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Lagos residents lament lack of potable water

Michael Simire
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Lagos residents lament lack of potable water

Some Lagos residents have called on the state government to make potable water accessible to reduce the huge amount of money spent in buying water.

Tokunbo Wahab
Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab

They disclosed this in separate interviews on Monday, March 31, 2025, in Lagos, against the backdrop of the World Water Day celebrated annually in March.

They urged the state government to reduce the spread of water-borne diseases in the state by ensuring provision of portable water.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), water scarcity affects one in three people in the African region and is getting worse with population growth, urbanisation, and increase in household and industrial uses.

While some residents attributed lack of potable water in the state to poor management and inadequate infrastructure, others linked it to poor investment and human capital.

A resident in Akowonjo Local Government Area, Mr. Ibrahim Mustapha, a businessman, expressed dissatisfaction with the scarcity of potable water in his neighbourhood.

“I don’t know why water remains a big challenge in a state that is surrounded by large bodies of water.

“I am a 54-year-old man, and I can tell you that the last time I enjoyed public-sourced potable water was in my youth days.

“We have had to rely on a private-generated water supply, which is not a good thing,” he said.

He called on the state government to make the water issue a priority and get it done with once and for all.

Another resident, Mrs. Folake Davies, a dentist who lives around Yaba, said that the unavailability of potable water had led to increased household expenditure.

“This has resulted in  buying sachet water for drinking and borehole water in gallons for other domestic use.

“This has added extra financial burden on residents that are struggling already and posing environmental challenges like plastic pollution.

“Water scarcity also challenges the ability of residents to keep up with sanitation and healthful living habits, while predisposing them to water-borne diseases if the use of contaminated water continues,” she said.

She called on the state government to find a lasting solution to this menace as it affects residents’ way of life.

Another Makoko resident, Mr. Saheed Abbas, an artisan, lamented the hardship that members of the community faced to access potable water which had made its retailing a lucrative business.

“Before residents can access clean water in Makoko, they have to trek for a long distance. Some of them even use motorcycles to get clean water,” he said.

Abbas appealed to the state government to make life easy for them with the resuscitation of potable water in the community.

A resident living in the Igando area of the state, Mrs. Lydia Anjorin, a business manager, was sad with the amount of money she used in purchasing water in the area.

“This scarcity makes us spend significant amounts of money on bottled water and rely on potentially contaminated water sources, impacting our health and hygiene.

“We demand that the authorities take steps to improve water access by building new water treatment plants, repairing existing systems, and implementing water conservation measures,” she said.

Mr. Kayode Aderibigbe, a Lekki resident, expressed his frustration with the area’s water shortage.

“We often go without water for days, and when it’s available, it’s not even suitable for cooking or drinking.

I was recently forced to relocate my family to my in-laws’ home due to a two-day water outage.

“I had to stay at one of my properties in Magodo just to take a bath. The situation in Lekki is really disheartening,” Aderibigbe said.

However, for Mrs. Ese Ayanwun, a resident of Lekki, access to clean water has become a reality in her area due to the efforts of the local water works.

Ayanwun said a water storage tank had been installed in her house that provides them with a reliable source of clean water.

“This initiative has brought significant relief compared to when we had previously struggled with water scarcity and contamination,” she said.

Other areas such as Ajah, Ajao Estate, Ebute Metta, FESTAC and others also lack access to potable water.

A general physician, Dr Tunji Akintade, says lack of access to safe water leads to a wide range of health problems, including waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and increased vulnerability to infections.

Akintade stressed that safe and adequate water facilitates the practice of hygiene, critical to prevent morbidity and mortality, especially among children and vulnerable populations.

According to him, contaminated water and poor sanitation are linked to the transmission of diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid, and numerous neglected tropical diseases.

“Safe and readily available water is crucial for public health, whether it is used for drinking, domestic use, or food production,” he said.

He urged the government to improve access to clean and safe water to enhance the health of citizens.

However, efforts to reach out to the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Water Corporation, Mr. Anifowoshe Rasaq, for his comment proved abortive as his number has not been responsive as of the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, in a report, has assured Lagos residents of constant water supply by 2027.

Wahab said this when he took a tour of the Adiyan Phase 2 ongoing water project at Iju area of the state.

Wahab, who was impressed with the ongoing work, expressed optimism that Lagos residents would soon be enjoying uninterrupted water supply.

He said that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, had  decided that the water problem must be solved.

“To solve the water problem, we had to come to Adiyan 2, which is a 70 million gallons per day project and the biggest.

“We have mobilised the contractor, so we just came here to see what they are doing so far, and  I am glad the media men took the walk too.

“With 70 million gallons and then we have Iju with Adiyan 1 alongside micro and mini water works, majority of Lagos houses and homes will have pipe borne water which is our target, and we are looking at some time in 2027,” he said.

By Olaitan Idris

NEITI assures to monitor effective use of mineral resources revenues

Michael Simire
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NEITI assures to monitor effective use of mineral resources revenues

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s oil, gas and mining revenues are managed for the benefit of all citizens.

Orji Ogbonnaya Orji
Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary, NEITI

NEITI said it would deepen beneficial ownership disclosures to strengthen revenue tracking, contract transparency and ensure full implementation of extractive sector governance reforms.

Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary, NEITI made this known while briefing the newsmen in Abuja on the progress it had made in advancing transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s extractive sector.

In the bid to enhance Beneficial Ownership Transparency, Orji said NEITI remained committed to exposing hidden ownership structures to combat corruption.

“We will obtain updated beneficial ownership data from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and publish disclosures on companies acquiring divested assets.

“Transparency is not just a policy; it is a responsibility. NEITI remains steadfast in ensuring that Nigeria’s oil, gas, and mining revenues are managed for the benefit of all citizens.

