Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), in partnership with DEG, Germany’s development finance institution, and Africa Foresight Group (AFG), has intensified efforts to help Nigerian companies strengthen climate commitments.
The partnership would also unlock access to climate-linked capital estimated at between $2.5 billion and $3.1 billion.
The effort, anchored on the NGX Net-Zero Programme (N-Zero), is designed to improve corporate climate disclosures, support net-zero transition planning and position listed companies to meet global investor expectations.
Dr Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman of NGX Group, with delegates from Africa Foresight Group and DEG, Germany’s development finance institution, during a Roundtable meeting in Lagos on Thursday
The initiative took centre stage at the NGX–DEG CEO Roundtable held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, in Lagos, which convened corporate leaders, development finance institutions and capital market stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, the Group Chairman of NGX Group, Dr Umaru Kwairanga, said Africa’s capital markets must take a leading role in driving climate action and sustainable growth.
“Today, we are commemorating the launch of the NGX Net-Zero Programme.
This is an initiative designed to support listed companies in defining net-zero pathways and improving climate-related disclosures in order to align with global investor expectations,” Kwairanga said.
“At the NGX, we believe that the world needs to take urgent steps in the areas of climate action and sustainable growth, and today’s ceremony is a concrete step in that direction.
“Capital markets must be at the centre of climate leadership in Africa. The NGX Net-Zero Programme enables companies to move from climate ambition to measurable action.
“Over the next few months, we expect many of our listed companies to sign up to this initiative and follow the guidelines.
“Through this programme, we are confident that the Nigerian Exchange and capital market will meet the goals of becoming Africa’s premier hub for green and sustainable finance solutions,” he added.
Presenting the investment case for the programme, the Group Managing Director of NGX Group, Mr. Temi Popoola, said climate risk had become a critical consideration in valuation and capital allocation decisions globally.
“Global capital is increasingly becoming conditional, with climate risk directly impacting cost of capital and valuation.
“Companies that embed sustainability into strategy and governance are better positioned to attract long-term capital,” Popoola said.
Also speaking, a member of the Management Board of DEG, Ms. Monika Beck, said the partnership aligned with DEG’s strategy of mobilising private capital to accelerate climate action while delivering development impact.
“At DEG, our corporate strategy is centred on mobilising private capital to accelerate climate action while delivering measurable development impact and sustainable returns.
“Partnerships such as this enable us to scale solutions that are both impactful and commercially viable,” she said.
During an interactive session, the Chief Executive Officer of Chapel Hill Denham, Mr. Bolaji Balogun, said effective execution remained a major hurdle for companies seeking to translate climate commitments into investor value.
“Access to capital, technical expertise and credible frameworks are essential if climate reporting is to translate into real investor value,” Balogun said.
Similarly, the President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp Plc, Dr Owen Omogiafo, stressed the need for practical and inclusive approaches to Africa’s climate transition.
“Africa’s climate transition must be practical and inclusive, balancing sustainability objectives with economic growth and social impact,” Omogiafo said.
The event concluded with a Closing Gong Ceremony and follows a multi-million-naira co-funding partnership between NGX Group and DEG Impulse gGmbH under Germany’s development programme.
The partnership will provide listed companies with subsidised net-zero transition planning support and technical capacity building.
It will give access to globally recognised climate and sustainability frameworks, aimed at strengthening their competitiveness and long-term investability.
With forests shrinking and ecosystems degrading, the global biodiversity crisis has shifted from a distant environmental concern to an urgent development challenge.
Nearly one million species now face extinction, underscoring the need for practical, community-driven solutions.
In response, the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) in December 2022, setting ambitious targets to be achieved by 2030 and beyond.
Dr Jean-Paul Abiaga, Head of UNESCO Abuja Office
Central to the framework is the commitment to conserve 30 per cent of the world’s land and marine ecosystems by 2030, popularly referred to as the “30 by 30” target.
Beyond conservation, the GBF also prioritises the sustainable use of biodiversity, increased financing for nature, integrated land and sea-use planning, and the mainstreaming of nature’s value into economic and development activities.
Importantly, the framework recognises the crucial role of indigenous peoples and local communities, emphasising that biodiversity protection must not undermine their rights, livelihoods or cultural heritage.
