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Over 47m people sign up call for clean air action for better health

Michael Simire
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Over 47m people sign up call for clean air action for better health

In what appears to be an unprecedented show of unity, more than 47 million health professionals, patients, advocates, representatives from civil society organisations, and individuals worldwide have signed a resounding call for urgent action to reduce air pollution and to protect people’s health from its devastating impacts.

Generator Pollution
The WHO says that, in one year, 46,750 persons died as a result of outdoor pollution in Nigeria

Air pollution is one of the biggest environmental threats to human health and a major contributor to climate change. Around 7 million people die from air pollution each year, mainly from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

This global call to action, spearheaded by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and international health organisations will be presented at the Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health, set to take place in Cartagena, Colombia, from March 25 to 27, 2025.

“Forty-seven million people from the health community have issued a clarion call for urgent, bold, science-driven action on air pollution, and their voices must be heard,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Around the world, WHO is supporting countries to implement evidence-based tools to address air pollution and prevent the disease it causes. At the second WHO Conference on Air Pollution and Health in Cartagena, we hope to see concrete commitments from countries to implement those tools and save lives.”

Hosted by WHO and the Government of Colombia, the conference will bring together political leaders, representatives from civil society organisations, UN agencies and academia to drive a global clean air agenda which promises benefits for public health, climate change response and sustainable development, both globally and locally.

Recognising the heavy toll of air pollution, the health community is calling on governments to take immediate and ambitious steps to reduce emissions, enforce stricter air quality standards, and transition to cleaner energy sources, unlocking multiple benefits for the health of people and planet. The topic will also be a focus ahead of the 2025 UN High-Level Meeting on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), where world leaders will be called upon to take stronger action.

Key facts:

  • Air pollution in both cities and rural areas generates fine particulate matter which results in NCDs such as stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, chronic respiratory diseases as well as acute conditions such as pneumonia.  
  • Around 2.1 billion people are exposed to dangerous levels of household air pollution, while using polluting open fires or stoves for cooking.
  • Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), are among the leading causes of death, many are linked to air pollution exposure. The global NCD epidemic claims 41 million lives annually. Addressing air pollution is a key strategy in reducing the burden of NCDs and improving global health.
  • Sources of air pollution are varied and context-specific. The major pollution sources include polluting energy sources used in homes, energy production, industrial emissions, transport, agriculture, waste as well as natural sources such as desert and dust storms or wildfires.

Improving air quality by implementing well-known and available solutions will prevent premature deaths, improve health, drive sustainable economic development, and mitigate climate change.

At the conference, countries are expected to commit to concrete measures, including setting and enforcing stronger air quality standards aligned with the WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines. WHO, in collaboration with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), has unveiled the updated 2025 Air Quality Standards database last month, which now includes data from approximately 140 countries, showcasing their air pollution regulatory efforts aimed at protecting public health.

“While the challenge is immense, progress is possible. Many cities and countries have significantly improved air quality by enforcing stricter pollution limits,” said Dr Maria Neira, WHO Director for Environment, Climate Change and Health. “Clean air is not a privilege; it is a human right as recognized by the UN General Assembly. We need to work together urgently to scale up transitioning from coal-fired power to renewable energy, expanding public and sustainable transport, establishing low-emission zones in cities and promoting clean energy for cooking and solar power in healthcare facilities.”

“The commitments made at the upcoming Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health and the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs will play a crucial role in paving the way for a healthier, more sustainable future for all. Now is the time to take the call and step up efforts for cleaner air, everywhere,” submitted the WHO.

ECA advocates coordinated regional strategy for Africa’s food security

Michael Simire
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ECA advocates coordinated regional strategy for Africa’s food security

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) says a unified regional approach will guarantee food security in Eastern Africa and overcome persistent trade barriers.

Andrew Mold
ECA’s acting Director in Eastern Africa, Andrew Mold

ECA’s acting Director in Eastern Africa, Andrew Mold, said this in a statement published on the Commission’s website.

He spoke during a side event at the 57th session of the ECA’s Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The event had the theme, “Food Security and Cross-Border Trade: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities Amid the Implementation of the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)”.

The theme highlighted the region’s shift from being a net food exporter in the early 2000s to a net importer, with significant disparities among countries.

Mold noted that while some nations, such as Tanzania and Uganda, had emerged as leading food exporters – particularly in commodities like maize – other countries continued to struggle with food insecurity.

Farayi Zimudzi, Sub-regional Coordinator for Eastern Africa at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), stressed the urgency of increasing agricultural productivity to keep pace with rapid population growth.

She advocated for greater investment in research and development, particularly in high-yield crop varieties and improved livestock production.

Channing Arndt, Director of the Centre for Global Trade Analysis, noted that high tariffs and non-tariff barriers continued to impede the free movement of agricultural products across Africa.

Experts at the event highlighted the transformative potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in boosting intra-regional food trade, particularly in processed agri-food products.

