Atempt to smuggle a shocking cache of endangered animal parts into Nigeria has been thwarted by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the Mfum/Ekok border in Cross River State.
Seized items: two gorilla skulls, and four gorilla hands and feet
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has applauded the swift action of Customs officers, who intercepted a suspect transporting a gruesome haul from Cameroon, including 213 parrot skulls, 29 packs of parrot feathers, six eagle skulls, one pack of eagle feathers, 128 African hornbill skulls, two gorilla skulls, and four gorilla hands and feet.
Commending the operation, WCS Country Director, Andrew Dunn, emphasised the critical role of Customs in curbing the illegal wildlife trade.
“Every confiscated item represents a tragic loss for nature, but through continued vigilance and collaboration, we can fight back against wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species,” he said.
The arrested suspect, a Nigerian from Oyo State, was caught on March 12 and remains in custody pending further investigations. Customs officials reaffirmed their commitment to cracking down on illegal wildlife trade through rigorous border surveillance and enforcement.
According to Dunn, WCS has been actively supporting Nigeria’s anti-trafficking efforts, training over 100 Customs personnel since 2020 and partnering with the Elephant Protection Initiative to establish ten secure storage facilities for seized wildlife products. Since 2001, WCS has worked tirelessly to protect Nigeria’s biodiversity, with a strong presence in Bauchi and Cross River States.
Authorities urge the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities linked to wildlife trafficking, reinforcing the collective fight to safeguard Nigeria’s rich natural heritage.
The Consultative Group of Experts (CGE) held two key meetings in Bonn, Germany, in March 2025 to bolster support for developing countries implementing the Paris Agreement’s transparency requirements. The group’s 7th informal Forum brought together 145 participants to discuss lessons learned by developing countries as they prepare their first Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs).
The Consultative Group of Experts (CGE) meeting in Bonn, Germany. Photo credit: UN Climate Change
These reports enable governments to build a stronger evidence base that helps refine climate policies over time, identify needs and opportunities, and allocate resources effectively.
“We are now at a critical juncture in our process, as the first BTRs are submitted and Parties prepare for the next set of reports,” said Daniele Violetti, Senior Director of Programmes Coordination at UN Climate Change, emphasising the CGE’s essential function in helping developing countries track progress on Paris Agreement implementation.
Violetti called for continued collaboration and political and financial support to ensure all Parties can submit their first BTRs, prepare for technical expert reviews, and start work on the second round of BTRs.
Julia Gardiner, Chair of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI), highlighted the importance of BTRs, describing them as vital tools for tracking countries’ implementation of national climate plans (NDCs), and providing valuable inputs into processes like the Global Stocktake.
Jenny Mager, Chair of the CGE, called on Parties to maintain momentum in submitting BTRs as soon as possible.
The CGE also provided an update on its 2024 activities, reporting progress made by developing countries in preparing their first BTRs. Representatives from South Africa, Maldives and Kazakhstan shared their experiences, discussing the challenges they faced, steps followed, and lessons learned. Representatives from partner organisations – including CBIT-GSP, UNEP, UNDP and ICAT – also offered insights into their support efforts and upcoming plans for 2025.
Lessons learned
Preparing BTRs provides useful insights for revising and updating NDCs.
Developing countries can work towards overcoming obstacles like data gaps through strong institutional frameworks and fostering cross-departmental and stakeholder collaboration.
The BTR preparation process is a valuable learning opportunity, helping countries identify capacity-building needs and priorities.
A wide range of initiatives and resources are available to assist developing countries in preparing their BTRs.
Next Steps
Following the 7th Informal Forum, the CGE held its 13th meeting to develop its workplan for 2025. With the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) now fully operational, the CGE reaffirmed its commitment to support developing countries in meeting their transparency obligations under the Convention and the Paris Agreement.
Recognising the ongoing financial challenges, the CGE explored ways to deepen collaboration with partner organizations like CBIT-GSP, UNEP and UNDP to ensure sustained technical support throughout the year.
Discussions also focused on findings from capacity-building needs assessments, and feedback from 2024 events. Looking ahead, the CGE will expand its cooperation with the Paris Agreement Implementation and Compliance Committee (PAICC) and other constituted bodies to provide even more tailored and comprehensive support for transparency efforts in developing countries.