Against this backdrop, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has continued to deepen engagement with host communities through advocacy, awareness campaigns and validation workshops aimed at promoting environmental stewardship.
To further consolidate these efforts, UNESCO secured one million dollars in funding from the India–UN Development Partnership Fund to implement biodiversity business training across three sites in Nigeria.
The selected locations are Shere Hills, characterised by undulating hills and rocky formations on the Jos Plateau; Oban Biosphere Reserve, a tropical rainforest located in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River; and Omo Biosphere Reserve, another tropical rainforest situated in Ogun.
According to UNESCO, biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, encompassing all living organisms and their interactions within ecosystems.
It is fundamental to human well-being, ecosystem stability, food security, cultural identity and economic development.
Given the dependence of host communities on forest resources for survival, youths and women were deliberately selected from communities surrounding the reserves for training in nature-based and alternative livelihood businesses.
The objective was to reduce pressure on fragile ecosystems by curbing harmful human activities such as illegal logging, wildlife hunting and forest encroachment.
The conservation initiative was implemented in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), the National Park Service (NPS) and Nigeria’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Committee.
It was tagged “Biodiversity Business in Oban Biosphere Reserve, Omo Biosphere Reserve and Shere Hills Reserve, Nigeria: A Means to Poverty Reduction, Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development”.
The programme trained community members in tomato farming, poultry, fisheries and piggery.
The training aimed to enable participants to engage in sustainable agriculture and animal husbandry without exerting pressure on forest resources, while also supporting food security, income generation and the preservation of endangered plant and animal species.
The programme held from Oct. 6 to Oct. 11 for 10 Shere Hills communities; Oct. 27 to Nov. 1 for Nov. 12 Oban communities; and Nov. 10 to Nov. 15 for 10 Omo communities.
Speaking at the programme, Dr Jean-Paul Abiaga, Head of UNESCO Abuja Office and Representative to Nigeria, said the initiative addressed a core UNESCO priority of balancing conservation with sustainable development.
According to him, the training is especially timely as the global community intensifies efforts to protect 30 per cent of the planet’s land and sea by 2030.
“At UNESCO, our philosophy is simple but powerful; to reconcile nature protection with human development within our biosphere reserves.
“We count on continued partnership with state governments and local communities to ensure the success of this project,” Abiaga said.
He outlined the initiative as a bold step that should inspire collective action linking conservation with community well-being, adding that UNESCO hoped the programme would deliver lasting benefits for both people and nature.
Abiaga also noted that the programme aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water), SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
“UNESCO reaffirms its commitment to working hand in hand with relevant institutions to achieve the project’s objectives and deliver tangible results for Nigeria’s communities and ecosystems,” he said.
During the Omo reserve training, Abiaga paid a courtesy visit to the Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi, urging the state to sustain its commitment to preserving the biosphere reserve.
The Minister of Environment, Mr. Balarabe Lawal, said the training was a pathway for communities to profit from sustainable resource use while safeguarding ecological integrity.
Represented by Prof. Zacharia Yaduma, Director-General of FRIN, Lawal said environmental education, combined with business and livelihood skills, remained critical to achieving sustainability.
“By equipping participants with entrepreneurial skills, we are promoting nature-based businesses that enhance local resources, alleviate poverty and encourage sustainable production methods,” he said.
Also speaking, Dr Enang Moma, National Professional Officer, Natural Science Sector, UNESCO, said the programme aligns with Nigeria’s National Development Plan (2021–2025), especially its focus on poverty reduction, sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.
She added that the training would strengthen participants’ capacity to operate green businesses, generate sustainable income and reduce harmful activities within forest ecosystems.
Moma further highlighted the programme’s contribution to South-South cooperation, noting Nigeria’s participation in the 36th MAB-ICC conference, where discussions focused on soil health and its role in supporting biodiversity and nutrient cycling.
At the Shere Hills training, Dr Collina Kambai, Focal Person for the area, said 223 participants were trained in piggery, while 177 received training in greenhouse tomato cultivation, which has boosted the community’s visibility and income potential.
Although Shere Hills is yet to be officially designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, Kambai expressed optimism that approval would further expand benefits for host communities.
