In a watershed moment, countries at COP30 in Belém included “information integrity” in the final Mutirão Decision, recognising that information integrity is essential for effective climate action. This marks the first time that information integrity has been formally embedded in international climate governance.
The achievement follows the 2024 launch of the Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change, initiated by Brazil, the UN and UNESCO, a coalition of 14 countries, along with other international organisations, civil society and academia working to strengthen research, strategic communications and policy responses to climate disinformation.
UN Secretary-General, António Guterres
The Mutirão Decision signals a major step forward in addressing escalating risks in information spaces – from disinformation to the harassment of scientists – and in ensuring that evidence-based information is available to all. This formal recognition establishes a foundation for coordinated international action on information integrity.
17 Countries Launch Belém Declaration
At COP30, the Global Initiative also launched the Belém Declaration on Information Integrity on Climate Change with 17 founding signatory nations. Since Belém, three additional countries have signed the Declaration, bringing total signatories to 20. The Declaration calls for urgent measures to address climate disinformation, denialism and attacks on science, and commits signatories to concrete actions.
The Global Initiative will now work with governments and coalition partners worldwide to implement the Declaration’s commitments. Priority actions include:
Establishing human rights-based information integrity policy frameworks
Supporting a diverse and resilient media ecosystem
Ensuring public access to reliable, accessible climate information
Funding research on climate information integrity, particularly in developing countries where resources fall short of needs
The Declaration was included as an outcome under the COP30 Global Climate Action Agenda and remains open for endorsement.
EU Sets New NDC Standard
In the lead-up to Belém, the European Union became the first party to include information integrity actions in its Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement, setting a precedent for other countries to follow.
By enshrining information integrity in the COP30 outcomes, the international community has established a new benchmark for addressing one of the most pressing challenges facing climate action today.
The Kano State Government has lauded the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN‑Habitat) for its role in advancing humanitarian affairs in the state.
This is contained in a statement by Director of Public Enlightenment, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Balarabe kiru, in Kano, the state capital, on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.
He said the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Adamu Aliyu Kibiya, made the commendation on Tuesday in Kano at the opening of a three‑day Participatory Planning Workshop on Durable Solutions for Displaced Populations.
Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State
The workshop was organised under the European Union‑funded SIDPIN Project.
Kibiya said the state government has been collaborating with UN‑Habitat to build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities.
He said that UN‑Habitat has provided strong technical support in the planning and management of shelters and settlements, thereby ensuring a safe, organised and resilient environment.
“UN‑Habitat assists governments and partners in delivering sustainable empowerment through life‑skill acquisition, housing solutions, restoration of essential urban infrastructure and improved access to basic services for affected populations,” Kibiya said.
“Their role remains central in advancing durable solutions and improving the living conditions of displaced and vulnerable communities.”
The workshop, he added, offers a unique platform for stakeholders to examine the realities faced by displaced persons, identify gaps and develop responsive solutions.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with all relevant actors to promote the social and economic well‑being of Kano’s residents.
Hajiya Amina Yusuf, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, said Kano is experiencing rapid population growth, internal migration and climatic impacts linked to its status as an economic hub and a host community for displaced persons.
She explained that humanitarian needs are shaped by these factors as well as poverty, climate change and spill‑over insecurity from the North‑West and North East regions.
“Kano State hosts a significant number of internally displaced persons arriving from states affected by banditry, communal clashes and environmental shocks such as Katsina, Zamfara, Kaduna, Yobe and Borno,” Yusuf said.
The representative of the Kano Emirate Council, District Head of Rimin Gado, Dan Malikin Kano Alhaji Auwalu Mudi Yakasai, called for stronger collaboration between political leaders and traditional institutions to achieve transformative progress in the communities.
The three‑day workshop aims to ensure that planning processes reflect the interests and priorities of all major groups.
It is also aimed at promoting transformative change through knowledge sharing, policy advice, technical assistance and collaborative action.
Residents of Ikorodu and Alapere areas of Lagos State are grappling with inconsistent water supply and poor water quality, forcing many to rely on costly private sources for their daily needs.
Findings show that electricity reliability has a direct impact on water access in these communities, while concerns over quality continue to drive dependence on sachet and bottled water.
The challenges still persist in spite of the huge investment made by the Lagos State Government to ensure potable water supply in the state.
Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab
The residents, however, urged the Lagos State Government to come to their aid by providing public water supply in the areas.
Mr. John Taiwo, a cinematographer living in Ikorodu, who described water as the “myth of life,” noted that its availability in his home depends entirely on electricity.
“The only threat to my water supply is when the electricity distributing company doesn’t bring light and my tank finishes,” Taiwo said.
Taiwo said he relies on electric pumping for all household water use.