Established in 1999, the CGE is mandated to provide technical advice and support to developing country Parties for enhancing their institutional and technical capacity to prepare and submit national communications, biennial update reports, national greenhouse gas inventories and BTRs, as applicable, with a view to enabling improvements in their reporting over time.
The Abia State Government on Monday, March 25, 2025, announced its resolve to reintroduce sanitary inspectors in the state, in its bid to maintain cleanliness.
Dr Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State
The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, made this known during a press briefing on the outcome of the weekly State Executive Council meeting, in Umuahia, the state capital.
Kanu said that the move formed part of the ongoing Abia Clean-Up Initiative, aimed at ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for residents.
The commissioner said: “The decision to bring back sanitary inspectors stems from the understanding that a clean environment plays a crucial role in the overall health and well-being of the people.
“This initiative will be spearheaded by the state’s Ministry of Environment and the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA).”
Kanu said that over the past few months, the government had recorded significant achievements in environmental sanitation, particularly in Aba, a city once known for its poor waste management.
He noted that the streets that were previously littered with heaps of refuse had been transformed, showcasing the present administration’s commitment to a cleaner Abia.
The commissioner said that in order to sustain this progress, the sanitary inspectors would have the task of enforcing environmental health regulations, to prevent the outbreak of diseases associated with poor sanitation.
Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on Monday, March 24, 2025, sought stakeholders’ partnership to enhance climate-resilient economy globally.
Prof. Charles Anosike, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) Director-General (right), and the WMO representative in Nigeria, Mr. Bernard Gomez
Its Director-General, Prof. Charles Anosike, made the call in Abuja at the commemoration of the 2025 World Meteorological Day themed “Closing the Early Warning Gaps Together”.
Anosike said such partnership would ensure that no one was left behind in accessing life-saving weather and climate information.
“I want to use this opportunity to call on all stakeholders in the weather and climate service value chain to work together, across sectors and borders, to ensure that no one is left behind in accessing life-saving weather and climate information.
“It is our collective duty to reaffirm our commitment to strengthening early warning systems and building partnerships that enhance weather and climate-resilient economic development and close the early warning gaps together.
“To our young students here today, I therefore encourage you to take an active interest in understanding the dynamics of weather and climate, as your contributions will be vital in addressing the challenges ahead.“ he said.
The NiMet D-G recalled that the commemoration of the 2025 World Meteorological Day came into force on March 23, 1950, of the Convention establishing the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).
He explained that the annual event provided a unique opportunity to reflect on the role of meteorology in building a climate-resilient society and safeguarding lives and livelihoods to strengthen early warning capabilities globally.
He said investing in early warning systems would save countless lives and livelihoods, generate ten times return on investment and strengthen economies.
He added that there was progress made in expanding early warning systems coverage worldwide as climate variability and extreme weather events continued being experienced.
He said NiMet had been engaged in strengthening forecasting and dissemination capabilities to ensure communities and individuals prepare for, respond to, and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events to support the global endeavour.
The director-general said the agency remained at the forefront of advancing early warning systems through science-based weather and climate services.
Anosike stated that NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), daily weather forecast, and bulletins, impact-based forecast and other publications had proven instrumental in disaster risk reduction across all socio-economic sectors.
According to Anosike, modernised hydrometeorological infrastructure is key to enhancing early warning and a solid step towards reducing the early warning gaps.
“At NiMet, we continue to work towards upgrading our weather systems, providing quality observation and robust weather forecasts to trigger pre-emptive measures and equip stakeholders with necessary tools to interpret early warnings and respond with early actions.
“We need to recognise and pay tribute to one of our own and an esteemed pioneer in many aspects of meteorology and climate science, Prof. Godwin Obasi, former Secretary General, World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).
“In his paper titled ‘WMO’s Role in International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction’, Obasi highlighted critical importance of research, observation, forecasting and collaborations in enhancing warning systems, risk assessment, technological exchange, public information, and training.”
The NiMet boss said that Obasi was one of the earliest scientists to recognise the role of early warnings in disaster risk management.
He said the unprecedented weather extremes in the past few years were surfacing early warning gaps like – inadequate finance and access to latest technologies, uncoordinated dissemination efforts, insecurity and maintainability of early warning systems needed to be proactively addressed.