Similarly, Dr Tayo Oyetayo, Focal Point for Omo Biosphere Reserve, recalled that the reserve was approved by UNESCO in 1977 and has since benefited from grants and capacity-building initiatives.
Explaining the structure of biosphere reserves, Oyetayo said they comprise core, buffer and transition zones, with the core strictly protected, the buffer partially protected, and the transition zone allowing regulated human activities.
He lamented increasing encroachment into protected areas, which has endangered species such as iroko and mahogany trees, while elephants, once dominant in the forest are now under serious threat.
In Cross River, CP Joseph Ntui, Conservator of the Cross River National Park, Akamkpa, pledged the National Park Service’s commitment to global conservation standards.
He said Nigeria is a signatory to several international conventions aimed at protecting biodiversity, mitigating climate change and safeguarding ecosystems.
Meanwhile, Prof. Yaduma, Chairman of Nigeria’s MAB Committee, disclosed that three additional sites; Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Kainji National Park and Okomu National Park, have been proposed for UNESCO recognition.
According to him, securing approval would boost eco-tourism, attract funding, strengthen capacity building and create alternative livelihoods for host communities.
He expressed confidence that expanded conservation efforts would yield long-term environmental and economic benefits for Nigeria.
All in all, stakeholders insist that linking conservation with community livelihoods is crucial to protecting Nigeria’s forests.
They noted that training and providing alternative income sources would help ease pressure on ecosystems while supporting national development and global biodiversity targets.
By Ijeoma Olorunfemi, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
The Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), in collaboration with Foodjustice, on Thursday, January 15, 2026, offered training to Nigerian journalists in Lagos, on effective reporting of the Planetary Health Diet, to drive policy action.
Speaking at the training, the Executive Director of RDI, Mr. Philip Jakpor, noted that the media plays a strategic role in shaping public understanding and influencing policymakers on health, food systems and environmental sustainability.
Participants at the media training workshop on effective reporting of Planetary Health Diet
Jakpor described the Planetary Health Diet as a science-backed dietary pattern that promotes human health, while protecting the environment, with emphasis on plant-based foods and reduced intake of red meat and processed foods.
He said that, in spite of its vast arable land, Africa remained marginal in global adoption of the dietary model, even as the continent grapples with malnutrition and rising non-communicable diseases.
According to him, non-communicable diseases account for about 30 per cent of annual deaths in Nigeria, with over 617,000 deaths recorded in 2020, and many being premature
He said that lifestyle changes, urbanisation and poor diets had driven the rise of illnesses previously uncommon in Africa.
He urged the need for a science-based solution.
Jakpor said that the training featured experts from Nigeria, Ghana, Mexico and Italy, who shared experiences on integrating planetary health diet principles, into agriculture, education and school feeding systems.
Speaking on reporting considerations, Mr. Tope Oluwaleye, a veteran journalist, urged journalists to present the diet as flexible and adaptable to local cultures, rather than as a strict exclusion of animal products.
He said that reports should highlight both health benefits, including reduced risk of diabetes, and environmental gains such as lower emissions and biodiversity protection.
Oluwaleye also urged journalists to address criticisms transparently, including possible nutritional gaps, while promoting balanced and high-quality diets.
In a session on policy integration, Dr Chioma Okonkwo, another resource person, said that the diet could be mainstreamed into existing Lagos State public health and nutrition frameworks, without creating new policies.
She identified public food procurement and primary healthcare services as practical entry points for integrating healthier and more sustainable diet guidance.
Okonkwo said that journalists should track policy signals such as budget allocations, institutional responsibilities and monitoring indicators to distinguish intent from implementation.
The training aimed at equipping journalists to produce in-depth reports capable of driving accountability and accelerating adoption of healthier, sustainable diets.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) says the daily domestic supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) rose to 74.2 million litres/day (ml/d) in December 2025.
This is relative to the 71.5 million litres/day supplied in November 2025.
The NMDPRA made this known in its Factsheet Report for December 2025 released on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
Fueling a car
The report contains key statistics on the midstream and downstream petroleum operations in Nigeria.
It revealed that consumption of PMS, also known as fuel, increased to 63.7 million litres/day in December 2025, from the 52.9 million litres/day recorded in November 2025.
