Green Energy International Limited and Lekoil Oil and Gas Investments Limited have filed applications before the Federal High Court seeking to strike out Suit No. FHC/L/CP/237/2026 and to set aside the ex parte interim orders granted in the matter.
The companies have filed a Notice of Preliminary Objection challenging the jurisdiction of the Court and seeking dismissal or stay of the action, together with a Motion on Notice to vacate and discharge the interim administration orders made on February 13, 2026.
Lekoil Nigeria Limited
The dispute arises from a contractual claim under a Turnkey Drilling Agreement dated September 1, 2024. The agreement contains a binding arbitration clause, and arbitration proceedings have already been commenced before the Lagos Chamber of Commerce International Arbitration Centre with pleadings filed prior to the initiation of the new suit at the Federal High Court on the same subject contract.
Green Energy and Lekoil maintain that the matter is properly before the arbitral tribunal, that the sums referenced in certain reports are disputed and subject to audit, and that the ex parte orders were obtained in defiance of the pendency of arbitration in respect of which where there was also a pending motion for injunctive orders.
Green Energy and Lekoil view the recent filing of Suit No. FHC/L/CP/237/2026 and suppression of the extent of prior engagements (including ongoing dispute resolution proceedings) in respect of obligations arising from the same turnkey contract as an abuse and improper use of judicial process.
The companies will pursue all appropriate legal remedies to protect the agreed dispute resolution framework and to safeguard their operations.
Operations at the Otakikpo Marginal Field (PML 11) remain fully operational and compliant with all regulatory and contractual obligations. There has been no disruption to production or export activities.
Green Energy and Lekoil claim they reserve all rights in respect of any inaccurate or defamatory publications concerning this matter, adding that further updates will be provided as appropriate.
The Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) has called for an urgent reduction of methane and plastic production cuts, to advance a just transition to a zero-waste economy.
This is contained in a communique issued by Mr. Philip Jakpor, a civil society partner and member of the Waste Parliament on Thursday, February 19, 2026, in Lagos.
The communique stated that the Expanded Zero Waste Parliament 2026, was convened by CODAF in collaboration with Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives Africa.
Plastic waste reduction
It noted that the event which held on Tuesday in Lagos, brought together over 80 stakeholders.
Participants included government agencies, environmental regulators, farmers, academics, waste pickers, youth leaders, civil society groups and the media.
According to the communiqué, the forum, with the theme: “Cutting Methane, Curbing Plastics; A Just Transition to Zero Waste”, examined Nigeria’s waste management policies, methane mitigation strategies and plastics governance.
It noted that delegates observed that rapid urbanisation, population growth and poor waste management had worsened methane emissions from open dumping and landfills.
The communiqué said delegates noted that organic waste constituted significant share of municipal waste, generating methane through anaerobic decomposition.
It said the parliament warned against waste-to-energy incineration technologies, describing them as false climate solutions, incompatible with zero waste principles.
Participants stressed that methane reduction must not justify expansion of incineration infrastructure.
They also highlighted weak enforcement of plastic regulations and limited implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility.
The communiqué stated that the forum called for mandatory source segregation of waste, expansion of decentralised composting and integration of methane targets into climate plans.
It added that delegates also urged a formal recognition and protection of informal waste pickers, as essential service providers.
They then called on Lagos State and the Federal Government to adopt zero waste policies aligned with climate science and social justice principles.
The Senate has called for provision of special funding for Federal Ministry of Environment to tackle erosion, flooding and other environmental challenges across the country.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment, Sen. Olubiyi Fadeyi, made the call when the ministry officials appeared to defend the 2026 budget of the ministry on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Fadeyi said fund appropriated annually to the ministry and its agencies was “very inadequate” to tackle the environmental issues.
The Nigerian Senate
He listed the issues that required urgent attention to include: environmental management, erosion control, environmental health, forest protection and other forms of environmental degradation.
Others are: pollution and drainage mitigation as well as coastal flood mitigation.
He stressed the need for ensuring release of appropriated funds for the discharge of the mandates of the ministry.
“We must focus on solutions that addresses oil pollution, control tools from the enforcement and clean-up technology and erosion control to protect our lands and the environment,” he said.
The senator said that efforts should be intensified on coastal flood mitigation, shoreline protection, forestation, land reclamation processes, agriculture and land repair.
He emphasised the importance of Nigeria meeting its environmental obligations and commitments to climate-related organisations.
“Doing so will unlock international climate finance and strengthen our global partnerships.
