The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Abbas Tajudeen, has described renewable energy as the cornerstone for global development policy.
Dignitaries at the First Legislative Conference and Expo on Renewable Energy, in Lagos
Tajudeen disclosed this while declaring opening the First Legislative Conference and Expo on Renewable Energy on Monday, May 5, 2025, in Lagos.
The event was organised by the House Committee on Renewable Energy in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme under the Parliamentary Development Programme.
The speaker described the conference as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s legislative journey.
“It affirms our resolve to contribute meaningfully to global energy reform and to create opportunities for economic growth, industrial innovation, and environmental resilience,” Tajudeen said.
He highlighted key legislative strides by the 10th House of Representatives to include: the creation of a Standing Committee on Renewable Energy to guide national priorities and the recent tax reform bills eliminating Value Added Tax on renewable energy and compressed natural gas, among others.
He noted that Strategic Objective 8.5 of the House Legislative Agenda prioritises the transition to clean energy through private investment incentives, public health reforms in cooking energy, and emissions reduction.
Referencing global trends, the Speaker observed that, in 2024 alone, 585 gigawatts of renewable energy were added globally – accounting for over 92 per cent of new power capacity – with $1.7 trillion invested in clean energy technologies in 2023.
“What was once considered a fringe alternative is now the backbone of global power development.
“Nigeria must align with this trend to safeguard our economy and environment,” Tajudeen said.
The Speaker commended the administration of President Bola Tinubu for passing the Electricity Act of 2023, which devolved power generation authority to sub-national entities, and for approving $1 billion in financing for rural solar expansion.
“Of this amount, $750 million has been allocated to expand solar energy access in underserved areas.
“As a result, this initiative has led to the deployment of 124 mini-grids and over 25,000 solar home systems, benefiting more than 200,000 people.
The Speaker also spotlighted Nigeria’s role in continental efforts such as the Mission 300 Initiative with the World Bank and African Development Bank, which seeks to provide electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.
He called on all stakeholders – government, private sector, civil society – to act with purpose and clarity, stressing the importance of converting conference resolutions into actionable legislation, scalable technologies, and impactful investment.
“Let us not allow the momentum we have built to dissipate.
“This is our moment to lead, innovate, and build a sustainable energy future for Africa,” Tajudeen said.
The conference is a multi-stakeholder platform initiated by the House Committee on Renewable Energy.
It aims to foster dialogue, legislation, and partnerships to drive Nigeria’s transition to clean and inclusive energy systems.
The conference was attended by representatives of state governors and commissioners for environment from some states of the federation, among others.
The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) has called on the Federal Government to prioritise credible valuation of national assets to attract investments.
NIESV President and Chairman of Council, Victor Alonge
The NIESV President and Chairman of Council, Victor Alonge, made the call on Monday, May 5, 2025, in Abuja at a news conference on the 2025 International Valuation Day.
Alonge emphasised the importance of asset valuation in economic decision-making and financial stability, citing its role in unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s resources for sustainable development.
According to him, credible valuation of national assets is crucial for effective national planning, financial reporting, and attracting local and foreign investments.
“Asset valuations that comply with the approved global standards foster investor confidence and significantly contribute to financial stability, both of which are essential for economic development.
“Valuations are necessary for assessing the values of tangible assets, businesses, intangible assets, and financial instruments,’’ he said
According to the NIESV President, credible valuation of national assets is also important for the success of the proposed tax reforms by the federal government.
He said that before imputing tax on an asset, there is the need to determine its true worth, its value, which must be firm and reliable.
“The value of the asset would indicate the percentage of tax you place on it.
“That makes the theme for 2025 International Valuation Day `Tax Reform for National Economic Prosperity: Why Valuation Matter’, critical and appropriate,’’ he said.
Alonge noted that the NIESV is a critical partner to government in the proposed tax reform regime.
He added that without the role and influence of NIESV within the Nigerian context, it would be very difficult for the nation to advance in economic development.
According to him, Estate Surveyors and Valuers are the only professionals trained and equipped with the analytical skill of determining the current or projected worth of an asset.
