Floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) is rapidly becoming a central component of Africa’s natural gas development strategy as the continent prepares for a sharp rise in energy demand and seeks faster, lower-risk routes to market.
According to the State of African Energy 2026 Outlook published by the African Energy Chamber (AEC), Africa’s natural gas demand is projected to increase by 60% by 2050, intensifying pressure on producers to bring new supply online efficiently. ‘
The report notes that Africa already hosts the world’s highest concentration of FLNG infrastructure, positioning the continent as a global testbed for floating gas solutions.
Gimi FLNG vessel
FLNG technology allows offshore gas resources to be processed and exported directly at sea, reducing reliance on extensive onshore infrastructure and mitigating security, land access and logistical risks that have delayed several traditional LNG projects across Africa.
Cameroon’s Hilli Episeyo remains Africa’s first operational FLNG facility and is widely regarded as a global benchmark after achieving production in record time. The project demonstrated the viability of FLNG in monetizing relatively small gas reserves while accelerating exports.
In West Africa, the Gimi FLNG vessel reached commercial operations in 2025 at the bp-led Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project on the maritime border of Senegal and Mauritania.
Operated by Golar LNG, the facility is the first FLNG unit in the MSGBC region and is expected to monetize up to 15 trillion cubic feet of gas over a 20-year lease period.
Additional projects are advancing elsewhere on the continent. In Gabon, Perenco is developing the Cap Lopez FLNG project, with a planned capacity of 700,000 tons per year starting in 2026.
Offshore Nigeria, UTM Offshore is progressing toward a final investment decision on a $5 billion FLNG facility at the Yoho field.
The AEC notes that FLNG’s modular and scalable design reduces upfront capital requirements and shortens development timelines.
This approach has been demonstrated by the Congo LNG project, where operator Eni brought phase two production online in 2025, just 35 months after construction began and ahead of schedule. First exports are expected in 2026.
FLNG has also proven resilient in high-risk environments. In Mozambique, security challenges in Cabo Delgado delayed several onshore LNG projects, while offshore FLNG developments such as Coral Sul, which began operations in 2022, continued largely uninterrupted.
A final investment decision for the Coral Norte FLNG project was reached in 2025.
Beyond exports, FLNG is expected to support gas-to-power projects, petrochemical development and regional energy security, contributing to broader economic growth and energy access across the continent.
However, the AEC cautions that successful deployment depends on clear regulatory frameworks, stable fiscal terms and alignment with national development strategies.
“These discussions will be central at African Energy Week 2026, where governments and industry leaders will explore how floating solutions can unlock Africa’s gas potential while managing risk and accelerating timelines,” the chamber said.
AEC Executive Chairman, NJ Ayuk, said FLNG offers African producers a pathway to faster monetization and sustainable development.
“FLNG is changing the game for African gas producers by reducing exposure to security and infrastructure risks and generating revenues that can be reinvested into broader development,” Ayuk said.
The residents of Omikunle, Yemetu, in the Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, have cried out over the government’s failure to deliver on a promised borehole after their only reliable source of water became contaminated.
Many residents said they have been waiting for a long time for the borehole, as they continue to suffer from a lack of potable water supply for their daily survival in the community.
“The government promised to provide a well, but we’ve not heard anything from them since then,” said a resident, Alhaja Falilatu Raji.
Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State
“We want the government to help us build another well,” Ade Aderiyigbe also said during a visit by this reporter to the community.
How The Crisis Began
On September 6, 2025, news made the rounds about the discovery of crude oil in Yemetu.
The Oyo State Police Command also confirmed a report at about 6:50 p.m. the same day that an unusual liquid had appeared in a community well. Officers from the Yemetu Division arrived shortly after and discovered a thick, diesel-like substance inside the water source.
As residents gathered around the well, some attempted to fetch the strange liquid, but the police cordoned off the area while the Oyo State Ministry of Environment conducted tests confirming it was diesel, and not crude oil.
As a temporary measure, the Oyo State Water Corporation supplied 5,000 litres of clean water to affected households.
However, what was once a hopeful assurance that clean water would soon return has turned into deep frustration, as months have passed without a single sign of progress.