He added that he treats his water before drinking it, despite using the same source for bathing.
Iya Ibeji, a market woman in Ikorodu who uses water for grinding pepper and washing, said she pays a fee to access water in the market.
She, however, noted that scarcity is common during power outages or when the community borehole dries up.
Iya Ibeji added that she does not treat the water she uses but instead buys sachet water for drinking.
A teacher, Mr. Idris Ayeni, also in Ikorodu, stated that the borehole he installed in his home solved his water challenges.
He said he previously relied on a well that dried up during the dry season.
“Making a borehole has been the best decision I made for my water supply. The water is good for drinking and has saved me a lot of cost.
“I no longer buy satchet water because my borehole water is suitable for drinking,” he said.
In Alapere, residents reported more serious quality concerns.
Mrs. Olaoti Omowunmi, a banker, described the water in her compound as “very bad,” saying she only uses it for toilet purposes.
“I buy 10 gallons of 25-litre water from a community borehole for ₦2,500, and it lasts for three to four days,” she said.
Omowunmi said she treats the water she uses for bathing but, like many others, relies on sachet water for drinking.
Another resident, Mr. Femi Ogungbe, a businessman, in Alapere said he buys water because the supply in his compound is of poor quality.
Ogungbe said the water is often mixed with soil, making purchased water a safer option for household use.
Some residents, however, reported better conditions.
Mrs. Janet Adeola said the borehole water in her compound is reliable and tastes clean, and that she uses it for all household needs, although she has never tested its quality.
In the Alapere market, a trader said she buys two 25-litre kegs of water daily from sellers at ₦250 per keg for her business activities.
Overall findings show that water scarcity remains a significant challenge in both Ikorodu and Alapere, worsened by power outages and dry-season depletion of wells.
While some households depend on boreholes, many others rely on purchased water, with sachet water remaining the preferred option for drinking across both communities.
The British High Commission in Nigeria and Manufacturing Africa hosted an Investor Night where six innovative Nigerian startups from the UK funded Green Business Building (GBB) Accelerator Programme pitched their sustainable manufacturing solutions to potential investors following 16 weeks of intensive business development training and mentorship.
The featured green businesses cover a broad range of industries extending from renewable energy, recycling, organic agriculture and electric mobility.
Startup founders, Manufacturing Africa Team and British High Commission Representatives come together at UK funded Green Business Building Accelerator Investor Night in Lagos to promote investment into Nigeria’s green manufacturing sector
The startups – GreenSpace Recycling, Sirius-X Energy, Auxano Solar, Taeillo, ZOOMe and Veggie Victory – presented their business models and opportunities to a room of venture capitalists, impact investors, and ecosystem stakeholders. The pitching session marked a key milestone in their journey, aimed at unlocking funding and strategic partnerships.
Designed in a pitch den format, the evening included presentations from the cohort companies, offering insights into their innovative climate friendly business models and the potential for scaling their ventures to create lasting economic and environmental impact. The businesses also received real-time feedback from funders including potential offers for funding.
Attendees at the event included Jonny Baxter, UK Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria and other representatives from the High Commission in Nigeria, prominent investors and key stakeholders from the sustainable business ecosystem in Nigeria.
Designed to catalyse investment in Nigeria’s green industrial growth, the accelerator is part of the UK’s and Nigeria’s commitment to growing and scaling small, innovative businesses to deliver growth and create new direct and indirect jobs across green industries in Nigeria.
Simon Field, Deputy Head of Mission, British Deputy High Commission in Lagos said,“Manufacturing is Nigeria’s future – and these businesses show how it can also be greener, more inclusive, and globally competitive. I have nothing but confidence in the programme we’re funding. Every pitch tonight was professional, inspiring, and full of ambition.”
Kemi Onabanjo, Manufacturing Africa Nigeria Country Lead said:Tonight was all about celebrating progress and creating profitable connections. We are celebrating the progress these incredible founders have made on their journey with the GBB programme, as well as the impact they are already having. It was also about creating connections that bridge the gap between innovation and investment – connecting promising ventures with the capital, networks, and partners needed to scale their impact.
The startup founders commended the programme as follows:
Jumoke Dada, CEO, Taeillo said, “GBB is hands-on – they take the heavy lifting off you and help you execute. We now have real clarity on our next steps and a plan we can run with.”
Adedayo Odunlami, CEO, ZOOMe said,“The level of diligence and attention to detail from the team was world-class. They’ve helped us evolve – as a business and as founders – and connected us to an incredible network.”
Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited and the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Nigeria and ECOWAS have committed to collaborating to strengthen dialogue on energy security, sustainability, and strategic partnership for the region.