“However, achieving this vision requires collective effort: To the press, your role in holding power accountable is more critical than ever. To our stakeholders, your collaboration remains invaluable.

“To the Nigerian people, your demand for accountability is the fuel that drives our mission. Let us continue this journey together, for a more transparent, accountable, and just extractive sector,’’ he said.

He said on assumption of office as NEITI’s Executive Secretary, it inherited an institution at a crossroads while NEITI was grappling with serious operational, institutional and governance challenges that threatened its effectiveness.

These, he said included the absence of a functional National Stakeholders Working Group (NSWG)-a key requirement for sustaining Nigeria’s membership in the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

He included others as financial constraints, stakeholder apathy, and weak institutional capacity, poor programme content, policy focus, and declining public confidence.

Orji said beyond these internal challenges, the global extractive industry was undergoing rapid transformation, while issues such as energy transition, beneficial ownership transparency, contract disclosure, and the implementation of Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) were reshaping the sector.

“Faced with these realities, we pursued a deliberate strategy to reposition NEITI as a stronger, independent, and globally respected transparency institution.

“Some of our major achievements include: Enhancing Industry Reporting and Public Disclosure.

“We improved the scope, quality, and timeliness of NEITI’s industry reports, expanding our reporting focus to include beneficial ownership, contract transparency, and environmental impacts.”

“Reconstitution of the NEITI NSWG, ensuring high-level leadership, making it the only Federal Board chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF),’’ he said.

He further said that it strengthened collaboration with oil, gas, and mining companies, reviving and reconstituting the NEITI-Companies Forum to enhance industry engagement.

He said it enhanced engagement with civil society organisations (CSOs) to empower citizens to monitor and demand accountability.

He said with funding from DFID-FOSTER, NEITI developed a comprehensive Five-Year Strategic Plan (2022–2026) that served as a roadmap for its goals, annual work plans, and budgets.

“As the plan nears completion in 2026, we recommend an immediate review to ensure continuity and relevance,’’ he said.

He recalled that it established the NEITI Data Centre Project, a strategic initiative designed to centralise and automate extractive sector data, ensuring open access to industry information and systematic disclosures in line with the EITI 2023 standards.

He said the Inter-Ministerial Task Team (IMTT) responsible for implementing NEITI’s report recommendations was reconstituted in May 2024, after seven years of inaction.

He added that the membership was upgraded to Director-level representation, which strengthened decision-making and policy implementation capacity.

By Emmanuella Anokam

Can Africa re-imagine climate justice by breaking free from green capitalism trap?

Michael Simire
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Can Africa re-imagine climate justice by breaking free from green capitalism trap?

In Hamouchene’s “Green Colonialism and Environmental Orientalism”, the author critiques how green capitalism, under the banner of a “just transition,” is often an effort to rebrand profit, further entrenching the same structures of power that have historically harmed Africa. The green transition, in this view, becomes a new form of “green colonialism.”

Climate change justice
Climate change justice campaign rally

Instead of genuinely addressing the historic inequalities and ecological harm caused by colonial exploitation, it appropriates the language of justice and sustainability to promote business as usual – now just dressed in environmentally friendly packaging.

Hamouchene powerfully asks: What happens when the promise of a “just transition” is co-opted by global elites seeking to profit from the climate crisis, repackaging exploitation in the form of “green” technologies and “sustainable development”? The answer, in the case of Africa, is a rebranding of old colonial logic. While green capitalism purports to address the climate crisis, it often sidelines the very people who have suffered the most under both the ecological destruction of extractive industries and the historical legacy of colonialism.

Africa Faces Old Foes in New Green Veneer

Hamouchene’s work sheds light on how Africa is confronted with old colonial foes disguised in new green clothing. The allure of the green economy, with promises of renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and eco-friendly technologies, can be tempting. But as Elgasim Hamed, in his article “Extractivism Rebranded,” argues, this new face of “sustainability” risks perpetuating the same exploitative practices that have long dominated the African continent.

In Africa, this rebranding of profit is not just about environmental sustainability; it is about control. The control over Africa’s resources, labor, and futures. For example, large-scale mining projects in Africa, which extract essential minerals for green technologies, are often led by multinational corporations that fail to invest meaningfully in local communities or respect indigenous land rights. What happens when these projects “solve” the climate crisis for the global North but continue to impoverish local populations and destroy ecosystems?

The promise of jobs and development, as advanced by the local elites who often act as intermediaries, too often becomes a trap. As we’ve seen in countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia, the extraction of resources continues to enrich foreign investors while leaving communities vulnerable to environmental degradation, human rights violations, and the loss of their land.

Local Elites and the Risk of Complicity

What role do local elites play in perpetuating green colonialism? In many African countries, the political class has historically acted as intermediaries, facilitating the interests of external powers at the expense of their own citizens. The transition to a “green economy,” if not carefully managed, risks simply adding another layer of exploitation to the existing system. How can we expect a just transition if those who hold power domestically are complicit in the exploitation of their own people?

The allure of green growth, which promises modernisation and development, may ultimately sideline the fundamental needs of Africa’s poor and marginalised populations. What happens when these promises of progress are realised, but only for a select few, leaving behind those who need it most? If local elites are more concerned with their own political survival and wealth accumulation than with the well-being of their people, the promises of green capitalism are doomed to remain just that – promises, not realities.

The Dangers of a “Green” Development Model

In Africa, the concept of “green capitalism” often masquerades as the solution to the continent’s developmental challenges. However, as Hamouchene and Hamed argue, the transition to a green economy is far from straightforward. While it might indeed bring about positive change for some, it could also derail the hopes and dreams of large swathes of Africa’s population, particularly those who are already vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

One glaring example is the construction of massive solar and wind projects across Africa, funded by international financial institutions and multinational corporations. These projects, often hailed as the future of clean energy in Africa, can be disruptive to local communities. They may result in the displacement of indigenous peoples, the destruction of local ecosystems, and a failure to ensure equitable access to energy for those who need it most.

