President Bola Tinubu says his administration will continue to provide the needed interventions in the oil and gas industry in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
President Bola Tinubu with the Chevron Corporation delegation and State House officials
He disclosed this on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, in Abuja when he received a delegation from the Chevron Corporation, led by Mr Clay Neff, President of Chevron International Exploration and Production.
Tinubu said Nigeria would strengthen its long-standing partnership with the multinational company in line with the evolving dynamics in the oil and gas industry.
The President welcomed Chevron’s commitment to build on its investments in shallow and deep water operations in Nigeria, noting the company’s ongoing $1.4 billion drilling project with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
He also commended Chevron for its dedication to reducing its carbon footprint in the country.
”You must see the PIA as a legacy law. We assure you of quick interventions and turnaround on any issue you may have in your operations in our country.
”Nigeria is proud of the 60-year partnership with Chevron, and we believe this partnership will be strengthened to add mutually-beneficial value for the benefit of your shareholders as well as the living standards and economic opportunities of our population,” he said.
In his remarks, Neff pledged that the company would continue to operate in full adherence to the highest standards, even as it meets its investment commitments in Nigeria.
He highlighted the company’s contributions to domestic gas supply, noting the delivery of 25 per cent gas through a joint venture with NNPC Limited.
He also said Chevron was scaling up its investments in the country with its recent efforts in a new phase of development.
The phase include the conversion, under the Petroleum Industry Act, of all the NNPCL/Chevron Nigeria Limited Joint Venture (JV) Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) and Agbami OML 127 to Petroleum Mining Leases and Petroleum Prospecting Licences (PPLs).
The other is entry into OPL 215 block to boost deep-water development opportunities; signing of 20-year renewal of three deepwater leases; commencement of seismic data acquisition in several deepwater leases and commencement of life extension work on the Agbami project.
He said they also, in partnership with NNPCL, are securing $1.4 billion financing to fund the NNPCL/CNL JV infill drilling programme between 2022 to 2026, which includes the drilling of 37 wells in the shallow offshore and onshore Escravos area and associated facilities.
Neff added that Chevron’s average annual tax and royalty remittances over the past three years had reached $3.4 billion.
”The bold steps you have taken since you assumed office are quite impressive. We are encouraged by our partnership of over 60 years, and we look forward, God willing, to continue that partnership for many decades to come.
”We are also looking at other opportunities as well, while operating with the best environmental practices.
“We will continue to grow our traditional oil and gas business because we know the countries where we operate are in need of those products, and the world needs those products,” he said.
Asian Development Bank (ADB) and SAEL Industries Limited have signed a loan for the development of a 400-megawatt (MW) greenfield solar power plant in Gujarat, India.
Solar energy
ADB made the disclosure on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, through its subsidiary, SAEL Solar P4 Private Limited.
The financing package comprise $147 million from ADB and a parallel loan of up to $73.48 million underwritten by Tata Capital.
The ADB led the structuring of the financing package as well as the mobilisation of domestic private capital.
ADB said SAEL Solar P4 Private Limited would build and operate the solar power plant within the Khavda Ultra Mega Solar Park in Gujarat, India.
Electricity generated by the solar plant would be supplied to Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited, the state-owned power distribution company, through a 25-year purchase agreement.
The plant is likely to produce an average of 953 gigawatt-hours of clean energy annually, to avoid approximately 783,855 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
SAEL and the ADB have previously partnered in a biomass power generation project that uses agricultural residue.
SAEL Industries Limited is a renewable energy company which focus on creating green assets in transition to green energy, with biomass and solar power projects in various states in India.
A member of SAEL group of company found in 1999 have diversified business interests in renewable energy generation, warehousing and agricultural processing.
An effective plastic policy should not be reactionary; there should be coordinated approach, public scrutiny, and policy standardisation
Plastic waste pollution
The Nigerian Youth Biodiversity Network (NYBN), the official youth constituency of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD-GYBN), Nigeria chapter, and the Sustainable Environment Food and Agriculture Initiative (SEFAAI), a UNEP and UNCBD accredited environmental NGO, salutes the courage and boldness of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources in enacting a public plastic policy aimed at curbing plastic pollution and its incessant environmental problems in the state.
It is no news that plastic pollution remains a major talk of national and international communities, exacerbating the crises of solid waste management, marine litter, climate change and biodiversity loss. Plastic pollution has altered habitats and natural processes, reduced ecosystems’ ability to adapt to climate change, directly affected millions of people’s livelihoods – most especially the local and indigenous peoples around the corridors of marine and coastal communities, food production capabilities and social well-being. It has choked marine wildlife, poisoned groundwater and damaged soil biodiversity, consequentially causing various grades of damage to public health.
