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Nigeria strengthening sub-national data to determine greenhouse gas inventories, adaptation reporting

Michael Simire
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Nigeria strengthening sub-national data to determine greenhouse gas inventories, adaptation reporting

Nigeria is strengthening its transparency framework, reliable sub national data to determine the quality of its national greenhouse gas inventories, adaptation reporting and Biennial Transparency Reports.

Malam Balarabe Lawal, the Minister of Environment, said this at the Peer Learning Workshop for 36 Commissioners for Environment on Sub National Climate Governance Performance rating and ranking in Abuja on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

Lawal, who was represented by Dr Iniobong Abiola-Awe, the Director in the Department of Climate Change in the Ministry, said that Nigeria’s climate response is at a critical stage and states are the engine rooms of implementation.

Malam Balarabe Lawal
Malam Balarabe Lawal, the Minister of Environment

“Whether in advancing clean energy adoption, promoting nature-based solutions, strengthening resilience to flooding, or improving waste management systems, tangible progress happens at the state and local levels.

“As a Party to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, we have made ambitious commitments under our Nationally Determined Contribution translating those commitments into measurable results requires strong sub national engagement

“This Community of Practice (CoP) is therefore designed to serve as a structured technical platform to bridge policy and practice,” the minister said.

According to him, CoP aims to strengthen coordination between Federal and State climate governance systems, promote peer learning and exchange of best practices, standard due Monitoring Reporting and Verification (MRV) frameworks across states.

Lawal further said that the CoP would also improve readiness for climate finance and carbon market opportunities, and enhance institutional capacity for planning, Implementation, and impact evaluation.

He added that, through this platform, they can harmonise methodologies, align Indicators, and ensure consistency in reporting climate actions nationally and internationally.

“The Department of Climate Change stands ready to provide technical guidance, templates, and coordination mechanisms to support States in this regard.

“Today’s engagement is not a one-off event. It marks the beginning of sustained collaboration, We envision regular technical exchanges, thematic working groups, and shared digital platforms for data and knowledge management.

“If we align our efforts and institutionalise peer learning, we will not only strengthen Nigeria’s national climate architecture but also position our states as credible actors in the global climate arena,” Lawal said.

Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, the President and Chairman Board of Trustee Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), said that for a very long time, national policies about climate change have focused on the national level while for a very long time, states were ignored.

“SPP, in collaboration with the Department for Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, came up with a unique initiative to promote climate action at the state level.

“What we did was to start the ranking and rating of climate governance initiatives actions and policy across the 36 states.

“We released the first result two years ago and we released the second result last year and what we found was that there is an incredible array of fascinating climate action happening at almost all of the states of the federation.

“What we are doing today is not only to celebrate that increase in recognition and action, but also to create an environment where all the commissioners will come together and learn from one another,” Okereke said.

He added that the workshop would reveal what each state has been doing to ensure its ranking position because the purpose of the ranking is not just scoring.

“It will also galvanise, increase and facilitate climate action on the sub national level. Because, at the end of the day, these are the people that are actually at the front line of climate vulnerability and climate risks.

“On the other hand, without action on the sub national level, there will be little that Nigeria can do overall to increase or ramp up its climate resilience and mitigation.

“Today is about peer learning, but also it gives the Commissioners the opportunity to look at the ranking methodology and the framework to make their own input.

“So that when we go for the third ranking, everybody can be sure to say that we co-created this ranking methodology and that we own it together as a community.

He said that the states are allowed to tell what climate action they have been doing and to what extent is their state actually attracting climate finance. Because, at the end of the day, without finance, very little or nothing can be done.

“One of the most remarkable things that we have seen between the first and the second ranking is that almost all of the 36 states improved in their climate governance performance,” Okereke said.

Dr Nura Kazaure, Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Jigawa State, said: “We are going to ensure we adopt all climate measures in climate governance ranking methodology in order to come with a good template for all states to know, rankings entail.”

