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US imports over 2m barrels of jet fuel from Dangote Refinery

Michael Simire
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US imports over 2m barrels of jet fuel from Dangote Refinery

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
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.

Report identifies growing momentum for renewable energy in NDC 3.0 submissions

Michael Simire
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Report identifies growing momentum for renewable energy in NDC 3.0 submissions

A new report by 350.org, produced in collaboration with Zero Carbon Analytics, finds that 15 of the 19 countries that have submitted updated national climate plans, or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), are increasing their renewable energy ambition ahead of 2035.

Energy transition
Renewable energy

The report shows that 15 countries included specific targets or outlined clear ambitions to expand renewable energy in their new national climate plans. Seven countries have either introduced new renewable energy targets or strengthened existing ones, signaling growing commitment to the clean energy transition.

Additionally, over 80% of countries with new plans have pledged support for the COP28 goal of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030. The analysis is based on submissions as of March 10, 2025. 

Andreas Sieber, Associate Director of Policy and Campaigns at 350.org, said: “The latest climate plan submissions reveal that countries are stepping up on renewables – beneath shifting political winds the trajectory is clear and more positive than many might have expected. The momentum for renewables continues and is building. But we need more.

“With the world facing devastating climate impacts and rising energy prices from fossil fuels, we can’t afford half-measures. Countries must now back their renewable energy pledges with robust policies, and the European Union, China, and others yet to submit their targets must hearness this momentum.” 

Victoria Kalyvas, Research Associate at Zero Carbon Analytics and lead analyst of the brief, said: “An initial analysis of national climate plans shows that an increasing number of countries see renewables as a fundamental part of their energy future, with a few emerging as leaders in the rapidly accelerating clean energy transition. The momentum behind renewables – including commitments to COP28 goals – reflects recognition of the economic, security, and affordability benefits of renewable energy sources.”

Key findings from the report show that: 

  • Growing Renewable Ambition:
    • 15 of the 19 NDC 3.0 submissions include quantitative renewable energy targets or outline ambition for expansion.
    • Seven countries introduced higher or new renewable energy targets compared to their previous NDCs.
  • Countries Leading the Way:
    • The UK has pledged that at least 95% of Great Britain’s electricity will come from onshore wind, solar, offshore wind, and nuclear by 2030.
    • The UAE aims to increase its renewable energy capacity by more than 500%, from 3.7 GW to 19.8 GW by 2030.
    • The USA has set a goal of 100% clean electricity by 2035, including renewables and nuclear.
    • The Marshall Islands aims to reach a 66% renewable energy share by 2030, with a long-term goal of achieving net-zero energy systems by 2050.
  • Countries Surpassing Targets:
    • Brazil has already exceeded its 2030 target, generating 89% of its electricity from renewables in 2023 – well above its previous goal of 84%.
    • Several countries, including Japan, the UK, and Switzerland, are deploying renewable energy faster than necessary to meet their 2030 targets.
  • High Achievers:
    • Of the 19 countries analysed, seven already have ambitious targets of achieving over 90% renewable electricity by 2030 or 2035.

350.org points out that, while the report highlights growing ambition, ambition alone is not enough. It notes that countries must translate their targets into concrete action, including rapid policy implementation, significant public and private investment, and clear accountability measures. 

 Sieber added: “Tripling renewable energy by 2030 is not just a goal – it’s a necessity. We can’t allow these pledges to be empty promises. Governments must deliver real action that puts people and the planet first, not the profits of fossil fuel giants.

“Countries that have yet to submit their updated national climate plans to the UN must do so by September. This deadline is critical for ensuring their commitments are factored into the final assessment of whether the world is on track to meet its climate goals, as nations set new emissions reduction targets for 2035.”

IPCC ‘2027 Methodology Report’ lead authors in inaugural meeting in Bilbao

Michael Simire
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IPCC ‘2027 Methodology Report’ lead authors in inaugural meeting in Bilbao

Over 100 experts from more than 40 countries are meeting in Bilbao, Spain this week for the first meeting of authors and review editors of the “2027 IPCC Methodology Report on Inventories for Short-lived Climate Forcers (SLCF)”. This will be the first report released by IPCC in the seventh assessment cycle and it is being prepared by the Task Force on National Greenhouse Gas Inventories (TFI).