Plastics still serve some economic good such as helping increase product shelf life;,allowing easy accessibility of food materials, protecting food from contamination thus reducing food waste, among other use in our day to day lives; the negative manifestations of plastic pollution to both human and environmental health coupled with the obtainable realities and existentialities of environmental pollution in Lagos State, we have no option than to institute a policy solution to the menace caused by plastics not just in Lagos State, but across Nigeria.
Just like every other environmental problem such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, desert encroachment, poaching, and illegal trafficking of wild animals, plastic pollution is also endemic in its international character and its impact is trans-boundary. It is on this basis we wish to express our opinion on the recent ban on single-use plastic and styrofoam packs – commonly called “take ways”. The ban is a welcome development that all environmental stakeholders should support and commit to its implementation. It the best way forward for a sustainable environment and circular Lagos.
Our reservation is therefore based on the fundamentals that the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources did not carefully examine nor patiently pass through the process of imposing a plastic ban. A ban on single-use plastics and styrofoam packs must come with practical alternatives that will make consumers and businesses (especially the big multi-corporations that produces plastic drinks, bottled water and plastic packaging materials) easily tag along with the ban, most importantly when they are to go entirely without plastic.
Ensuring that business can source for alternative business models is also important and critical. To maintain public support for the plastic ban, it also helps if there are measures which prevent cost being passed directly to consumers. Also, remember that single-use plastic materials as well include sachet water and other nylons used in food packaging at industries and other forms like nylons used in packaged confectioneries and bread.
Contextualising plastic pollution in Lagos and other states across Nigeria, a phased approach to plastic ban should have been better, with consistent and clear messaging on what material is banned and the timeframe for such material to be phased-out. This approach is essential because the problematic nature of plastic and its management must critically include stakeholders’ engagements, education and awareness raising, series of consultation processes that will include the big manufacturers and critical layers of the consumers, financing the implementation process and strategies for creating public acceptance.
Plastic policies should as well include clearly defined monitoring and evaluation framework, which should as well include the stakeholders’ agreement to ensure policy effectiveness and standardisation. Given that plastic pollution is generated at all stages of the lifecycle, a coordinated whole life-cycle approach to plastic ban is crucial.
The Lagos State Government must therefore balance the plastic policy with careful considerations to the entire plastic life cycle and focus to circularity and reduced reliance on bottled drinks and bottled water. Plastic policy targeted at downstream action will never yield the required result. We therefore encourage the state government, the Ministry of Environment in particular, to develop a plastic policy that will be integrated with climate actions, protection of natural ecosystems, conservation of marine and coastal communities, and a paradigm shifts to change the consumer lifestyle in Lagos State.
In terms of enforcing the plastic ban, it is completely efficient for the Lagos State Government to integrate Extended Producer Responsibility, public acceptance and transparency; the state should employ market mechanisms, plastic taxes, incentives, behavioral change and other innovative mechanism. Using KAI to enforce plastic ban will mean using an arm of state force and apprehension to enforce the plastic pollution law.
We therefore appeal to the Commissioner for Environment, Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, to consider the policy standardisation process and approach of enacting a plastic policy recognised by the international communities. To always go the Nigerian way in terms of our environmental governance system is not putting us in the good records of the international community. We believe Lagos can lay the pathway for others.
Without the Lagos State Government creating these supporting measures as highlighted above, or failing to see the importance of stakeholders and civil society engagement in plastic ban processes, and also understanding that plastic ban is the beginning of a broader phase-down of plastic in a circular Lagos economy, and across Nigeria, the new plastic ban will tend to generate more discord among the government, big businesses and other layers of the private sector in Lagos.
Some environmentalists have lauded the recent ban of single-use plastic and styrofoam by the Lagos State Government, stating that the ban was long overdue.
Plastic pollution
The environmentalists said this in different interviews on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, in Lagos.
Lagos State Government on Sunday announced a ban on the usage and distribution of styrofoam and other single-use plastics across the state.
Mr Gafar Odubote, the Network Coordinator, Let’s Do It World Africa Region, an environmental non-profit organisation, said the ban was a great move to end plastic pollution.
“The plastic ban is a good move by Lagos State Government. It will help reduce plastic pollution. The ban is long overdue, but I think it came at the right time.
“If we consider the menace single-use plastic pollution, styrofoam, plastic spoons, bags, and disposable cups pose to the environment, the ban is sending a strong message to all and sundry.
“A good quality of Lagos State Government is the enforcement of its policies. I believe the ban will be fully enforced with the deployment of their task forces to implement the policies.