By Abigael Joshua

Govt commends UN-Habitat’s support for displaced persons

Michael Simire
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Govt commends UN-Habitat’s support for displaced persons

The Federal Government has commended the European Union-funded Sustainable Integrated Development Programme for supporting Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria (SIDPIN).

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, gave the commendation in a meeting with a delegation from the UN-Habitat in Abuja.

Dangiwa praised the organisation for delivering durable housing solutions, strengthening community integration and improving living conditions for displaced persons and host communities.

UN-Habitat
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa (in white), with members of the UN-Habitat delegation in Abuja

He also acknowledged the UN-Habitat’s ongoing support through SIDPIN in Adamawa, Kano and Borno states and emphasised their alignment with the ministry’s priority of rebuilding livelihoods and strengthening social cohesion in post-conflict areas.

He added that “the ministry also recognises the programmes’ support in reviewing the National Urban Development Policy.

“This is alongside its 
contribution to planning reform and the offer of a consultant for the National Land Registration Documentation and Titling Programme (Land4Growth), urban renewal initiatives and slum upgrading programmes.

“These interventions are vital as Nigeria confronts rapid urbanisation that demands coordinated planning, sustainable infrastructure and climate-responsive development.”

Dangiwa highlighted the importance of interventions in sustainable infrastructure, climate resilience and resource management.

He called for coordinated planning and sustainable infrastructure in the face of rapid urbanisation.

He, however, regretted that budgetary constraints were hampering the ministry’s clear policy direction and strong ambitions, slowing the pace and limiting the scale of implementation.

This, the minister said, was particularly in the delivery of climate-responsive housing and urban resilience initiatives.

According to him, the reality compels the ministry to explore innovative financing mechanisms beyond traditional budgetary allocations.

He noted that while the ministry recognises the numerous opportunities presented by its partnership with UN-Habitat, it was also mindful of the challenges involved in meeting its obligations under the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Dangiwa listed some of the opportunities to include: facilitating access to international climate finance from global funding institutions and mobilising resources for social housing programmes targeting vulnerable populations.

He said that others included: advancing women-focused housing initiatives, acknowledging that women are disproportionately affected by climate change impacts and conflict-induced displacement.

Earlier, Mr. Mathias Spaliviero, the Head (UN Habitat) West Africa Hub Dakar, Senegal, reaffirmed the agency’s strong institutional partnership with the Federal Government.

Spaliviero noted that collaboration remained a priority, regardless of funding cycles.

He provided updates on ongoing interventions by UN-Habitat, highlighting a major joint programme being implemented in collaboration with International Organisation for Migration and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

He said that the initiative focuses on delivering sustainable, durable solutions for IDPs through structured urban integration strategies in Kano, Yobe, Adamawa, and Benue states.

According to him, the programme adopts a multi-scale planning approach and has recorded encouraging progress, with state governments demonstrating increasing ownership and responsiveness.

Spaliviero extended an invitation to the minister to participate in the upcoming Africa Urban Forum in Nairobi, Kenya, as well as the forthcoming World Urban Forum convened by UN-Habitat.

By Angela Atabo

Sachet alcohol ban sparks protest as unions demand policy review

Michael Simire
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Sachet alcohol ban sparks protest as unions demand policy review

Protesters on Thursday, February 26, 2026, stormed the Isolo office of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), opposing the enforcement of a ban on sachet and 200ml PET bottled alcoholic beverages.

They urged the agency to adopt stricter access control measures instead of an outright ban, arguing that regulation and public education would better address concerns about underage alcohol consumption.

The demonstrators, conveyed in more than 10 coastal buses and comprising workers of affected manufacturing companies, carried placards with inscriptions such as “Don’t Kill Nigeria’s Economy” and “NAFDAC Is After Our Livelihood.”

NAFDAC
Protesters at the NAFDAC office in Lagos

Security operatives were deployed to maintain order as protesters blocked vehicles from accessing the agency’s main entrance during the demonstration, which caused temporary disruption around the premises.

NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, had on Jan. 21 announced the commencement of enforcement on the ban on production and sale of alcoholic drinks in sachets and PET bottles below 200 millilitres.

Adeyeye said the measure was introduced to safeguard public health and protect vulnerable groups, particularly children, adolescents, and young adults, from the harmful effects of alcohol consumption.

The announcement sparked protests in Lagos and Abuja by manufacturers and labour unions opposing the enforcement, arguing that the ban would negatively affect jobs and investments.

Mr. Anthony Michael, an executive member of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), who spoke on behalf of the protesters, said NAFDAC had not provided empirical evidence supporting claims that children had easy access to sachet alcohol.

Michael argued that the agency should have engaged manufacturers and other stakeholders to consider access control measures.

He said such measures could be implemented through mass education campaigns in schools and other public awareness channels, rather than enforcing an outright ban on the products.

“You cannot cut off the head because you have a headache. Tramadol has been banned for years, yet it still finds its way into the country through porous borders,” he said.

He added that manufacturers had invested trillions of naira in the sector, warning that continued enforcement could hurt the economy and render more than five million Nigerians jobless.

Michael urged the Federal Government to convene a broader stakeholders’ meeting involving unions, noting that organised labour was not part of earlier tripartite consultations between NAFDAC and manufacturers.

Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare told the Federal High Court that NAFDAC was legally empowered to enforce the ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and 200ml PET bottles.

In a counter-affidavit filed on Feb. 23, 2026, through its counsel, Jumoke Motilayo Falaye, the ministry stated that it neither interferes with nor controls NAFDAC’s enforcement decisions.

The ministry explained that NAFDAC was a statutory agency established under the NAFDAC Act with clearly defined regulatory and enforcement powers over food, drugs, and related products, including alcoholic beverages.

It maintained that it lacked the legal authority to direct or restrain NAFDAC from carrying out its statutory mandate, adding that no further extension of the moratorium on the sachet alcohol ban had been granted.

By Kemi Akintokun

Air pollution, threat to life, productivity – Health environmentalist

Michael Simire
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Air pollution, threat to life, productivity – Health environmentalist

A Public Health Practitioner and Environmentalist, Dr Akingbehin Akinbodunwa, on Thursday, February 26, 2026, identified air pollution as a major quantifiable threat to life and productivity in the country.

Akinbodunwa, also the National President, Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Association of Nigeria (EPHPAN), made the assertion in an interview in Lagos.

He said national analyses showed that air pollution was the third leading risk factor for premature death in Nigeria in 2019; responsible for roughly 198,000 premature deaths that year.

Generator Pollution
The WHO says that, in one year, 46,750 persons died as a result of outdoor pollution in Nigeria

He added that it caused more deaths than were caused by some familiar infectious diseases, saying that this burden reflects both outdoor (ambient) and household air pollution acting together to harm the citizens.

According to him, clean air as an indispensable prerequisite for a productive healthy nation.

“Air pollution in Nigeria is not an abstract hazard; it is a major, quantifiable threat to life and productivity.

“In major urban areas the situation is even starker. For example, Lagos – our largest city and economic engine – has an estimated 23,900 premature deaths attributable to air pollution in 2019 alone.

“These are not nameless statistics; they are mothers, fathers, workers, students and children lost prematurely because the air around them was toxic.

“When our children breathe clean air, their brains and lungs develop; when our workers breathe clean air, they are healthier and more productive; when our aged individuals breathe clean air, they live longer and healthier lives.

“The data are clear: air pollution shortens lives and undermines the development goals,” Akinbodunwa said.

Akinbodunwa explained that particulate matter with a diameter smaller than 2.5 micrometres (PM2.5) was the pollutant most strongly linked to mortality from heart disease, stroke, chronic lung disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections in children.

He said that Nigeria’s population-weighted average particulate pollution had increased over the past two decades – reported increases of about 24 per cent from 1999 to 2021; eroding life expectancy and worsening health across the country.