According to the report, Dangote Refinery showed strong capacity utilisation for the month of December, reaching a maximum of 71 per cent utilisation.
It said that the Dangote Refinery’s PMS domestic supply increased from 19.47ml/d in November 2025 to an average supply of 32.012ml/d in December 2025, with an initial plan of 50ml/d for December.
It said that Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel) domestic supply decreased to 17.9ml/d in December 2025 from the 20.4ml/d recorded in November 2025, while daily consumption increased to 16.4ml/d in December 2025, from the 15.4ml/d recorded in November 2025.
The report revealed that Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) domestic supply also increased to 5.2mt/d in December 2025 from the 5.0mt/day recorded in November 2025.
The NMDPRA factsheet however disclosed that the four national oil refineries recorded zero production within the period under review.
It said that there was no production activities in the Port Harcourt Refinery as the refinery remained on shut down mode.
“However, evacuation of prior AGO produced while the refinery was operational before May 24, 2025 averaged 0.247 million litres/day.”
Meanwhile, it said that the Warri and Kaduna Refineries remained on shut down.
On performance of Modular Refineries, the report said that the Waltersmith (Train 2) 5,000bpsd completed pre commissioning in December, and hydrocarbon would be introduced by Jan. 2026.
According to the report, the refinery’s average capacity utilisation is at 63.24 per cent, while Average AGO supply is 0.051 million litres/day.
“Edo Refinery’s average capacity utilisation is 85.43 per cent, and average AGO supply is 0.052ml/d.
“ARADEL’s average capacity utilisation was 53.89%l per cent and average AGO supply was 0.289ml/d,” it said.
The report revealed that total AGO supply from the three modular refineries averaged 0.392ml/d, adding that other products from the modular refineries were Naphtha, HHK, fuel oil and MDO.
The report showed Daily Consumption Benchmarks for 2025 as – PMS, 50ml/d; Diesel 14ml/d; Aviation Fuel (ATK) 3ml/d and Cooking Gas, 3,900mt/d.
It showed Daily Consumption (truck out) of key Petroleum Products as – PMS, 63.7ml/d; Diesel, 16.4ml/d; Aviation Fuel (ATK), 2.7ml/d and Cooking Gas, 4,380 mt/day.
Nigeria has officially launched its Carbon Market Framework, marking a major step in the country’s climate action agenda and positioning it as a key player in the global green economy. The announcement was made during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, a leading international platform for climate innovation and investment.
The National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), led by Director General, Mrs. Omotenioye Majekodunmi, said that the framework establishes a clear regulatory and institutional structure for carbon trading in Nigeria. This structure enables both local and international investors to fund and develop climate-smart projects, earning carbon credits while promoting sustainable development.
President Bola Tinubu (centre), with Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal (left) and National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) Director General, Mrs. Omotenioye Majekodunmi, at the launch of the Carbon Market Framework
Mrs. Majekodunmi hailed the development as a signal that Nigeria is now open for climate business, noting that the carbon market alone could attract over $3.8 billion in annual investment.
For the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Nigeria’s active participation at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to deepening international partnerships, particularly with the UAE, while prioritising technology transfer, innovation, and local capacity building to strengthen clean energy, climate-smart agriculture, and resilient infrastructure nationwide.
With this framework, Nigeria is set to turn climate action into economic opportunity, creating jobs, attracting investment, and driving sustainable development across the country.
Meanwhile, the Carbon Market Association of Nigeria (CMAN) has lauded the official launch of Nigeria’s Carbon Market Framework, describing the development as a historic milestone that will position Nigeria as a credible, rules-based, and investable destination within the global carbon economy.
In a statement endorsed by Horsfall Tony, President, Carbon Market Association of Nigeria (CMAN), the organisation commended the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), under the leadership of its Director General, Mrs. Tenioye Majekodunmi, and the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, for advancing Nigeria’s climate leadership and international engagement.
To unlock the full potential of this landmark framework, it is important that government actively supports, showcases, and where possible, de-risks a pipeline of high-quality, viable and already advanced carbon projects that can serve as initial national flagship initiatives, stated CMAN.