“It is therefore absolutely wrong, and illegal to give valuation jobs to non-estate surveying and valuation firms,’’ he said.
Alonge equally underscored the need to formulate and strengthen a national housing policy to address Nigeria’s housing deficit, rents, price of building materials among others.
Africa’s carbon markets, both for voluntary and compliance carbon credits, are expected to see rapid expansion in 2025 and succeeding years underpinned by the continent’s extensive natural resources and ecosystem. Equally important for African carbon markets is the demand for social integrity in carbon projects.
Dr Okeh Austine Sadiq, lead author end Editor of the Carbon Free Africa Network
As the carbon market expands, there is increasing scrutiny of the social and ecological impacts of offset projects. Africa is in a unique position to lead the way in ensuring that carbon market growth aligns with the principles of climate justice.
Africa is poised to become a global leader in Carbon Markets with projected annual growth of 15% – 20% and 30 million jobs by 2030, with revenue expected to surge to $120 billion by 2050.
These are amongst the key findings of a new report, 2025 African Carbon Market Outlook, published on Monday, May 5, 2025, by the Africa Carbon Market Network. The formal launch of the Report will take place on Wednesday, May 14.
“African countries are taking ambitious steps to establish robust frameworks for carbon markets. The strengthening of policy frameworks with the introduction of carbon taxation, integrated emissions trading systems, and setting up of national registries are all significant drivers,” said Dr Okeh Austine Sadiq, lead author end Editor of the Carbon Free Africa Network.
The report highlights that countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Ghana are leading the way in aligning their policies with global carbon pricing mechanisms. The private sector’s interest in Africa’s carbon markets is an undeniable trend for 2025.
International companies, climate finance institutions, and development banks are heavily investing in Africa’s carbon offset projects. Key sectors such as renewable energy projects, sustainable agriculture and forest conservation are poised to attract substantial investments.
“We mustn’t underestimate the challenges,” said Dr Okeh Austine Sadiq. “There is a pressing need for greater liquidity as smaller carbon projects often struggle to gain traction due to financing constraints. Many African nations also face technical barriers such as lack of infrastructure and expertise in carbon project development. The challenge is to ensure the democratisation of Africa’s carbon markets as regional integration deepens.
“We must provide the enabling conditions where smaller scale projects, especially those led by local communities, and small-holder farmers can have greater access to funding and resources. With the right investments, governance frameworks, and technological innovations, Africa is well positioned to become a global leader in carbon off-setting driving both climate mitigation and sustainable development.”
Farmers in Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states have expressed concern over the dearth of unskilled labour and high prices of farm inputs as preparation for the rainy season farming is ongoing.
Rural farmers
The farmers in separate interviews lamented that increase in farm inputs and high cost of labour were taking a toll on their farming activities and finances.
Some farmers in Ondo State described the shortage of unskilled workers as “a big challenge” facing farmers and food production.
Mr. Dayo Akindele, a farmer, said that the lack of unskilled labour posed a great challenge to the new farming season as most of the labourers were no longer available for farming.
“We are facing serious challenges as a new farming season approaches, I have a large farm which I cannot do myself, but most of the labourers we use are no longer in sight.
“Some of these labourers have taken to commercial motorcycle as their latest business and are no longer interested in farming.
“If necessary solutions are not realised, the challenge may cause food shortage in the nearest season,” Akindele said.
Another farmer, Mr. Stephen Akintelure, disclosed that he had a large farm, and expressed the fear of farming in the new planting season due to the challenge of labourers during the last planting season.
“Before I could get labourers last year, I had to pay more money before I got some labourers transported from Benue.
“Most of the people we used then have become commercial motorcyclists and when you call them, they will say they’re no longer doing such dirty farming again,” Akintelure said.
Similarly, Mr. Adewale Malumi, another farmer, said that the dearth of unskilled workers “speaks of low volume of farm produce and hunger if the issue is treated with levity.”
He urged the government to rise up by providing tractors, and other planting and harvesting machines across all 18 LGA’s in the state which farmers can hire for farming.
“The government must rise up to their responsibilities to ensure that tractors and other planting machines are deployed to all the 18 LGA’s for farmers’ hiring to ensure bountiful harvest of farm produce,” Malumi said.