“This committee remains committed to ensuring transparency, accountability and impact-raising budgets so that together, we can deliver a cleaner, safer and more resilient Nigeria.
“This committee shall discharge its constitutional mandate for oversights and ensure that all forests are protected and released to respect climate-related guidelines,” he said.
The Minister of Environment, Mr. Balarabe Lawal, said that the ministry had the responsibility to care and ensure quality environment for good health and wellbeing of cities and promote sustainable use of natural resources.
Lawal said that the structure of the 2026 budget proposal was anchored on the needs of the people, agenda of the present administration and the national development plan.
According to him, it aligns with priority areas of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including unlocking energy for sustainable development and boosting agriculture to achieve food security, among others.
He said that the ministry was working to address fundamental issues that affect the nation’s forests, saying that the ministry was still expecting release of funds for some of its capital projects.
Lawal said that the ministry had embarked on provision of solar-powered boreholes and solar street lights across the country.
He said that the ministry also embarked on flood aggression control, given the serious cases of flood, particularly in the northern part of the country.
According to him, the 2026 budget estimate is a roll-over of most projects in 2025.
Ministers deliver expanded mandate on critical minerals and build institutional ties with key countries around the world including Brazil, Colombia, India and Viet Nam
Global energy leaders met in Paris from February 18 to 19, 2026, for the International Energy Agency’s Ministerial Meeting, affirming the IEA’s central role in international cooperation to address the major energy challenges and opportunities facing the world.
The two-day event was attended by top government officials from a record 54 countries, with some 40 of them at Ministerial level. Top executives from 55 companies, with a combined market capitalisation of $14 trillion, as well as leaders from a range of intergovernmental organisations, also participated.
Delegates at the IEA Ministerial Meeting in Paris
At the Ministerial, IEA Member governments unanimously agreed to move ahead on building deeper institutional ties with Brazil, Colombia, India and Viet Nam – and to expanded cooperation on critical minerals through the IEA’s Critical Minerals Security Programme.
“These two days in Paris have reaffirmed how essential energy is to our daily lives – it is the invisible driving force behind everything we do. Under the umbrella of knowledge of the International Energy Agency, we have once again seen that international cooperation is key,” said Deputy Prime Minister Sophie Hermans of the Netherlands, who chaired the Ministerial. “Our priority is clear: secure, affordable and sustainable energy – and resilient systems that can endure in an uncertain world.”
“This Ministerial Meeting, our largest ever, affirmed the immense value of the IEA at a moment when global energy demand is rising and the challenges facing the energy system are intensifying. In this context, our wide range of objective data and analysis is more important than ever,” said IEA Executive Director, Fatih Birol.
“In a strong step forward for global energy governance, key countries such as Brazil, Colombia, India and Viet Nam are strengthening their ties with the IEA. This puts the IEA Family’s share of global energy use at more than 80%, up from less than 40% ten years ago. With major energy issues high on the international agenda, we stand ready to support governments with the insights they need to plan for the future, helping leaders deliver on their goals of ensuring greater energy security, affordability and sustainability,” Birol added.
The Chair’s Summary from the Ministerial acknowledged the IEA’s significant contributions to advancing the energy goals of its Members for more than five decades, noting its strong ability to adapt and expand as the energy sector has evolved. It also stressed the Agency’s ongoing importance as countries work to ensure energy security, affordability and sustainability, pointing to its leading data and analysis as a trusted source of information for decision makers worldwide.
In a video address at the opening of the Ministerial, President Emmanuel Macron of France, the host nation of the IEA, said: “Through its in-depth analyses, and the technical expertise of its team, the IEA, under the leadership of its Executive Director Fatih Birol, plays an essential role. It enlightens us to help us guarantee our energy security and steer the energy transition.”
In a special declaration, Ministers from IEA Member countries endorsed expanding cooperation under the IEA Critical Minerals Security Programme to address rising risks to global critical mineral supply chains. Highlighting the Programme as a key international platform for ensuring mineral security, they called for the IEA to continue to build out its data tools, while expanding collaborative exercises and guidance on topics such as stockpiling. Such measures, they said, would support broader efforts to diversify mineral supply chains and build resilience to supply shocks.
In addition, IEA Ministers approved new phases of institutional ties with several key countries around the world that are increasingly shaping energy trends. They unanimously invited Colombia to become the Agency’s 33rd Member. Responding to a request from the Brazilian government, IEA Members agreed to invite Brazil to begin the process of becoming a full Member.