The organisation added that early national flagship projects with robust MRV systems – that clearly align with national regulations, and strong community trust – will overall catalyse Nigeria’s participation in the international carbon markets, attract private capital at scale, and anchor confidence in Nigeria’s carbon market.
CMAN stated: “As implementation progresses, sustained sensitisation and coordination across ministries, departments, agencies, and sub-national governments will be critical. A supportive Carbon Market Office – the framework provides for – that issues timely project approvals, runs an operational registry, and carries out targeted capacity building for local developers and host communities will help ensure that Nigeria’s carbon market grows with integrity, inclusiveness, long-term credibility and catalyses global net zero attainment.
“With projected annual investment potential of about $3.8 billion and strong early investor interest, Nigeria’s carbon market offers significant opportunities for job creation, technology transfer, community development, and sustainable growth across sectors including clean energy, forestry, agriculture, clean cooking, and resilient infrastructure.
“As the industry association of all carbon market stakeholders in Nigeria, CMAN stands ready to work closely with the NCCC and all relevant institutions to support effective implementation, promote market integrity, strengthen investor confidence, and align carbon market growth with Nigeria’s national development, climate objectives and global net zero pathways. “Together, let’s continue to do more to reinforce Nigeria’s leadership in catalyzing climate action through carbon markets.”
On Monday, January 19, 2026, the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) will celebrate its Thirteenth Annual Tree Planting Day, a collaborative initiative spanning eight regions throughout Morocco: Casablanca-Settat, Rabat-Sale-Kenitra, Beni Bellal-Khenifra, Marrakech-Safi, Oriental, Laayoune Sakia Hamra, Fes-Meknes, and Draa Tafilalet.
In the 2024/2025 tree-planting season, HAF planted 2,537,808 seeds of change in Morocco, symbols of resilience, opportunity, and the power of community. This year, HAF carries forward that same commitment with the 2026 planting season, inspiring hope and empowering communities nationwide to cultivate a greener, more sustainable future.
Tree planting in Morocco
The celebrations will gather diverse groups – farmers, educators, youth, families, and local organisations – who will cultivate seedlings at various locations secured through partnerships with government agencies, educational institutions, nonprofit groups, and farming collectives. This approach demonstrates HAF’s philosophy of building environmental stewardship through shared responsibility.
Having reached the milestone of one million planted seedlings in early 2014, HAF maintains its annual tradition of large-scale planting efforts. Participants will transplant multiple varieties sourced from HAF’s network of community-managed nurseries, featuring species such as olive, carob, almond, cherry, walnut, fig, pomegranate, and argan. These varieties are chosen by local agricultural families based on their adaptation to regional climates, promoting ecological diversity while strengthening natural habitats.
The daylong initiative will involve planting over 20,000 tree saplings at educational and community locations. Implementation will occur through collaboration with several supporting partners, including Yves Saint Laurent Beauty, Reforest, Planeterra, Cash Plus and more.
HAF is committed to promoting environmental sustainability through its tree planting programme, encouraging local participation in protecting Morocco’s natural resources. This initiative empowers communities by restoring the environment and individuals, schools, and local organisations to come together and create a positive impact. HAF invites individuals, schools, and organisations nationwide to join this effort, planting hope, one tree at a time.
The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has expressed its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Mr. Yakubu Mohammed, a renowned journalist and co-founder of Newswatch magazine, who passed away at the age of 75.
The GOCOP described Mohammed’s passing as a significant loss to the media community and the nation at large.
“Mohammed’s contributions to Nigerian journalism are immeasurable. As a pioneer of investigative journalism in Nigeria, he made an indelible mark on the country’s media landscape. His commitment to truth, integrity, and excellence in journalism is an inspiration to many young journalists. Through his writing, he demonstrated a remarkable ability to craft compelling stories that captured the essence of Nigeria’s complex socio-political landscape.
The late Yakubu Mohammed
“As a co-founder of Newswatch magazine, Mohammed played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of Nigerian journalism. His writing was marked by depth, insight, and a commitment to fact-based reporting. He was a mentor, a role model, and a guiding light to many young journalists who sought to make a difference in the world through their craft,” GOCOP said in a statement by the president, Mr. Danlami Nmodu, mni and the general secretary, Mr. Sufuyan Ojeifo.