According to him, in many Nigerian cities and hotspots, short-term PM2.5 readings routinely exceed levels recommended by global health authorities.

“For perspective, the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) updated air quality guidance places the annual safe level for PM2.5 at a very low threshold.

“Compliance with this guidance would protect millions of lives globally.

“The reality is that the vast majority of Nigerians are exposed to PM2.5 levels well above the WHO recommendation.

“Which translates directly into higher risks of cardiovascular and respiratory disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and lost childhood development,” he said.

The health environmentalist decried the economic implications of air pollution, saying that it imposes large health-care costs and reduces labour productivity – a double blow to families and to the nation’s development trajectory.

According to him, multiple sources feed Nigeria’s polluted air including vehicular emissions, inefficient combustion of biomass for cooking in households, open waste burning, generator fumes, industrial emissions, brick kilns and agricultural burning.

“Rapid urbanisation and increasing vehicle fleets without commensurate transport planning only magnify exposures; these sectors are where targeted policy and programmatic action will yield measurable health gains.

“Globally, fine particulate pollution (PM2.5) is estimated to contribute millions of deaths annually; nationally, the toll in Nigeria is already tragically high and rising,” Akinbodunwa said.

On remedial approaches to mitigate air pollution and safeguard Nigeria environment, Akinbodunwa recommended surveillance and data-driven action, household energy transition, clean transport and fuels, control of industrial and waste emissions.

Others, he said, were health system readiness and public education, as well as cross-sectoral governance and financing.

He emphasised that safety of the environment/air was a collective responsibility of everyone in the society and should not be left to the government alone.

By Lilian U. Okoro

Space technology key to tackling insecurity, says NASRDA D-G

Michael Simire
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Space technology key to tackling insecurity, says NASRDA D-G

Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr Matthew Adepoju, has stressed the critical role of space technology in strengthening Nigeria’s national security architecture.

Adepoju made the remarks on Thursday, February 26, 2026, during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, in Abuja.

He said Nigeria’s evolving security challenges required sustained investment in advanced technological solutions, as well as stronger inter-agency collaboration.

NASRDA
Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr Matthew Adepoju, with the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa

According to him, NASRDA remains the only civilian agency in the country statutorily mandated to develop satellites.

The NASRDA boss highlighted some of the agency’s existing capabilities, including Artificial Intelligence-enabled monitoring systems designed to track activities over long distances and function both day and night.

He also disclosed that the agency was working toward deploying four new satellites to boost surveillance and earth observation capacity.

Adepoju said the development would significantly enhance Nigeria’s ability to monitor its borders and respond swiftly to emerging security threats.

Musa, who described the visit as timely and strategic, said the space agency played a vital role in supporting the ministry’s efforts to combat terrorism and strengthen national security operations.

Musa noted that closer collaboration with NASRDA would improve operational efficiency and enhance the effectiveness of defence activities.

He assured the agency of the ministry’s full support in enabling it to achieve its mandate.

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

Seplat Energy unveils audited 2025 full year results

Michael Simire
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Seplat Energy unveils audited 2025 full year results

Seplat Energy PLC, a Nigerian independent energy company listed on the Nigerian and the London Stock Exchanges, on Thursday, February 26, 2026, announced its audited results for the 12 months ended December 31, 2025.

According to the results, the company reported a strong financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2025, posting a 144.2 per cent surge in revenue to $2.726 billion, up from $1.116 billion in 2024, driven largely by a full year contribution from its offshore assets.

The company also recorded a 137 per cent jump in adjusted EBITDA to $1.275 billion, compared with $539 million in the previous year.

Cash generated from operations rose sharply by 276 per cent to $1.166 billion, underscoring what the company described as the strong cash-generating capacity of its enlarged asset base.

Highlights of the results are presented below.