Speaking on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at a meeting in Abuja, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Renaissance, Mr. Tony Attah, told the Ambassador and Head of Delegation, Mr. Gautier Mignot, that Renaissance was poised to drive the energy security and industrialisation journey from Nigeria to the rest of Africa.
L-R, First Secretary, Head of Trade and Economic Section of the Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Rikard Nordeman; General Manager, Relations and Sustainable Development, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Mr. Igo Weli; Renaissance’s Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tony Attah; Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot; Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Services for Renaissance, Mr. Olukayode Ogunleye; Programme Manager-Energy and Circular Economy, Green and Digital Economy Section of the Delegation of the European Union, Mr. Godfrey Osamuyi Ogbemudia; Corporate Relations Adviser for Renaissance, Mrs. Onyekachi Igwe… during the engagement between the Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, and Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited in Abuja
He said, “There is the paradox of Africa holding over 6% of global resource endowment yet facing persistent energy poverty. Renaissance’s vision is to begin a movement to correct this. We intend to become Africa’s leading energy company, advancing energy security and industrialisation of Nigeria in a sustainable manner.”
According to Attah, cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions were not negotiable if Nigeria and indeed Africa must become investment-competitive and rise above its current levels of development. “Renaissance will not shy away from taking the bull by the horns in leading this movement. We will remain consistent in, and committed to our pledge to deliver energy responsibly while improving the environmental performance of oil and gas operations.
Attah noted that to drive its vision, Renaissance had put in place very strong corporate governance structure while building on its legacy of credibility to drive visible performance.
He commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for policy reforms including recent executive orders, implementing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the introduction of industry target-setting, and improved security strategies, which have collectively contributed to industry stability and production growth.
Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, shared insights into the EU’s ongoing initiatives, including the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme, and expressed openness to future collaboration with Renaissance.
The discussion also covered emissions management, where Renaissance highlighted its continuous monitoring, measurement, and improvement initiatives, which, under the Nigeria Gas Commercialisation Programme, has enabled the company to significantly reduce gas flaring to maintain operations within the 40-level threshold.
Both organisations emphasised the need to strengthen dialogue on energy security, sustainability, and strategic partnership.
Dangote Group says it has entered a strategic partnership with Honeywell International Inc to support the next phase of expansion of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The collaboration, adds the group, will provide advanced technology and services that will enable the refinery to increase its processing capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day by 2028, marking a major milestone in its long-term vision to build the world’s largest petroleum refining complex.
Through this agreement, Honeywell will supply specialised catalysts, equipment, and process technologies that will allow the refinery to process a broader slate of crude grades efficiently and to further enhance product quality and operational reliability.
Dangote Refinery
Honeywell, a global Fortune 100 industrial and technology company, offers a wide portfolio of solutions across aviation, automotive, industrial automation, and advanced materials. Honeywell’s division UOP has been a technology partner to Dangote since 2017, providing proprietary refining systems, catalyst regeneration equipment, high performance column trays, and heat exchanger technologies that support our best-in-class operations.
Dangote Group is also advancing its petrochemical footprint. As part of the wider collaboration, the firm is scaling its polypropylene capacity to 2.4 million metric tons annually using Honeywell’s Oleflex technology. Polypropylene is a key industrial material widely used across packaging, manufacturing, and automotive applications.
In addition to refining expansion, Dangote Group is progressing with the next phase of its fertiliser growth plan in Nigeria.
“We will increase our urea production capacity from 3 million metric tons to 9 million metric tons annually. The existing plant consists of two trains of 1.5 million metric tons each. The expansion will add four additional trains to meet growing demand for high-quality fertiliser across Africa and global markets,” disclosed the group in a statement.
Dangote Group stresses that it remains fully committed to delivering world-class industrial capacity, strengthening Nigeria’s energy security, and driving sustainable economic growth through long-term investment, innovation, and strategic global partnerships.
A tribute to Governor Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State on his Conferment as Champion of Green Governance by the Forestry Association of Nigeria
When Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda assumed office as Governor of Katsina State, few could have predicted the scale of transformation that was about to unfold. In a country where environmental decline, insecurity, poverty and institutional decay often conspire to frustrate development ambitions, Governor Radda has shown that visionary leadership; anchored on planning, discipline and courage can still change the direction of an entire state.
Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State
It is for this reason that the Forestry Association of Nigeria has honoured him with the national award of Champion of Green Governance. Yet the award, impressive as it is, only scratches the surface of a story far larger, and far more consequential, than any plaque or citation can capture.
Governor Radda has not only become a leading voice in environmental restoration; he has also distinguished himself as arguably the most strategic and results-oriented governor in Nigeria today. His governance style is not episodic but integrated; carefully stitched together like a master plan whose components strengthen one another.