A female farmer, Mrs. Esther Oluwafemi, said that those willing to work in the farms were difficult to recruit, because they were not available.
“The able men to do the jobs are not available. We’re paying more to hire labourers to work in the farms.
“As a matter of fact, there’s no willing labourers to work in the farms nowadays. Those that are available charge exorbitant rates,” lamented Oluwafemi, who engages in commercial cassava farming in Iju, Akure North Local Government Area of the state.
The President of Ondo State Farmers Congress, Mr. Abayomi Monilari, attributed the challenges facing farmers in the state to non-availability of farm tools, adulterated chemicals and insecurity.
Monilari advised government at all levels to give soft loans to farmers, especially those engaging in commercial farming, towards boosting food production and ensure food security.
The AFAN president said that if government could provide enough tractors for farmers, the work would be more efficient and effective.
An agronomist, Dr Clement Emiju, said the threat from cattle herders, bandits, and other criminal elements were disrupting farming activities, leading to drastic food shortage.
Emiju asked farmers to collaborate with local authorities and security agencies to enhance farm security, stating that there should be community-led security initiatives to curb insecurity.
The agronomist said that Nigeria had no reason to be insufficient in food needs, stating that insufficient funds to get inputs had been another factor limiting farmers’ ability to produce in large quantities.
He called on farmers to explore government subsidies, grants, or loans, adding that farmers should consider cooperative savings or micro finance options in getting the needed inputs for large scale quantities.
According to him, high cost of inputs and scarcity of labour are factors discouraging farmers which will have negative effects on food production.
Emiju asked farmers to seek bulk purchasing options or discounts, saying that they should explore alternative, cost-effective inputs.
He urged framers to organise community labour-sharing initiatives and invest in mechanisation.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Ondo State Agricultural Commodities Association (OSACA), Chief Abiodun Adejo, said that lack of equipment, improved planting inputs, insecurity and lack of rural road maintenance would affect farmers in the rainy season farming.
“The farmers have little or no powers on any of the above stated issues. We solicit the powers of the government to assist the farmers in these areas. No farmer can buy a tractor and maintain it for farming purposes that will break even.
“Access to smaller, manageable equipment should be made available at subsidised rate for farmers,” he stated.
According to him, beyond shortage of labourers, the issue of security cannot be over emphasised, and maintenance of the rural roads is a major part of security.
“Without good and motor able roads, movement of security personnel will be hampered.
“The farmers have already moved into their farms but for us to have adequate food supply for the state, every hand must be on the plough, both government and the people,” he said.
Similarly, Mr. Ganiyu Musefiu, Osun State Vice-Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), noted that maize, cassava, potatoes, vegetables and others were already being planted by farmers in the state.
According to him, full farming operation has started in Osun while farmers expect a good harvest as the state government is supporting farmers, especially female farmers, with seedlings.
Musefiu disclosed that the state government had also made tractors available to farmers at a subsidised rate, noting that the major challenge farmers were facing in the state was the inability to access loans for farming.
“If we don’t have money or access to funds, we cannot expand our operations or increase our yields. Not having money to operate limits our production and the ability to maximise our turnover,” he said.
According to him, farmers now have hope and assurance that whatever they plant and harvest will be sold at a good profit, as demand is now greater than production.
Also, Abimbola Oluwaranti, a Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Department of Crop Production and Protection, Obafemi Awolowi University (OAU), Ile-Ife, called on the government to assist farmers with sufficient funds.
Oluwaranti said that access to funds, quality seeds, and availability of manpower would boost production and minimise importation of food.
According to her, most of the small scale farmers are facing the constraints of access to funds, modern equipment and lack of manpower.
“For farmers to be able to produce sufficient food for the masses, funds, modern farming equipment and manpower must be readily available.
“I am a plant breeder, I develop variety types of crops, but farmers without sufficient funds to buy the right, quality seeds will not be able to produce quantitatively.
“So, when the farmers plant such seeds, it will not yield quality farm produce. But if you have money, any technology you know that will boost your agricultural produce, you want to invest your money into it,” she said.
