Shell has announced plans to ramp up cost savings and reduce spending while aiming to deliver more value with lower emissions, in spite of having weakened its carbon reduction pledge in 2024.
Chief Executive, Shell, Wael Sawan
Ahead of its capital market day, the oil giant revealed it would look to strip out $5 billion to $7 billion a year by 2028, up from the previous target of $2 billion to $3 billion by 2025.
Additionally, Shell plans to reduce its annual spending to $20 billion from $22 billion over the next three years.
The FTSE 100 company also told shareholders it would enhance investor returns through share buybacks and dividend payouts.
Other targets include increasing top-line production across its upstream and integrated gas businesses by $1 annually over the next five years and growing liquefied natural gas (LNG) sales by $4-5 per year through 2030.
Shell also committed to spending $10 of its budget on lower-carbon businesses by the end of the decade, although it has significantly reduced its climate goals.
The company warned that it may close some chemical operations in Europe to “unlock more value from our strong portfolio of chemicals assets” and explore partnerships in the U.S.
Chief Executive, Wael Sawan, stated: “Today we are raising the bar across our key financial targets, investing where we have competitive strengths, and delivering more for our shareholders.”
Last year, Shell controversially dropped a plan to reduce net carbon intensity by $45 by 2035 and instead set a goal for $100 reduction by 2050.
The company also revealed plans to cut the net carbon intensity of the energy it sells by $15 to $20 by 2030, compared to 2016, down from the original $20 target.
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has stated that the production of polypropylene by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals will revive Nigeria’s struggling textile industry and save the country $267 million in import costs.
Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Segun Kadir-Ajayi
In an interview on the Channels Business Incorporated Programme, the Director-General of MAN, Segun Kadir-Ajayi, highlighted the struggles of the textile industry, which was once thriving and employed over 25,000 workers aged between 18 and 40 in the northern region alone. He explained that many companies have been forced to shut down due to the absence of local polypropylene production and the scarcity of foreign exchange required for imports.
He further stated that the production of polypropylene by Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals would ensure that Nigeria, which currently imports 90% of its annual polypropylene requirements (amounting to 250,000 metric tonnes), will now become a net exporter, generating foreign exchange to strengthen the economy.
“For us in the manufacturing sector, this is a welcome development. It more than covers the 250,000 metric tons that constitute our national demand, which has been severely lacking. You can imagine the sectors it will impact – the textile industry, the plastic industry, the furniture industry.
“We are looking at an amount in the region of $267 million being saved. This is the amount spent every year in scarce dollars to import these materials. It is a welcome development for manufacturers, as it will incentivize investment in the sector,” he said.
Kadir, who lamented how the collapse of the textile industry led to widespread unemployment, stated that with the local production of polypropylene, manufacturers will no longer need to rely on imported polypropylene. This, he added, will help reduce their costs and improve efficiency.
“We have seen the global trend of the textile industry relying on the petrochemical industry. So, you can imagine what boost this is going to bring to the sector.
“And that it is now available locally and does not require that we continue to look for foreign exchange to be able to meet our demands. It is actually a cheering news for manufacturers,” he said.
He urged the federal government and other stakeholders to support the local production of polypropylene through incentives, stating that this would attract more investment into the sector and increase manufacturing’s contribution to GDP. He added that this would significantly aid the government’s goal of achieving a $1 trillion economy.
“If the economy is going to save $267 million in imports at a time when the current government is striving to create a $1 trillion economy, this is a significant saving, especially considering the scarcity and inadequacy of foreign exchange supply. When we see champions like this blazing the trail, showing that we can even become a net exporter, it is certainly worthy of support.
“The NNPC has a capacity of 13,000 metric tons. When you add this to what Indorama has, along with the massive supply we will have from Dangote, we will become a net exporter. This means all our imports from Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, China, and India will be completely eliminated. We can now aim for self-sufficiency and even export for foreign exchange,” he added.
He stated that polypropylene production, with its far-reaching impact, will extend beyond the Dangote Refinery, resulting in significant job creation, increased tax revenue for the government, higher investment in the sector, foreign exchange earnings, and supporting the manufacturing sector in making a substantial contribution to the country’s GDP, among other benefits.
“I believe that what we should then be looking forward to is the government’s deliberate efforts to incentivise more investment in that sector and looking for support that will allow us to patronise what is made in Nigeria. We are able to earn the respect for the patronage of made-in Nigerian products in terms of price and quality of delivery,” he stressed.