“There may also be clamp down of plastic manufacturing companies/factories. I believe the state is capable of implementing this policy to the fullest.
“It is a big win for the environment because the clamour for the ban of single use plastic has been ongoing. This ban should be translated nationally, the Federal Ministry of Environment should take this up.
“We must all ensure that this ban is effective in our fight against plastic pollution. We should start adopting the use of plastic alternatives,” Odubote said.
On his part, Mr Taiwo Adewole, Director, Recycle Points NG, called for a change of attitude to single-use plastic and styrofoam, as he called for the adoption of alternatives.
“The ban on single-use plastic and styrofoam is long overdue. The government has been lenient enough and has extended the carrot approach to these companies, but now is the time for the stick approach.
“When the government came up with the extended producer responsibility policy on plastic, they gave all manufacturers opportunities to come up with Producer Responsible Organisation (PRO) and that is how feedback for the ban came up.
“Companies like Coca-Cola, Nigerian Breweries and others came together to recover plastic items in circulation.
“However, companies producing styrofoam never bothered to be part the policy making decisions.
“Styrofoam is littered everywhere and it is only one or two companies in Lagos that collect and recycle them,” Adewole said.
Also, Mr Olumide Idowu, the Founder, ICCDI Africa, also restated the need to enforce the ban and the cooperation of Nigerians to the ban.
“The ban of single-use plastics and styrofoam by the Lagos State Government is a welcome development in the fight against plastic pollution.
“However, there should be measures being put in place for those that are into the business to transition.
“The government should remember that there is going to be a gap, traders in plastics will actually lose a lot of investment.
“The government should liaise with stakeholders in the trade of plastic, maybe they should set up a meeting with them on the sustainability of the plastic ban.
“The question should be asked if there is anything like a commitment from the government for an alternative to plastic.
“If there is, then there should be a push to get people to invest in the alternatives. The government should not just take a decision without stakeholders involvement,” Idowu said.
The U.S.-Nigeria Trade Council USA says the Lagos State Government’s sudden ban on single-use plastic containers, though well intentioned, could have adverse economic effects.
Plastic waste pollution in the Philippines
Mr Titus Olowokere, President of the council, who said this in a statement in Lagos on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, urged the government to consider the potential economic impact of the ban and work with stakeholders to implement sustainable waste management strategies that would support entrepreneurship, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
Olowokere said that the council recognised the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability but the abrupt prohibition of single-use plastics could be problematic..
“We firmly believe that this ban will have detrimental effects on Lagos state economy and exacerbate the unemployment crisis.
“We urge the government to reconsider this decision and take into account alternative solutions that promote entrepreneurship, sustainable consumption, and waste management,” Olowokere said.
The council said that Lagos relied heavily on plastic manufacturing and packaging industries that employed thousands of people across the state.
”This ban directly affects not only industry workers but also countless small-scale entrepreneurs who depend on the plastic sector for their livelihoods.
“Furthermore, from an economic standpoint, the ban imposes an enormous financial burden on businesses, particularly Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), as they are forced to find alternatives or invest in costly infrastructure to comply with the regulation.
“This additional expenditure, coupled with the already challenging business environment, will impede growth and hinder economic development, not only in Lagos, but in Nigeria as a country,” Olowokere said.
He explained that the council was suggesting a more comprehensive approach that balanced environmental concerns, economic sustainability, and job creation.
He said that rather than a sudden blanket ban, the council had some advice on solutions to mitigate the negative impact on both the environment and the economy, promote entrepreneurship and pave the way for a greener Nigeria.
He said that the first one bordered on public awareness and education.
Olowokere said that this entailed implementing public awareness campaigns and educational programmes about sustainable waste management practices.
This, according to him, will promote responsible consumer behaviour and support the transition towards eco-friendly alternatives.
He said that the state could also engage with industry stakeholders for the development and adoption of eco-friendly packaging alternatives, such as biodegradable or compostable materials.
Olowokere said this could help to minimise the environmental impact of packaging waste.
He said that the council also advocated investment in recycling infrastructure.
“The establishment and expansion of recycling facilities will create new job opportunities and support the growth of a sustainable recycling industry in Nigeria.”
In terms of entrepreneurship development, he said that encouraging and supporting entrepreneurs to invest in alternative packaging materials and innovative waste management solutions would stimulate economic growth and create new business opportunities.
“USTC advocates for collaboration between the Lagos State government, private sector entities, and civil society organisations to develop and implement waste management projects that drive entrepreneurship and job creation,” he added.
Olowokere said that the council remained committed to fostering mutually beneficial trade relations between the United States and Nigeria, while advocating for sustainable economic development and environmental conservation.