The affected well, co-owned by three wives in their 80s, who also now lack water supply, had served the community for more than two decades before suddenly turning oily and unsafe for use.
One of the wives, and the spokesperson for the three women, Alhaja Falilatu Raji Farmade, narrated their ordeals despite government promises.
She said, “We just woke up one morning to fetch water for ablution and discovered that our water had turned into something we could not comprehend – oily substances. It was surprising, so we raised an alarm. It’s been 20 years since we drilled this well, and nothing of such had happened before.”
Speaking of government intervention, the octogenarian said, “The government promised to provide a well, but we’ve not heard anything from them since then. We had to start buying water at ₦200 per washing container, also known as tub. That’s how we cook, bathe, feed, and do other necessary things that need water.”
Recounting their discomfort since the incident, Alhaja Falilatu said things have not been easy. “The well, even though privately owned by us, serves the whole community. We used to cook with it, drink, bathe, and so on. Now, the government instructed us not to drink it or use it for any purpose. They pumped out everything in the well, hoping to get fresh water, but the water remains contaminated.”
The Nation newspaper had reported on September 17 that investigators under the directives of the Oyo State Ministry of the Environment also inspected a telephone mast located less than three metres from the affected well but confirmed there was no evidence linking the facility to the contamination.
However, the owners of the mast have been directed by the ministry to provide a borehole for the community as part of their corporate social responsibility.
As to whether the mast was being purportedly regarded as the source of the contamination, Alhaji Falilatu expressed uncertainty and appealed to the government for help.
She said, “We cannot say for sure. Only the policemen and government agencies who came can confirm that. I don’t understand how it happened. The transformer beside it has been there for a long time and nothing happened until now. Getting water has been stressful for us at this age. The government should help us with a new borehole.”
The elderly women, too frail to fetch water themselves, now depend on neighbours and daily purchases of water to survive, a burden made heavier by rising costs and limited finances available to them as they cannot work again to earn an income.
‘No Alternative’
Sharing the events as they unfolded, a woman in her mid 40s, Ade Aderiyigbe, took a deep breath as she began to recount the events she witnessed.
“The very day it happened, I went there to fetch water but was told some substances had been poured into the well. Surprisingly, when I checked, the first draw was like diesel, the same as the second draw.
“Then we stopped and made a video of it that went viral and drew the attention of government agencies. When the government came, they drew out everything until it was dry. They also supplied us with a tank of water and promised to fix it, but since then, we have not heard anything from them.”
Recounting how useful the well had been and how difficult life has become without it, she said, “The well serves everyone in this community. We even drink from it, but now that there is no alternative, we’ve been left to fend for ourselves by buying water from another community. We want the government to help us build another well.”
Another resident, Motunrayo Akanji, shared her ordeal, corroborating the accounts of other witnesses.
“That day, we noticed that the surface of the water looked unusually shiny. Out of curiosity, we drew out what we thought was water, but it turned out to be pure diesel. The police later secured the well until government officials arrived. They evacuated the contaminated water and left it overnight to see if fresh water would emerge. Unfortunately, the new water that surfaced the next day was still contaminated. Since then, we have been left to our fate; the well has become completely useless.”
She further stressed: “The owners of the well are elderly women who can no longer move around, so they depend on us, their neighbours, to fetch water from another community not just for them but for ourselves as well.”
Speaking of the effort of the Oyo State Government, she said: “After the government removed the oily substances and took it away, they supplied us with water that lasted only a day. Since then, we haven’t heard anything from them.”
Another eyewitness, Kabirat Adebiyi, while expressing her distress, lamented the situation with clear frustration, saying, “It was like a miracle when we opened the well to fetch water that morning. We did not even know what it was, despite lots of speculations, until government agencies came and said it was diesel.
“We thought it was the mast beside the well, but there is no link or connection between the mast and the well. Since then, we have not been able to use the water. Despite promises made by the government to build another well for us, nothing has been done.
“Please help us to do something about it. We are tired of buying water for our daily use. I sell tomatoes, and I need a lot of water to wash them before sale. It’s not been easy,” she pleaded.
A student, Olamide Faramade, who also doubles as a resident, shared her ordeals during a brief interaction with this reporter.