They also all welcomed recent developments in discussions with India following the Indian government’s request to become a full IEA Member. And Viet Nam was announced as the newest member of the IEA Family, joining as an Association country.
Further strengthening the IEA’s leadership on key energy issues, Member countries approved the integration of the Clean Cooking Alliance into the Agency. This establishes the IEA as the principal multilateral forum for expanding clean cooking solutions, helping countries and industry speed up efforts to extend access to the more than 2 billion people who still lack it.
The announcement comes as the IEA prepares to host its second Summit on Clean Cooking in Africa in Nairobi, Kenya, from July 9 to 10, 2026. In a high-level dialogue at the Ministerial Meeting, leaders discussed progress since the first IEA Summit on Clean Cooking in Africa in 2024, as well as recent approaches and initiatives that have proven effective.
Two other high-level dialogues featured discussions on safeguarding energy security in the Age of Electricity and on investing in Ukraine’s future energy security, with the participation of Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Denys Shmyhal. The 3rd annual IEA Energy Innovation Forum took place in conjunction with the Ministerial Meeting on February 18.
It brought together participants from government, industry, start-ups, and the investment and research communities, allowing for in-depth exchanges on topics related to energy innovation policy and development of the innovation ecosystem. Topics covered include innovations to support resilient electricity grids, fusion energy, and sustainable fuels, as well as the links between innovation, technology supply chains and economic competitiveness.
UN Climate Change has launched a new Capacity-Building for Negotiators (CB4N) initiative to ensure all Party delegates, particularly those from developing countries and youth negotiators, can participate effectively and on equal footing in climate negotiations.
The initiative was officially launched during an online event on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, bringing together nearly 400 participants from around the world, including representatives from Parties, UN agencies, intergovernmental organisations and other partners and experts engaged in the UNFCCC process.
Participants at the UNFCCC Capacity-Building for Negotiators (CB4N) initiative
In a video message delivered at the launch event, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell emphasised the importance of investing in negotiation capacity to strengthen inclusive participation.
“Inclusive, effective climate negotiations depend on people, on their knowledge, preparation and confidence to engage meaningfully,” said Stiell. “Through the Capacity-Building for Negotiators initiative, we are investing in negotiation capacity to ensure all Parties, particularly youth delegates, can participate on an equal footing in the UNFCCC process.”
The CB4N initiative provides targeted training and knowledge-sharing opportunities that support delegates’ understanding of UNFCCC procedures, legal frameworks and negotiation techniques. By strengthening these skills, the initiative empowers delegates to engage more confidently and effectively in the intergovernmental process. It will be rolled out through UN Climate Change and its six Regional Collaboration Centres (RCCs), ensuring it responds to local contexts and needs.
During the event, the COP30 Presidency, represented by Ambassador Liliam Chagas, and the incoming COP31 Presidency, represented by deputy minister Fatma Varank, agreed that capacity building for climate negotiators is critical to navigating increasingly complex climate negotiations and ensuring effective, inclusive implementation.
The initiative responds to a mandate from Parties at the sixty-second session of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI 62), which requested that the secretariat support Party delegates in building their capacity to engage in the negotiation process and make relevant training and materials available on the UN Climate Change website.
CB4N builds on insights from a pilot training delivered in September 2025, which tested key modules and approaches. Lessons learned from the pilot are informing refinement of the programme and the development of future training activities, including online resources.
The secretariat will continue to develop and institutionalise CB4N, working closely with Parties, partners and stakeholders to strengthen inclusive and effective participation in the UNFCCC negotiation process.
Stakeholders in oil and gas industry have commended President Bola Tinubu’s Executive Order on oil and gas remittances, describing it as a decisive fiscal reform.
In separate interviews in Lagos on Thursday, February 19, 2026, the stakeholders, however, cautioned that its lasting impact would depend on constitutional alignment and legislative clarity.
On Feb. 18, President Bola Tinubu signed an Executive Order directing the restructuring of oil and gas revenue remittances to the Federation Account.
President Bola Tinubu
Experts said that the decision signaled one of the most significant fiscal interventions since the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Prof. Wumi Iledare, Professor Emeritus of Petroleum Economics and Policy Research at the Louisiana State University Centre for Energy Studies, described the move as a legitimate and timely public finance reform.
“Strengthening remittance accountability and improving visibility of petroleum inflows are critical national priorities.
“In a period marked by budgetary strain and debt sustainability concerns, safeguarding public revenues and curbing inefficiencies are not optional, they are imperative,” he said.
Iledare said that the Executive Order seeks to reduce discretionary retention of oil revenues and improve statutory remittances to the three tiers of government.