At the heart of Radda’s approach is the belief that sustainable development cannot thrive in the absence of strong institutions. He began by building a climate governance structure that is unparalleled in the country. The creation of the Katsina State Climate Change Council and its Secretariat placed environmental policy at the highest level of executive decision-making.
Reporting directly to the Governor, the Secretariat was designed to bypass the bureaucratic inertia that so often stalls development. Its mandate is clear: harmonise state initiatives, oversee donor-funded programmes, accelerate climate investments and ensure that every ministry, department and local government authority operates with climate consciousness.
This structural foundation was soon fortified by one of the most impressive administrative reforms ever recorded at the subnational level in Nigeria: the deployment of trained climate-designated officers across all 41 MDAs and across all 34 LGAs. Never before has climate governance been mainstreamed so thoroughly at the grassroots in any Nigerian state.
By doing this, Radda ensured that climate action is not confined to pledges, speeches or external funding proposals, but becomes a day-to-day government responsibility; embedded in agriculture, health, education, works, water supply, urban planning and finance.
Recognising the urgent challenge of rising urban temperatures and deteriorating city environments, the Governor created a dedicated Department of Urban Greenery – another first in Nigeria. The department is aggressively implementing tree-planting corridors, solar-powered streetlight retrofits and rainwater harvesting systems, making Katsina one of the first states ready to tap into the global carbon-credit market. Already, the carbon footprint of major urban clusters is diminishing, and the environmental landscape is being reshaped into one that supports healthier, cooler, more livable cities.
But Governor Radda’s vision goes far beyond institution-building. It extends deeply into the physical, ecological and economic transformation of the state. His “Green Wall Katsina” initiative; a five-year plan to plant ten million trees across the state is emblematic of the scale at which he operates.
With over ₦3 billion committed so far and more than 2.2 million seedlings already planted across frontline LGAs like Jibia, Kankia, Danmusa, Batsari and Zango, the project is not merely about planting trees; it is about reclaiming farmland, restoring degraded soils and creating green jobs for young people. Over three thousand temporary jobs have been created, while more than fifty thousand hectares of farmland are projected to be shielded from desert encroachment.
Radda’s agricultural interventions extend into the fields where Katsina’s farmers work daily. Through a ₦1.5 billion partnership with the World Bank’s ACReSAL programme, agroforestry systems now integrate nitrogen-fixing trees into farmlands, improving soil health, reducing fertiliser dependence and stabilising yields. A massive fertiliser programme, backed by a ₦7 billion investment, has made inputs more accessible to over one hundred thousand smallholder farmers.
With the rehabilitation of major irrigation assets like the Sabke and Gwaigwaye dams; supported by an additional ₦2.5 billion, thousands of hectares are being opened for dry-season farming. In a region traditionally bound by rain-fed agriculture, Katsina is steadily moving toward all-year farming.
Environmental emergencies that once tormented communities such as erosion, gully collapse and land degradation are now being contained through check dams and land reclamation works financed by the state. Areas like Malumfashi, Kankara and Funtua, long threatened by erosion, are witnessing the return of arable land and the protection of homes once on the brink of collapse.
If the environment is the foundation of human survival, then access to water, education and healthcare are the pillars of human prosperity. Governor Radda has invested heavily in all three. The “Water for All” initiative is expanding solar-powered boreholes and mini-waterworks across rural and peri-urban communities, supported by ₦4 billion from the state budget and a $5 million ACReSAL grant. Today, more than 300,000 residents in Katsina, Daura, Funtua and adjacent villages have access to clean water. This has profoundly reduced the drudgery of water-fetching—an activity historically borne by women and girls.
In the education sector, the Governor is spearheading the renovation of primary and secondary schools, the establishment of digital learning labs and the retraining of teachers. Over ₦5.8 billion has already been spent on infrastructure, complemented by ₦1.2 billion invested in education technology. The results are palpable: children learning under safer, better-equipped environments; teachers embracing ICT; and a growing generation being prepared not just for job markets of today but for those of the future.
Healthcare reform is unfolding with equal dynamism. With over ₦6.1 billion committed to primary healthcare in 2024 alone – and even more earmarked for 2025 – the state is modernising Primary Healthcare Centres in all 34 LGAs and deploying mobile clinics to reach remote communities. The impacts are far-reaching: better maternal health outcomes, lower infant mortality, and broader access to essential medical services for over 1.5 million rural dwellers.
Economic empowerment remains one of Radda’s strongest governance pillars. Under his watch, initiatives like the Katsina Youth Entrepreneurship Programme (K-YEEP) and the Katsina Women Empowerment Fund (K-WEF) have injected more than ₦2 billion into the hands of young entrepreneurs, artisans and women-led businesses. More than ten thousand jobs (direct and indirect) have emerged across agribusiness, tailoring, ICT and renewable energy value chains.