“The government promised to give us water, but we have not heard anything from them. They said the diesel was from the mast close to the well. They pumped out the content and left. It has been taking a toll on me in particular as a student because I have to buy water to cook and so on and I have no choice,” she stated.
According to Chapter II, Section 20 (Environmental Objectives) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s Constitution, “The State shall protect and improve the environment and safeguard the water, air and land, forest and wildlife of Nigeria.” This implies that the government is responsible for ensuring safe and adequate water resources.
The Oyo State Water Corporation Edict (1977, amended 2006) also empowers the state government to provide potable water to residents.
As the government maintained silence on the stalled intervention, a call was placed to a top official in the state’s Ministry of Environment, who requested anonymity.
In his brief response, he said: “I’m not permitted to speak on this matter, but as colleagues, I can tell you this: the crude-oil claim is a rumour. It appears someone may have poured something into the well; no crude oil was discovered. I’m also not aware that the government promised them another well. However, through the Ministry and the Oyo State Water Corporation, a water tanker was provided for the community’s use.”
When asked if the mast owner had been directed to take responsibility for the well, as earlier reported by The Nation, he declined to respond, simply stating: “No comment.”
When contacted, the Oyo State Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said he’s sure something is being done.
According to him, the government doesn’t promise something and does not fulfill it. So, if it was claimed that crude oil was discovered and it was later disclaimed, not even that would stop the governor from fulfilling its promise if it had said so.
“So the only thing I can confirm for you is to seek an audience with the Ministry of Environment or Ruwassa, the people in charge of water in Oyo State, and I will do that presently. They are the only people that can confirm it. I’m sure something is being done. I will confirm after my meetings today. If the governor promises, the governor fulfills and that’s what he’s been doing for over six years.”
In a separate interview with a water rights advocate, Gideon Adeyeni, he spoke about the contamination while sharing his experience in advocating for access to clean water.
He said, “Based on my experience over the past years advocating for access to clean drinkable water, especially in marginalised communities, contamination, aside from privatisation (of public water assets) is another means through which communities are denied access to clean drinkable water.”
The water rights advocate noted it was the government’s responsibility while also highlighting the impact on the communities.
He said, “Sometimes, as is the case here, contamination aids privatisation. It is not uncommon to find communities where the underground water has been contaminated, usually with petroleum or some other chemicals, leaking through a poorly maintained or burst pipeline or storage.
“Whichever way the underground water gets contaminated, it is the duty of the government to ensure that people have access to clean drinkable water by ensuring the prevention of such contamination or quick cleanup.
“Unfortunately, the government and its agencies have been negligent in preventing or cleaning up such contamination, leaving many marginalised communities across the country without access to clean drinkable water for a long period of time.”
Adeyeni linked contamination to privatisation, calling for resistance to water injustice. “This often leads to a situation in which communities are left at the mercy of private water providers, indicating how contamination could aid privatisation in the denial of the right to clean drinkable water.
“The denial of the right to clean drinkable water to any individual or community constitutes water injustice, and must be resisted. The way forward is for us to continue to demand water justice, that is, the fulfillment of the right to clean drinkable water for all, which means challenging water privatisation and calling out the government to prevent and clean up contamination, and thereby build the water justice movement.”
An Environmental Health Officer, Daniel Akande, raised concerns from a professional standpoint.
He said, “I must say that clean and safe water is a fundamental right, and continued exposure to petroleum-contaminated water can cause severe health challenges. So this needs urgent intervention.”
Sharing his view on who should be taking the lead in addressing this issue, Akande said the government has a legal and moral responsibility to immediately provide a replacement borehole as promised, conduct proper remediation (risk assessment) of the polluted well, and hold whoever is responsible for the contamination accountable.
He added, “The government directly or indirectly profits from the telecommunications that own the mast that is allegedly responsible for the pollution.”
The Environmental Health Officer advised the community to take proactive measures by petitioning the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria or some climate change groups or NGOs, if the local or state government is already aware of the incident and takes no sustainable measures to address the menace.
With the growing crisis of climate change, which has informed droughts in some communities, access to potable water continues to be a major concern for many, especially community dwellers who have always relied on local sources of water.