The don said that direct remittance of royalty from oil, oil tax and profit oil into the Federation Account could significantly enhance transparency and reduce intermediation bottlenecks.
According to Iledare, the reform has the potential to reinforce fiscal discipline, but warned that some aspects intersect directly with statutory provisions of the PIA.
“Key fiscal instruments – including the Frontier Exploration Fund, the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund, and Production Sharing Contract (PSC) frameworks are creations of the National Assembly,” the petroleum expert said.
He said that the substantive alterations may require legislative amendments to ensure constitutional coherence.
“While Section 5 of the Constitution empowers the President to implement and enforce laws, changes to statutory fiscal frameworks ideally require legislative action to guarantee institutional certainty,” Iledare said.
He stressed the technical necessity of distinguishing between contractual revenue allocations embedded in PSC agreements, retained earnings of NNPC Limited, and statutory earmarked funds established under the PIA.
“Clarity is essential to avoid conflicting contractual entitlements with discretionary fiscal practices,” he said.
Beyond fiscal adjustments, Iledare raised a broader governance question. Is the Executive Order a prelude to an amendment of the PIA?
“Recent board appointments to regulatory institutions under the Act were widely welcomed, yet observers note limited visible institutional movement since then.
“If reforms focus narrowly on revenue enhancement without strengthening governance effectiveness, structural weaknesses in the sector may persist.
“Sustainable reform requires both fiscal efficiency and institutional credibility. Presidential Executive Orders must reinforce and not dilute the Petroleum Industry Act,” he said.
Also, Dr Ayodele Oni, Partner and Chair of the Energy & Natural Resources Practice Group at Bloomfield Law, also described the Order as a major fiscal reform step aimed at improving transparency and optimising petroleum revenue flows to the Federation.
He noted that Sections 80 and 162 of the Nigeria’s Constitution support the principle that federation revenues be paid into the designated Federation Account.
However, he framed the central debate as procedural.
Oni questioned should such changes be implemented solely through executive action, or through amendments to the PIA by the National Assembly?
“There are two perspectives – One suggests certain PIA provisions may conflict with the constitution, meaning the Executive Order realigns processes accordingly.
“The other maintains that if provisions are unconstitutional, it is for the judiciary to nullify them and for the legislature to enact corrective measures.
Like Iledare, Oni underscored that statutory constructs such as the Frontier Exploration Fund and existing PSC frameworks, which he said were established by parliamentary law and therefore require legislative backing for substantive modification.
He highlighted the longstanding institutional tension arising from NNPC Limited’s dual role as commercial operator and concessionaire, a structural complexity within the post-PIA framework.
Oni also said that the reforms designed to strengthen NNPC’s commercial identity, must be anchored in clear legal principles and predictable governance mechanisms.
“In the short term, the Order may affect NNPC’s revenue streams and serve as incentive to greater operational efficiency, but long-term success depends on constitutional and legislative alignment,” he said.
According to Oni, Nigeria’s petroleum sector remains central to national economic stability, accounting for the bulk of foreign exchange earnings and a substantial share of public revenues.
Two large-scale oil spills were recently reported at United States (U.S.) military bases in South Korea, Yonhap news agency said on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
According to U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), about 11,000 gallons (around 41,600 liters) of fighter jet fuel leaked from a storage tank at a major U.S. Air Force base in Gunsan.
The leakage was approximately 180 kilometers south of the capital, Seoul.
U.S. Air Force base in Gunsan
The 8th Fighter Wing of the U.S. Air Force said it had taken steps to contain and remediate the pollutants.
It added that there was no immediate risk to the health and safety of residents in nearby communities.
An investigation into the cause of the incident is ongoing, Yonhap reported.
Separately, on Feb. 5, an unspecified volume of fuel was reported to have leaked at another U.S. Air Force base in Osan, about 60 kilometers south of Seoul.
Under the bilateral Status of Forces Agreement, the South Korean government retains ownership of land and facilities used by U.S. forces, while granting the U.S. military the right to use designated bases.
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has called for continued stakeholder engagement following the Federal Government’s executive order restructuring oil and gas revenue remittances.
PENGASSAN President, Mr. Festus Osifo, made the call on Thursday, February 19, 2026, in Lagos during a news conference on the executive order and its implications for the oil and gas industry.
Osifo said it was important to sustain stability and investment in the sector.
PENGASSAN President, Mr. Festus Osifo, in the company of PENGASSAN officials during the press briefing in Lagos
He noted that the industry remained central to Nigeria’s economic stability and emphasised the importance of policy clarity to sustain investment momentum and operational confidence.