Anosike added that closing the early warning gap required strong collaboration, coordination and cooperation between national and international partners, policymakers, the private sector, and local communities, especially the youth.
He explained that the government would not be able to do it alone.
The WMO Secretary-General, Ms. Celeste Saulo, said that the governments ought to lead the way and make collaboration the main key.
Saulo, who was represented by the WMO representative in Nigeria, Mr. Bernard Gomez, maintained that investing in National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) was about forecasting toward saving lives, strengthening economies, and securing the future.
“NMHS must remain the source of authoritative warnings, while the private sector can help drive innovation, strengthen dissemination, and enhance risk knowledge.
Shell has announced plans to ramp up cost savings and reduce spending while aiming to deliver more value with lower emissions, in spite of having weakened its carbon reduction pledge in 2024.
Chief Executive, Shell, Wael Sawan
Ahead of its capital market day, the oil giant revealed it would look to strip out $5 billion to $7 billion a year by 2028, up from the previous target of $2 billion to $3 billion by 2025.
Additionally, Shell plans to reduce its annual spending to $20 billion from $22 billion over the next three years.
The FTSE 100 company also told shareholders it would enhance investor returns through share buybacks and dividend payouts.
Other targets include increasing top-line production across its upstream and integrated gas businesses by $1 annually over the next five years and growing liquefied natural gas (LNG) sales by $4-5 per year through 2030.
Shell also committed to spending $10 of its budget on lower-carbon businesses by the end of the decade, although it has significantly reduced its climate goals.
The company warned that it may close some chemical operations in Europe to “unlock more value from our strong portfolio of chemicals assets” and explore partnerships in the U.S.
Chief Executive, Wael Sawan, stated: “Today we are raising the bar across our key financial targets, investing where we have competitive strengths, and delivering more for our shareholders.”
Last year, Shell controversially dropped a plan to reduce net carbon intensity by $45 by 2035 and instead set a goal for $100 reduction by 2050.
The company also revealed plans to cut the net carbon intensity of the energy it sells by $15 to $20 by 2030, compared to 2016, down from the original $20 target.
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has stated that the production of polypropylene by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals will revive Nigeria’s struggling textile industry and save the country $267 million in import costs.
Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Segun Kadir-Ajayi
In an interview on the Channels Business Incorporated Programme, the Director-General of MAN, Segun Kadir-Ajayi, highlighted the struggles of the textile industry, which was once thriving and employed over 25,000 workers aged between 18 and 40 in the northern region alone. He explained that many companies have been forced to shut down due to the absence of local polypropylene production and the scarcity of foreign exchange required for imports.
He further stated that the production of polypropylene by Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals would ensure that Nigeria, which currently imports 90% of its annual polypropylene requirements (amounting to 250,000 metric tonnes), will now become a net exporter, generating foreign exchange to strengthen the economy.
“For us in the manufacturing sector, this is a welcome development. It more than covers the 250,000 metric tons that constitute our national demand, which has been severely lacking. You can imagine the sectors it will impact – the textile industry, the plastic industry, the furniture industry.
“We are looking at an amount in the region of $267 million being saved. This is the amount spent every year in scarce dollars to import these materials. It is a welcome development for manufacturers, as it will incentivize investment in the sector,” he said.
Kadir, who lamented how the collapse of the textile industry led to widespread unemployment, stated that with the local production of polypropylene, manufacturers will no longer need to rely on imported polypropylene. This, he added, will help reduce their costs and improve efficiency.
“We have seen the global trend of the textile industry relying on the petrochemical industry. So, you can imagine what boost this is going to bring to the sector.
“And that it is now available locally and does not require that we continue to look for foreign exchange to be able to meet our demands. It is actually a cheering news for manufacturers,” he said.
He urged the federal government and other stakeholders to support the local production of polypropylene through incentives, stating that this would attract more investment into the sector and increase manufacturing’s contribution to GDP. He added that this would significantly aid the government’s goal of achieving a $1 trillion economy.
“If the economy is going to save $267 million in imports at a time when the current government is striving to create a $1 trillion economy, this is a significant saving, especially considering the scarcity and inadequacy of foreign exchange supply. When we see champions like this blazing the trail, showing that we can even become a net exporter, it is certainly worthy of support.