Dangote’s $2 billion Petrochemical Plant in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, is designed to produce 77 grades of polypropylene. With a capacity of 900,000 metric tonnes per year and a turnover of $1.2 billion, it aims to meet the growing demand in plastic processing industries both in Africa and globally. The plant is expected to boost investment in downstream industries, create jobs, increase tax revenues, reduce foreign exchange outflow, and contribute to the country’s GDP growth.
Some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have called on the Federal Government to increase the Tobacco Control Fund (TCF) beyond the N13 million allocated to it in the national budget for 2025, in order to protect public health.
From L-R: Alliance Coordinator of the Nigerian Tobacco Control Alliance, Olawale Makanjuola; Country Coordinator of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Michael Olaniyan; Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA). Akinbode Oluwafemi; Policy and Legal Drafting Officer at CAPPA, Shade Oyelade-Osi; and Programme Officer at NTCA, Chibuike Nwokorie, at a news conference by NTCA, CTFK and CAPPA in Abuja
The Nigerian Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA), Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (CTFK) and the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) made the call at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
The Executive Director of CAPPA, Mr. Akinbode Oluwafemi, said that increasing funding to a minimum of N300 million annually would allow for more effective prevention programmes, public awareness campaigns, and access to cessation support for those wanting to quit.
Oluwafemi recalled that, in 2023, Nigeria allocated N4.7 million in the national budget to the TCF, its first-ever financial commitment to the Fund.
He said that, following sustained stakeholder advocacy about the gross inadequateness of this sum, it doubled the amount to N10 million in 2024, and now N13 million in 2025 budget.
According to him, these year-on-year increases are no doubt a step in the right direction. However, they are a far cry from the “at least” N300 million needed for the operationalisation of the Fund.
“Nigeria’s failure to close this tobacco control funding gap has made legislative efforts at tobacco control ineffective with severe consequences for public health and the economy.
“As the leading preventable cause of death and diseases, tobacco kills half of its regular users.
“In fact, according to the Federal Government’s records, no fewer than 26,800 persons die in Nigeria each year from tobacco or tobacco-linked diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers and stroke risks,’’ Oluwafemi said.
According to him, tobacco-related illnesses also lead to catastrophic health expenditures, particularly for the poor, trapping families in a cycle of poverty.
“Moreover, tobacco cultivation eats up large swaths of land which could otherwise support sustainable food production systems. Tobacco production further depletes vital resources such as land and water, diverting them from sustainable food production.
“Additionally, trillions of discarded plastic cigarette butts pollute our ecosystems every year, further harming the planet,’’ he said.
Mr. Michael Olaniyan, In Country Coordinator, CTFK, said the increase in tobacco control fund became necessary as development donors like the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) pulled out to supporting Nigeria’s preventable diseases and programmes.
Olaniyan urged the Federal Government to borrow a leaf from countries like Kenya and South Africa that allocated adequate monies for implementation of tobacco control.
Also speaking, Programme Officer of NTCA, Mr. Chibuike Nwokorie, expressed concern over lack of transparency on the monies previously budgeted and released into the Fund account.
According to Nwokorie, the National Tobacco Control Act requires that funds allocated for tobacco control in the national budget or from other sources are to be remitted to the Tobacco Control Fund account for utilisation.
“We urge the Federal Ministry of Health to provide an update on the status of the Tobacco Control Fund, explicitly detailing the current balance, sources of the monies in the Fund and details of previous spendings from the Fund,” he said.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has reiterated the Federal Government’s support for the certification of Nigeria’s Alternative Petroleum and Power Limited (APPL) hydrogen Polis project.
Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology
APPL is a privately owned Nigerian company focused on providing clean, efficient and environmentally friendly (reformed) fuels.
The Hydrogen Polis project was certified into the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC).
This is contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Minister, Dr Robert Ngwu, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Abuja.
The minister said that the onboarding and certification was awarded by Baltic Control Certification in Denmark, Greenhouse Gas (GHG), Calculations and certification in accordance with the ISCC EU standard.
He said that the onboarding of Nigeria’s APPL Hydrogen Polis project into ISCC Green Certification would strengthen Africa’s Position in the Global Green Economy.
Nnaji said that the milestone marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s green transition journey, and affirms the country’s leadership in climate-conscious industrial innovation.