Oluwaranti urged governments to be more proactive and be part of farmers’ life by giving them enabling environment for quality farm produce.
An Agriculturist in Ekiti State, Mr. James Abioye, said that excessive rainfall would always lead to flooded farmlands and root rot that causes erosion of topsoil and loss of nutrients.
According to him, poor road infrastructure, where rural roads become impassable, thereby hindering transportation of farm produce, are also part of the challenges.
He said the effects of pests, disease outbreaks, and wet conditions also encouraged the spread of fungal infections and pests on crops during rainy season.
“Post harvest losses, difficulty in drying and storing produce due to high humidity and lack of storage facilities also affect farmers during the season.
“Farmers also face soil erosion where heavy rainfall washes away topsoil and reduce land fertility, as well as health hazards which increased risk of water borne disease among famers and communities.
“Unless the government and farmers work together, it may be difficult to achieve the desired results,” he stated.
In the same vein, an agricultural expert, Mr. Sunday Bamigboye, encouraged farmers on flood control measures.
According to him, construction of drainage systems and embankments, use of raised bed farming and contour plowing are solutions to farmers’ challenges of flooding during rainy season farming.
“Government should help farmers to improve rural infrastructure, invest in rural road development and maintenance, and use of temporary storage and transport solutions during peak rains.
“They should organise pest and disease management schemes to promote the use of disease resistant crop varieties, and train farmers in integrated pest management techniques.
“Famers should engage in post harvest technologies that provide solar dryers and hermetic storage solutions, and set up community storage centres with weather protection.
“Farmers should have access to weather forecasting services, which expand access to mobile weather alert services in local languages and collaborate with media and agricultural extension services.
“They should be trained in soil conservation techniques that promote agroforestry, mulching and cover cropping, and also be supported in training on conservation agriculture practices by governments,” he said.
Bamigboye also urged government to provide health and sanitation support which improved access to clean water and mobile health clinics in farming communities.
Mr. Oluropo Dada, a former chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Ido-Ekiti Chapter, appealed to all levels of government to empower farmers with adequate funds, tractors and other high-profile farm implements to boost production.
He commended Gov. Biodun Oyebanji for giving priority to the development of agriculture and welfare of farmers in all the local government areas of the state.
According to him, the era of herdsmen invading and destroying farms are over with the establishment of anti-grazing enforcement agency in Ekiti.
Similarly, the chairman of Farmers Community Association in Ikole-Ekiti, Mr. Olatunji Ayegbusi, appealed to the government for empowerment with soft loans to enhance their productivity during the rainy season.
He said the farmers needed urgent government interventions to survive the current economic challenges facing the state, and Nigeria as a whole.
Ayegbusi urged the state government to partner with foreign investors and private companies to empower farmers with loans and fertilisers to improve agricultural produce in the state.
The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and UNICCON Group of Companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on advancing Nigeria’s space technology and innovation landscape.
NASRDA and UNICCON officials at the signing of the MoU
The signing of the MoU held at the UNICCON Group’s headquarters on Monday, May 5, 2025, in Abuja.
The engagement focused on collaborative opportunities in research and development, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) systems, technical advancements, and specialised training programmes.
Both organisations expressed a strong commitment to leveraging their combined expertise to propel Nigeria’s position in the global space arena.
The Director General of NASRDA, Dr Mathew Adepoju, reteirated the agency’s dedication to fostering private-sector collaborations that drove innovation and national development.
”Our vision is to establish a thriving, sustainable space ecosystem in Nigeria, driven by active private-sector participation.
“Partnerships like this are crucial for accelerating innovation and ensuring that space technology contributes tangibly to our national economy and the lives of ordinary Nigerians,” he said.
In his response, the Chairman, UNICCON Group, Prof. Chuks Ekwueme, expressed optimism about the collaboration, highlighting the company’s readiness to contribute its technological expertise.
Ekwueme said that the organisation was committed to supporting NASRDA’s mission by bringing advanced technological solutions to the table.
“Together we aim to achieve significant milestones that will benefit Nigeria’s space sector and beyond,” he said.
Both organisations expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to yield groundbreaking outcomes, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to becoming a key player in space technology and innovation.