Roger Brown
Chief Executive Officer, Seplat Energy Plc, Roger Brown

Operational highlights

• Group production averaged 131,506 boepd up 148% from 2024 (52,947 boepd) reflecting the first full year of offshore consolidation, and within revised guidance. 4Q 2025 group production of 119,200 boepd, impacted by Yoho shutdown and other planned maintenance activities

• Onshore delivered 14% production growth YoY, supported by completion of the Sapele Gas Plant, and new well inventory.

• ANOH gas plant achieved first gas in January 2026, production is stable at 50-70 MMscfd, with ~60kbbl condensate currently in storage.

• Emissions intensity for Seplat onshore assets: 24.3 kg CO2/boe (2024: 32.3 kg CO2/boe), down 24% YoY.

• Offshore grew 9% YoY on a pro-forma basis, Performance moderated by Yoho platform outage, restart expected in 2Q 2026

• highly successful idle well restoration programme added 48.6 kboepd gross production capacity from 49 wells, exceeding expectations

• EAP IGE was the first major project delivered offshore. Peak gross (EAP + OSO) NGL recovery of ~33 kboepd, achieved in February 2026 (2025 peak gross NGL recovery ~20 kboepd)

• YE 2025 independently audited 2P reserves down c.42 MMboe to 1,001 MMboe (YE 2024: 1,043 MMboe), 67% liquids. Reflects 2025 focus on maintenance and integrity investments

• Group 2P+2C increases by 181 MMBoe to 2,486.6 MMboe (YE 2024: 2,305.4 MMboe), 55% liquids. Positive revisions to offshore oil resources reflects stronger underlying production performance on multiple fields and gas resource upgrade following inclusion of Edop

• Recorded 1 Lost Time Injury (LTI) on our operated assets in 2025. 11.4 million hours without LTI since September (2024: 11.0 million hours)

Financial highlights

• Revenue $2,726 million up 144.2% (FY 2024: $1,116 million), reflecting a full year of contribution from offshore assets

• Unit production operating cost of $15.7/boe down 5% on prior year (Adjusted 2024: $16.5/boe)

• Adjusted EBITDA of $1,275.4 million, up 137% on prior year ($539.0 million)

• Cash generated from operations of $1,165.6 million, up 276% on prior year (2024: $310.0 million)

• Cash capex of $266.8 million (FY 2024: $208.1 million).

• Total completion payments to Exxon Mobil $326.2 million. No MPNU contingent consideration payable to ExxonMobil for 2025

• Balance sheet remains robust, net debt at year end 2025 of $673.3 million down 25% YoY (YE 2024: $897.8 million). Net Debt/EBITDA 0.53x

Dividend

• 4Q 2025 declared dividend of USD 8.3c/shr, up 11% QoQ and 20% YoY, consisting of USD 5.0c/shr base and USD 3.3c/shr special dividend.

• Total dividend declared for 2025 USD 25.0c/shr, equivalent to $150 million and a 52% increase on 2024, reflecting the strength of balance sheet, strong underlying free cash flow generation and continued confidence in our outlook.

2026 Outlook & Guidance

• Production guidance of 135-155 kboepd, mid-point represents a ~10% increase on 2025.

• Crude & Condensate: flat YoY; new well inventory offset by planned downtime for strategic maintenance and integrity activities.

• NGL: +85% YoY, effective 1Q 2026 with EAP complete.

• Gas: +30% YoY, ANOH contribution, YoY growth on Sapele IGP and completion of Oso-BRT phase 1, which is on track for 3Q 2026 and targets a doubling of offshore gas sales to 240 MMScf/d gross.

• Initial capex guidance $360-440 million. Plan includes 17 new wells (15 onshore and 2 offshore; drilling offshore from 3Q).

• Unit production operating costs for the group are expected to be $13.5-14.5/boe. Expect volume led reduction in unit costs.

Commenting on the results, Roger Brown, Chief Executive Officer, said: “In 2025 we clearly illustrated our ability to operate at scale. We benefitted from successful execution of several key offshore activities that kick-started life for Seplat as an offshore operator, while at the same time delivering onshore production performance that was the strongest in recent memory.