“The ISCC certification is a globally recognised standard for verifying sustainability and traceability in supply chains.
“Achieving this certification positions the APPL Hydrogen Polis project as a benchmark for environmental stewardship, not only in Nigeria but across the African continent.
“The project’s alignment with international standards and underscores Africa’s growing capacity to lead in climate-aligned development,” he said.
Nnaji said that the development was more than a celebration of certification, adding that it is a powerful symbol of what is possible when African-led innovation meets global cooperation.
He said that under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we are determined to ensure that industrial growth and climate responsibility go hand-in-hand.
The minister said that the Hydrogen Polis project brings together a consortium of international sustainability leaders.
He said the presence of consortium of international sustainability leaders at the ceremony highlighted the project’s global relevance and technical excellence to include:
DFDS, Denmark, renowned for sustainable maritime logistics, ECOnnect Energy AS, Norway, Leaders in offshore, low-impact energy transfer infrastructure.
Others are Bergen Engines AS, Norway Manufacturers of efficient gas and diesel engines, H2 Core Systems GmbH, Germany: Innovators in modular green hydrogen systems.
Longi, represented by the VP of Europe, Global leaders in solar energy technology.
Baltic Control AS, Copenhagen, Independent certification and compliance experts.
Nnaji explained that this multinational partnership exemplifies the synergy between local ambition and international expertise.
He said that, through the Hydrogen Polis project, Nigeria is demonstrating that sustainable industrialisation is not only possible but also scalable and replicable across the continent.
The minister reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to providing the regulatory support, enabling environment and policy alignment required to sustain and expand initiatives like APPL.
“This project is a beacon for Africa. It tells the world that we are not just participating in the global green economy, we are ready to lead it.”
“The APPL Hydrogen Polis project is now set to play a crucial role in driving sustainable infrastructure, reducing carbon emissions and unlocking inclusive economic growth in Nigeria and beyond.”
Chairperson of African Union Commission (AUC), Mr. Mahmoud Youssouf, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, reaffirmed the mission’s commitment to working closely with international partners in advancing sustainable development across the continent.
Mr. Mahmoud Youssouf, Chairperson of African Union Commission (AUC)
Youssouf disclosed this in a statement by Mr. Nuur Sheekh, Spokesperson of the AUC Chairperson, during his official visit to the Republic of Angola from March 18 to 19, 2025.
Youssouf had during the visit met with the African Union Chairperson President João Lourenço of Angola and the diplomatic community in Luanda, alongside Mr. Téte António, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Angola.
Youssouf said, “In this regard, we welcomed the upcoming U.S.-Africa Business Forum in June, 2025 and the Summit on Mobilising Resources for Infrastructure Development in October, 2025.
“These are important platforms to attract investment and support Africa’s development priorities.
“I presented his new vision and strategic priorities for the Commission, reaffirming the AU commitment to peace, security and development across the continent.
“I reaffirm the African Union’s continued commitment to working closely with international partners in advancing the Union’s strategic objectives and collective strategic interests on promoting peace, security and sustainable development across Africa.”
He explained that during the meeting, both leaders exchanged views on Africa’s peace and security priorities with focus on the situation in DR of Congo, South Sudan and Somalia.
He also commended President Lourenço for his display of statesmanship, while reaffirming commitment to the Luanda development process.
“We noted complex challenges in some situations and stressed the importance of sustained African Union engagement, alongside existing efforts on ground to support stabilisation efforts and inclusive political processes.
“This is aimed at advancing durable peace and strengthening national institutions.
“We emphasised the need to strengthen African Peace and Security Architecture, enhance Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms, and reinforce African Union Peace and Security Council to address emerging threats,” he added.
The AUC Chairperson described the commission’s plan to advance the “Silencing the Guns” agenda as a central priority for sustainable peace and stability in Africa.
He reiterated the need for infrastructure development as critical to regional integration, economic transformation and the realisation of Agenda 2063.
The growing influence of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals appears to be extending far beyond Africa and the Middle East, as the United States imports over two million barrels of jet fuel from the world’s largest single-train refinery in March 2025.
Dangote Refinery
Experts assert that this development should bring immense joy to Nigerians, as it attests to the unparalleled quality of the refinery’s products and the trust that the international community places in Dangote Refinery.