“The NNPC has a capacity of 13,000 metric tons. When you add this to what Indorama has, along with the massive supply we will have from Dangote, we will become a net exporter. This means all our imports from Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, China, and India will be completely eliminated. We can now aim for self-sufficiency and even export for foreign exchange,” he added.
He stated that polypropylene production, with its far-reaching impact, will extend beyond the Dangote Refinery, resulting in significant job creation, increased tax revenue for the government, higher investment in the sector, foreign exchange earnings, and supporting the manufacturing sector in making a substantial contribution to the country’s GDP, among other benefits.
“I believe that what we should then be looking forward to is the government’s deliberate efforts to incentivise more investment in that sector and looking for support that will allow us to patronise what is made in Nigeria. We are able to earn the respect for the patronage of made-in Nigerian products in terms of price and quality of delivery,” he stressed.
Dangote’s $2 billion Petrochemical Plant in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, is designed to produce 77 grades of polypropylene. With a capacity of 900,000 metric tonnes per year and a turnover of $1.2 billion, it aims to meet the growing demand in plastic processing industries both in Africa and globally. The plant is expected to boost investment in downstream industries, create jobs, increase tax revenues, reduce foreign exchange outflow, and contribute to the country’s GDP growth.
Some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have called on the Federal Government to increase the Tobacco Control Fund (TCF) beyond the N13 million allocated to it in the national budget for 2025, in order to protect public health.
From L-R: Alliance Coordinator of the Nigerian Tobacco Control Alliance, Olawale Makanjuola; Country Coordinator of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Michael Olaniyan; Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA). Akinbode Oluwafemi; Policy and Legal Drafting Officer at CAPPA, Shade Oyelade-Osi; and Programme Officer at NTCA, Chibuike Nwokorie, at a news conference by NTCA, CTFK and CAPPA in Abuja
The Nigerian Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA), Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (CTFK) and the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) made the call at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
The Executive Director of CAPPA, Mr. Akinbode Oluwafemi, said that increasing funding to a minimum of N300 million annually would allow for more effective prevention programmes, public awareness campaigns, and access to cessation support for those wanting to quit.
Oluwafemi recalled that, in 2023, Nigeria allocated N4.7 million in the national budget to the TCF, its first-ever financial commitment to the Fund.
He said that, following sustained stakeholder advocacy about the gross inadequateness of this sum, it doubled the amount to N10 million in 2024, and now N13 million in 2025 budget.
According to him, these year-on-year increases are no doubt a step in the right direction. However, they are a far cry from the “at least” N300 million needed for the operationalisation of the Fund.
“Nigeria’s failure to close this tobacco control funding gap has made legislative efforts at tobacco control ineffective with severe consequences for public health and the economy.
“As the leading preventable cause of death and diseases, tobacco kills half of its regular users.
“In fact, according to the Federal Government’s records, no fewer than 26,800 persons die in Nigeria each year from tobacco or tobacco-linked diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers and stroke risks,’’ Oluwafemi said.
According to him, tobacco-related illnesses also lead to catastrophic health expenditures, particularly for the poor, trapping families in a cycle of poverty.
“Moreover, tobacco cultivation eats up large swaths of land which could otherwise support sustainable food production systems. Tobacco production further depletes vital resources such as land and water, diverting them from sustainable food production.
“Additionally, trillions of discarded plastic cigarette butts pollute our ecosystems every year, further harming the planet,’’ he said.
Mr. Michael Olaniyan, In Country Coordinator, CTFK, said the increase in tobacco control fund became necessary as development donors like the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) pulled out to supporting Nigeria’s preventable diseases and programmes.
Olaniyan urged the Federal Government to borrow a leaf from countries like Kenya and South Africa that allocated adequate monies for implementation of tobacco control.
Also speaking, Programme Officer of NTCA, Mr. Chibuike Nwokorie, expressed concern over lack of transparency on the monies previously budgeted and released into the Fund account.
According to Nwokorie, the National Tobacco Control Act requires that funds allocated for tobacco control in the national budget or from other sources are to be remitted to the Tobacco Control Fund account for utilisation.
“We urge the Federal Ministry of Health to provide an update on the status of the Tobacco Control Fund, explicitly detailing the current balance, sources of the monies in the Fund and details of previous spendings from the Fund,” he said.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has reiterated the Federal Government’s support for the certification of Nigeria’s Alternative Petroleum and Power Limited (APPL) hydrogen Polis project.
Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology
APPL is a privately owned Nigerian company focused on providing clean, efficient and environmentally friendly (reformed) fuels.
The Hydrogen Polis project was certified into the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC).
This is contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Minister, Dr Robert Ngwu, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Abuja.
The minister said that the onboarding and certification was awarded by Baltic Control Certification in Denmark, Greenhouse Gas (GHG), Calculations and certification in accordance with the ISCC EU standard.
He said that the onboarding of Nigeria’s APPL Hydrogen Polis project into ISCC Green Certification would strengthen Africa’s Position in the Global Green Economy.
Nnaji said that the milestone marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s green transition journey, and affirms the country’s leadership in climate-conscious industrial innovation.
“The ISCC certification is a globally recognised standard for verifying sustainability and traceability in supply chains.
“Achieving this certification positions the APPL Hydrogen Polis project as a benchmark for environmental stewardship, not only in Nigeria but across the African continent.
“The project’s alignment with international standards and underscores Africa’s growing capacity to lead in climate-aligned development,” he said.
Nnaji said that the development was more than a celebration of certification, adding that it is a powerful symbol of what is possible when African-led innovation meets global cooperation.
He said that under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we are determined to ensure that industrial growth and climate responsibility go hand-in-hand.
The minister said that the Hydrogen Polis project brings together a consortium of international sustainability leaders.
He said the presence of consortium of international sustainability leaders at the ceremony highlighted the project’s global relevance and technical excellence to include:
DFDS, Denmark, renowned for sustainable maritime logistics, ECOnnect Energy AS, Norway, Leaders in offshore, low-impact energy transfer infrastructure.
Others are Bergen Engines AS, Norway Manufacturers of efficient gas and diesel engines, H2 Core Systems GmbH, Germany: Innovators in modular green hydrogen systems.
Longi, represented by the VP of Europe, Global leaders in solar energy technology.
Baltic Control AS, Copenhagen, Independent certification and compliance experts.
Nnaji explained that this multinational partnership exemplifies the synergy between local ambition and international expertise.
He said that, through the Hydrogen Polis project, Nigeria is demonstrating that sustainable industrialisation is not only possible but also scalable and replicable across the continent.
The minister reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to providing the regulatory support, enabling environment and policy alignment required to sustain and expand initiatives like APPL.
“This project is a beacon for Africa. It tells the world that we are not just participating in the global green economy, we are ready to lead it.”
“The APPL Hydrogen Polis project is now set to play a crucial role in driving sustainable infrastructure, reducing carbon emissions and unlocking inclusive economic growth in Nigeria and beyond.”
Chairperson of African Union Commission (AUC), Mr. Mahmoud Youssouf, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, reaffirmed the mission’s commitment to working closely with international partners in advancing sustainable development across the continent.
Mr. Mahmoud Youssouf, Chairperson of African Union Commission (AUC)
Youssouf disclosed this in a statement by Mr. Nuur Sheekh, Spokesperson of the AUC Chairperson, during his official visit to the Republic of Angola from March 18 to 19, 2025.
Youssouf had during the visit met with the African Union Chairperson President João Lourenço of Angola and the diplomatic community in Luanda, alongside Mr. Téte António, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Angola.
Youssouf said, “In this regard, we welcomed the upcoming U.S.-Africa Business Forum in June, 2025 and the Summit on Mobilising Resources for Infrastructure Development in October, 2025.
“These are important platforms to attract investment and support Africa’s development priorities.
“I presented his new vision and strategic priorities for the Commission, reaffirming the AU commitment to peace, security and development across the continent.
“I reaffirm the African Union’s continued commitment to working closely with international partners in advancing the Union’s strategic objectives and collective strategic interests on promoting peace, security and sustainable development across Africa.”
He explained that during the meeting, both leaders exchanged views on Africa’s peace and security priorities with focus on the situation in DR of Congo, South Sudan and Somalia.
He also commended President Lourenço for his display of statesmanship, while reaffirming commitment to the Luanda development process.
“We noted complex challenges in some situations and stressed the importance of sustained African Union engagement, alongside existing efforts on ground to support stabilisation efforts and inclusive political processes.