In the statement, they prayed that God grants the family and friends of the deceased the strength to bear the loss and that the soul of Mohammed rests in peace.
They celebrated his life, his work, and his legacy, and prayed that his contributions to Nigerian journalism will continue to inspire and guide future generations of journalists.
“As the media fraternity mourns the passing of Yakubu Mohammed, we also celebrate his life and legacy. His impact on Nigerian journalism will be felt for generations to come. May his soul rest in peace,” the statement read.
The Emerald Forest Reserve (EFR), located in Ikoyi-Osun, Osun State, Nigeria, has been officially designated a global Key Biodiversity Area (KBA), following years of rigorous, IITA Forest Centre–led scientific research and biodiversity monitoring contribution.
The designation, endorsed in 2024 by the global KBA Partnership, coordinated by the KBA Secretariat with BirdLife International as a core partner, recognises EFR’s exceptional ecological value and its critical role in conserving globally significant species.
The Emerald Forest Reserve is located within the Abayomi Farm Estates, owned and managed by the Abayomi family for over two decades. The Abayomi family is said to have demonstrated unwavering commitment to biodiversity conservation safeguarding a 120 hectares indigenous forest using pragmatic, community-based conservation approaches.
Emerald Forest Reserve
Working closely with local communities and conservation partners – including the IITA Forest Centre – the family helped halt logging, hunting, and poaching by transforming former loggers and hunters into custodians of the forest, supporting them with alternative livelihoods such as palm oil processing, beekeeping, agroforestry, furniture making, and tree seedling production.
Central to the KBA designation is the Emerald Forest Reserve’s importance for the conservation of the endemic and endangered Ibadan Malimbe (Malimbus Ibadanensis). Through long-term ornithological monitoring, the IITA Forest Centre documented repeated sightings, acoustic calls, nesting attempts, and breeding behaviour of the species within the reserve. These records represent some of the most comprehensive and scientifically validated evidence of the species’ persistence in the wild.
Bird monitoring surveys conducted quarterly over several years by the IITA Forest Centre scientists, in collaboration with the A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute, produced peer-reviewed publications that formed the backbone of the KBA nomination. These studies confirmed that the Emerald Forest Reserve supports a unique assemblage of Guinea–Congo forest bird species, including breeding populations of rare and restricted-range birds.
The designation, drawing on long-term biodiversity research, peer-reviewed scientific outputs, and standardised KBA assessment protocols, followed a scientifically rigorous nomination led by IITA-CGIAR, with Dr Adewale Awoyemi, IITA Forest Centre Manager, serving as the Proposer. This was done alongside Ademola Ajayi, IITA Forest Centre Field Supervisor; Dr Stella Egbe, Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) Senior Conservation Manager; and Professor Shiiwua Manu, Professor of Ornithology, Department of Zoology, University of Jos; as co-proposers.
Speaking on the designation in Ibadan, Dr Awoyemi said, “This recognition reflects the strength of IITA Forest Centre’s research efforts in identifying, documenting, and validating sites of global biodiversity importance. The Emerald Forest Reserve exemplifies how robust research, when combined with local stewardship, can deliver outcomes of international conservation relevance.”
“The scientific outputs generated by the IITA Forest Centre and funded by A. G. Leventis Foundation were instrumental in demonstrating that the Emerald Forest Reserve meets global KBA criteria. Beyond species discovery, the research highlighted the forest’s broader biodiversity value and its role as a refuge for migratory and resident wildlife,” he added.
The BirdLife International Partner in Nigeria, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), facilitated national-level coordination and stakeholder engagement during the review process. Congratulating all parties, NCF Director General, Dr Joseph Onoja, described the designation as a milestone for Nigeria’s biodiversity conservation efforts and noted its relevance to national and international biodiversity commitments.
“It is indeed exciting to have EFR as the first newly assessed and nominated KBA in Nigeria. We at NCF are happy with the coordination we provided to make this a reality, and we hope more sites like this across Nigeria will follow suit,” Dr Onoja said.
According to Dr Modupe Ladipo, one of the Directors of the Emerald Forest Reserve, the discovery and documentation of the Ibadan Malimbe was a turning point for the forest’s global recognition. She noted that repeated surveys by IITA Forest Centre and its partners not only confirmed the species’ presence but also recorded nesting structures and the first-ever acoustic documentation of its call. These findings demonstrated that the Emerald Forest Reserve provides a viable and recovering habitat for a species once feared to be disappearing.