“At our CMD in September, we laid out our long-term ambition to ‘Build an African Energy Champion’, with a clear roadmap to grow working interest production to 200 kboepd by 2030. In 2025 we delivered the IGE replacement project offshore and the Sapele Gas plant onshore. In recent weeks we were delighted to achieve first gas at the ANOH Gas Plant and are on track to doubling Joint Venture gas volumes at Oso-BRT to 240 MMscfd in 2H 2026.

“Drilling will be a decisive factor in meeting our long-term growth ambitions and I am pleased to announce that the first Jack-Up drilling rig is contracted, in country and set to arrive at Oso in 3Q to commence a multi-year, multiwell drilling campaign.

“Finally, the cash generative nature of our asset base is clearly evident in our results, and by raising dividends by over 50% to 25 cents per share alongside continued strengthening of our balance sheet and delivery of our work programmes, we are already well positioned to deliver on our planned $1 billion cumulative return of capital to shareholders by 2030. Furthermore, the strength of the enlarged group has reflected in a notable lowering of our cost of debt, providing additional scope for long-term value creation.”

Climate protection drops as priority for German firms – Report

Michael Simire
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Climate protection drops as priority for German firms – Report

Climate protection and sustainability are losing momentum among companies in Germany, with many citing political uncertainty and weak market incentives as obstacles.

This is according to a report published on Thursday, February 26, 2026, by the Bertelsmann Foundation.

Nearly 60 per cent of more than 800 companies surveyed said sustainability had declined in priority within their organisations, up sharply from 14 per cent a year earlier, the Sustainability Transformation Monitor found.

Friedrich Merz
Friedrich Merz, Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany

The report was released in cooperation with the Mercator Foundation.

It has 73 per cent of its firms in the real and financial economy continuing to anchor responsibility for sustainability at board or executive level.

The authors said companies view uncertain political frameworks and a lack of market incentives as the main barriers to further progress, representing a rise of 30 percentage points compared to the previous year.

The share of companies planning new sustainability initiatives fell by 7 percentage points.

Without clear and reliable signals from policymakers and markets, the transformation risks entering a phase of stagnation, said Jakob Kunzlmann, a sustainability expert at the Bertelsmann Foundation.

At the same time, the proportion of companies setting their own climate targets rose to 59 per cent from 53 per cent, and among banks to 65 per cent from 46 per cent.

It is an important signal that more companies are monitoring emissions and adhering to climate goals, said Philipp Wesemann of the Mercator Foundation, adding that concrete investment plans and timelines are now crucial.

The German government has committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2045.

The report is intended to provide policymakers and businesses with a data-based foundation for decision-making.

Pacific climate advocates welcome pre-COP31 meeting in Fiji, Tuvalu

Michael Simire
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Pacific climate advocates welcome pre-COP31 meeting in Fiji, Tuvalu

Climate advocates across the Pacific will now prepare for the pre-COP31 meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu, with the Pacific Islands Forum confirming the hosts on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

350.org Pacific says it welcomes the announcement that Fiji will host the pre-COP31 meeting and Tuvalu will host a special leaders’ component, under an agreement negotiated between Australia and Turkey.

Fenton Lutunatabua, 350.org Pacific & Caribbean Programme Lead, says: “We welcome the pre-COP31 meetings to our islands, but we expect the Pacific to serve as more than just a backdrop to these discussions. As people on the frontlines, we expect leaders to not only bear witness to our realities, but to let this drive both the agenda and the expectations for COP31.

Maina Talia
Maina Talia, Tuvalu Minister for Climate Change, Environment & Home Affairs

“Meaningful leadership from impacted communities is important to secure COP31 outcomes that safeguard our future, especially as a current draft of the key COP31 agenda excludes any mention of fossil fuels – the leading cause of the climate crisis.