In the livestock sector, a ₦2 billion commitment to grazing reserves and ranching, notably the Wawi Grazing Reserve, is reducing farmer-herder conflict and promoting more sustainable livestock practices. Meanwhile, Katsina is also emerging as a pioneer in Nigeria’s green transport transition, with a pilot programme introducing electric tricycles and solar-powered charging stations in major urban centres.
The Governor’s boldest and most consequential intervention, however, may well be in the security sector. The Katsina Community Watch Corps (KCWC), created through a ₦6.5 billion investment, has become one of the most effective civilian-led security models in the country. With 2,500 trained and equipped personnel deployed across high-risk LGAs, bandit attacks have sharply declined. As a result, more than 50,000 displaced farmers have returned home; a development that has revived agricultural productivity and enabled the success of environmental programmes that would otherwise have been impossible.
To crown it all, the state has established the Katsina Green Economic Zone, designed to industrialise agro-processing and green manufacturing. With a projected ₦20 billion in PPP investments, the zone will generate thousands of jobs and create economic incentives for tree preservation, thus linking environmental conservation with industrial growth.
What becomes clear when all these efforts are woven together is that Governor Dikko Umaru Radda is not merely running a state; he is engineering a comprehensive development system. He built the institutions; he shaped the laws; he articulated the Katsina Green Agenda; and he invested more than ₦130 billion in one year in green sectors, human capital and security. The harmony between these interventions is unmistakable: security enables farming, farming strengthens food systems, environmental programmes protect farmlands, while empowerment and industrialisation reduce economic pressures on the land.
This is not governance by chance. It is governance by design.
It is systemic, deliberate, and visionary.
And it is why Katsina State today stands as a national leader in climate adaptation, environmental restoration, green economic transition and human development.
In an era where Nigeria urgently needs models that work, Governor Radda has become the example of what purposeful leadership looks like. He is, without exaggeration, one of the best governors in Nigeria today; and his legacy is only just beginning.
On behalf of the good and appreciative people of Katsina State therefore, we say Thank you, the Green Governor.
By Professor Mohammed Al-Amin, Special Adviser on Climate Change to the Katsina State Governor
G20 Leaders have welcomed the Voluntary Infrastructure Investment Action Plan to Accelerate the Deployment of Clean Cooking Solutions.
This disclosure was made in the 2025 G20 Summit Declaration, where the leaders noted the voluntary commitment of members to create a conducive policy environment, and where necessary, reforms to support the development and deployment of accessible and affordable clean cooking technologies, infrastructure and fuels including but not limited to LPG.
This, they stated, includes supporting investments in decentralised and inclusive energy solutions, grid expansion, and enabling policy frameworks.
G20 Summit
“We acknowledge the multi-stakeholder action required to accelerate universal energy security, access, and affordability, drive sustainable development, and foster just transitions across the African continent.
“We welcome the Mission 300 platform, led by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank, to advance efforts to connect 300 million people to electricity in Africa by 2030. We also note the other international initiatives on the use of different types of zero and low-emission technologies and fuels to promote energy access in Africa and beyond.”
In a reaction, James Rockall, Managing Director and CEO, World Liquid Gas Association, said: “The G20’s endorsement of the Voluntary Infrastructure Investment Action Plan, is a historic moment for efforts to expand access to clean cooking solutions across Africa and the Global South.
“Although this plan is voluntary, elevating this topic onto the global economic stage, underscores that rapid progress must be made, with nearly 2.5 billion people – including four in five Africans – currently relaying on hazardous biomass fuels for cooking.
“We urge G20 members to ensure their policy reforms and investment strategies recognise LPG’s unique capacity to drive universal energy access, affordability, and accelerate a just energy transition across the African continent.”
At dawn, Festus Olory steps into the forest he has spent half his life protecting. Dressed in a faded green uniform and armed only with a machete, he joins other volunteer rangers – the Ecoguards – on patrol through the muddy paths of the Ekuri rainforest in Cross River State. They listen for the whine of chainsaws, the crack of trees about to fall, or shouts of intruders.
Olory, 45, has done this work for 25 years without pay. “I am doing this to take care of my community,” he said. “I want to protect the forest. Like many of my colleagues who have children, I desire that my children someday see what we have spent our lives protecting.”
Park rangers
For the people of Old Ekuri and New Ekuri, two communities in Akamkpa Local Government Area, Cross River State, this 33,600-hectare forest is more than land. It is their history, their livelihood, and their legacy. But it is now under siege.