The Lagos State Government had on Sunday announced a ban on the use of styrofoam and single use plastic with immediate effect.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, issued the ban on behalf of the government.
Wahab said that the nonbiogradeable properties of the products constitute serious environmental threat as styrofoam and other single use plastics block drainage channels in the state.
Reactions have continued to trail the development.
President Bola Tinubu has assured South South traditional rulers of his administration’s commitment to addressing their concerns on development and environmental degradation.
Tinubu with officials of the South-South Monarchs Forum
The President gave the assurance on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at the State House, Abuja, during a meeting with the South-South Monarchs Forum.
It was led by retired Maj.–Gen Felix Mujakperuo, Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, and Vice-Chairman of the South-South Monarchs Forum.
The President told the Royal Fathers that his administration was working to strengthen Nigeria’s durability and approach to climate change, environmental restoration, infrastructure development and security and stability in the region.
Commending the traditional rulers for their understanding approach to his administration’s ongoing economic reforms, Tinubu promised that Nigerians would soon enjoy the benefits of “these tough decisions”.
”We are working to revive the economy from the damage of several years. We seek your support, prayers, and understanding, and I am glad that the Vice-Chairman of the Forum served in an organisation where we need intelligence to operate.
”You (the traditional institution) will be the source of the intelligence we need for the holistic development of our country, and anytime you need to tell us something, do not hesitate to reach out to this office.
“I will take on all of your concerns, and I will address each of them one by one. We cannot underestimate your contributions to the peace and stability of this country.
“Continue to uphold us in your prayers and in talking to our youths to keep faith with the country because light is already visible at the end of the tunnel,” the President said.
In his remarks, Mujakperuo appealed to President Tinubu to follow up on all developmental efforts in the region to be sure that progress is tangible to the people.
“Mr President, you know the problems of our region as an expert with experience in the energy industry.
“We see you working hard to solve our problems, and we are comforted that you have pledged to take on our concerns and bring a final solution to them,” he said.
The Federal Government of Nigeria on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, inaugurated Global Fund Grant Cycle-7 on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria and Resilient and Sustainable System for 2024-2026 implementation periods.
Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare
Prof. Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Federal Ministry of Health, said the programme was beneficial to the good people of Nigeria.
The minister said the occasion of another grant implementation cycle was apt as it marked an important period in the efforts of the Federal Government in the fight against the epidemic of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Pate, who is also the Chairman of the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM), said the grant would also support the building of resilient and sustainable system for health towards pandemic preparedness.
He added that the grant would ensure health security to all citizens, including the most vulnerable population such as women and children less than five years.
According to him, Nigeria is the highest recipient of the Global Fund grant in the 2021 – 2023 implementation periods with over 1.2 billion dollars, including COVID-19 allocation.
Pate said experience from investment in health systems with high emphasis on laboratory systems strengthening for surveillance, diagnostics and quality assurance/quality control informed the implementation design of 2024- 2026 implementation period.
He explained that at the end of 2023, more than 87 million nets had been distributed across Nigeria over the last five years with the Global Fund’s support.
“The Government of Nigeria, PEPFAR, The Global Fund and other partners’ efforts have significantly increased the number of people diagnosed with HIV and placed on antiretroviral therapy.
“Over the years, the efforts by the governments and partners have enabled some successes in HIV/AID, Tuberculosis and Malaria responses in Nigeria.
“In December 2022, The CCM Nigeria received the allocation for 2023-2025,” he said.
Pate said throughout 2023, the instrumentality of stakeholders’ engagement was deployed to develop a robust Funding Request that was considered technically sound by the Global Fund Technical Review Panel (TRP).
He added that the TRP also recommended that the CCM-Nigeria should proceed with grant making.
“At the end of the entire processes, we have eight grants signed with the Global Fund and the nominated Principal Recipient (PR).
“The PRs grant portfolio and amount respectively are National Agency for the Control of AIDS- HIV/AIDS $10,663,394:00, National AIDS and STDs Control Programme (NASCP)-FMOH HIV/AIDS $30,038,555:00.
“National Tuberculosis, Leprosy; Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP)-FMOH Tuberculosis $122,390,772:00, Institute for Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) HIV/TB (C-Grant) $340,095,438:00, National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP)-FMOH Malaria $80,877,025:00.
“Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Malaria $315, 933,900:00, National Tuberculosis, Leprosy; Buruli Ulcer Control Programme- FMOH RSSH $42,557,406:00, Lagos State Ministry of Health RSSH $4,100,440:00.
The minister said this amounted to a total of $933,156,931.