Takeshi Enoki
IPCC Co-Chair of the Task Force on Greenhouse Gas Inventories (TFI), Takeshi Enoki

The “2027 Methodology Report” is expected to provide guidance on anthropogenic emissions for Short-lived Climate Forcers, not including secondary human-induced substances.

“The report aims to provide clear guidance on measuring emissions from key short-lived climate forcing substances, including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and others, which significantly contribute to global and regional air quality and climate change,” said Takeshi Enoki, one of the Co-Chairs of the TFI. 

This week’s meeting in Bilbao marks the beginning of the drafting process of this Methodology Report which is scheduled to be released in March 2027. The Coordinating Lead Authors and Lead Authors at this meeting will start developing the report based on the outline agreed by the Panel during its 61st Session held in Sofia, Bulgaria in July/August 2024.  

“We are excited to begin work on this report with a diverse group of experts selected from the 394 nominations we received. Their work will be important for enhancing the data used in climate models,” said Mazhar Hayat, TFI Co-Chair. 

Following the Panel’s 61st Session, the IPCC called for nominations of experts to act as authors and review editors of the 2027 Methodology Report in August 2024. The TFI Bureau, also known as the Task Force Bureau, in consultation with relevant Working Group Co-Chairs selected the report’s Coordinating Lead Authors, Lead Authors and Review Editors. In their selection, they considered scientific and technical expertise, geographical and gender balance in line with Appendix A to the Principles Governing IPCC Work.

A preliminary list of the Authors for the 2027 Methodology Report is available here. 

Following the Lead Author Meeting, there will be an outreach event hosted by the Spanish Climate Change Office at the Bizkaia Aretoa in Bilbao on Thursday, March 27, 2025.

Nigeria commits to ending TB by 2030 as group donates ₦1bn

Michael Simire
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Nigeria commits to ending TB by 2030 as group donates ₦1bn

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating tuberculosis (TB) in the country by year 2030, with a renewed focus on expanding healthcare services and community engagement.

Dr Iziaq Salako
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako

This was made known by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, during the 2025 World TB Day Community Outreach held at Sauka Village, Airport Road Abuja on Monday, March 24.

The Minister highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria is not left behind in the global TB eradication agenda by 2030.

“The President has directed and has provided a new field environment for the primary healthcare revitalisation, with over 10,000 primary healthcare centres currently being upgraded.

“In addition, we are training over 120,000 health workers at advanced levels to strengthen TB control efforts,” he said.

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, also donated N1 billion from her NGO, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), to strengthen TB control efforts nationwide.

Mrs Tinubu said the disease is a deadly one that requires health emergency and urgent attention, urging Nigerians to get tested and know their TB status.

She said ending TB by 2030 is a collective responsibility of both government, traditional and religious leaders, legislators, the youth, healthcare workers, private sector organisations, NGOs, all citizens as stakeholders and international partners.

“The statistics from the World Health Organidation (WHO) 2024 Global TB report are alarming. In Nigeria, one person dies of TB every seven minutes.

“This means that, in the short time we will spend at this event, many more lives will be lost, if we do not act swiftly and decisively.

“The high prevalence of TB in Nigeria is unacceptable and all hands must be on deck to fight the treatable and curable airborne disease.

“At this juncture, I would like to pledge an additional sum of One Billion Naira from the RHI towards the fight against Tuberculosis in Nigeria,” she said.

The first lady who is also the Global and National Stop TB Champion, reaffirmed her commitment towards addressing the scourge of TB in the nation.

“I will continue to advocate for increased funding and policy reforms to strengthen TB control efforts and mobilise resources and partnerships to support TB awareness and treatment programmes.

“In addition, I will continue to amplify the voices of TB survivors and fight against stigma and discrimination, and ensure that women, children, and marginalized groups have equal access to TB care,” Mrs Tinubu said.

She commended the government for prioritising and expanding TB testing and treatment centres across the nation with the aim of ensuring that TB treatment remains free and accessible to all.

She said such development would strengthen community-based healthcare system to reach the most vulnerable populations, and enhance funding and partnerships to scale up TB control programmes.

In direct response to the request of the Sapeyi of Garki, Alhaji Dr Usman Nga Kupi for a Primary Health Centre in Sauka Community, the first lady assured  that it would be done as she had a quick discussion with the Minister on the issue.

There was a health talk on the causes, symptoms, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Tuberculosis and testing for the disease at the Community Outreach.

In his remarks, the WHO representative to Nigeria, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, raised concerns over the risk of losing two decades of progress against TB due to global funding cuts.