What began in 1992 as a community-led conservation success story – the Ekuri Initiative – is today a battle of survival. Once hailed by the United Nations and used as a model for sustainable forest management in Nigeria, the Ekuri forest is now threatened by illegal logging and poor governance. With limited government support, volunteer rangers like Olory and his team risk their lives to stop loggers from destroying one of West Africa’s last remaining rainforests.
For a country blessed with over 20 million hectares of forest cover, according to Global Forest Watch, community forest preservation is not often practised in Nigeria. But the people of Ekuri saw it for what it really is: preserving a whole ecosystem and all the gems in it, because it is the responsible thing to do.
In 1992, elders in Ekuri came together to conserve one of Nigeria’s last rainforests.
They committed to keeping 33,600 hectares of forest intact, out of sheer conviction that allowing the forest to die from mindless exploitation is tantamount to squandering the communities’ future. The elders knew that their forest, which shares a boundary with the Cross River National Park, remains one of the last homes of gorillas in Nigeria. And they were determined to protect it.
It is also a habitat for several varieties of Nigerian indigenous species, like timber, afang leaf, kola nut, bitter kola, and bush mango, all of which are being threatened by unsustainable logging, hunting, and farming.
In recognition of Ekuri’s conservative contribution and exemplary model, it was awarded the United Nations Equator Initiative Award in 2004 and later became a pilot site for the United Nations Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation programme (REDD+) for maintaining its forest.
For several years, things looked promising; non-governmental organisations (NGOs) like the Nigerian Conservative Foundation (NCF) showed interest in the forest.
They made funds available for the forest, which is surrounded by trees and shrubs arranged intricately. Service of voluntary rangers known as Ecoguards was recruited, illegal loggers were kept at bay, and the forest thrived.
Sparkling streams line up different parts of the forest, causing the air to give off a fresh fragrance. Its beauty can be described as soft and breathtaking.
However, 33 years later, so much has changed. The forest is debilitated. Large trucks have now left deep tracks on the muddy roads that lead to the forest as illegal logging digs its claws into the preserved forest timbers. The duties of the voluntary Ecoguards have expanded without any incentive.
The road leading into the Ekuri forest is now completely unmotorable. Only a bike can navigate through it. Chopped timber trees sit forgotten with no plans for replanting.
It first began in 2016, when the then-government of Cross River announced plans to build a six-lane, 260-kilometre superhighway that would link a port in the capital city of Calabar to neighbouring Benue State in the North-Central region of Nigeria.
This $3.5 billion project was to cut through some protected parts of the Ekuri forest and the National Park.
But the locals protested. Their protest, backed by international support from NGOs like the Wildlife Conservation Society, caused a short respite, even though some significant parts of the forest had already been destroyed.
Things took a more downward turn in the years that followed. Several unauthorised logging companies sneaked into the forest to cut down timber.
Ezemac International Company Limited, a Nigerian logging company, has been accused severally by the Ekuri people of logging timbers in large quantities from the forest without the approval of the Ekuri elders.
Ezenwa Igwe, Chief Executive Officer of Ezemac International Nigeria Limited, claimed that the state government and the Forestry Commission were aware of his logging activities because of an existing agreement.
But Ekuri elders have refuted his claim, noting that partnering with the government without their permission is stealing.
“There’s only so much we can do by ourselves. This is why we need the support of the government,” said Abel Egbe, clan head of New Ekuri, in an interview with this reporter.
The global timber market is valued at $58.96 billion (N84.67 trillion at N1,436 per $), fueling investors’ thirst to tap into its gains. A key raw material in the construction industry, furniture making, and charcoal production, and is highly sought after across the world.
Egbe says conservation is a culture for any person from the Ekuri community. It is that culture that has over 20 young men giving their time, resources, and lives in the forefront of the community’s fight against illegal loggers without any form of remuneration, except occasional stipends from village elders and NGOs.
“The reason we are doing all we can to protect the forest is because we want our children and generations after them to see this forest. We want them to know that conservation is possible. Protecting what God gave us is important,” Egbe added, hope laced in his every word.
Hope appears to be the only thing that is keeping the flame of their conservatism alive.
Rangers at the forefront of the fight
From the moment they turn into young men, Ekuri boys are recruited into the Ecoguard squad, where they offer voluntary service in addition to their daily job, which is mainly farming of different crops like cocoa, vegetables, and plantain.
When Olory joined the Ecoguards, it was borne out of love for his people, their shared passion for protecting the Ekuri forest, and his desire to give back to a community that had helped raise him.
That decision that began when he was 20 years old has cost him many sleepless nights spent keeping watch inside the most protected parts of the forest that are often targeted by loggers who sneak in from neighbouring communities.
He has had to settle quarrels with his wife, who sometimes does not understand why he risks his life for what does not bring his family money.