One of the most visible signs of rapid urban growth in Lagos is the increasing pressure on space. As the city expands in population, commerce, and mobility, public open areas that were originally planned for movement, safety, drainage, aesthetics, and environmental balance are gradually being taken over by unregulated activities. These areas, commonly referred to as informal spaces, now pose serious challenges to orderly urban development.
Informal spaces include road setbacks, walkways, drainage corridors, spaces under bridges, road medians, and undeveloped government land that were never intended for permanent commercial or residential use.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide
Over time, many of these spaces have been occupied for trading, parking, storage, and temporary structures without planning approval. While such uses may provide short-term livelihood opportunities, their uncontrolled expansion has long-term consequences for the city as a whole.
Across Lagos, the effects are evident: pedestrian walkways blocked by stalls, drainage channels obstructed by makeshift structures, traffic congestion worsened by roadside trading, and public spaces losing their aesthetic and environmental value. These developments undermine mobility, increase safety risks, worsen flooding, and weaken the effectiveness of urban infrastructure.
Physical planning exists to balance competing needs within limited space. It ensures that land is used in a way that supports safety, functionality, environmental sustainability, and economic growth. When informal use of space grows unchecked, that balance is lost. What emerges is not a city that works for everyone, but one where disorder becomes normalised and public interest is gradually eroded.
The Lagos State Government’s renewed focus on administering and regulating informal spaces must, therefore, be understood within this broader context. It is not an attempt to deny livelihoods or punish vulnerable groups, but a necessary step toward restoring order, protecting public infrastructure, and ensuring that the city remains liveable for present and future generations.
The Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019 (as amended) provides a clear legal foundation for this responsibility. It assigns the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development the mandate to manage land use, coordinate development, and regulate spatial activities across the State. Informal spaces, being part of the urban fabric, naturally fall within this scope.
However, regulation alone is not enough. Experience has shown that enforcement without understanding breeds resistance, mistrust, and conflict. This is why advocacy and stakeholder engagement must precede and accompany any meaningful intervention. Market associations, transport unions, community leaders, local governments, and other stakeholders all have a role to play in reshaping how public spaces are used.
Sensitisation is particularly important in helping citizens understand that public open areas are shared assets, not private extensions of individual enterprise. When road setbacks are blocked, emergency response is delayed. When drainage corridors are encroached upon, flooding worsens. When walkways disappear, pedestrians are forced onto highways, increasing accidents. These outcomes affect everyone, including those who depend on informal spaces for daily survival.
There are also economic and environmental dimensions to consider. Orderly cities attract investment, tourism, and innovation. Well-managed public spaces improve city image and quality of life. Conversely, chaotic land use increases infrastructure maintenance costs and undermines long-term development planning. In a megacity like Lagos, these costs are too high to ignore.
Importantly, regulating informal spaces does not mean eliminating informal economic activity altogether. Rather, it calls for a more structured, humane, and inclusive approach that recognises livelihoods while respecting planning standards. This may include relocation, redesignation of appropriate areas, phased implementation, and continuous dialogue with affected groups.
Cities around the world that have successfully managed growth did so by asserting planning authority while maintaining social sensitivity. Lagos, with its unique density and dynamism, must chart a similar path—one that combines law, empathy, consultation, and professionalism.
The future of Lagos depends not only on grand infrastructure projects but also on how everyday spaces are managed. Informal spaces may appear small in isolation, but collectively, they shape mobility, safety, aesthetics, and environmental health. Taking control of them is therefore not just a planning decision; it is a statement about the kind of city Lagos aspires to be.
A city that works must be planned. And a planned city must protect its public spaces.
Dr. Oluyinka Olumide is the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Lagos State
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted haze and sunshine from Wednesday, January 7 to Friday, January 9, 2026, across the country.
NiMet’s weather outlook released on Tuesday, January 6, in Abuja envisaged sunny and hazy skies over the northern region throughout the forecast period.
According to the agency, sunny and hazy skies are anticipated over the region throughout the forecast period.