The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Oyo State branch, has solicited assistance of the state government to provide irrigation facilities to farmers to enable all year round cultivation of food crops.
Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State
Chairman of the Association, Mr. Adewumi Abass, made the appeal while speaking in Ibadan on challenges facing farmers in the state.
Abass, who raised concerns at the sparse rainfall pattern in 2025, said though there was forecast for flooding in many states including Oyo, the rainfall had been irregular.
“Some parts of the state are experiencing rainfall while some are not.
“The way things are going now, it is like the so call wet season is almost out of the way.
“You know we have two planting seasons in Nigeria which are raining season and dry season.
“The raining season starts by March ending to around early April. You can see now that the rain did not fall as expected during that period and this is first week of May,” Abass said.
He said the dry season normally start by August, which was called August break, noting that the August break had now moved to between June and July, when farmers would start the dry season farming.
“We are in May now and look at what is happening in which some areas are experiencing rains while some are not.
“If government really wants to help us out of this system, what we need is irrigation farming.
“They should find means of assisting farmers; maybe by giving irrigation facilities to farmers on instalment payment.
“We are appealing to them to find means of providing irrigation facilities to farmers, so that we will be able to plant round the year,” he said.
Abass, who is also Acting Chairman of AFAN, South West Region, further called on governments to help address the security challeges facing farmers including farmers/herders clash.
The Acting Chairman, AFAN, South-West, also implored security agencies in the state to increase their patrols around farmlands in order to give farmers sense of security while on their farms.
Abass commended Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for promising to pay half of the amount used by farmers in cultivating their farmland per acre.
He also commended the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) for providing farm inputs to farmers in the state.
The Federal Government has vowed to urgently address the N4 trillion debt crippling Nigeria’s power generation sector, following high-stakes talks between Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu and Chairmen of Generating Companies of Nigeria (GenCos) in Abuja on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. The move aims to avert an imminent collapse of the power infrastructure in the country.
Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu
The Minister assured GenCos executives that the government would prioritise immediate payment of a significant amount out of the N4trillion debt while the balance would be defrayed through other debt instruments.
He said this would be proposed in a meeting being planned between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the GenCos’ leadership.
“There is need to pay a substantial amount of the debt in cash. At the minimum, let us pay a substantial amount, then ask for debt instrument in promissory notes to pay the rest,” Adelabu said.
He assured of the payment of the outstanding balance within six months through financial instruments such as promissory notes.
“We recognise the urgency of this matter. The government is committed to resolving this debt to stabilise the sector and prevent further crisis,” Adelabu stated, adding that President Bola Tinubu would meet with GenCos leadership to fast-track the process.
The GenCoS were led by Chairman of Mainstream Energy Solutions who is also the Chairman of Association of Power Generating Companies (APGA), Col. Sani Bello, who had earlier sounded the alarm over the sector’s dire state, citing the N4 trillion debt as a critical threat to operations.
He also warned that liquidity challenges had left GenCos unable to secure loans or maintain infrastructure.
“Without urgent intervention, the entire power ecosystem could collapse,” he stressed.
Kola Adesina, Chairman of Egbin Power and First Independent Power Limited, echoed the urgency: “This is a national emergency. Everything hinges on power – industries, homes, hospitals. We cannot afford to let the sector fail.”
Adelabu acknowledged the government’s role in the sector’s struggles, pledging to not only clear the debt but also implement reforms to ease operational bottlenecks.
He emphasised the need for full liberalisation of the power sector, urging Nigerians to embrace cost-reflective tariffs.
“Citizens must pay the appropriate price for the energy consumed. The Federal Government will continue to provide targeted subsidy for economically- disadvantaged Nigerians. We have to understand that our economy cannot sustain subsidies indefinitely,” he asserted, calling for public sensitisation campaigns to drive compliance.
Dr. Joy Ogaji, CEO of APGC Power, detailed systemic challenges undermining GenCos, including chronic payment defaults, erratic gas supply, and foreign exchange volatility.
She noted that the naira’s plunge from ₦157/$1 in 2013 to ₦1,600/$1 had devastated maintenance budgets and loan repayments.