Osifo explained that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), enacted in August 2021, was designed to provide regulatory clarity, improve fiscal transparency and strengthen investor confidence after years of declining investments.
“We worked with stakeholders and legislators to ensure a law that would stabilise the industry and incentivise global investment,” he said.
According to him, sustained collaboration among government, regulators, operators and labour unions remains essential to maintaining growth and competitiveness in the sector.
“There is intense global competition for investment capital, and policy clarity helps Nigeria remain an attractive destination,” the president added.
He noted that the oil and gas industry had supported Nigeria’s economy for decades, accounting for a significant share of foreign exchange earnings and government revenue.
Osifo emphasised that protecting the sector’s stability is closely linked to safeguarding jobs and livelihoods across the value chain.
“This industry must continue to grow. When the industry grows, jobs are protected and the broader economy benefits,” he said.
He stressed that continued dialogue and policy alignment would help preserve the gains recorded in recent years and strengthen long-term investor confidence.
“We must sustain the progress achieved and ensure that reforms continue to support growth, efficiency and national development,” he said.
Osifo said stakeholder cooperation and policy consistency would help ensure long-term growth, operational efficiency and investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Similarly, PENGASSAN) has cautioned against what it termed growing political interference in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Osifo claimed that the executive order could weaken the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), discourage investors and ultimately affect ordinary Nigerians.
He alleged that the executive order was introduced without broad consultation with key industry stakeholders, heightening concerns about transparency and regulatory certainty.
“We were not adequately consulted. When policies of this magnitude are introduced without engagement, it creates uncertainty, and uncertainty is the enemy of investment,” he said.
Osifo expressed concern about what he described as increasing political interference in NNPCL’s operations, warning that excessive control could undermine professional management.
He said the company had seasoned professionals who understood the industry’s technical and commercial dynamics.
“But when political considerations override professional judgement, efficiency suffers,” Osifo said.
He argued that insulating NNPCL from undue interference would strengthen its balance sheet, improve transparency and enhance its appeal to global investors.
“If we remove unnecessary political influence, NNPCL can compete effectively with its global peers. That alone would send a powerful signal,” he said.
Osifo linked the sector’s health to the stability of the naira, noting that exchange rate volatility raised import costs and eroded purchasing power.
“When the naira weakens, import costs rise immediately. Equipment, services and refined products become more expensive.
“But when oil and gas earnings grow and are properly managed, they strengthen the currency,” he said.
According to him, a stable oil sector would support the naira, improve wages and enhance living standards.
“The industry is not isolated from the economy. Its performance determines the strength of our currency and the welfare of our people,” he said.
Osifo noted that oil and gas investment across Africa remained competitive, with capital flowing to jurisdictions offering regulatory clarity and stable policies.
“Oil and gas investment is long-term and capital-intensive. Investors will not commit billions of dollars where policies shift unpredictably,” he said.
He cited Nigeria’s marginal field programme, noting that many awarded licences had struggled to reach production, placing financial institutions under pressure.
“When marginal licences fail to convert to production, banks are exposed. That weakens confidence across the financial system,” he said.
Osifo stressed that any executive action must align with the Petroleum Industry Act to avoid negative investor signals.
He warned that regulatory unpredictability could push investors towards more stable jurisdictions.
“We cannot afford capital flight at this time. Nigeria is competing for global energy investment,” he said.
Osifo said PENGASSAN would convene its National Executive Council to review the order and develop an engagement strategy.
“We will engage the government, the Attorney-General, regulators and stakeholders. Our goal is constructive dialogue, not confrontation,” he said.
He reiterated that safeguarding the industry was vital to national development.
“This industry funds infrastructure, education and healthcare. If we weaken oil and gas, we weaken the foundation of other sectors,” he said.
As Nigeria faces economic headwinds, Osifo said preserving regulatory stability in the strategic sector was imperative.
“In oil and gas, stability is prosperity. We must get it right,” he said.
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening strategic media collaboration with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) to enhance public sensitisation and promote responsible waste management across Lagos State.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, stated this during a courtesy visit to NAN’s Lagos Operations Office at the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, describing the engagement as a strategic follow-up to the existing partnership between both institutions and noting that collaboration with credible media organisations remained essential to driving behavioural change in a rapidly growing megacity like Lagos.