“Fiji and Tuvalu bring more to the table than their position as climate-vulnerable island states. Both nations have repeatedly pushed for stronger climate commitments in multilateral spaces, and our people have always told the world what they refused to hear: that the climate crisis is the greatest threat to humankind, and what was once a future threat is on our doorstep today.”

Jacynta Fa’amau, 350.org Pacific Campaigner, says: “As both a Pacific Islander and an Australian, I look forward to clear roles and mandates for our Pacific host nations in the pre-COP31 process. The Australia-Turkiye co-presidency gives us the opportunity to engage our communities in the islands as well as the diaspora, in holding the COP31 presidency accountable for the task at hand. Our communities have so much on the line in this fight, and the COP31 presidency would benefit from leaning into the rich experience of Pacific peoples in navigating the impacts and solutions to this crisis.”

Dr. Rufino Varea, Pacific Islands Climate Action Network Director, says: “We welcome this announcement by PIF following political consultation on the COP31 Pre-COP. As preparations move forward, there must be clarity on the role the Pacific will play in shaping the agenda and guiding outcomes within the Australia and Türkiye co-presidency.

“Hosting must go beyond geography and reflect meaningful leadership in substance, priorities and decision making. These processes must translate political visibility into concrete outcomes that advance justice and ambition for all, while centring the lived realities of frontline communities.”

Watchdog finds toxic chemicals in lipsticks, warns of risks to health, environment

Michael Simire
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Watchdog finds toxic chemicals in lipsticks, warns of risks to health, environment

The Philippines-based toxics watchdog, BAN Toxics, has once again warned the public about the presence of toxic chemicals such as mercury, lead, and cadmium in cheap lipsticks sold in local markets.

This came after a recent market investigation conducted by the group on the sale of affordable lipsticks, with prices ranging from P50 to P70 per piece, sold by beauty shops and ambulant vendors in Caloocan, Malabon, Manila, Marikina, Pasay, Pasig, Pateros, and Taguig. The items reportedy have no market authorisation from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

The group managed to purchase 45 matte lipstick samples to assess their compliance with health and safety standards, including the presence of toxic chemicals. Some of the products had incomplete or missing labeling information, raising concerns about the possible presence of hazardous substances. Notably, nine lipsticks listed propylparaben and methylparaben on their labels.

BAN Toxics
Lipstick products

Using a Vanta C Series Handheld XRF Analyser, the group tested the samples and discovered the presence of lead at levels of up to 120 parts per million (ppm), mercury up to 280 ppm, cadmium up to 114 ppm, and arsenic up to 36 ppm. All the samples contained three to four different hazardous substances, far exceeding the limits set by the ASEAN Cosmetics Directive under the ASEAN Guidelines on Limits of Contaminants for Cosmetics.

Citing the World Health Organisation, BAN Toxics highlighted that lead exposure remains a serious global health threat. It is linked to approximately 1.5 million deaths annually, primarily from cardiovascular disease, and causes irreversible neurological and behavioral damage, especially in children. Young children absorb significantly more lead than adults, leading to reduced IQ, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems. Lead exposure also harms the developing fetus.

“Lead, mercury, cadmium, and other chemical substances are proven toxicants that accumulate in the body through continuous exposure and can pose risks to public health and the environment,” said Thony Dizon, Advocacy and Campaign Officer of BAN Toxics.

Parabens, one of the listed ingredients, are commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics. However, they are considered chemicals of emerging concern due to scientific findings suggesting their ability to disrupt the endocrine system. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals has been linked to hormone disruption, reproductive issues, an increased risk of cancer, and skin irritation.

Since 2013, the country’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued multiple public health warnings against unnotified cosmetic products, including lipsticks, as these may contain heavy metals such as lead used as pigments (colorants). Because these products have not undergone the FDA’s notification process, their quality and safety cannot be guaranteed, making them potential health hazards.