According to data from ship-tracking service Kpler, six vessels carrying around 1.7 million barrels of jet fuel from Dangote Petroleum Refinery arrived at US ports this month. Another vessel, the Hafnia Andromeda, is set to arrive at the Everglades terminal on March 29 with approximately 348,000 barrels of jet fuel.
The shipments from the Dangote Refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) – Africa’s largest – highlight its potential to reshape global fuel trading dynamics, establishing a new swing supplier in the Atlantic Basin.
This shipment to the United States follows three cargoes of jet fuel, totalling around 130 million litres, exported from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The refinery is said to have already demonstrated its ability to compete with European refiners on gasoline (PMS) exports, and these jet fuel shipments to the United States could challenge the economics of domestic producers in the world’s largest fuel-consuming nation.
Chief Operating Officer of TankTiger, Steven Barsamian, said: “The surge in demand, partly driven by the influx of supply from Nigeria, is expected to lower jet fuel prices in the US ahead of the peak summer travel season. US jet fuel imports from Dangote Refinery are expected to decrease aviation fuel prices during this period, according to trade analysts and storage brokers. US jet fuel imports in March have averaged around 226,000 bpd, the highest since February 2023, underlining the global demand for products from Dangote Refinery.”
The Dangote Refinery, which commenced production in January 2024, has reportedly exported its products to almost every continent. While the surge in US imports was partly triggered by a maintenance-related shutdown at the Phillips 66 Bayway refinery in New Jersey, analysts believe the choice of Dangote’s products highlights its growing presence in international markets, having successfully competed with European refiners in gasoline exports.
Economist and Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprises (CPPE), Dr Muda Yusuf, stated that the export of jet fuel to the United States by Dangote Refinery is a point of pride for Nigeria, highlighting the quality, standard, and the trust that the international community places in the refinery.
“Nothing could be more prideful for us as a country than the fact that we now have a refinery producing products that can be exported to the United States. It speaks to the quality, standards, and trust that international communities have in Dangote Refinery, because these are markets that don’t compromise on quality. They have stringent standards, and if they deem it worthy to import from Nigeria, it is a source of great pride,” he said.
The former Director-General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) also emphasised that Dangote Refinery is enhancing Nigeria’s position on the global stage and should be supported by both citizens and the government.
“That is why all of us – citizens and the government – should do everything to support the refinery, as it is breaking many barriers and boosting our country’s reputation. The lesson here is that we should support the Dangote Refinery and other refineries with similar capacities, as they can provide us with significant leverage,” he added.
Public Policy Expert, Dr Abimbola Oyarinu, stated that the Nigerian economy would be in a better state today if the country had functional refineries in the past, rather than just exporting crude oil while importing refined petroleum products.
“This is something that should have been addressed since 2014. Things wouldn’t have reached this point – such as high inflation and unemployment – if we had a functioning refinery. However, both the government and the people failed to take action until Dangote stepped in with significant investment. The Dangote Refinery is not only reducing foreign exchange outflow, but it is also bringing in foreign exchange. It is unfortunate that despite this, some elites and those in power are still intent on sabotaging the refinery and Dangote himself,” he said.
The university lecturer also warned that the lack of ease in doing business and the frustration of local investments could discourage future investors.
“This is something the country should be proud of. We previously had a mono-economy, reliant solely on oil exports, but Dangote has helped diversify the sector by selling finished products to international markets. However, which investors would want to invest in Nigeria after seeing what Dangote is going through?” he queried.
A new report by 350.org, produced in collaboration with Zero Carbon Analytics, finds that 15 of the 19 countries that have submitted updated national climate plans, or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), are increasing their renewable energy ambition ahead of 2035.
Renewable energy
The report shows that 15 countries included specific targets or outlined clear ambitions to expand renewable energy in their new national climate plans. Seven countries have either introduced new renewable energy targets or strengthened existing ones, signaling growing commitment to the clean energy transition.
Additionally, over 80% of countries with new plans have pledged support for the COP28 goal of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030. The analysis is based on submissions as of March 10, 2025.
Andreas Sieber, Associate Director of Policy and Campaigns at 350.org, said: “The latest climate plan submissions reveal that countries are stepping up on renewables – beneath shifting political winds the trajectory is clear and more positive than many might have expected. The momentum for renewables continues and is building. But we need more.
“With the world facing devastating climate impacts and rising energy prices from fossil fuels, we can’t afford half-measures. Countries must now back their renewable energy pledges with robust policies, and the European Union, China, and others yet to submit their targets must hearness this momentum.”