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin (right), with Managing Editor and Acting Head of Lagos NAN Operations, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Omowole
He disclosed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had approved the engagement of 300 Environmental Health Officers across wards in the state to strengthen grassroots advocacy and compliance monitoring, stressing that residents who undermined environmental regulations would be sanctioned in accordance with the law.
Gbadegesin highlighted LAWMA’s collaboration with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) under a Public-Private Partnership framework to support the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered waste collection trucks aimed at improving operational efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
He added that the government’s waste-to-wealth initiative was progressing steadily, with plans to replicate the biodigester model deployed at Ikosi Fruit Market in other markets as part of LAWMA’s transition to a circular economy framework, designed to reduce landfill pressure and generate useful by-products.
Addressing service delivery under the Private Sector Participation (PSP) framework, he stated that 27 non-performing PSP operators had been disengaged in 2025, while 22 others were on final notice to improve performance or face similar action as maintaining high operational standards remained non-negotiable.
Gbadegesin also announced plans for a strategic retreat with the Lagos State House of Assembly to review the Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017 to align it with emerging environmental realities and evolving waste management challenges.
Earlier, the Managing Editor and Acting Head of Lagos NAN Operations, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Omowole, commended LAWMA for the visit and reaffirmed NAN’s commitment to supporting the Authority’s initiatives through sustained media coverage while encouraging subscription to NAN’s PR Wire service to amplify its programmes and milestones.
The StopEACOP coalition has welcomed the opening of France’s first major climate trial against an oil and gas multinational, as proceedings began on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the Paris Court of Justice.
Since 2020, a coalition of advocacy organisations, Notre Affaire à Tous, Sherpa, France Nature Environnement alongside the City of Paris, has asked French courts to require TotalEnergies to drastically cut its greenhouse gas emissions and reduce hydrocarbon production.
However, French prosecutors have intervened in support of TotalEnergies, arguing the duty of vigilance framework shouldn’t extend to climate change.
TotalEnergies
StopEACOP Campaign Coordinator, Zaki Mamdoo, condemned the move, stating, “It is deplorable that the French prosecutor is actively trying to narrow the interpretation of this new law to protect an oil major from climate accountability.”
As one of the world’s largest historical emitters and among the top global oil and gas companies, TotalEnergies continues to plan production growth of around 3% per year, while maintaining the majority of its investments in fossil fuels until at least 2030. The company is linked to dozens of major new fossil fuel projects worldwide, despite clear scientific consensus that no new expansion is compatible with limiting warming to 1.5°C.
One such project, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), is a 1,443 km pipeline under construction to transport crude oil from The Great Lakes Region in Uganda to the Port of Tanga in Tanzania. Developed by TotalEnergies and CNOOC, it aims to begin exports in 2026 but has faced significant environmental and human rights criticism and years-long delays after dozens of global financial institutions distanced themselves from the project.
Balach Bakundane, a community organiser with the EACOP Host Communities Organisation, said: “We have heard the promises and targets, but on the EACOP route we live the reality. Families pushed off of their land, livelihoods disrupted, fear used to silence those who speak out. This case matters because it asks whether TotalEnergies can keep expanding oil and gas with no consequences. If there is to be justice, then we need to draw a line in the sand. No more expansion. No more impunity. No more profiteering at our expense.”
This hearing will finally be held, six years after the case was filed, as TotalEnergies has used many procedural arguments to try to escape from its liability. In parallel, delays have also been piling up in the other court case against TotalEnergies – likely based on the French duty of vigilance law, filed by Ugandan affected people as well as five Ugandan and French civil society organisations.
Thursday’s hearing of the “Total climate case” comes at a pivotal moment for global climate accountability. Courts around the world are increasingly recognising that climate change poses a direct threat to fundamental rights, and that major fossil fuel producers cannot be exempt from responsibility.
For the first time in France, judges will be asked to decide whether an oil and gas multinational can be legally compelled to reduce fossil fuel production, not merely disclose risks or set voluntary targets. This case moves climate litigation beyond promises and pledges toward concrete, enforceable obligations.
A ruling in this case could mark a turning point, helping shift climate litigation from a focus on governments alone to cases capable of reshaping the business models of the world’s largest fossil fuel companies. What the Paris court decides may influence similar cases far beyond France.
“The decision from this court will travel and be felt far beyond France, including here along the EACOP route where communities carry the heaviest costs. We hope that the court does not set a standard that enables further expansion and exploitation while we are made to live with the damage. The law must mean something in the real world, lest it mean nothing at all.” said Brighton Aryampa, Environment and Human Rights Lawyer with Youth for Green Communities, Uganda.