“GenCos have borne unsustainable risks – from grid failures to unproductive taxes – while remaining patriotic,” she said.
The Minister outlined plans to transition the sector toward sustainability, including regulatory reviews to reduce levies and enhance market stability.
He also urged GenCos to collaborate on advocacy efforts to educate Nigerians on efficient electricity use and tariff realities.
Kano State Government has sealed two warehouses in the Sabon Gari area of Fage Local Government Area of the state for allegedly violating environmental regulations.
Kano State Government officials sealing a warehouse
This is contained in a statement issued by the Director, Public Enlightenment, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change on Saturday, May 3, 2025, in Kano, the state capital.
According to the statement, the ministry sealed the facilities located along Airport Road by France Road, near No. 2 Court at Gyadi-Gyadi.
The warehouses, according to the statement, were reportedly used for storing insecticides and fumigation chemicals, which emitted offensive odours, causing discomfort to residents and passersby.
The Director, Pollution Control in the ministry, Malam Ibrahim Nasir, who led the operation, said the ministry acted on complaints from members of the community.
“We received reports from residents about the strong and disturbing odour coming from the facility. Our environmental officers conducted an inspection and confirmed the allegations.
“An abatement notice was issued to the warehouse operators to stop the activity and relocate, but they failed to comply,” he said.
He added that the ministry had no choice, but to seal the premises and initiate legal action.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahiru Hashim, said that government was committed to enforcing environmental laws and protecting public health.
“Storing hazardous materials in residential areas is a serious violation and a threat to public safety, hence not going to condone any action that endangers the lives and wellbeing of our citizens.”
The ministry urged residents to continue reporting environmental violations to the appropriate authorities for timely intervention.
It reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the environment, mitigating health hazards, and promoting a greener and healthier Kano.
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Sweetcrude Limited, has announced the detailed selection criteria for the inaugural Champions of Nigerian Content Awards, designed to honour outstanding contributions to local content development in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Felix Omatsola Ogbe, head of the NCDMB
Scheduled for May 21, 2025, at the NCDMB Conference Hall in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the awards will recognise individuals and organisations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing Nigerian Content in 2024. The ceremony will coincide with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF), further spotlighting industry excellence and contributions to national economic transformation.
The 12 Award Categories are: Nigerian Content Icon of the Year, Nigerian Content Lifetime Achievement Award, Nigerian Content International Upstream Operator of the Year, Nigerian Content Independent Upstream Operator of the Year, Nigerian Content Midstream Operator of the Year, Nigerian Content Downstream Operator of the Year, Nigerian Content International Service Company of the Year, Nigerian Content Indigenous Service Company of the Year, Nigerian Content Innovator of the Year, Nigerian Content Financial Services Provider of the Year, Nigerian Content Media Organisation of the Year, and Women in Leadership Award for Promoting Gender Equality and Empowerment.
Objective Evaluation Metrics Ensure Credibility
According to the NCDMB, the criteria for oil and gas operators will include key and empirical benchmarks like – Production output (crude oil and gas volumes). – Compliance with Nigerian Content Plans (NCPs) and Nigerian Content Compliance Certificates (NCCCs). – Adherence to NOGICD Act reporting requirements, such as submission of Nigerian Content Performance Reports and Employment & Training Plans.
Similar criteria will apply to financial institutions, media organizations, and individuals, ensuring a transparent and merit-based selection process.
Winners for the Nigerian Content Icon of the Year, Innovator of the Year, and Women in Leadership Award will also be selected based on measurable performance indicators.
Advisory Committee of Industry Titans to Oversee Process
To uphold the awards’ prestige, an Advisory Committee of distinguished experts have been set up to oversee nominations and validate winners. Members include:
Dr. Ernest Nwapa (Pioneer Executive Secretary, NCDMB). Dr. Omar Farouk (Secretary General, African Petroleum Producers Organization). Mr. Wole Akinyosoye (Former Zonal Operations Controller, DPR).
The Executive Secretary NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, emphasised that the awards aim to become the oil and gas sector’s equivalent of the Oscars, celebrating genuine impact rather than mere participation.