“Today we face the existential threat of losing the huge gains the world has made against TB over the past 20 years due to funding cuts, which have started to disrupt access to services for prevention, screening, and treatment for people with TB,” he said.

Despite this challenge, Mulombo commended Nigeria’s progress, citing a 300 per cent increase in TB case notifications over the past five years:

“In a space of five years, Nigeria has scaled up many innovations and interventions that have resulted in the huge numbers of TB cases notified from 138,583 in 2020 during the pandemic year to 418,198 in 2024,” he said.

He warned that any disruptions to TB services could have fatal consequences for thousands of Nigerians affected by the disease.

However, Dr Queen Ogbuji-Ladipo, Acting Board Chair of the Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, stressed that continuous investment, increased public awareness, and stronger community engagement would be crucial in achieving a TB-free Nigeria by 2030.

The theme for the 2025 World TB Day is “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, and Deliver” with the local slogan “We Fit Do Am”.

By Celine-Damilola Oyewole and Racheal Abujah

EU approves €5bn initiative for German businesses to decarbonise

Michael Simire
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0
EU approves €5bn initiative for German businesses to decarbonise

The European Commission approved a €5 billion ($5.4 billion) German government initiative on Monday, March 24, 2025, to help businesses decarbonise their production processes.

Teresa Ribera
European Commission Vice President, Teresa Ribera

Teresa Ribera, the Commission’s Vice President for a clear, just, and competitive transition, stated that the scheme would support projects aimed at significantly reducing industrial greenhouse gas emissions in Germany.

“This initiative will contribute to the EU’s climate neutrality goal by 2050, while minimising potential competition distortions,” Ribera said.

The funding would assist German companies in reducing CO2 emissions through measures such as electrification, hydrogen use, carbon capture, and improved energy efficiency.

Businesses in sectors like chemistry, construction, and food, which were subject to the EU Emissions Trading System, would benefit from this scheme.

To qualify, projects must achieve a 60 per cent emissions reduction within three years and a 90 per cent reduction by the project’s conclusion.

Dangote Cement achieves higher CDP ratings for climate change

Michael Simire
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0
Dangote Cement achieves higher CDP ratings for climate change

Dangote Cement Plc has achieved a “B” score in climate change and water security disclosures released by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).

Dangote Cement
Dangote Cement

This is contained in a statement by the Managing Director and Chief Executive, Dangote Cement, Mr. Arvind Pathak, on Monday, March 24, 2025, in Lagos.

The CDP is the world’s largest, most comprehensive dataset on environmental action which empowers investors, companies, cities, and national and regional governments to make earth-positive decisions.

Pathak said Dangote Cement’s score on water security which was C was upgraded to B.

He added that the company’s commitment to supporting a climate resilient future was demonstrated in its climate change score of B in 2024.

Pathak described the upgraded rating as a testament to Dangote Cement’s commitment to transparency, governance, and measurable actions towards sustainability.

“The company has been disclosing its environmental practices annually through the CDP since 2018.

“We are proud to lead in Africa as one of few businesses to disclose through CDP.

“Our 2024 score is an outcome of ongoing efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, accelerate climate action, and promote sustainability across our business and its value chain,” he said.

The Head, Sustainability, Dangote Cement, Dr Igazeuma Okoroba, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who aligned with the Group’s Environmental, Social, and Governance strategy.

“This year’s results are evidence that our contribution to create a world where people, planet, and profit are truly balanced is paying off.

“Dangote Cement Plc, sub-Saharan Africa’s largest cement producer, operates in 10 African countries and is committed to decarbonisation.

“The company aims to meet its decarbonization targets through energy efficiency measures, adoption of supplementary cement materials, carbon offsets, and other sustainable practices,” Igazeuma said.

By Olaitan Idris

Amplified global heating risk due to climate, carbon cycle feedbacks – Study

Michael Simire
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0
Amplified global heating risk due to climate, carbon cycle feedbacks – Study

Global heating over this millennium could exceed previous estimates due to carbon cycle feedback loops. This is the conclusion of a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK).

Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
The Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)

The analysis shows that achieving the Paris Agreement’s aim of limiting global temperature rise to well below 2°C is only feasible under very low emission scenarios, and if climate sensitivity is lower than current best estimates. The paper is the first to make long-term projections over the next 1,000 years while accounting for currently established carbon cycle feedbacks, including methane.