Pate also urged the state to take leadership and ownership of this process to ensure sustainability.
“This means ensuring that both state and local government areas commit resources not only for the three diseases currently receiving support from The Global Fund but also for other interventions in the state.
“I appeal to our media and religious leaders to assist in encouraging people in our communities to access the care at the designated facilities (Public and Private),’’ he said.
In his remarks, Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), said the Global Fund was created to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM).
Akume, represented by Dr Maurice Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary (General Services Office) SGF, said this was first conceived in Nigeria during the World Malaria Summit in Abuja in 2000, with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
He said the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health, catalysed the creation of the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) Nigeria in March 2002, as the only recognised entity that could access the Global Fund grants on behalf of Nigeria.
“Through this partnership, the Government of Nigeria has demonstrated commitment, ownership and put in use the resources allocated to the country by the Global Fund to support the fighting against the scourge of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
“This is with conscious efforts towards building a Resilient and Sustainable System for Health (RSSH).
“The government’s political will has been demonstrated and in this current implementation period, 2024 – 2026 the expected co-financing for the three diseases and health in general will be provided.
“I am elated that the CCM has put in place a good governance structure that is participatory and representative across the different sectors with effective oversight mechanism that will oversee the implementation of the Grant Cycle 7.
“To ensure full compliance with the grant confirmation agreement,” Akume said.
Also, Ms. Kachallom Daju, Permanent Secretary of Health, appreciated the Global Fund for the continued support to Nigeria.
“It’s on record that HIV, TB and Malaria allocation for Nigeria has been adjusted upwards to better account for the burden and needs of key and vulnerable populations.
“The increased allocation also aims to address the critical service coverage gaps among pregnant women, children, key populations and adolescent, gaps in finding TB missing cases in children and in the private sector.
“The Global Fund endowment is supporting evidence-based programmes that should also make use of available evidence to improve the public-sector/private-sector approach, and the performance-based funding.
The country’s concerted efforts of stakeholders of diverse constituencies would be activated towards yielding positive results during the implementation.
“The current Global Fund GC-7 grants for 2024-2026, totaling $933 million, for which we are gathering here today, would support interventions in 13 priority states in Nigeria for malaria.
“Four comprehensive states for HIV/AIDS and all the 36 states plus FCT will benefit from Tuberculosis’s grant.
“It will also support health system strengthening in all 36 states plus FCT and will support 5 states with health insurance for vulnerable group,” she said.
On his part, Godwin Ogah, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control (ATM), said that a healthy nation should also be a wealthy nation as the saying goes.
“Therefore, in the area of funding we must put our money where our health is involved and with the launch of next cycle of funding, with implementation period of Jan. 1, 2024 to December 2026 today.
“I am convinced that there is a greater will by Government and key stakeholders to provide the willingness and commitment to ensure community systems and their structures are strengthened, resourced and empowered,” he said.
He said consequently, the country would in no doubt attain all targets that had been established in the fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria by the year 2030.
“As representatives of Government and the people, I believe it is unacceptable that a greater percentage of funding for our fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria come from foreign partners.
“We must consciously and systematically bridge this funding gap to at least 50 per cent.
“We in the parliament will continue to provide the constitutional approvals for the allocation of resources towards our health needs.
“We will also collaborate with relevant stakeholders and foreign partners and donor agencies alike to ensure we attain mutual targets,” he said.
Mr Ayo Ipinmoye, First vice Chair of Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM), explained that CCM Nigeria’s core mandates were to identify strategic HIV, Tuberculosis (TB) and Malaria (ATM) programmes for Nigeria.
According to him, it is also to develop and submit proposals to the Global Fund for funding and to provide guidance and support to implementation of the grant for impact, such as selection of Principal Resilient (PR).
“Provide technical and managerial oversight to utilisation of the funds. Mobilise domestic resources to complement Global Fund investments in Nigeria and Information dissemination through member constituencies,” he said.
The Federal Government has officially approved the commercial release and open cultivation of transgenic insect-resistant and drought-tolerant maize variety, known as TELA Maize, along with other high-yielding crop varieties.
Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology
Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, January 23, 2024.
The minister said the commercial release of the crops was a remarkable step at enhancing agricultural productivity to ensure food sufficiency in Nigeria.
“It exemplifies our commitment to harnessing the power of biotechnology in addressing pressing agricultural challenges, enhancing crop resilience, and improving the livelihood of our farmers and citizens.
“It also strengthens our position in the global agricultural landscape, fostering economic stability and opening new avenues for trade and export,” the minister said.
Nnaji noted that the benefits of the release were far-reaching, promising increased crop yields, enhanced resilience to pests and diseases, reduced environmental impact and improved nutrition content.