What does it mean for Africa if the green transition is marked by the same exclusionary practices that defined the colonial era? In this context, the transformation from a fossil-fuel-based economy to a “green” one may not bring the benefits it promises, but rather deepen the inequalities already embedded in African societies.

Moreover, as Hamed points out, the rebranding of extractivism for green technologies must be seen in its full context. The global South, and particularly Africa, remains a key supplier of the raw materials necessary for the green transition. Yet, the value extracted from these resources often flows northward, leaving African nations with little to show for the destruction of their environments. In such a scenario, the question arises: Is Africa merely an extractive colony for the global green economy, just as it was for the global fossil fuel economy?

Rejecting Neocolonial Practices by enshrining a Decolonial JT

For JT, there must be dismantling of old foes. A decolonial Just Transition in Africa begins with rejecting the neocolonial practices embedded within the green economy. In this context, Africa must reclaim sovereignty over its own resources, rejecting the profit-driven exploitation that continues to define the relationship between the Global North and South. But what does it mean to truly liberate Africa from this cycle of exploitation?

It means allowing African nations to choose their own paths to sustainability without being coerced or manipulated by the interests of multinational corporations or foreign governments. It means prioritising the autonomy of African people, empowering them to determine how their resources are used and how their futures are shaped.

Decolonising JT also involves addressing the history of dispossession and ecological degradation that the continent has endured. By embracing indigenous knowledge systems, which have long sustained Africa’s relationship with the environment, African nations can lay the groundwork for a more equitable and sustainable future. These knowledge systems, often ignored in mainstream climate discourse, offer rich, sustainable alternatives to the dominant models of development and provide a framework for a more harmonious relationship with the land.

Indigenous practices rooted in stewardship, community, and reciprocity are invaluable in the search for a more just and sustainable energy transition. The question must be asked: Why should we prioritise Western models of development when indigenous knowledge has been protecting and sustaining African ecosystems for centuries?

A decolonial Just Transition would directly challenge the corporate appropriation of climate justice, pushing back against the capitalist forces that dominate the global climate agenda. By placing the leadership of the transition in the hands of workers, marginalised communities, and grassroots movements, a decolonial approach would shift the focus from corporate-driven solutions toward a more radical, revolutionary programme that tackles the root causes of inequality and environmental degradation.

Can we allow the very same corporations that perpetuate inequality to define the path toward sustainability? Or will we turn to the communities most impacted by climate change to lead the way? Again, we ask: How can we expect to achieve true climate justice without acknowledging the debt owed to the Global South? A decolonial Just Transition places reparations at the forefront of the climate agenda.

This includes financial transfers from wealthier nations to the Global South, enabling countries like those in Africa to develop sustainable economies, adapt to climate change, and recover from the damage wrought by centuries of exploitation. Such reparations are not charity; they are a form of restitution, a recognition that the Global North owes a debt to the Global South for its historical role in both colonial exploitation and climate destruction.

Building a Decolonised Just Transition for Africa’s Future

In conclusion, Africa’s path to a Just Transition must be rooted in the principles of decolonisation, rejecting green capitalism and embracing a vision of sustainability and justice that prioritises the needs of the people over the interests of multinational corporations. Africa must reassert its sovereignty, empower local communities, and centre indigenous knowledge systems in the transition to a sustainable future.

True progress for Africa cannot be achieved through the green capitalist solutions that have already proven to perpetuate inequality and environmental harm. Instead, Africa must look to models of development that emphasise community, sustainability, and equality. These are models that break free from the colonial legacies that have long defined the continent’s relationship with the rest of the world.

The time has come for Africa to reclaim the narrative of climate justice, ensuring that the voices of those most affected by climate change – indigenous peoples, workers, and marginalised communities are not just heard but centred in the climate conversation. This is the only path to a Just Transition that is truly just for all.

By Sadiq Austine Igomu Okoh, PhD

Nigeria, Turkey to ensure safe return of endangered baby gorrilla

Michael Simire
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Nigeria, Turkey to ensure safe return of endangered baby gorrilla

The Federal Government of Nigeria says it will partner with relevant Turkish authorities to ensure that the endangered baby gorilla intercepted on Dec. 22, 2024, at Istanbul Airport, Turkey, returns safely to Nigeria.

Baby gorilla
Baby gorilla

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, gave the assurance in a statement signed by Kimiebi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of the ministry, on Saturday, March 29, 2025.

Tuggar said that the gorilla, which was reported to have been smuggled from Nigeria and on transit to Bangkok, Thailand, was discovered by Turkish authorities during a routine inspection.

“Trafficking of wildlife, especially endangered species is criminal and illegal act that clearly violates both national and international laws, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

“The baby gorilla is classified under CITES Appendix I, as critically endangered and any trade in this species is strictly prohibited, except under exceptional circumstances for conservation or scientific purposes.

“To prevent such criminal acts, law enforcement agencies, including Federal Ministry of Environment and Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service are currently conducting investigation to determine the origin of the smuggling attempt and hold those responsible accountable.

“Consequently, government will enhance surveillance at the nation’s airports, seaports and land borders to prevent future attempts, and acts of illegal wildlife trafficking.

“Government commends efforts of the Turkish authorities in intercepting this illegal trafficking.

“It directs the Embassy of Nigeria in Ankara to continue to interface the host authorities, to ensure safe return of the baby gorilla to Nigeria,’’ he said.

Tuggar restated the Federal Government’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and protection of endangered wildlife species, in line with global environmental treaties.

He said that the Federal Government would evolve proactive modalities to ensure that perpetrators of such illicit activities were met with the full force of the law.