But Olory believes that one day his labour will be worth it. “I have hope that I’ll get rewards for my work someday, as more people take an interest in what we are doing, I believe the story will change for us,” he said.
For Friday Ettah, a 41-year-old Ecoguard who has spent more than 25 years with the ranger squad, it is the beauty of the forest that keeps him committed to protecting it, even though the work comes with no financial compensation.
Ettah, who is also a cocoa and plantain farmer, adds that he sees his involvement in the Ecoguard as a form of giving back to a community that has contributed to his farming journey.
“Protecting the forest is a form of giving back to the community. I’m able to be a cocoa farmer because of the kindness of the village that gave me land. So what I do in the Ecoguard is a form of community service,” he said.
These rangers walk long distances inside the forest to ensure that it is safe from poachers.
“We trek for long hours inside the forest. Sometimes we stay inside it for days without food. If only we had motorbikes and some form of communication gadgets to ease our interaction,” said Joseph Okey, a 28-year-old Ecoguard, as he showed off a small machete in his hand.
The machete is the rangers’ only form of protection against poachers who enter the forest with better weapons.
The journey has not been easy, he says. “Sometimes we contribute money amongst ourselves just so we can have something to eat while on our patrol duty.”
Their lack of better arms holds them back in the face of threats from youths of neighbouring communities and in some cases construction companies, who enter the forest heavily armed to steal timber.
“Because we are not well armed, we try to be careful when dealing with poachers. We usually approach them with caution.”
Globally, efforts to protect biodiversity are met with mixed reception, lack of knowledge, and poor funding. In Nigeria, the reception is extremely poor as not many people understand the concept of conservation.
Stella Egbe, a senior conservation manager at the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, said conservative efforts are often seen in terms of quick returns, so “people are mostly not compelled to fund it”.
According to the World Bank, Indigenous peoples like the Ekuri community, who belong to the indigenous Nkokoli tribe, represent about six percent of the global population. They are crucial stakeholders and rights holders in the conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity.
They also manage over 38 million square kilometres of land globally, which includes nearly 40 percent of all protected areas.
A recent report from Global Witness, an international NGO involved with natural resource exploitation investigations, highlighted a staggering 146 cases of homicides and kidnappings in 2024 alone, an average of three people killed or disappeared each week.
Many of these incidents targeted individuals defending their lands against extractive industries such as logging and mining, with one-third of the victims being Indigenous peoples.
An NGO’s resilience back rangers fight
Martins Egot, executive director of Panacea for Developmental and Infrastructural Challenges for Africa (PADIC-Africa), an NGO that oversees the affairs of the Ekuri forest, said the government has turned a blind eye to the efforts of the community, and this is taking a huge toll on them.
“It’s a very terrible situation that we find ourselves here. We are struggling between people who are in support of conservation and those who want to make immediate gains for themselves and their families,” he said in a telephone interview.
Egot, who is also the head of the Ecoguard squad, says he is forced to use personal funds for the welfare of the rangers. “It cost us millions to keep the Ecoguards working. It costs money to get them uniform kits, equipment, and meet their daily needs, especially when they have to spend days inside the forest.”
Although he revealed that they sometimes receive funding support from other NGOs, it is still not enough.
“I dream that something good can happen for them because they still need more training on surveillance and patrol,” he said.
Egot’s NGO has also actively engaged in capacity-building exercises. This has included providing training to community development groups and community-based enterprises, conducting research to better understand the challenges facing the Ekuri community, and offering community leadership training.
A state blessed by resources, divided by weak policies
Over 60 percent of Cross River is covered by natural forest, making it the only Nigerian state with so much forest cover. It is also one of the 25 biodiversity hotspots in the world. Despite this, weak policies around illegal deforestation are stripping its forest cover.
There are no strict measures around forest preservation in Nigeria, which allows for unauthorised encroachment of conservation sites. Several policies by different governors have been declared over the years, but they are not effective enough to bring defaulters to a halt.
For instance, according to the Cross River State Forestry Law and Regulations Act 2011, any illegally sawn wood across the state is considered an offence and will be seized. Also, all registration of forestry-related activities, such as timber and non-timber permits and farmers’ access into forest reserves, are to be reported to the Cross River State Forestry Commission for compliance.
Despite these laid down regulations, between 2001 and 2024, the state has lost an average of 83 percent of its forests to illegal deforestation, data from Global Forest Watch shows.
Data from Cross River State’s 2025 budget shows that N1.60 billion was allocated to the Forestry Commission in 2025, more than threefold higher than the N465.96 million allocated in 2024.
However, “Ekuri has never received any form of government support,” said Louis Agbor, a board member of the Ekuri Initiative, raising questions about budgetary utilisation.