He urged all stakeholders, including farmers, extension workers, and private sector partners, to embrace the new crop varieties for a more prosperous, sustainable and food secure future for Nigeria.
He also added that the efforts by the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) were pivotal in advancing the agricultural sector as well as innovative scientists, researchers, experts, institutions and foreign collaborators.
Prof Abdullahi Mustapha, Director General of NABDA, remarked that the agency would not renege on its commitment at utilising biotechnology in tackling the diverse socioeconomic challenges that impede sustainable national development.
He said in this way, NABDA was positioned to contribute to the economic growth of the country.
The TELA Maize project, a product of modern agricultural biotechnology, was developed by the Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR) in partnership with the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF).
Experts said the cultivation of the transgenic maize seed would yield up to 10 tons per hectare, against the six tons by ordinary hybrid, and would lead to bountiful harvest.
Heirs Energies, Africa’s foremost indigenous-owned integrated energy company, has commemorated its three-year anniversary.
Chairman of Heirs Energies, Tony O. Elumelu
Within the period, Heirs Energies reportedly implemented significant production increases and pioneered a new model of community engagement, all contributing to a new beginning in ensuring Nigeria’s sustainable energy future.
Heirs Energies launched in January 2021, following the completion of an eight-year, $1.2 billion transaction to acquire oil license OML17, from the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, Total E&P Nigeria Limited, and ENI, and solidifying the joint venture partnership with the NNPC.
Chairman of Heirs Energies, Tony O. Elumelu, expressed his pride, while reflecting on his vision for Heirs Energies, stating: “As someone from the Niger Delta, I had seen firsthand how Nigeria’s resource wealth can be mishandled. The energy sector was an industry that had frankly not served Nigeria’s interest. I knew Nigeria could do better and control her destiny. My vision was to build Africa’s largest indigenous-owned integrated energy company, focused on Africa’s unique energy needs. As I look back now, we have more than succeeded.”
Heirs Energies is said to have become a role model institution within the energy sector. Milestones, and achievements within three-years of operations include:
Significant rise in oil production: At a time when Nigeria needs to optimise output, Heirs Energies’ oil production has surged from 27,000 to 40,000 barrels a day. Theft and losses which reached a peak of 97% late 2021, has now been reduced to less than 15%, with definitive actions taken by government to address the pipeline security and related concerns.
Steady gas production for domestic use: Heirs Energies commenced gas production and has rapidly become an important contributor to domestic gas supply in Nigeria. 100% of gas produced goes into domestic market to meet local demand, providing energy to thousands of households, supplementing power plants, and supporting various gas- reliant industries in the region.
Top quartile safety records: Heirs Energies boasts three incident free years, maintaining zero Loss Time Injury (LTI) operations in OML 17 with 1.5 million man-hours.
Community engagement: Heirs Energies continues to live up to a philosophy of a shared destiny with local communities, by seeking out local talent and creating entrepreneurs. Over 300 young people have been empowered through skill acquisition programmes, while the electrical infrastructure upgrades across host communities, have impacted a population of over 270,000 people.
A world-class Nigerian organisation: Heirs Energies takes particular pride in its fully Nigerian team, who are catalysing and delivering innovative technical solutions every day. A true demonstration of Nigerian excellence in institutionalising and executing key strategies.
Elumelu commended the team, sharing his deep gratitude for their commitment to his vision of creating value for all stakeholders within the energy sector.
He said: “I want to take this opportunity and mark this anniversary, by saluting and thanking the Heirs Energies team, led by MD/CEO, Osa Igiehon. Your hard work, dedication and expertise has enabled us to become a role model within the energy sector, as we strive towards our purpose of improving lives and communities across our continent.”
Heirs Energies says it recognises the importance of a sustainable future and plans to play a role in Nigeria’s transition to a more sustainable energy source. The journey, it adds, reflects a commitment to bring abundant and affordable power to schools, hospitals, and industries, shaping a sustainable future for Africa.
A flurry of reactions has greeted the announcement on Sunday, January 21, 2024, by the Lagos State Government that an immediate ban has been placed on the use of styrofoam and single-use plastics.
Plastic waste pollution in Akobi Crescent, Lagos, Nigeria
Welcoming the development, respondents commended the state government for what looks like a daring decision, even though they charged the authorities on an effective implementation plan.
Joseph Onoja, Director General of the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), said: “It is a welcome development that the Lagos State Government is banning single-use plastics and Styrofoam, and I commend the Commissioner for this very bold and laudable steps. That is the first step.