As an advocate of safe cosmetics, BAN Toxics urges regulatory agencies to step up enforcement actions against unregistered and unnotified beauty products and strengthen measures to protect the consuming public. The group further advises manufacturers to comply with the labeling requirements under the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive.

The required labeling information includes:

  1. Product name (and its function, unless clearly indicated)
  2. Ingredients (full listing in descending order)
  3. Net content (weight or volume)
  4. Instructions for product use (unless clear from the name or presentation)
  5. Batch number
  6. Special precautions (if any, including conditions of use and warnings)
  7. Country of manufacture
  8. Manufacturer or responsible person (name and address)
  9. Expiry or manufacturing date

The group further advises the public to carefully read product labels and avoid those with incomplete ingredient lists, purchase only from reputable beauty shops, and verify a product’s registration status with the FDA to ensure safety.

Dizon added, “The public should be cautious when purchasing beauty products, as they may contain harmful chemicals such as lead, mercury, and other preservatives. If we are not sure if the cosmetic products are safe, it is better to avoid buying and using them and report them to the proper authorities.”

To enhance consumer safety, the group is pushing for greater transparency and traceability of hazardous chemicals in the manufacturing of cosmetic products and is advocating for the enactment of a Safe Cosmetics Law in the country.

Professionals tasked to be dedicated, innovative on preserving forests, addressing climate change

Michael Simire
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Professionals tasked to be dedicated, innovative on preserving forests, addressing climate change

Director-General, Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan, Prof. Zachariah Yaduma, has said enormous challenges facing the world in preserving forests and addressing climate change require the dedication and innovation of forestry professionals.

Yaduma made the assertion at the matriculation ceremony held for 333 fresh students admitted into the college for the 2025/26 academic session.

Some 234 students were offered admission to pursue various National Diploma (ND) programmes while 99 others were admitted for Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes.

The Director-General urged the new students to embrace the values of hard work, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility toward the environment.

He assured the students that the college has all it takes to prepare them, not just for employment, but for innovation and entrepreneurship in a rapidly changing world.

“The Federal College of Forestry was established not merely to award certificates, but to build character, competence, and capacity.

“We have a rich legacy of producing graduates who have gone on to make remarkable contributions to the field of forestry, environmental conservation, and sustainable development.

“As you embark on this academic journey, remember that you are not just students; you are the custodians of our forests, the guardians of our environment, and the future leaders who will shape the destiny of our nation’s natural resources,” he added.

Also speaking, the Guest Lecturer, Prof. Lateef Sanni, the Executive Director/CEO, Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), charged both new and old students to unlock hidden treasures in forestry.

Sanni said that Nigeria’s annual 3.7 per cent deforestation rate ranks among the highest globally, noting that the country had about 30 per cent to 35 per cent of forest in the 1960s, but the current Nigerian forest cover was below 10 per cent.

He charged universities and colleges in Nigeria to intensify teaching on sustainability, environmental ethics, and also promote research and innovation.

“As a student matriculating into forestry education, you need to accept the responsibility to protect, manage, and advance Nigeria’s forest resources for generations to come,” Sanni said.

Earlier, the Provost of the College, Dr Ibraheem Lawal, in his remarks, said that the College had developed a strategic blueprint aimed at repositioning the institution to align with modern tertiary education standards through massive infrastructural development.

He added that the College had undergone a resource inspection as part of efforts to secure approval to commence the Science and Laboratory Technology (SLT) programme, an initiative aimed at significantly boosting student enrollment.

The provost warned that the College has zero tolerance for cultism, examination malpractice, indecent dressing, and other forms of misconduct.

“Our programmes are practical oriented, and failure in any practical component amounts to failure in the course.

“Also, our certificates are awarded only to students found worthy in character and learning.

“As you have worked hard to reach this stage, I encourage you not to relent. Maintain focus, discipline, and a high academic spirit, and ensure you finish strong,” he said.

The highlight of the occasion was the signing of oath of allegiance by the matriculating students and recognition of outstanding students from various departments in the college.

By Olumide Ajayi

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