“This recognition is reserved for those who have gone beyond compliance to drive tangible growth in Nigerian Content,” he stated.
With a focus on credibility, compliance, and measurable impact, the Champions of Nigerian Content Awards is poised to set a new standard for excellence in Nigeria’s energy sector.
The Fund for responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) on Friday, May 2, 2025, held its inaugural High-Level Dialogue on the sidelines of the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings, convened under the leadership of the FRLD Board and in coordination with the United Nations Secretary-General.
brahima Cheikh Diong, Executive Director of Fund for responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD)
Under the theme “Strengthening Response(s) to Loss and Damage through Complementarity, Coherence, and Coordination”, the Dialogue brought together senior representatives of partner governments, multilateral development banks, international financial institutions, UN agencies, climate funds, philanthropic organisations, risk financing and insurance entities and civil society actors to foster collective action in response to the growing impacts of climate change.
The Dialogue welcomed high-level speakers, including COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev, Ministers from Pakistan, South Africa, and Germany, as well as other senior representatives.
In opening remarks, the Co-Chairs of the FRLD Board, Jean-Christophe Donnellier and Richard Sherman, welcomed participants and emphasised the spirit of global solidarity that led to the creation of the Fund. They noted that the Dialogue comes at a critical juncture in the Fund’s development and called for strengthened cooperation to deliver timely and effective support to the most vulnerable nations.
“This Fund was launched to strengthen our global capacity to respond to loss and damage, and this requires a response that is timely, adequate, comprehensive and efficient. It is therefore crucial that we work together to streamline our collective global response,” emphasised Donnellier.
The Minister of Finance of Pakistan, Muhammad Aurangzeb, added the need for speed in responding to loss and damage: “Climate change is an existential threat; we are living it. Even before the floods of 2022. As the Fund becomes operational, our request is for simplicity and agility. We are dealing with our own internal bureaucracies in our own countries. We can’t have decisions to take years; what we need are speedy disbursements.”
A key milestone of the event was the presentation of “Proposed Actionable Commitments on Accelerating Action on Climate-Induced Loss and Damage” by the Executive Director, Ibrahima Cheikh Diong, on behalf of the Fund and peer financial institutions.
He reaffirmed a collective commitment to unify global responses and reduce fragmentation in funding streams: “Today marks the beginning of a new era of coordinated action driven by global solidarity and leadership. We reaffirm our collective commitment with our partners and stakeholders to reduce fragmentation in funding streams and ensure that resources are delivered effectively to those who need them most. Our shared goal is clear: to ensure that the most vulnerable nations affected by climate-induced loss and damage, receive timely and effective support that reflects their priorities and realities.”
This laid the foundation for two roundtables that explored how institutions can better align mandates, close funding gaps, and build strategic partnerships.
Participants discussed opportunities to streamline access to finance, support national readiness and pre-arranged financing mechanisms, and enhance collaboration among funding arrangements such as the Climate Investment Funds, the Adaptation Fund, the Santiago Network and Global Shield. The issue of prevention was brought up, including better use of data and technology. With the gap between the financing available and the needs, prudent and smart approach is necessary.
“The Santiago Network and FRLD are linked by design but also purpose. One of our core functions is to enable access to finance, technology and capacity building. The Santiago Network brings an existing toolbox, technical guidance and technical assistance platform and a regional presence with 15 members ready to provide support. This is a call to expand our collective response to Loss & Damage. We need to collaborate but also act in synchronicity,” said Carolina Fuentes Castellanos, Director of the Santiago Network Secretariat.
The event concluded with reflections and recommendations on the way forward, highlighting the FRLD’s ambition to begin disbursing an initial $250 million primarily delivered in grants to support bottom-up, country-led and community-driven interventions, with at least 50% of funding earmarked for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs). The Co-Chairs reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to being an inclusive and coordinating force within the climate finance ecosystem.
The full outcomes from this dialogue will be included in the FRLD’s annual report that will be presented at the upcoming COP and CMA, shaping future climate finance policies. The dialogue will set the stage for continuous engagement, ensuring sustainable and inclusive financial mechanisms for affected communities.