By Fortune Abang

Management agency vows to uphold biosafety standards

Michael Simire
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Management agency vows to uphold biosafety standards

Director-General of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Dr Agnes Asagbra, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to upholding biosafety standards with transparency and accountability.

Dr Agnes Asagbra
Dr Agnes Asagbra, Director-General, NBMA

She made this pledge in an interview in Abuja on Sunday, March 30, 2025.

“The NBMA remains transparent and accountable in all of its operations.

“Our mandate is to protect the health of Nigerians and the environment, and we will not compromise on this because this is an agency of integrity.

“It is important for the public to understand that without NBMA’s intervention, Nigeria could become a dumping ground for unregulated and potentially harmful Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs),” Asagbra assured.

The D-G reiterated the agency’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Nigerians and all other residents in the country.

“Our agency relies on sound scientific research and internationally recognised protocols to make informed decisions. We are also a signatory to the Cartagena Protocol.

“Our regulatory framework is designed to protect all Nigerians, other residents, the environment, and our biodiversity from any potential harm,” Asagbra noted.

According to her, biotechnology provides tools to address food insecurity, boost productivity, and combat climate change.

“Our agency serves as a shield against such dangers, ensuring that only safe and beneficial biotechnology products enter our markets.

“Our goal is to foster innovation in a safe and regulated manner, promoting scientific advancement that can improve food security and contribute to sustainable agriculture.

“We are confident that our procedures meet global standards. In fact, leaders from some African countries have visited NBMA to learn how to implement effective regulations,” the D-G stated.

Asagbra further expressed confidence in the agency’s regulatory procedures, affirming that they would always stand the test of time.

“We urge you to trust in the rigorous processes and dedicated efforts of the NBMA to protect and improve lives. We also encourage the public to direct any suggestions, questions, or observations to the agency.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our regulatory approaches remain transparent, safeguarding public health, the environment, and the future of the country,” Asagbra said.

By Abigael Joshua

Growth in global energy demand surged in 2024 to almost twice its recent average

Michael Simire
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Growth in global energy demand surged in 2024 to almost twice its recent average

Global energy demand grew at a faster-than-average pace in 2024 as the consumption of electricity rose around the world – with increased supply of renewables and natural gas covering the majority of additional energy needs, according to a new IEA report.

Fatih Birol
Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA)

The latest edition of the IEA’s Global Energy Review, published on Monday, March 24, 2025, is the first global assessment of 2024 trends across the energy sector. Based on the most recent data, it covers energy demand, supply, the uptake of new energy technologies and energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

The report finds that global energy demand rose by 2.2% last year – lower than GDP growth of 3.2% but considerably faster than the average annual demand increase of 1.3% between 2013 and 2023. Emerging and developing economies accounted for over 80% of the increase in global energy demand in 2024.

This was despite slower growth in China, where energy consumption rose by less than 3%, half its 2023 rate and well below the country’s recent annual average. After several years of declines, advanced economies saw a return to growth, with their energy demand increasing by almost 1% in aggregate.

The acceleration in global energy demand growth in 2024 was led by the power sector, with global electricity consumption surging by nearly 1,100 terawatt-hours, or 4.3%. This was nearly double the annual average over the past decade. The sharp increase in the world’s electricity use last year was driven by record global temperatures, which boosted demand for cooling in many countries, as well as by rising consumption from industry, the electrification of transport, and the growth of data centres and artificial intelligence. 

The expanding supply of low-emissions sources covered most of the increase in global electricity demand in 2024. The amount of new renewable power capacity installed worldwide rose to around 700 gigawatts, setting a new annual record for the 22nd consecutive year. Nuclear power capacity additions reached their fifth highest level in the past three decades.

As a result, 80% of the increase in global electricity generation in 2024 was provided by renewable sources and nuclear, which together contributed 40% of total generation for the first time. The supply of natural gas-fired generation also increased steadily to cover rising electricity demand. 

“There are many uncertainties in the world today and different narratives about energy – but this new data-driven IEA report puts some clear facts on the table about what is happening globally,” said IEA Executive Director, Fatih Birol.

“What is certain is that electricity use is growing rapidly, pulling overall energy demand along with it to such an extent that it is enough to reverse years of declining energy consumption in advanced economies. The result is that demand for all major fuels and energy technologies increased in 2024, with renewables covering the largest share of the growth, followed by natural gas. And the strong expansion of solar, wind, nuclear power and EVs is increasingly loosening the links between economic growth and emissions,” added Birol. 

As a result of higher power consumption, natural gas saw the strongest increase in demand among fossil fuels in 2024. Gas demand rose by 115 billion cubic metres (bcm), or 2.7%, compared with an average of around 75 bcm annually over the past decade. 

Meanwhile, oil demand grew more slowly, rising by 0.8% in 2024. Oil’s share of total energy demand fell below 30% for the first time ever, 50 years after it peaked at 46%. Sales of electric cars rose by over 25% last year, with electric models accounting for one in five cars sold globally. This contributed considerably to the decline in oil demand for road transport, which offset a significant proportion of the rise in oil consumption for aviation and petrochemicals. 

Global coal demand rose by 1% in 2024, half the rate of increase seen the previous year. According to the report, intense heatwaves in China and India – which pushed up cooling needs – contributed more than 90% of the total annual increase in coal consumption globally, highlighting the major impacts extreme weather can have on energy demand patterns. 

The continued rapid adoption of clean energy technologies limited the annual rise in energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which are increasingly decoupling from economic growth, according to the report. Record temperatures contributed significantly to the annual 0.8% rise in global CO2 emissions to 37.8 billion tonnes. But the deployment of solar PV, wind, nuclear, electric cars and heat pumps since 2019 now prevents 2.6 billion tonnes of CO2 annually, the equivalent of 7% of global emissions. 