The Nigeria Convention on Biological Diversity commended the development, highlighting that, “The designation of Emerald Forest Reserve as a KBA is a laudable achievement as it holds a significant population of the threatened and endemic Ibadan Malimbe (Malimbus Ibadanensis). Nigeria as signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity is delighted at the concerted efforts of all these stakeholders to map out additional sites as KBAs in the country.
“All these ensure that Nigeria achieve its goals and targets in the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP) to support global efforts to protect biodiversity, halt species declines, prevent habitat loss and preserve the ecosystem services.”
The Emerald Forest Reserve is scheduled to formally celebrate its KBA designation on January 22, 2026, bringing together conservation stakeholders, community representatives, and partner institutions. The milestone underscores the importance of science-driven conservation and reaffirms IITA Forest Centre’s leadership in advancing biodiversity research and protection in Nigeria.
All scientific data, analyses, and publications underpinning the KBA nomination were generated through IITA-led research programs and remain the intellectual property of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture. These outputs form part of IITA’s broader mandate to advance science-based conservation, landscape restoration, and biodiversity knowledge in Africa.
Thursday, January 15, 2026, marks five years since Heirs Energies assumed operatorship of OML 17, taking responsibility for one of Nigeria’s most complex brownfield assets and committing to steward it with discipline, resilience, and long-term intent.
According to the organisation, the milestone is not defined by the passage of time, but by what has been delivered.
“Heirs Energies was built on a clear conviction: that African capital, leadership, and expertise can responsibly operate strategic energy assets, deliver performance, and contribute meaningfully to national development. Over the past five years, that conviction has been tested-and proven-through execution,” submitted the organisation.
Chairman of Heirs Energies, Tony O. Elumelu
Below is a snapshot of some of the milestones that defined its first five years:
1. Acquisition & Operatorship – Acquired 45% of OML 17 on January 15, 2021, for $1 billion and assumed operatorship ahead of plan on July 1, 2021.
2. Safety Leadership – Operated safely since inception with zero fatalities and no Lost Time Injuries (LTI), underpinned by our proprietary safety culture, “Everyone is a Safety Officer.”
3. Oil Production Growth – Sustainably doubled oil production from less than 25 kbopd to over 50 kbopd, supporting Nigeria’s energy security.
4. Gas Growth & Power Impact – Doubled gas production from under 50 MMSCF/d to over 120 MMSCF/d, tripling gas supplied into the domestic market from 30MMSCF/d to over 100 MMSCF/d and enabling electricity generation to grow from less than100 MW to over 325 MW.
5. Brownfield Excellence – Achieved growth without drilling new wells or building new facilities, through rigorous restoration of legacy assets using our proprietary Brownfield Excellence methodology, including the reactivation of approximately 100 dormant wells and sustained operation of 65-year-old pumps at over 85% uptime.
6. Crude Theft Response – Catalysed a country-level response to crude oil theft, contributing to a dramatic recovery in terminal delivery from as low as 3% in December 2021 to over 95% since 2025.
7. Cost & Performance Leadership – Ranked among operators in Nigeria as delivering the highest oil production increase between 2020–2024, while remaining one of the top three lowest-cost operators.
8. Financial Discipline & Credibility – Established a strong track record with local, regional, and global lenders, fulfilling all lending obligations without fail, culminating in a US$750 million refinancing with Afreximbank.
9. Strategic Expansion – Acquired a 20% equity stake in Seplat Energy Limited at the end of 2025, becoming the company’s largest single shareholder.
10. People & Capability – Built a 100% Nigerian workforce with top-quartile capability and culture, combining experienced professionals with a new generation of talent delivering industry-leading outcomes.
These outcomes, according to Heirs Energies, were achieved through “disciplined execution, strong partnerships with government and regulators, the confidence and support of our financiers, deep engagement with host communities, and the unwavering commitment of our people”.
It added: “This journey reflects the long-term vision of our Chairman, Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, and stands as a practical demonstration of Africapitalism in action – where African enterprises deliver economic value, social impact, and national development in parallel.