Attempts to contact the Cross River Forestry Commission through its website were not successful during the time of this investigation. Also, attempts to reach the Cross River Ministry of Environment through social media messaging received no response.
An untapped opportunity awaits
In 2024, tourism accounted for 10 percent of the global economy, contributing $10.9 trillion to global gross domestic product (GDP) in the period.
The sector supports 357 million jobs worldwide, approximately one in every 10 jobs, highlighting its central role in the labour market.
With better financing and acknowledgement of Ekuri’s conservative efforts, the forest has the potential to become like the Lekki Conservation in Lagos, create jobs, and boost Cross River and Nigeria’s tourism economy.
And according to the World Bank, tourism can expand markets for existing and new services that directly affect poor and isolated communities.
Although there is no forthcoming help in sight, the men in the Ekuri rangers squad hold on to hope that someday their conservation efforts will be rewarded. They possess passion and grit for a job that tugs almost aggressively at the helm of their pockets and family relationships.
By Feyishola Jaiyesimi
This story was produced as part of Dataphyte Foundation’s Biodiversity Media Initiative project, with support from Internews’ Earth Journalism Network
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited and First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited (First E&P) recently launched the Nigerian Engineering Olympiad (NEO), an engineering competition aimed at addressing at inspiring engineering students to develop innovative projects that will solve societal problems.
The project is championed by Enactus Nigeria and has the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) as key partner.
Explaining the concept, Country Director of Enactus Nigeria, Michael Ajayi, stated that the Nigerian Engineering Olympiad would inspire final-year and postgraduate engineering students to envision and build a self-reliant Nigeria driven by knowledge, innovation, and collaboration.
Officials at the launch the Nigerian Engineering Olympiad (NEO)
“The Nigerian Engineering Olympiad embodies our belief that innovation must be nurtured where it begins, in the minds of young engineers,” he said, adding that “by connecting academic creativity with industry realities, NEO provides the bridge that transforms knowledge into impact, and ideas into enterprise.”
In his remarks the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, said the programme’s theme, “Inspiring Engineering Solutions,” aligns perfectly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Nigeria First” policy.
Ogbe highlighted that, despite Nigeria’s large population offering immense potential, the engineering sector continues to grapple with a critical skills gap. He noted a negligible percentage of engineering graduates are considered industry-ready upon graduation. He warned that this deficit has far-reaching implications, including a shortage of competent local engineers, over-reliance on expatriates, and an accelerating brain drain.
Represented by the Director of Capacity Building, Abayomi Bamidele, the NCDMB boss explained that the Olympiad complements the agency’s human capacity development initiatives, which have trained young Nigerians in petroleum engineering, digital technology, robotics, and other advanced fields.
“Our goal is to institutionalise an annual national platform that identifies, nurtures, and supports exceptional engineering talent while connecting participants to industry mentorship and commercialisation pathways,” he stated.
He added that the Board is equally committed to strengthening entrepreneurial and leadership skills to enable young engineers to thrive in the workforce or launch technology-driven enterprises.
The Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, who was represented by Ms. Ebiho Agun, described the creativity and ingenuity of Nigerian youth as one of the country’s greatest assets in a world increasingly driven by science, innovation, and problem-solving. She noted that the Olympiad provides a vital platform for young Nigerians to expand their imagination, deepen technical expertise, and showcase excellence both locally and internationally.
Addressing the students as “the heartbeat of Nigeria’s future,” she urged participants to view the competition as an opportunity for learning, discovery, and career advancement, while reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to expanding programmes that foster youth creativity, skills development, and mentorship.
The General Manager, Integrated Gas at First E&P, Yetunde Taiwo, said the company’s participation reflects its core values of nurturing talent, innovation, and entrepreneurship. While First E&P has long supported education at the secondary-school level, she explained, the Olympiad offers a unique opportunity to engage university-level engineering students and expose them to real-world industry challenges.
Expressing concern over the growing brain drain, Taiwo noted that many graduates emigrate due to limited opportunities to apply their skills locally, she emphasised that initiatives like the Olympiad, supported by strong government-industry collaboration, can create sustainable career pathways, help retain talent, and reassure young engineers that viable opportunities exist within Nigeria’s energy sector.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, represented by Amino Hamisu, hailed the Olympiad as a landmark step toward strengthening engineering excellence and advancing national technological development.
In her keynote address, the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Margaret Aina Ogunsola, described the Olympiad as a “watershed moment” in bridging the gap between academia and industry. She called it a national innovation incubator designed to transform final-year engineering projects into commercially viable products through structured mentorship, prototype development, and intellectual property support. She confirmed that NSE will provide expert guidance to ensure students’ innovations meet global standards.