“Our study demonstrates that even in emission scenarios typically considered ‘safe’, where global warming is generally considered to remain below 2°C, climate and carbon cycle feedbacks, like the thawing of permafrost, could lead to temperature increases substantially above this threshold,” says PIK scientist Christine Kaufhold, lead author of the paper published in Environmental Research Letters. 

“We found that peak warming could be much higher than previously expected under low-to-moderate emission scenarios.”

The study projects the long-term impacts of human-induced climate change and underlines that even small changes in emissions could lead to far greater warming than previously anticipated, further complicating efforts to meet the Paris Agreement targets.

“This highlights the urgent need for even faster carbon reduction and removal efforts,” Kaufhold says.

Most studies are too short-term to capture peak warming, as they end by 2100 or 2300. By running longer simulations and incorporating all major carbon cycle feedbacks, including the methane cycle, the researchers were able to assess the potential additional warming from these feedbacks and estimate the possible peak warming. 

The team used PIK’s newly developed Earth system model CLIMBER-X to simulate future climate scenarios over the next millennium under three low-to-moderate emissions trajectories – pathways that align with recent decarbonisation trends. CLIMBER-X integrates key physical, biological and geochemical processes, including atmospheric and oceanic conditions. It also represents an interactive carbon cycle, including methane, to simulate how the Earth system responds to different climate forcings, such as human-made greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate sensitivity shaping future climate outcomes

The study’s simulations consider a range of equilibrium climate sensitivities (ECSs) between 2°C and 5°C, defined as “very likely” by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The ECS is a critical measure in climate science, estimating the global temperature rise associated with a doubling of CO₂ concentrations. 

“Our results show that the Paris Agreement’s goal is only achievable under very low emission scenarios and if the ECS is lower than current best estimates of 3°C,” says PIK scientist Matteo Willeit, co-author of the study. “If the ECS exceeds 3°C, carbon reduction must accelerate even more quickly than previously thought to keep the Paris target within reach.”

The paper highlights the important role ECS plays in shaping future climate outcomes while revealing the risks of failing to accurately estimate ECS. It emphasises the urgent need to more accurately quantify this metric and better constrain it.

“Our research makes it unmistakably clear: today’s actions will determine the future of life on this planet for centuries to come,” submits PIK director Johan Rockström, co-author of the paper.

Rockstrom adds: “The window for limiting global warming to below 2°C is rapidly closing. We are already seeing signs that the Earth system is losing resilience, which may trigger feedbacks that increase climate sensitivity, accelerate warming and increase deviations from predicted trends. To secure a liveable future, we must urgently step up our efforts to reduce emissions. The Paris Agreement’s goal is not just a political target, it is a fundamental physical limit.”

Airbus, Solar Impulse collaborate to boost climate action

Michael Simire
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0
Airbus, Solar Impulse collaborate to boost climate action

The Airbus Foundation and Solar Impulse Foundation have launched a three-year partnership aimed at driving global progress on sustainability through fostering innovation and collaboration. The partnership is dedicated to identifying and accelerating the adoption of scalable nature-based projects that address pressing global challenges.

Bertrand Piccard
Bertrand Piccard, Initiator and Chairman of the Solar Impulse Foundation

Through the partnership, successful applicants will have access to a wealth of resources including Airbus’ aerospace capabilities, such as satellite data for earth observation and helicopters for efficient aerial assessment and verification. These capabilities will enable the selected projects to address critical societal issues, from ecosystem degradation to water security and natural disaster risk to solutions like satellite environmental monitoring systems.

Bertrand Piccard, Initiator and Chairman of the Solar Impulse Foundation, says: “By combining aerospace technology with nature-based solutions, we can turn innovation into impact. Our partnership with the Airbus Foundation demonstrates how advanced capabilities like satellite imagery can help restore ecosystems, support economic development, and build climate resilience where it’s needed most.”

Solar Impulse Foundation will deliver expertise in identifying, assessing and promoting nature-based solutions to achieve the greatest impact. They will provide access to an extensive network of cleantech organisations and play an advocacy role in engaging with decision makers to promote sustainable policy change.

Airbus Chief Sustainability Officer and Chair of the Airbus Foundation, Julie Kitcher, says: “Aerospace technologies allow us to unlock information about our planet that we cannot access from the ground. Using Airbus’ expertise in satellites and helicopters, we’re committed to empowering innovators and researchers to develop solutions that address pressing environmental and social challenges. The Solar Impulse Foundation has a high level of expertise in supporting climate projects and through this partnership, we are aiming to create new pathways for innovative projects to increase climate resilience and support local communities.”