Hazy weather
It anticipated sunny skies over the southern region with patches of clouds over the region and chances of isolated thunderstorms accompanied with light rains over parts of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states later in the day.
”For Thursday, sunny and hazy skies are expected over the northern and central regions during the forecast period while sunny skies with patches of clouds are anticipated over the southern region.
”Chances of thunderstorms with light rains are expected over parts of Ogun, Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Cross Rivers states during the morning hours.
”Later in the day, thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Imo, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Bayelsa states,” it said.
According to NiMet, sunny and hazy skies are expected over the northern region on Friday during the morning hours with dust haze over the region during the afternoon and evening periods.
The agency envisaged sunny and hazy skies over the central region during the forecast period.
NiMet predicted cloudy skies over the southern region with sunny intervals over the region in the morning hours with chances of isolated thunderstorms and light over parts of Anambra, Imo, Abia, Edo, Bayelsa, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers states.
“Dust particles are in suspension over the North central region; the public should take necessary precaution.”
NiMet advised people with asthmatic health condition and other respiratory issues to be take heed of the present weather condition.
“Driving under rain should be with caution. Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.
“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng,” it said.
Kano State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahiru Hashim, says the state moved from 35th to fourth position in Nigeria’s Climate Governance Ranking within a year.
Hashim disclosed this on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, in Kano during an event to mark his one-year anniversary in office.
He said the improvement reflected focused leadership, deliberate institutional reforms and sustained collaboration across government institutions and development partners.
Kano State Government officials
The commissioner recalled that, in 2024, Kano was ranked 35th out of the 36 states in the country, a position he described as a reflection of long-standing institutional and systemic challenges.
“At the time, it was simply a troubling data point. I did not know then that I would soon be given the opportunity to play a role in changing that story,” he said.
According to Hashim, Kano’s current fourth position demonstrates that effective systems and coordinated governance can deliver measurable results when properly supported.
“This progress is not the achievement of one individual or one office. It is the result of institutions being allowed to function and people committing to their responsibilities,” he said.
He added that the state is determined to consolidate the gains, while aiming for the top position in the next climate governance ranking cycle.
The commissioner attributed the progress to the leadership of Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf, whom he said positioned the environment sector as central to public welfare, safety and sustainable development.
Hashim said the governor’s leadership restored direction and coordination across institutions, while reinforcing a governance culture based on merit, accountability and responsibility.
He explained that, over the past year, the ministry concentrated on restoring systems, enhancing coordination, and implementing practical measures across sanitation, flood mitigation, erosion control, water access, afforestation, and climate policy development.
The commissioner commended the staff of the ministry and its agencies for their commitment, describing their contributions as critical to the achievements recorded.
He also acknowledged the support of development partners, including the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) through the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE) Project, UNICEF and others.
Hashim emphasised that community participation remained central to sustainable environmental and climate action, noting that feedback and cooperation from residents across urban and rural areas informed planning and implementation.
The commissioner said a publication unveiled at the event documented the reforms, institutional improvements and lessons learned over the past year and would serve as a reference for sustaining progress.
For generations, December, January and February have meant one thing across much of Nigeria: harmattan. It was the season of dry, dusty winds blowing from the Sahara, cold mornings that sent people reaching for sweaters, cracked lips, dusty cars and hazy skies. Harmattan was so predictable that it shaped farming calendars, travel plans, health advice and even cultural memory.
Yet as 2025 ended and 2026 emerged, Nigerians are asking an unsettling question: “Where is the harmattan?”
The harmattan is a season in West Africa that occurs between the end of November and the middle of March. It is characterised by a dry and dusty northeasterly trade wind, of the same name, which blows from the Sahara over West Africa into the Gulf of Guinea.
Harmattan
Instead of the familiar chilly mornings and dusty breeze, the country has been gripped by unusual heat. From the North to the South, the air feels heavy, hot and uncomfortable. Fans spin endlessly, air conditioners struggle, and people complain of heat rashes rather than cold-induced coughs. The expected seasonal shift simply did not arrive. And this absence should worry us.
The first question to ask is whether this is just a one-off anomaly or a symptom of a much deeper problem.