“The second step is enforcement, and they should be ready to meet stiff resistance from people whose livelihoods are affected and would want to fight back, because they will only look at it from the economics point of view and not from the environmental hazard point of view. I’m fully in support of the ban. I will be glad to see how the enforcement will take place.
“And as Lagos is very strategic to the nation, if Lagos can enforce it, then enforcing it nationally will have gone halfway into the process because Lagos would have set the pace, and the Federal Government is just to copy the blueprint and then move on from there. I’m really hoping that we will be able to see that happening. We should be able to have alternatives to this styrofoam that has become a menace to us. The ban will contribute significantly to the reduction of waste and improve waste management. Styrofoam and other single-use plastics make up 75% to 90% of wastes disposed.
“There is a need for us to continue to see how it is implemented in such a way that this has come to stay and not a political statement or a witch-hunt. I hope the Federal Government will take the template from Lagos and take the bold step to ban single-use plastics and fully, because this will save our environment, especially our aquatic system.”
Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Nnimmo Bassey, applauded the ban, saying that he expects the National Assembly in Abija to take a similar step to ban the use of single-use plastics and styrofoam nation-wide.
“If there is lethargy in making the national move, I strongly recommend that other states should emulate Lagos State,” he submitted, adding that the level of plastic pollution in Nigeria is very high and the cities are blighted by the scourge.
“We see such wastes in drainages, streets and at spots on our highways where there are checkpoints or hawkers,” Bassey lamented, adding that the ban will encourage a shift in the culture of disposal of wastes haphazardly, “including as we see with soft drinks and water sold in plastics”.
His words: “Our people need to learn to use durable packages or bags. We also need to understand that plastics are harmful to our biodiversity.
“It is equally harmful to see how single use plastics are used to wrap or cover hot foods in restaurants. These are toxic and constitute health hazards. This habit should be halted across the nation.”
Executive Director, Bridge That Gap initiative, Gloria Bulus, said it is a remarkable and commendable decision by the Lagos State Government, adding that the government has shown its commitment to environmental protection and sustainability.
“Styrofoam and single-use plastics are a major source of pollution and waste, and their elimination will positively impact the health and well-being of the people and the ecosystem.
“I think this is a step in the right direction, as it will help to reduce the amount of waste generated and disposed in the state, which is one of the most populous and urbanised in the country. It will also encourage the adoption of more eco-friendly alternatives, such as reusable or biodegradable materials, which will support the circular economy and green growth.
“However, this ban alone is insufficient to address the inherent waste management challenges in the state and other parts of the country. There is still a need for more public awareness and education on the importance of proper waste disposal and recycling, as well as adequate infrastructure and enforcement to ensure compliance and effectiveness. Moreover, there is a need for a holistic and integrated approach to waste management that involves all stakeholders, including the government, the private sector, civil society, and the citizens.
“I feel that this ban can be effectively and sustainably implemented if there is a strong political will from the government, as well as active participation and cooperation from the public. There should also be incentives and support for businesses and individuals who adopt eco-friendly practices, as well as penalties and sanctions for those who violate the rules. Furthermore, there should be continuous monitoring and evaluation of the policy outcomes and impacts, as well as feedback mechanisms to allow for adjustments and improvements.
“Considering this development, I suggest that the Federal Government should follow suit and enact a similar ban on styrofoam and single-use plastics at the national level, as well as provide guidance and assistance to other states that want to implement such policies. The Federal Government should also coordinate with other regional and international partners to promote global action on plastic pollution and climate change, which are interrelated and urgent issues that require collective efforts.”
Executive Secretary, HEDA Resource Centre, Sulaimon Arigbabu, commended that state for “taking this bold and positive decision”, saying that the decision should have come a long time ago.
“I am happy that Lagos, as usual, is setting the pace in addressing the problem of single use plastics, especially styrofoam plates. This action in Lagos will hopefully inspire and guide other states in the federation to place the same ban. Whereas Lagos accounts for a huge percentage of plastic waste generated, it is critical though, that other states of the Federation should adopt same, lest the full effect and benefit of this policy may not be felt.
“The fact is that Lagos is a drain to the Lagoon for waters coming from the hinterland, which could transport this plastic waste to Lagos if not similarly banned in other states. It is a truism that the consequences of environmental degradation are not limited by the artif8cial border we humans create. Therefore, an action such as this would be most effective if done on a country-wide scale.
On effectively and sustainably implementing the decision, Arigbabu said: “Now, it is one thing to make this policy, but an entirely kettle of fish when it comes to implementing it and sustaining the gains. Lagos State Government should take the implementation of this policy very seriously, and they should anticipate massive pushback from the producers, distributors, and ignorant consumers of this single use plastics.