From April 1, 2025, the two foundations will actively seek proposals that can benefit from aerospace capabilities to promote nature-based solutions. The selected projects will receive €10,000 in seed funding and have access to technical expertise to help accelerate their impact.

The partnership reportedly aligns with the Airbus Foundation’s mission to collaborate with key stakeholders to innovate environmental solutions using the unique capabilities of Airbus technologies.

By providing access to critical data, cutting-edge tools, and specialised resources, the partnership will enable communities to better anticipate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, according to the promoters.

High TB mortality in Nigeria: A call to action

Michael Simire
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0
High TB mortality in Nigeria: A call to action

In spite of concerted partnerships to stamp out tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria, stakeholders are worried it still kills thousands in the country.

Muhammad Ali Pate
Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare

According to the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP), the disease, discovered 143 years ago, claims 71,000 lives annually in Nigeria, accounting for 18 percent of TB-related deaths in Africa.

When the late Malam Ibrahim Yusuf, a 32-year-old mechanic in No Man’s Land, Fagge Local Government Area, Kano State, first developed a persistent cough, he dismissed it as a minor infection.

His wife, Mrs. Safiya Ibrahim, recounted how his condition deteriorated over time.

“By the time we finally visited the health facility, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) in its advanced stage.

“Despite undergoing treatment, my husband died three months later, leaving behind me and our three children,” she narrated.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), TB is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

It primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other organs such as the brain, spine and kidneys.

TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks or sings.

Experts say there are two types of TB – Latent TB, where the bacteria remain inactive, causing no symptoms and making the person non-contagious, and Active TB – where the bacteria multiply, leading to a persistent cough, weight loss, night sweats, fever and fatigue.

The latter is contagious and requires immediate treatment.

Medical professionals say TB is curable with a six-month course of antibiotics, including drugs like isoniazid and rifampicin.

They say the BCG vaccine offers partial protection, especially for children, while early diagnosis through tests like GeneXpert and sputum microscopy is crucial in preventing transmission.

Despite medical advances, TB remains a major public health crisis in Nigeria.

Ibrahim’s story is just one among thousands in Nigeria, where TB remains a leading cause of death despite being preventable and curable.

In 2023 alone, 499,000 Nigerians were diagnosed with TB – five people every minute.

However, only 60 percent of cases were detected, meaning hundreds of thousands remain undiagnosed, posing a risk of further transmission.

Nigeria is also battling a rise in Multidrug-Resistant TB (MDR-TB) and Extensively Drug-Resistant TB (XDR-TB).

MDR-TB occurs when TB bacteria become resistant to first-line drugs like isoniazid and rifampicin, making treatment longer, more expensive and less effective.

According to WHO, no fewer than 21,000 Nigerians develop MDR-TB each year, but only about 2,600 receive proper treatment due to funding shortages, limited diagnostic tools and inadequate second-line medications.

Dr Adesigbin Clement Olufemi, Head of the Programmatic Management of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (PMDT), NTBLCP, provided insights.

“Many patients start treatment but struggle to complete the regimen due to side effects, stigma or financial hardship,” he said.

According to Olufemi, without urgent intervention, MDR-TB will become even harder to control.

Dr Shehu Labaran, NTBLCP Director, explained that although more than 50 percent of Nigerian health facilities provided TB treatment, access remained a major challenge, especially in rural areas.

“Only 48 percent of Local Government Areas (LGAs) have GeneXpert machines, the recommended rapid diagnostic tool for TB,” Labaran said.

By the aforementioned, 371 LGAs are left without advanced TB detection, leading to delays in diagnosis.

Dr Patricia Chinedu, a pulmonologist, said that many patients sought treatment from traditional healers or chemists first, losing valuable time before receiving proper care.

“By the time they reach a hospital, the disease has progressed to a life-threatening stage,” Chinedu warned.

Despite free TB treatment in Nigeria, the financial burden on patients is crippling.

NTBLCP reports that 71 percent of TB-affected households face catastrophic costs, spending more than 20 percent of their income on transportation, nutrition, and other indirect expenses.

For Mrs. Maryam Usman, a resident of Karmajiji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT), her husband’s TB diagnosis forced her to make heartbreaking sacrifices.