‘We are grateful to our partners, regulators, host communities, lenders, and stakeholders who believed in the journey and stayed the course.
“As we mark Heirs Energies @ Five, we do so with pride and humility – but also with clarity of purpose. We are not looking back in celebration alone. We are focused on the future.”
As U.S. President Donald Trump met with the Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel prize winner, María Corina Machado, on Thursday, January 15, 2026, in Washington DC, new analysis by 350.org and Zero Carbon Analytics finds that 68% of global oil production is impacted by U.S. aspirations to dominate the world’s oil and gas markets.
Machado’s visit comes as doubts persist over the U.S. administration’s appeal for companies to invest in Venezuela which holds 20% of the world’s crude oil reserves. Since its intervention in Venezuela the U.S. has made explicit threats of force against other resource-rich countries.
Donald Trump
The Trump administration’s latest National Security Strategy, which outlines U.S. intentions to expand its sphere of influence across politics, economics and the military, is being dubbed the “Donroe Doctrine,” a reference to the foreign policy approach that echoes the 1823 Monroe Doctrine by asserting U.S. pre-eminence across the Western Hemisphere. While the original Monroe Doctrine opposed European intervention in the region, it was historically used to justify extensive U.S. political and military interference throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
Andreas Sieber, Head of Political Strategy, 350.org: “Dependence on oil has never made us more vulnerable and unsafe. More than two out of every three gallons of oil on the global market now come from countries where the Trump government either projects ruthless influence or threatens to do so. Fossil fuel dependence has become a security risk, exposing countries and consumers to sudden price spikes, supply disruptions, and conflict-driven instability. Every escalation, sanction, or threat of force ripples through global markets, hitting households with higher bills and governments with economic shocks they cannot control.
“High energy bills, economic shocks, and political instability aren’t accidents. They’re the predictable result of letting a few actors dominate a system everyone depends on. The real alternative is obvious: an energy system that no dictator or superpower can switch off – renewable, local, and controlled by people, not polluters. Just renewable energy systems do not require military protection, do not destabilise regions, and do not trigger geopolitical conflict.”
Data snapshot:
68% of global production oil is controlled by countries in the U.S. sphere of influence
81% of global oil reserves are controlled by countries in the U.S. sphere of influence
53% of global gas production comes from countries in the U.S. sphere of influence
52% of global proved gas reserves are controlled by countries in the U.S. sphere of influence
Under this strategy, the countries of North, Central, and South America are explicitly framed as falling within the United States’ sphere of influence. The stated aim is to reassert U.S. dominance across the hemisphere, reshaping political, economic, and security relationships in the process.
Fossil fuel influence
Taken together, 79% of global oil production is either within the U.S. sphere of influence or controlled by Russia, highlighting the structural volatility and insecurity baked into today’s oil markets. Over the past year, the U.S. administration has bombed or militarily intervened in Venezuela, Iran and Iraq, while issuing explicit threats of force against multiple other countries and territories, including Canada, Colombia, Greenland and Mexico.
Across the Americas, many of the countries that Trump has threatened may not be under direct U.S. control but are widely regarded as falling within Washington’s strategic sphere of influence – a reality that carries significant political and market risk.
Even oil producers not subject to direct U.S. threats are deeply embedded in U.S. military and financial systems, as illustrated by long-standing U.S.–Saudi security cooperation and the financial and defense integration of the United Arab Emirates. In practice, this reinforces U.S. leverage over global oil supply without the need for direct military action.
Bridget Woodman, Head of Politics and Finance, Zero Carbon Analytics, said: “This analysis exposes how control over fossil fuels is consolidating into increasingly rival blocs, which can only have negative implications for global security and costs of oil and gas supply. It is a clear alarm call for those countries that continue to prioritise volatile fossil fuels over stable, domestic renewable energy.”
According to the International Energy Agency, global renewable power capacity is expected to expand by nearly 4,600 gigawatts between 2025 and 2030, double the growth of the previous five years. Wind, solar, battery storage, and electrification are not only climate solutions; they are long-term security strategies. These trends underscore the urgent need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate a just transition to renewable energy systems that are more resilient, democratic, and secure.