“This is aimed at advancing durable peace and strengthening national institutions.
“We emphasised the need to strengthen African Peace and Security Architecture, enhance Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms, and reinforce African Union Peace and Security Council to address emerging threats,” he added.
The AUC Chairperson described the commission’s plan to advance the “Silencing the Guns” agenda as a central priority for sustainable peace and stability in Africa.
He reiterated the need for infrastructure development as critical to regional integration, economic transformation and the realisation of Agenda 2063.
The growing influence of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals appears to be extending far beyond Africa and the Middle East, as the United States imports over two million barrels of jet fuel from the world’s largest single-train refinery in March 2025.
Dangote Refinery
Experts assert that this development should bring immense joy to Nigerians, as it attests to the unparalleled quality of the refinery’s products and the trust that the international community places in Dangote Refinery.
According to data from ship-tracking service Kpler, six vessels carrying around 1.7 million barrels of jet fuel from Dangote Petroleum Refinery arrived at US ports this month. Another vessel, the Hafnia Andromeda, is set to arrive at the Everglades terminal on March 29 with approximately 348,000 barrels of jet fuel.
The shipments from the Dangote Refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) – Africa’s largest – highlight its potential to reshape global fuel trading dynamics, establishing a new swing supplier in the Atlantic Basin.
This shipment to the United States follows three cargoes of jet fuel, totalling around 130 million litres, exported from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The refinery is said to have already demonstrated its ability to compete with European refiners on gasoline (PMS) exports, and these jet fuel shipments to the United States could challenge the economics of domestic producers in the world’s largest fuel-consuming nation.
Chief Operating Officer of TankTiger, Steven Barsamian, said: “The surge in demand, partly driven by the influx of supply from Nigeria, is expected to lower jet fuel prices in the US ahead of the peak summer travel season. US jet fuel imports from Dangote Refinery are expected to decrease aviation fuel prices during this period, according to trade analysts and storage brokers. US jet fuel imports in March have averaged around 226,000 bpd, the highest since February 2023, underlining the global demand for products from Dangote Refinery.”
The Dangote Refinery, which commenced production in January 2024, has reportedly exported its products to almost every continent. While the surge in US imports was partly triggered by a maintenance-related shutdown at the Phillips 66 Bayway refinery in New Jersey, analysts believe the choice of Dangote’s products highlights its growing presence in international markets, having successfully competed with European refiners in gasoline exports.
Economist and Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprises (CPPE), Dr Muda Yusuf, stated that the export of jet fuel to the United States by Dangote Refinery is a point of pride for Nigeria, highlighting the quality, standard, and the trust that the international community places in the refinery.
“Nothing could be more prideful for us as a country than the fact that we now have a refinery producing products that can be exported to the United States. It speaks to the quality, standards, and trust that international communities have in Dangote Refinery, because these are markets that don’t compromise on quality. They have stringent standards, and if they deem it worthy to import from Nigeria, it is a source of great pride,” he said.
The former Director-General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) also emphasised that Dangote Refinery is enhancing Nigeria’s position on the global stage and should be supported by both citizens and the government.
“That is why all of us – citizens and the government – should do everything to support the refinery, as it is breaking many barriers and boosting our country’s reputation. The lesson here is that we should support the Dangote Refinery and other refineries with similar capacities, as they can provide us with significant leverage,” he added.
Public Policy Expert, Dr Abimbola Oyarinu, stated that the Nigerian economy would be in a better state today if the country had functional refineries in the past, rather than just exporting crude oil while importing refined petroleum products.
“This is something that should have been addressed since 2014. Things wouldn’t have reached this point – such as high inflation and unemployment – if we had a functioning refinery. However, both the government and the people failed to take action until Dangote stepped in with significant investment. The Dangote Refinery is not only reducing foreign exchange outflow, but it is also bringing in foreign exchange. It is unfortunate that despite this, some elites and those in power are still intent on sabotaging the refinery and Dangote himself,” he said.
The university lecturer also warned that the lack of ease in doing business and the frustration of local investments could discourage future investors.
“This is something the country should be proud of. We previously had a mono-economy, reliant solely on oil exports, but Dangote has helped diversify the sector by selling finished products to international markets. However, which investors would want to invest in Nigeria after seeing what Dangote is going through?” he queried.