Victoria Kalyvas, Research Associate at Zero Carbon Analytics and lead analyst of the brief, said: “An initial analysis of national climate plans shows that an increasing number of countries see renewables as a fundamental part of their energy future, with a few emerging as leaders in the rapidly accelerating clean energy transition. The momentum behind renewables – including commitments to COP28 goals – reflects recognition of the economic, security, and affordability benefits of renewable energy sources.”
Key findings from the report show that:
Growing Renewable Ambition:
15 of the 19 NDC 3.0 submissions include quantitative renewable energy targets or outline ambition for expansion.
Seven countries introduced higher or new renewable energy targets compared to their previous NDCs.
Countries Leading the Way:
The UK has pledged that at least 95% of Great Britain’s electricity will come from onshore wind, solar, offshore wind, and nuclear by 2030.
The UAE aims to increase its renewable energy capacity by more than 500%, from 3.7 GW to 19.8 GW by 2030.
The USA has set a goal of 100% clean electricity by 2035, including renewables and nuclear.
The Marshall Islands aims to reach a 66% renewable energy share by 2030, with a long-term goal of achieving net-zero energy systems by 2050.
Countries Surpassing Targets:
Brazil has already exceeded its 2030 target, generating 89% of its electricity from renewables in 2023 – well above its previous goal of 84%.
Several countries, including Japan, the UK, and Switzerland, are deploying renewable energy faster than necessary to meet their 2030 targets.
High Achievers:
Of the 19 countries analysed, seven already have ambitious targets of achieving over 90% renewable electricity by 2030 or 2035.
350.org points out that, while the report highlights growing ambition, ambition alone is not enough. It notes that countries must translate their targets into concrete action, including rapid policy implementation, significant public and private investment, and clear accountability measures.
Sieber added: “Tripling renewable energy by 2030 is not just a goal – it’s a necessity. We can’t allow these pledges to be empty promises. Governments must deliver real action that puts people and the planet first, not the profits of fossil fuel giants.
“Countries that have yet to submit their updated national climate plans to the UN must do so by September. This deadline is critical for ensuring their commitments are factored into the final assessment of whether the world is on track to meet its climate goals, as nations set new emissions reduction targets for 2035.”
Over 100 experts from more than 40 countries are meeting in Bilbao, Spain this week for the first meeting of authors and review editors of the “2027 IPCC Methodology Report on Inventories for Short-lived Climate Forcers (SLCF)”. This will be the first report released by IPCC in the seventh assessment cycle and it is being prepared by the Task Force on National Greenhouse Gas Inventories (TFI).
IPCC Co-Chair of the Task Force on Greenhouse Gas Inventories (TFI), Takeshi Enoki
The “2027 Methodology Report” is expected to provide guidance on anthropogenic emissions for Short-lived Climate Forcers, not including secondary human-induced substances.
“The report aims to provide clear guidance on measuring emissions from key short-lived climate forcing substances, including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and others, which significantly contribute to global and regional air quality and climate change,” said Takeshi Enoki, one of the Co-Chairs of the TFI.
This week’s meeting in Bilbao marks the beginning of the drafting process of this Methodology Report which is scheduled to be released in March 2027. The Coordinating Lead Authors and Lead Authors at this meeting will start developing the report based on the outline agreed by the Panel during its 61st Session held in Sofia, Bulgaria in July/August 2024.
“We are excited to begin work on this report with a diverse group of experts selected from the 394 nominations we received. Their work will be important for enhancing the data used in climate models,” said Mazhar Hayat, TFI Co-Chair.
Following the Panel’s 61st Session, the IPCC called for nominations of experts to act as authors and review editors of the 2027 Methodology Report in August 2024. The TFI Bureau, also known as the Task Force Bureau, in consultation with relevant Working Group Co-Chairs selected the report’s Coordinating Lead Authors, Lead Authors and Review Editors. In their selection, they considered scientific and technical expertise, geographical and gender balance in line with Appendix A to the Principles Governing IPCC Work.
A preliminary list of the Authors for the 2027 Methodology Report is available here.
Following the Lead Author Meeting, there will be an outreach event hosted by the Spanish Climate Change Office at the Bizkaia Aretoa in Bilbao on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating tuberculosis (TB) in the country by year 2030, with a renewed focus on expanding healthcare services and community engagement.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako
This was made known by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, during the 2025 World TB Day Community Outreach held at Sauka Village, Airport Road Abuja on Monday, March 24.