One possible explanation lies in climate change, a phenomenon many Nigerians still discuss as something distant or abstract. But climate change is no longer knocking at our door; it is already inside the house. Rising global temperatures are altering weather patterns worldwide, disrupting long-established seasonal cycles. Harmattan depends on specific atmospheric conditions: pressure systems, wind directions and temperature contrasts between the Sahara and the Gulf of Guinea. When these systems are disturbed, the harmattan winds weaken or fail to materialise altogether.
Across the globe, scientists have observed increasing irregularity in seasons: longer heatwaves, delayed rains, unexpected floods and shortened cold periods. Nigeria is not immune. If global warming continues to heat the atmosphere and oceans, traditional patterns like harmattan may become weaker, shorter or increasingly unpredictable.
Another possible factor is environmental degradation closer to home. The Sahara Desert, once the primary source of the dry, cold harmattan winds, is itself undergoing changes. Desertification, deforestation and land misuse across the Sahel have altered surface temperatures and wind dynamics. When vegetation is stripped and land becomes excessively degraded, it affects how heat is absorbed and released into the atmosphere, potentially disrupting the wind systems that drive harmattan.
Ironically, while desertification is expanding southwards, the very winds associated with the desert seem to be losing their bite.
Deforestation within Nigeria also deserves scrutiny. Forests play a critical role in regulating local and regional climates. Massive tree loss across the country, whether through logging, charcoal production or urban expansion, has reduced nature’s ability to cool the environment. Without adequate vegetation, heat builds up, humidity increases, and the cooling effects that once complemented harmattan conditions are diminished.
There is also the influence of urbanisation. Nigerian cities are expanding rapidly, replacing natural landscapes with concrete, asphalt and steel. These materials absorb and retain heat, creating what scientists call “urban heat islands.” In such environments, even when cooler winds attempt to flow in, their impact is reduced. The result is a persistent feeling of heat, even during periods that should otherwise be cool.
But beyond the science, the disappearance of harmattan has social and economic implications. Farmers rely on seasonal patterns to plan cultivation cycles. A disrupted harmattan can affect soil moisture, pest behaviour and crop yields. Public health is also affected. While harmattan often brings respiratory challenges, extreme heat introduces its own dangers: dehydration, heat stress and worsening cardiovascular conditions, especially among the elderly and children.
The absence of harmattan also raises concerns about water availability. Prolonged heat increases evaporation rates, dries up surface water faster and puts additional pressure on already strained water resources. In a country where access to clean water remains a challenge, this is no small matter.
The troubling part of this conversation is not just that harmattan appears to be fading, but that Nigeria seems largely unprepared for these shifts. Climate policy remains weak, poorly enforced or inconsistently implemented. Environmental education is limited, and long-term planning often takes a back seat to short-term political concerns.
If harmattan, one of the most predictable features of Nigeria’s climate, can disappear without warning, what else might we lose?
This moment should serve as a wake-up call. Government agencies, environmental experts and academic institutions must urgently study this anomaly, not dismiss it as coincidence. Nigerians deserve clear explanations backed by data, not silence. More importantly, the country must invest seriously in climate adaptation and mitigation: reforestation, sustainable land use, urban planning that reduces heat buildup, and public awareness campaigns about environmental responsibility.
The harmattan’s absence is not just about discomfort; it is a signal. Nature is telling us that the balance we once took for granted is shifting. Ignoring that signal may cost us far more than a cold December morning ever did.
If the harmattan can vanish quietly, then the real question is not “why is it hot?” The real question is: what kind of climate future are we walking into, and are we ready for it?
The Managing Director, Ogun State Waste Management Agency (OGWAMA), Mr. Abayomi Hunye, has stated that he will not compromise standard in the management of waste in the state.
This is contained in a statement by the agency made available to journalists in Abeokuta, the state capital, on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, in reaction to allegations levelled against Hunye by a group.
The group had on Monday in Abeokuta protested what they described as high-handedness and alleged extortion by the MD, who is also the Special Adviser to Gov. Dapo Abiodun on Environment.
The protesting members of the Ogun State Chapter of the Association of Waste Management Vendors and Recyclers of Nigeria
Hunye said that the individuals involved in the protest under the aegis of Association of Waste Management Vendors and Recyclers of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter, were suspended by their own association on Nov. 20, 2023, long before he assumed office as the MD of OGWAMA.