CO2 emissions in advanced economies fell by 1.1% to 10.9 billion tonnes in 2024 – a level last seen 50 years ago, even though the cumulative GDP of these countries is now three times as large. The majority of emissions growth in 2024 came from emerging and developing economies other than China. Though emissions growth in China slowed in 2024, the country’s per-capita emissions are now 16% above those of advanced economies and nearly twice the global average. 

“From slowing global oil demand growth and rising deployment of electric cars to the rapidly expanding role of electricity and the increasing decoupling of emissions from economic growth, many of the key trends the IEA has identified ahead of the curve are showing up clearly in the data for 2024,” Dr Birol said.

G20+ countries hold key to global renewable target by 2030

Michael Simire
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G20+ countries hold key to global renewable target by 2030

To achieve the global goal of tripling renewable power capacity by 2030, the world’s largest emitters of CO2 emissions in G20 and beyond would need to more than double their annually added installed renewable capacity by 2030.

Francesco La Camera
IRENA Director-General, Francesco La Camera

Yet, progress falls short and is unevenly spread in a few economies, according to data published by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in its capacity as Custodian Agency tasked with monitoring progress towards the UAE Consensus reached at the Climate Summit COP28 in Dubai. The 2030 target is crucial to limiting global temperature rise to below 1.5°C.

Released at the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue (BETD) on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, the Agency’s new data collection and policy recommendations look at key performance indicators for the 2030 milestone and assess progress against 1.5°C-aligned transitions pathways in the G20 including the European Union. G20 nations represent 80% of global energy consumption and contribute to over 80% of global energy-related CO2 emissions worldwide.

The new dataset also assesses the deployment of renewable power capacities and the gap to reach the global tripling target not only in the G20 but in 15 additional countries from Asia and Central America. These G20+ countries would have to provide as much as 80% of total installed renewable power capacity by 2030.

Data shows that, under IRENA’s 1.5°C Scenario, installed renewable power capacity would need to grow current levels from 3.4 TW to 9.4 TW across G20 and from 3.5 TW to 9.7 TW across G20+ by 2030, the bulk of installed renewable power needed to meet the global goal of 11.2 TW by 2030.

“It all hinges on progress in G20 and beyond”, said IRENA Director-General, Francesco La Camera. “The largest economies in the world hold the key to tripling renewables by 2030 globally. IRENA’s data clearly shows that renewables represented almost 90% of the world’s total power capacity additions, a veritable historic milestone for renewables. But to implement the global goal, progress must be balanced across multiple countries and regions. 1.5°C calls for more ambition and more action in G20+ countries.”

La Camera added: “It is time to systematically integrate renewables into the next round of national climate plans. By enhancing their NDCs 3.0 and accelerating action in 2025, G20+ can assume responsibility and achieve the critically needed CO2 emission cuts through renewables.

“Yet, among the 13 submitted NDCs so far, only five have renewable capacity targets for 2030. IRENA’s Regional Energy Transition Outlooks currently in progress will help to improve the NDC target setting. I strongly encourage countries to develop clear renewable energy roadmaps that align with the 1.5°C goal and that encompass solid investment plans to attract and mobilise financing at scale.”

Indeed, in 2023, the annual renewable power generation capacity investment reached $547 billion for G20, marking a significant step forward. However, to triple global renewable power by 2030, average annual investment between 2024 and 2030 in G20+ countries must double to over $1080 billion, calling for close collaboration among governments, private sector players, multilateral organisations, countries, and regions.

Today, IRENA also outlines additional recommendations on priority actions for 2025. Selected indicators and their targeted global values for 2030 reflect a combination of implementing factors in support of the global tripling goal:

  1. Electrification of key end-use sectors such as mobility, heating and cooling requires the development of grids, digitalisation, and flexibility solutions.
  2. Direct use of renewables in end-use sectors such as increased use of sustainable biofuels in shipping and aviation requires targeted investments and policy interventions.
  3. Energy efficiency must double and clean hydrogen and its derivatives as well as other clean technologies will require further technological advancement.

SEAWARD Africa to provide coordinated framework for Ocean Decade Roadmap implementation – Akpan

Michael Simire
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SEAWARD Africa to provide coordinated framework for Ocean Decade Roadmap implementation – Akpan

President of the Pan African Vision for the Environment (PAVE), Mr. Anthony Akpan, has said that the Ocean Decade in Africa along with the Science and Knowledge for a Resilient and Sustainable Ocean Economy in Africa (SEAWARD Africa) programme will provide a coordinated framework for implementing the Ocean Decade Africa Roadmap, uniting diverse stakeholders around a common set of priorities for the region.

Anthony Akpan
President of the Pan African Vision for the Environment (PAVE), Mr. Anthony Akpan

Akpan made that submission in a technical presentation on the UN Ocean Decade, Sea Level Rise and the Blue Economy as the guest speaker during the Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency (OSEPA) Stakeholders’ Forum on the United Nations Ocean Decade and Environmental Pollution held at the State Information Technology Hall, (SITA) Alagbaka, Akure, on Thursday, March 27, 2025.

Mr. Akpan also informed the gathering that, ahead of the United Nations Conference on the Oceans (UNOC-3) to be held in Nice in June 2025, organised by France and Costa Rica, the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, has entrusted the Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, with the task of building the “Ocean Rise & Resilience Coalition – Adapting Coastal Cities & Regions to Ocean Hazards “.

This Coalition, he added, would bring together 1,000 representatives of the one billion people around the world who will be affected by rising sea levels by 2050. The Coalition was announced at the One Planet – Polar Summit in November 2023. At the same time, policy recommendations for adapting coastal cities to sea-level rise were published by the Ocean & Climate Platform, on which the Coalition will be based.

