knowledge on UNFCCC processes, gender mandates, negotiation tactics, and practical integration of gender in climate policy.
The project also enabled direct participation of NGCCFPs at key global meetings such as UN Climate Change global climate conferences, including COP 28, held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Their participation was deemed an asset within the concerned delegations at the conference.
A deeper social transformation driven by climate policy
The project’s central output, the technical guide, draws from over 20 global resources and offers clear, practical steps to integrate gender across all stages of NDC and LT-LEDs development: from visioning and stakeholder engagement to implementation and monitoring. More than a procedural manual, the guide promotes a gender-transformative approach that challenges systemic inequalities and reimagines power structures through climate action. It urges planners to ask – not just how women and other usually marginalized groups are affected by climate change, but how climate policy can drive deeper social transformation.
The guide’s development was rooted in regional consultation. A high-level capacity-building workshop in Windhoek, Namibia, co-hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism and the Environmental Investment Fund with UN Women, helped shape the guide’s structure. Input from NDC Focal Points, NGCCFPs, sectoral experts, and civil society ensured its content reflects practical realities and regional priorities.
As countries prepare their next generation of NDCs and LT-LEDs, the guide is a critical tool to ensure gender equality is not just considered but embedded and mainstreamed. It reinforces the role of gender focal points as key champions working alongside climate and sectoral experts for an equitable, inclusive, and transformative climate action.
This initiative demonstrates how gender considerations can be mainstreamed from the ground up and offers a pathway for countries to ensure their climate action leaves no one behind.
The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has expressed interest in partnering with the Federal Government of Nigeria to address critical infrastructure gaps in the power sector, with ready funds to support the country’s energy development as part of a new Country Engagement Framework.
Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, with IsDB officials
Officials from the Jeddah-based financial institution, led by Alagi Gaye, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, in Abuja on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
During the meeting, Chief Adelabu emphasised the need for substantial investment to ensure stable, efficient, and affordable electricity for Nigerians. He noted that improving power supply remains a top priority for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, citing the Electricity Act of 2023 as a key step toward liberalizing the sector.
Gaye revealed that the IsDB has an active portfolio of nearly $2 billion across various sectors in Nigeria, including energy, transport, agriculture, and education, but stressed the bank’s desire to deepen its involvement in power infrastructure.
Gaye explained that the bank is developing its first-ever Country Engagement Framework for Nigeria since the nation joined the IsDB in 2005. Unlike its previous project-based approach, the bank now seeks programme-based interventions that align with Nigeria’s sectoral policies, regulations, and challenges. He acknowledged the country’s significant electricity access gap and affirmed the IsDB’s commitment to incentivising private-sector investment in the sector.
In response, Adelabu highlighted ongoing reforms, including the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) – a $2.3 billion agreement with Germany’s Siemens Energy to modernise Nigeria’s aging power grid. He noted that the pilot phase, involving the installation of 10 power transformers and 10 mobile substations, has already improved grid stability, with plans for further expansion over the next few years.
The government is also working on a “Super Grid” project to tackle redundancy and has secured support from the World Bank and African Development Bank (AfDB) for transmission upgrades.
The Minister also addressed challenges in the distribution segment, where inefficiencies persist despite privatisation. The government retains a 40 percent stake in Distribution Companies (DisCos) and is exploring partnerships to improve their performance. A major concern is the metering gap, with only six million meters deployed out of 13 million registered consumers. To address this, the government launched the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), which aims to import two million meters annually over five years.
Adelabu further discussed Nigeria’s “Mission 300” programme, which promotes renewable energy solutions for rural electrification.
“Given the difficulty of extending the national grid to remote areas, the government is deploying solar home systems and mini-grids to power households, schools, and healthcare facilities while supporting agricultural activities,” he said.
While acknowledging global climate concerns, the Minister emphasised that Africa’s minimal carbon footprint means Nigeria’s renewable energy push is driven more by necessity than emission targets.
Concluding the meeting, the Minister welcomed IsDB’s support and urged the bank to review feasibility studies for proposed projects. He expressed confidence in the partnership, citing the bank’s credibility as a financial institution. The discussions underscored the potential for collaboration in transforming Nigeria’s power sector and ensuring sustainable energy access for citizens.