He explained that there were several petitions written against the group to OGWAMA and other relevant security and oversight institutions by the leadership of their association.
The MD said that the suspension of these individuals by their association was based on allegations of fraud, misrepresentation, and forgery, which were duly documented.
“Upon assumption of office, I made it clear that OGWAMA would not aid, abet, or condone any form of illegality. My firm refusal to compromise institutional standards or shield wrongdoing is the real reason behind the current protest.
“It is quite surprising that I am accused of collecting from these individuals when all payments evidence reflected that those payments were made into the coffers of the Ogun State Government,” he said.
The OGWAMA boss opined that the agency, under his watch, had introduced impartial, transparent, and accountable operational policies
He added that the policies included the discontinuation of multiple and illegal registrations by individuals, a practice which the group vehemently opposed due to the benefits they previously derived from it.
Hunye stated that OGWAMA would continue to uphold the law and would neither tolerate nor overlook any illegal activities under any guise.
“I reassure the good people of Ogun State that I am a man of integrity, committed to transparency, due process, and the effective delivery of OGWAMA’s mandate. I will not, under any circumstance, compromise these principles.
“I urge the general public to disregard the claims and actions of this group of protesters, as their allegations are clearly aimed at pressuring the Agency to permit the continuation of practices that are illegal and against public interest.
“OGWAMA remains steadfast in its commitment to professionalism, environmental sustainability, and the collective good of Ogun state,” Hunye said.
The Nasarawa State Government on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, distributed another tranche of 50 tricycles and 10 cars to cooperatives, youth groups, and institutions as part of its empowerment scheme.
Dr Labaran Magaji, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), presented the vehicles to the beneficiaries in Lafia, the state capital.
Magaji said the empowerment scheme was meant to improve the socio-economic status of its citizens, and charged the beneficiaries to make good use of the vehicles to improve their lives.
Abdullahi Audu Sule, Governor of Nasarawa State
He said that the electric vehicle empowerment scheme was a deliberate effort by the Gov. Abdullahi Sule-led administration to adopt clean energy.
“We are all aware of climate change and the need to sanitise our environment; it must start from somewhere; and that is why the call for renewable energy is really very important.
“It is against this background that the governor has taken the front line by first introducing the electric vehicle for all commissioners and members of the state executive council.
“I think it is the first of its kind in this country, ” he said.
The SSG charged the beneficiaries to maintain the vehicles for optimal performance as all accessories were provided, including charging plugs, charging points, and a maintenance office, located in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Prof. Nghargbu Kitso, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Linkages, Nasarawa State University Keffi, expressed appreciation to the government.
Kitso assured the governor that they would work hard to multiply the fortune of the scheme to benefit their members.
“As a learning institution that is also focused on innovative funding, we find this empowerment programme timely.
“Through our university consultancy services and cooperative societies, we will be able to multiply the fortunes of this kind of initiative, ” he said.
The Nasarawa government last year empowered various youth and women groups as well as institutions with over 100 electric cars and 50 tricycles as revolving loans.
The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, has called for stronger protection of civilians, civilian spaces and schools following a spate of attacks in Niger State, north-central Nigeria.
On January 3, 2026, more than 30 people were reportedly killed and an unspecified number abducted after an attack on a village market in Kasuwan Daji, Borgu Local Government Area (LGA), in Niger State. The assailants also set market stalls and nearby homes on fire.
Other concerning incidents were reported in Agwara LGA, also in Niger State, and in Kwara and Ondo states, with scores of reported casualties, including deaths and kidnappings.
Mohamed Malick Fall, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria
Agwara LGA, in Niger State, is the location where more than 300 people – who have since been released – were abducted in November 2025 following an attack on Saint Mary’s Catholic School.
The attacks have been described as grave violations of human rights, including the right to life and the protection of civilians, particularly women and children, and undermine the right to education.
Fall said: “On behalf of the United Nations, I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and wish the injured a swift recovery. I also call for the immediate release of all those abducted and urge authorities to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable in line with national and international human rights standards.