The Coalition will be officially launched at UNOC-3, on the occasion of the “Ocean Rise & Resilience Forum – for Adapting Coastal Cities & Region to Ocean Hazards”, the first summit (Special Event) dedicated to sea level rise and the resilience of coastal cities and regions, in Nice on June 7, 2025. He also said invitation has been sent to Governors of the Niger Delta states, including Lagos State, to attend the summit.

The purpose of the Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency Stakeholder’s Forum on United Nations Ocean Decade and Environmental Pollution was to address the challenges of environmental pollution ongoing on the state’s water courses at the coastal areas of Ondo State. It was also to link the state up with the Ocean Decade Mandate and Policy Framework of the United Nations.

About 250 people registered for the Stakeholder’s Forum, including the State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by the Chairman of Ondo State Waste Management Authority, Mrs. Yinka Alabi; Prof. Asiwaju Bello, Department of Geology, Federal University of Technology Akure; Dr Olusegun Dada, Head of Department of Marine Science, Federal University of Technology, Akure; Dr. Adeyemi Olayemi, former Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Academia; Professional Bodies; Principal and Students of Secondary Schools in the State; Private Organisation; Environmental Health Officers; Permanent Secretaries; Administrative secretaries; General Managers; non-government organisations (NGOs), and all lovers of environment.

The Governor’s representative gave the keynote address at the forum, while Administrative Secretary of OSEPA, Mrs. Funke Adeoye, gave the welcome address. Accordingly, representative of National Environmental Society, Mrs. Akinyanmi B. O; Dr. Olayemi Adeyemi; Coordinator NESREA, Mr. Kehinde Mafimisebi TANTITA security and representative of the Head of Service gave goodwill messages.

SRADev unveils facility in Lagos estate to promote effective waste management 

Michael Simire
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SRADev unveils facility in Lagos estate to promote effective waste management 

The Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev Nigeria) has partnered Oko Oba GRA Scheme 1 Housing Estate, Agege, Lagos, to launch the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) Facility to promote effective waste management in the state.

SRADev Nigeria
Participants at the SRADev Nigeria unveiling in Lagos

The event is part of a broader project by SRADev titled: “Advancing Capacity and Strengthening National Advocacy towards Implementing a Zero Waste Initiative in Plastic Waste Management in Nigeria.”

The unveiling is also part of activities lined up for the celebration of the 2025 International Day of Zero Waste, which is observed on Sunday, March 30.

This year’s theme: “Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textiles,” focuses on the urgent need to take action to reduce the waste impact from the fashion and textile sector and promote sustainability and circularity.

During the launch on Saturday, March 29, 2025, Dr. Leslie Adogame, Executive Director SRADev Nigeria, noted that the zero waste project is aimed at commemorating the International Day of Zero Waste which is a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) programme.

Dr. Adogame said segregation of waste at source is the very first doorstep to waste management.

His words: “If you look at the waste management hierarchy, the best point of intervention is minimisation of waste, before the waste even gets to the dump site, it has to be properly managed. So, we are supporting the Lagos State Government, and by extension the Federal Government to entrench what we call a zero waste initiative in our waste management system.”

“We are piloting this project in schools and communities in Lagos, to demonstrate that it is actually easier and better to segregate waste at source, since we already have what we call burgeoning disposal sites. Lagos state government is closing up all its three disposal sites.

“Why? Because there’s too much waste coming into those sites, and we are saying that it is just not enough for you to think of disposal waste management by looking at options like incinerations and all that. If you can reduce waste at source, then you don’t even need large volumes of waste to get to the disposal site, this is what the zero waste initiative.” 

On the role the facility will play on waste management, the Executive Director of SRADev Nigeria opined that the BSF Facility would help to manage the organic waste in such a way that organic waste within Oko-Oba GRA Scheme 1 Housing Estate will not go outside the estate, it will all be managed here.

Speaking on the theme of the event which is “Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textile”, Dr. Adogame stated that the awareness is on how to reduce the enormous clothing materials that gets to the waste site: “Now, the question is what do we do with legacy textiles? We call them legacy textiles because these are clothing materials that are already in dump sites and all that. And we are saying that there are different waste management techniques that can be used to manage them.

“For example, those textiles that are biodegradable, you could also deploy BSF technology in such, because if they are organic in nature, if they can decompose, different technologies exist that can be used to manage such. 

“The awareness raising is also against textiles that are not decomposable. Currently a lot of textiles these days are made with plastic materials and Nigeria being a major recipient of secondhand textiles or clothing, Gatankowa Market is not too far away from here and a lot of all these textiles have reached their end of life and by the time you wear it, a couple of things, they find their way into the dump site. So the solution we are proposing is that instead of federal government concentrate on looking at the potential of companies importing what we call Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDFs) from EU countries.

“We have a huge volume of locally refuse-derived fuel that can be harnessed in clothing in dump sites and can be used by those facilities. I mean, how do we want to import waste from other countries when the wastes are abundant here? All what these companies just need to do is by harnessing the waste that is in dump sites, into refuse-derived fuel that can be used in cement kilns,” maintained the Executive Director.

Considering the growing population of Lagos and SRADev Nigeria’s plan to extend the project to other parts of the state, Dr. Adogame hinted: “This is a pace setter and of course we can’t do it alone. We are doing this so that industrialists, investors, government policies and the likes can support it. 

“Of course, the programme is not new, If you go to countries like Tanzania, it is already being embraced by the government of there, even in other countries like the Philippines, it’s already being embraced seriously. So, we’re just trying to popularise this in Nigeria. We are just advocating to ensure that investors can engage with waste pickers and people can set up these kinds of facilities in all industrial estates because all industrial estates in Lagos produce organic waste and also produce all kinds of recyclable waste, and the dump sites are filled already.