“I had to stop my children’s schooling because we could not afford transport to the facility where my husband is undergoing TB treatment,” Usman said.

In many Nigerian communities, TB is still linked to curses, witchcraft or divine punishment.

This stigma prevents people from seeking early treatment, increasing the risk of transmission.

“My family stopped visiting me when they heard I had TB,” recounted Mr. Adamu Peter, a recovered TB patient from Waru community, FCT.

Dr Queen Ogbuji-Ladipo, Acting Board Chair of Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, underscored that awareness campaigns like “Check Am O!” were helping, but more work was needed.

Ogbuji-Ladipo said that the global End TB Strategy aimed to reduce TB deaths by 90 percent by 2030, but Nigeria still faced major hurdles.

The Nigerian Government, in collaboration with WHO, USAID and the Global Fund, had unveiled several initiatives.

These initiatives include free testing and treatment programmes, active case-finding campaigns in high-burden areas, and mobile clinic pilot projects to improve rural healthcare access.

However, a huge funding gap persists.

Mr. Tajudeen Ibrahim, Executive Country Coordinating Mechanism, Global Fund, disclosed that Nigeria required $404 million to effectively deliver TB treatment and services in 2025.

Ibrahim warned that the country’s TB drug supply for 2025 was already under strain, as some medications allocated for the year had been used to meet 2024’s treatment demands.

He said the $5 million funding gap caused by the U.S. Government’s recent executive order, affected active case-finding in 18 states between January and March.

“Given that 24 percent of Nigeria’s TB funding comes from external sources, with the U.S. contributing $22 million, there are concerns that detection and treatment efforts will suffer if funding issues persist,” he said.

Meanwhile, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, dismissed concerns from international agencies about possible drug shortages.

Pate stated that government analysis showed no imminent stockouts and stressed plans for direct and emergency procurement.

He also suggested that Nigeria might source medical supplies from economically similar countries instead of relying heavily on external donors.

Reaffirming the government’s steadfast commitment, Pate urged caution against misinformation from global organisations that might misrepresent Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.

As Nigeria marks World TB Day 2025, Yusuf’s story serves as a stark reminder that TB is not a disease of the past – it is a present-day crisis.

Note, NTBLCP says Nigerians can access information and resources by calling the toll-free helpline at 3340 or by dialing *3340#.

What’s more, stakeholders say that the government needs to increase funding, expand diagnostic tools, strengthen awareness, integrate TB services into primary healthcare, encourage early testing and fight TB-related stigma.

They say there is need to scale up TB programmes and push for policy change as well as ensuring that patients complete their treatment regimens.

By Abujah Racheal, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

World Water Day: Women engineers urge global action to preserve glaciers

Michael Simire
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0
World Water Day: Women engineers urge global action to preserve glaciers

The Association of Professional Women Engineers (APWEN) has urged global efforts to preserve glaciers, stressing their vital role in sustaining the world’s freshwater resources.

melting glaciers
The disappearance of glaciers is considered by scientists as one of the clearest signs of climate change. Photo credit: beforeitsnews.com

APWEN Chairperson, Dr Atinuke Owolabi, made the appeal in a statement on Sunday, March 23, 2025, to commemorate World Water Day (WWD).

The 2025 WWD theme is “Glacier Preservation”.

Glaciers are vital – their meltwater provides drinking water, supports agriculture, powers industries, generates clean energy, and maintains healthy ecosystems.

Owolabi noted that, although Nigeria lacks glaciers, the melting of global ice masses impacts the nation through climate-related consequences.

She highlighted glaciers’ global influence on Nigeria and engineers’ roles to include water security and sea level rise.

Others are climate action, innovative water management and coastal protection.

“Glaciers act as reservoirs, regulating rivers. Melting glaciers disrupt water supplies, affecting farming, industries, and daily life, even in non-glacial regions.

“Melting increases sea levels, endangering coastal cities like Lagos and Port Harcourt with flooding, erosion, and loss of habitats,” she said.

Owolabi noted that sustainable engineering reduces greenhouse gases, tackling a root cause of glacier melting while efficient conservation ensures water security for the future.

“Resilient infrastructure defends communities from sea-level rise,” she said.

According to her, APWEN Lagos has empowered female engineers to lead such initiatives, promoting climate resilience and environmental sustainability.

“Together, we can foster innovation, sustainability, and resilience against climate change,” Owolabi said.

By Fabian Ekeruche

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