“Students, schools, and education personnel must be protected from any form of attack. No child should ever be at risk while pursuing an education – a fundamental right for all children.”
In November 2025, the United Nations reiterated the need for the implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration in Nigeria to safeguard the civilian nature of schools and ensure children can learn safely, even in contexts of conflict and insecurity. These recent attacks seem to underscore the continued need for urgent action.
“The United Nations remains committed to working with government authorities to strengthen protection for civilians and promote safer learning environments,” added Fall.
Group Chief Branding and Communications, Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, has been named to the prestigious 2025 Influence 100, reaffirming his standing as one of the most consequential communications leaders in the world and the only Nigerian on this year’s list.
The recognition marks Chiejina’s fifth consecutive appearance on the global ranking, having previously been listed in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, a rare distinction that underscores both consistency and sustained global relevance. His continued presence places him among an elite group of in-house communicators whose judgement, influence and strategic insight shape corporate reputation at the highest level.
Anthony Chiejina
Published annually by PRovoke Media and now in its 13th year, the Influence 100 identifies the most impactful senior communications, corporate affairs and marketing executives worldwide. The 2025 list reflects a rapidly changing global environment in which communications has evolved from a support function into a core pillar of leadership, governance and trust building amid geopolitical uncertainty, technological disruption and heightened public scrutiny.
According to PRovoke Media, the leaders recognised this year demonstrate strategic clarity, cultural intelligence and the ability to guide organisations through complexity. Final selections are made by the publication’s senior editorial team through proprietary research and external nominations, assessed against organisational seniority and global reach, influence over agency partnerships and budgets, and contribution to thought leadership and industry direction. The list also prioritises gender balance, racial diversity and geographic representation.
According to the publication, Chiejina’s inclusion reflects his central role in shaping the reputation of Dangote Group, Africa’s largest industrial conglomerate. For over 15 years, he has overseen corporate communications across the group’s diverse portfolio, spanning cement, agriculture, energy, manufacturing and consumer goods. His stewardship has been instrumental in positioning Dangote as the continent’s most admired indigenous company and a symbol of African industrial ambition.
“As group head of corporate communications, he oversees external and internal reputation across multiple sectors spanning cement, agriculture, energy and consumer goods, and has helped steer the brand’s continued recognition as the most admired indigenous company on the continent,” it said.
Under his leadership, the group’s communications function has navigated complex regulatory environments, major industrial expansions and heightened global attention, particularly as Dangote deepens its footprint across Africa and advances sustainability and energy security initiatives.
Before joining Dangote Group, Chiejina held senior roles at Zenith Bank, Oceanic Bank, Seven Up Bottling Company, the African Economic Digest (AED) and African Concord, experiences that have given him deep insight into Nigeria’s political economy, financial markets and media landscape. That breadth of experience continues to inform Dangote Group’s engagement with stakeholders at home and abroad.
His sustained recognition on the Influence 100 highlights not only personal professional excellence, but also the growing visibility of African corporate leadership in global reputation management. As communications becomes increasingly central to how organisations lead and earn trust, Chiejina’s presence on the list reinforces Nigeria’s place in the global conversation shaping the future of the profession.
The 2025 Influence 100 includes 28 new entrants, alongside several high profile re entries by senior communications leaders who have since taken on expanded global roles. These include Michael Stewart, who moved from PwC to Unilever; Michael Gonda, from McDonald’s to Nike; and Sandy Rodriguez, also from McDonald’s to Eli Lilly.
This year’s list reflects a powerful cross section of communications leadership from some of the world’s most influential organisations, including Walmart, Apple, Shell, Microsoft, Nvidia, Nissan, Coca Cola, Google, Lufthansa, MTN, Emirates, Ford, Marriott, Tencent and Reliance Industries among others.
In total, 20 countries are represented, highlighting the global reach and strategic importance of senior in house communications leadership. Gender representation remains strong, with 58 women and 42 men featured, sustaining a female majority for the second consecutive year.
The 2025 Influence 100 is also the most highly educated cohort to date, with all honourees holding at least a first degree and 56 per cent possessing advanced qualifications, up sharply from previous years.