“So, we should have these pockets of programmes in different zones of Lagos, different local governments, that will help us manage waste so that what goes to the dump sites eventually is no waste,” he submitted.

In his keynote address, Dr Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), represented by Mrs. Oluwafunmike Adekoya, LASEPA’s Deputy Director, Environmental Sustainability, noted: “Plastic is a highly versatile, durable, and inexpensive synthetic polymer material derived from petrochemicals. Its characteristics versatility makes it ideal for packaging (commonly for food packaging), construction, textiles, electronics, and medical. The durability of plastic also means that it can persist in the environment for hundreds to thousands of years, accumulating in landfills, water bodies, polar regions and the deep sea.

“However, the widespread use and indiscriminate disposal of plastic have led to a global environmental crisis, with significant implications for human health and the environment. Plastic pollution, characterised by the accumulation of plastic (especially single-use plastics) waste in terrestrial and aquatic environments, poses multifaceted challenges that require urgent attention and concerted action.

“According to United Nations, over 32 million tonnes of wastes are generated yearly in Nigeria with plastic accounting for 2.5 million tonnes. However, less than 30% of this plastic waste is collected for recycling, and of that, only 10% is actually recycled. Nigeria was ranked among the top 20 countries that contribute up to 83% of the total amount of land-based plastic waste that ends up in rivers, seas, and oceans. 

“Lagos being a megacity with approximately 26 million inhabitants produces the largest volume of plastic waste in Nigeria, generating about 870,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually thereby confronted with a pervasive problem of plastic pollution (especially the single-use plastics including bags, bottles, straws, and packaging materials).

“The launch of the Zero Waste Project marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos and Nigeria in general,” said the LASEPA General Manager.

In his submission, Mr. Richard Olawole, Chairman of Oko-Oba GRA Scheme 1 Housing Estate, appreciates Dr. Leslie Adogame and his team for selecting the estate as a beneficiary of the project.

“On behalf of my executives and entire residents of this estate, we are assuring SRADev Nigeria that we are going to do everything within our reach to ensure sustainability of the project in ensuring that the estate continues to be neat and tidy at all times,” he promised. 

Dignitaries present at the unveiling of the BSF Facility include representative from Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA); Mr. Friday Okuh, President, Association of Waste Pickets of Lagos (ASWOL); and Mr. Anthony Akpan, President, Pan African Vision for the Environment (PAVE), among others. 

By Ajibola Adedoye

Withdrawal of USAID funding ’ll disrupt essential service delivery in North-East – Stakeholders

Michael Simire
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Withdrawal of USAID funding ’ll disrupt essential service delivery in North-East – Stakeholders

Key stakeholders in Northern-Eastern states in Nigeria have said that the withdrawal of USAID’s humanitarian aid to Nigeria will disrupt the delivery of essential service to their states.

internally-displaced-persons-NEMA
Women and children in a IDPs camp. The displacement was informed by the Boko Haram insurgency. Photo credit: channelstv.com

The stakeholders, mostly in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states, made their views known while responding to a survey on the development.

The President Donald Trump’s administration has reviewed the United States’ foreign policies one of which is a halt in the powerful country’s assistance to other nations.

To effect this stance, the government has stopped funding international aid projects.

Most of this support is usually channelled through USAID, with crises-ridden states in Nigeria’s north-eastern as major beneficiaries.

With the withdrawal of the support, Dr Jalo Muhammed, the Director of Rescue Operations at the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), says it may not be possible for the agency to carry out its functions effectively.

“I can’t say how much the USAID has expended over time, but its support has been very valuable. We can’t even quantify it,” he said.

He said that the U.S. “stop work order” had significantly disrupted the delivery of critical humanitarian services in Yobe.

“The suspension of funding has affected various sectors, including health, education, water, sanitation, hygiene, protection, nutrition, food security and livelihoods.

“Vulnerable populations such as children, women, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), and flood-affected communities have been left without essential support,” Muhammed said.

He listed service providers to include Federation of Muslim Women’s Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Hope for Street Children and Vulnerable People, Wadata Relief Care Initiative (WRCI) and Opportunity To Learn (OTL) Consortium, Plan International.

Other service providers include the Children International, World Food Programme (WFP), and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

These bodies provide humanitarian services in at least 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Yobe.

Muhammed said the affected organisations, which have been providing life-saving services in hundreds of communities, had either halted their operations or continued to function under constrained waivers.

The director said that the funding withdrawal had disrupted services for more than 200,000 individuals, particularly children, women, and other vulnerable groups.

He also listed polio eradication, HIV treatment, nutrition, gender-based violence (GBV) response, education, and food security among the humanitarian programmes severely affected by the withdrawal of USAID aid programmes.

Muhammed said that more than 13,200 out-of-school children, who are part of educational reintegration programmes, are facing uncertain future, while 13,308 orphans and vulnerable children, including those living with HIV, have lost access to vital healthcare services.

The director said that more than 65,000 food-insecure individuals, who were expecting assistance from the WFP, are facing a prolonged crisis.

“In addition, more than 1,900 humanitarian workers, including teachers, case managers, nutrition supervisors and community mobilisers, have either lost their jobs or are working under restricted conditions,” he added.

He said education programmes had also suffered setbacks.

“The OTL Consortium, which was working to integrate 13,200 out-of-school children into formal education, has been forced to halt its efforts.

“Community-based learning initiatives in Potiskum and support for children with disabilities have been suspended, increasing the risk of child labour and exploitation,” Muhammed said.

The director said that water, sanitation and hygiene projects meant to assist flood-affected households had been put on hold, exposing communities to waterborne diseases.

He said that protection programmes such as GBV survivors with the Women and Girls’ Safe Spaces, which provided support to 127 GBV survivors, including rape victims, had been shut down in many LGAs.