“First, we need to see the content of this policy and what exactly it covers so that there won’t be any ambiguity. Then, the modus for enforcement needs to be made clear and must be inclusive of all stakeholders including Local government, residents’ associations, market associations, plastic manufacturers, LAWMA, waste pickers, recyclers, NGOs, and the media, among others.
“Very importantly, the enforcement should be given a moratorium to enable the information to go round and for distributors and retailers to enter a dialogue with producers and government to see how to deal with the stock they have at hand.
Most importantly, the Lagos State Government must invest a lot more in educating and enlightening the public on this policy so as to get Lagosians to have a buy-in, without which success is impossible.
“I will also urge Lagos State to try and carry (encourage) Ogun and Oyo states to adopt the same, as this will reduce the burden and provide some buffer for Lagos. The state should also declare a concerted programme to clean up the existing plastic waste in our drains and streets and water bodies. This is required to enable a fresh start, hopefully.
Arigbabu underlined the need for the Federal Government support the initiative by providing Lagos with the necessary assistance and incentives to succeed.
“The Federal Government should also then set a date to adopt this policy on a national scale. The Federal Government must equally invest substantially in behavioural change across the country, so that people coming from other parts of the country can easily fit into this proper way of behaviour and reduce getting into conflict with Lagos State authorities.
“Nigeria should also use her influence in Africa and beyond to champion the fight against the menace of single use plastic. The Federal Government should also make use of existing policies such as extended producer pay principles to address plastic pollution.”
Yacoob Abiodun, urban planner and former Secretary, National Housing Policy Council, says Lagos officials “made the right decision because the non-biodegradable items are toxic to the Lagos environment and have health risks to the residents.”
He continues: “The ban is even coming too late if you consider the damages already done to the mega city environment. However, the Lagos State Government has a Herculean task in ensuring the enforcement of the ban without compromise by the officials who are to enforce the ban. The implementation of regulations is always the bane in our clime.
“I hope that, this time around, the enforcement of the band will be effectively and religiously enforced. At the Federal Government level, the National Assembly should urgently pass a law to ban the use of styrofoam and single-use plastics throughout the country to create a balance. It will complement the laudable step taken by the LASG to save our environment from harmful pollutants.”
Executive Director, SRADev Nigeria, Leslie Adogame, said that Nigeria ought to have long gone beyond this point.
His words: “This is long overdue. We shouldn’t be at this point at this time and we should have gone beyond this stage. Compared to some other countries in Africa, when you look at Nigeria as a giant of Africa among other countries, we are far behind in regulating against single-use plastic. Many other developing countries have gone beyond this stage of banning single-use plastic, and that was our message when we started this campaign in 2019 that Nigeria cannot afford to continue to promote single-use plastic.
“Why? Because single-use plastics are critically environmental nuisance, they cause a lot of havoc in the environment, they lack second hand value, you cannot reuse them, they are not recyclable, and they have no economic value. So, once you, the end-user, finishes with it, it goes into the environment because it has no second-hand value. I work with waste pickers, and over the years, I’ve never heard or seen a waste picker or any recycler who collects or recycles single-use plastics.
“They are single use plastics, for example, carriage bags, Styrofoam, plastic cutlery and cups because they do not have a second-hand value. Single-use plastics are more problematic in terms of the fact that they are responsible for blocking drains, and contain very hazardous chemicals that are released into the environment when burnt. And, in terms of marine environment and pollution, these are the categories of plastics that easily find their way as they are washed down from the municipal drains to the oceans, and they produce microplastics.
“So, in a nutshell, it’s a welcome order, we are happy that finally we have a government that is trying to understand and put environment and public health ahead of economy and profit. Single-use plastic in 2024 is not acceptable for a country like Nigeria and for that matter Lagos State that we call a Centre of Excellence to continue to promote single-use plastic.
“Lagos is a megacity and there are characteristics and qualifications to attain that status, and environmental management is one of those qualities that makes you qualified. It is a good step in the right direction, we stand totally behind the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.”
But, Titilope Akosa, Executive Director, Centre for 21st Century Issues, has described the timing of the styrofoam ban in Lagos State as inappropriate.
“While it is essential to address plastic waste, including styrofoam, to safeguard the environment and public health, it is equally important to consult with the citizens and provide a transition timeline towards sustainable alternatives. A complete ban on styrofoam without proper consultation will undoubtedly impact the livelihoods of producers and sellers in Lagos State,” she submitted.
According to her, it is crucial for the ministry to reconsider its approach and ensure the necessary steps are taken before implementing the ban on styrofoam use.