The Minister highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria is not left behind in the global TB eradication agenda by 2030.
“The President has directed and has provided a new field environment for the primary healthcare revitalisation, with over 10,000 primary healthcare centres currently being upgraded.
“In addition, we are training over 120,000 health workers at advanced levels to strengthen TB control efforts,” he said.
The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, also donated N1 billion from her NGO, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), to strengthen TB control efforts nationwide.
Mrs Tinubu said the disease is a deadly one that requires health emergency and urgent attention, urging Nigerians to get tested and know their TB status.
She said ending TB by 2030 is a collective responsibility of both government, traditional and religious leaders, legislators, the youth, healthcare workers, private sector organisations, NGOs, all citizens as stakeholders and international partners.
“The statistics from the World Health Organidation (WHO) 2024 Global TB report are alarming. In Nigeria, one person dies of TB every seven minutes.
“This means that, in the short time we will spend at this event, many more lives will be lost, if we do not act swiftly and decisively.
“The high prevalence of TB in Nigeria is unacceptable and all hands must be on deck to fight the treatable and curable airborne disease.
“At this juncture, I would like to pledge an additional sum of One Billion Naira from the RHI towards the fight against Tuberculosis in Nigeria,” she said.
The first lady who is also the Global and National Stop TB Champion, reaffirmed her commitment towards addressing the scourge of TB in the nation.
“I will continue to advocate for increased funding and policy reforms to strengthen TB control efforts and mobilise resources and partnerships to support TB awareness and treatment programmes.
“In addition, I will continue to amplify the voices of TB survivors and fight against stigma and discrimination, and ensure that women, children, and marginalized groups have equal access to TB care,” Mrs Tinubu said.
She commended the government for prioritising and expanding TB testing and treatment centres across the nation with the aim of ensuring that TB treatment remains free and accessible to all.
She said such development would strengthen community-based healthcare system to reach the most vulnerable populations, and enhance funding and partnerships to scale up TB control programmes.
In direct response to the request of the Sapeyi of Garki, Alhaji Dr Usman Nga Kupi for a Primary Health Centre in Sauka Community, the first lady assured that it would be done as she had a quick discussion with the Minister on the issue.
There was a health talk on the causes, symptoms, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Tuberculosis and testing for the disease at the Community Outreach.
In his remarks, the WHO representative to Nigeria, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, raised concerns over the risk of losing two decades of progress against TB due to global funding cuts.
“Today we face the existential threat of losing the huge gains the world has made against TB over the past 20 years due to funding cuts, which have started to disrupt access to services for prevention, screening, and treatment for people with TB,” he said.
Despite this challenge, Mulombo commended Nigeria’s progress, citing a 300 per cent increase in TB case notifications over the past five years:
“In a space of five years, Nigeria has scaled up many innovations and interventions that have resulted in the huge numbers of TB cases notified from 138,583 in 2020 during the pandemic year to 418,198 in 2024,” he said.
He warned that any disruptions to TB services could have fatal consequences for thousands of Nigerians affected by the disease.
However, Dr Queen Ogbuji-Ladipo, Acting Board Chair of the Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, stressed that continuous investment, increased public awareness, and stronger community engagement would be crucial in achieving a TB-free Nigeria by 2030.
The theme for the 2025 World TB Day is “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, and Deliver” with the local slogan “We Fit Do Am”.
The European Commission approved a €5 billion ($5.4 billion) German government initiative on Monday, March 24, 2025, to help businesses decarbonise their production processes.
European Commission Vice President, Teresa Ribera
Teresa Ribera, the Commission’s Vice President for a clear, just, and competitive transition, stated that the scheme would support projects aimed at significantly reducing industrial greenhouse gas emissions in Germany.
“This initiative will contribute to the EU’s climate neutrality goal by 2050, while minimising potential competition distortions,” Ribera said.
The funding would assist German companies in reducing CO2 emissions through measures such as electrification, hydrogen use, carbon capture, and improved energy efficiency.
Businesses in sectors like chemistry, construction, and food, which were subject to the EU Emissions Trading System, would benefit from this scheme.
To qualify, projects must achieve a 60 per cent emissions reduction within three years and a 90 per cent reduction by the project’s conclusion.