“Also disrupted is the food security and agricultural initiatives with the postponement of World Food Programme’s plan to assist 65,463 individuals across six LGAs,” he said.

The director said that farming programmes meant to support 900 local farmers have also been affected, thereby increasing economic hardship for rural communities.

Dr Lawan Cheri, Dean of the School of Management Sciences, Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, who acknowledged the challenges posed by the withdrawal of USAID’s support, said Nigeria should see it as an opportunity to become self-reliant.

Cheri, also the Head of the Public Administration Department, insisted that Nigeria must prioritise funding for critical sectors such as health, education and emergency response.

The don said that the country had the financial resources to sustain those services but must focus on better budgetary allocation and transparency in managing available funds.

Cheri said that addressing the root causes of insurgency, poverty, illiteracy, and marginalisation of rural areas, could reduce dependencies on foreign aid.

He said that skill acquisition programmes would also help young men and women transition to sustainable livelihoods.

Without such interventions, Cheri said, the abrupt loss of aid could push many into crime or other desperate situations.

The don also highlighted the importance of preparing NGOs for an eventual exit strategy.

He argued that communities that had been relying on humanitarian assistance must prepare for gradual transition to self-sufficiency through proper planning and economic empowerment initiatives.

The don warned that without a well-structured phase-out plan, the sudden cut in aid could create economic and social instability, particularly for young people who had grown up dependent on such services.

Cheri also stressed the need for Nigeria to rethink its approach to humanitarian and social services.

He said that the increased government investment, effective policy implementation, and greater transparency in fund management could help mitigate the impact of USAID’s withdrawal and ensure sustainable development in the affected regions.

Meanwhile, some of the stakeholders in Adamawa have advised that the state government should try and sustain various projects implemented by USAID to enhance the state’s development.

Rev. Shafa Salma, Secretary-General of the Basic Education Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), highlighted the positive impact of USAID projects in fostering collaboration between Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), CSOs, and local communities.

Salma said that such efforts had promoted transparency and accountability, which are crucial for good governance.

“We urge the government to sustain USAID projects as they enhance credibility, boost internally generated revenue (IGR), improve economic development, and attract international investors and donors to the state.

“We appeal that the government, no matter how much it will cost, continue to sustain the ongoing projects for the development of the state,” he said.

Salma said that accountability was also essential to encourage investment, noting that “no one wants to invest in an environment where accountability is lacking”.

Mr. Musa Shalangwa, a lecturer in the Department of International Relations and Strategic Studies, Adamawa State Polytechnic, said that USAID’s interventions had significantly impacted various sectors, including Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), education, and healthcare.

The don said that USAID had strengthened the capacity of government officials, CSOs, and community leaders while promoting women’s inclusion in governance.

Shalangwa urged the state government to build on the foundations laid by USAID to further improve the quality of life for residents.

According to him, USAID’s initiatives have increased citizens participation in the budget process and enhanced revenue generation mechanisms in the state.

Meanwhile, the Borno government has assured residents that the withdrawal of USAID funding would not significantly disrupt essential service delivery in the state.

Though some humanitarian groups and affected beneficiaries have expressed concern over the worsening condition of the people in conflict communities, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, the state Commissioner for Budget and Planning, see it as positive.

He stated the state government’s position on the issue while reacting to the development during the 2025 budget breakdown recently.

“The state government has been proactive in ensuring that key humanitarian and development services continue despite USAID’s funding withdrawal,” Mallumbe said.

He said that many international grants, including those from UNICEF and the World Bank, required counterpart funding from the state, which meant that the government had been co-financing various programmes.

“For instance, if an organisation like UNICEF donates $100,000, we also contribute $100,000.

“If they don’t provide funding, we don’t either. This model ensures sustainability, and we are actively seeking new partners to fill any funding gaps,” Wakilbe added.

However, Mr. Ibrahim Balarabe, an aid worker, warned that the withdrawal could severely impact thousands of vulnerable people across health, education, and food security sectors in the North-East.

Balarabe said that USAID funding was instrumental in providing food assistance to IDPs, supporting malnutrition treatment centres, and financing safe drinking water projects.

“In some camps, food rations have already been reduced, and we are beginning to see signs of increased malnutrition, especially among children and nursing mothers,” he said.

Displaced persons in various camps across Borno have also expressed fear and frustration over the withdrawal of USAID support which has been a critical source of relief since the insurgency displaced millions.

Malam Ibrahim Musa, who has been living in Muna Garage IDP camp for over five years, said the withdrawal was already affecting their food supply.

“Before, we used to receive food distributions every month. Now, we are told that supplies will be delayed, and some households have not received food in weeks,” Musa said.

According to him, families have resorted to skipping meals, while others send their children to beg on the streets of Maiduguri metropolis.

“This is not the future we wanted. We depend on these aid programmes because there is still no security to return to our villages,” he added.

Fatima Ali, a local entrepreneur in Maiduguri, however, sees the withdrawal as an opportunity for Nigerians to find homegrown solutions.

“It is time for us to come together as a community and create our own solutions. We cannot rely on foreign aid forever,” she said.

“While the government remains optimistic about mitigating the impact of the withdrawal, the reality on the ground suggests that humanitarian needs in Borno remain high,” security analyst, Kachallah Ibrahim, who also reacted, said.

Ibrahim warned that reduced funding for counterterrorism initiatives could impact the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents.

He said that the state government has called on local and international partners to step in and provide alternative funding to sustain critical humanitarian services.

The humanitarian organisations and residents affected by the withdrawal of USAID’s $736 million funding in Nigeria say the situation is already taking a toll, particularly in insurgency-affected areas of Borno.

The humanitarian sector in Borno had been heavily reliant on international aid, especially for food distribution, healthcare, and security interventions.

The USAID funds supported programmes in IDP camps, healthcare centres, and counterterrorism initiatives.

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