They called for strengthened regional cooperation to ensure the effective implementation of the AfCFTA, the removal of trade barriers, and increased investment in agricultural development.

ECA simulations suggest that with full implementation of the AfCFTA, intra-continental food trade could increase by over 60 percent by 2045, providing a major boost to food security in Eastern Africa and across the continent.

By Lucy Ogalue

Cooking gas: Abuja residents differ on use of charcoal, firewood as alternatives

Michael Simire
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Cooking gas: Abuja residents differ on use of charcoal, firewood as alternatives

Some residents in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, on Monday, March 17, 2025, differed in the use of charcoal and firewood as alternatives to cooking gas.

Charcoal
Charcoal

Some residents who spoke said that they resolved to charcoal and firewood because they last longer.

They said this was in spite of the reduction in the price of cooking gas in the area, which now sells for N1,150 per kilogramme and N14,300 for 12.5kg, against N15,750 and N16,400 in January.

A bag of charcoal sells for N9,000, while firewood costs between N250 to N300 per piece.

A mini truck of firewood, containing about 20 pieces, ranges between N10,000 and N13,000 in price.

Mrs. Sarah Matthew, a resident of Piyawe community in Bwari, said that although she got her gas cylinder for free from a non-governmental organisation (NGO), refueling it had not been easy.

“In 2021, an NGO came here to sensitise us on the use of gas instead of unclean fuels that are harmful to us, especially through inhalation, and advising us to also stop cutting down trees.

“Then, with N3,500 or N4,000, you could fill your cylinder, but not anymore. We cannot even access it directly at the depot in Bwari because of the distance, so we buy from retailers, which is more expensive.

“My problem is that it doesn’t last long, and you’re back to refueling again. But a bag of charcoal lasts twice as long as I can use a refill of gas, and I can manage it to last even longer,” she said.

Similarly, Mrs. Shekwoyemi Solomon, another resident, said that she had to put her cylinder aside and resume using firewood as that was her family’s initial method of cooking.

She said firewood was a better option for her, in spite of the air pollution, because it was affordable and easier to manage.

According to her, many women in the community, including those in Bwari town, now alternate their cooking options due to changes in prices and resource availability.

”What works for me might not work for others who see using gas as a luxury and are willing to go out of their way to afford and use it.

“For us in this community, we are okay with our charcoal and firewood.”

However, Mrs. Anna Jacob, another resident, said that using charcoal or firewood was not an option for her.

“I cannot stand the stress and pollution that come from using charcoal or firewood.

“The price of gas has reduced in the past months, and it is my prayer and hope that it will continue to go further down to a more affordable price, like it was in the past,” she said.

In the same vein, Mr. Joseph Olagunju, an environmental expert and an advocate for the use of clean energy, said that the high cost of cooking gas had forced most people to resort to cutting down trees for fuel.

“‘The resultant effects of these activities may increase emissions and deforestation.

“‘This is against our campaign for tree planting; and with fewer communities having flora and trees, people are more likely to absorb methane gases released into the atmosphere.

“I believe that one of the best ways to reach out to people who are still dependent on trees for fuel is to reduce LPG prices and make it affordable to households at all levels,” he said.

Olagunju, who described charcoal and firewood as unclean fuels, said they were dangerous, adding that their effects were not instant but gradual.

By Veronica Dariya

NCDMB lists actions taken to address Sterling Oil’s non-compliance issues

Michael Simire
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NCDMB lists actions taken to address Sterling Oil’s non-compliance issues

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) says it has noted the comments made by the President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Mr. Festus Osifo, during the union’s recent protest at the headquarters of Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company (SEEPCO), at Victoria Island, Lagos, over alleged anti-labour practices and expatriate abuses by the company.

Felix Omatsola Ogbe
Felix Omatsola Ogbe, head of the NCDMB

NCDMB commends the PENGASSAN leader for acknowledging that qualified Nigerian personnel are occupying top leadership and technical positions in most international and indigenous operating oil and gas companies and are performing creditably in those roles.

He noted rightly that Nigerians are executing complex functions in the floating production and storage and offloading (FPSO) platforms like Bonga, Agbami, USAN, AKPO, Egina, etc. Indeed, Nigerian oil and gas workers performed almost all operations in the oil and gas industry during the COVID-19 pandemic and kept the industry afloat, after most expatriates returned to their home countries.

These feats were accomplished through NCDMB’s strategic implementation and enforcement of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act 2010, particularly the Expatriate Quota, Succession Plan and Deployment of Expatriates Guidelines and Expatriate Work Temporary Work Permit Guidelines.

The successes were also enabled by the several Nigerian Content capacity building interventions that prepared and placed qualified Nigerians in key positions in the oil and gas industry. Through enforcement and compliance oversight, the Board ensured that 609 technical positions were Nigerianised for the period 2020-2024.

The NCDMB submitted: “We are delighted that PENGASSAN served as a whistle blower over the alleged expatriate quota abuse by the management of Sterling Oil, and we assure the union and the general public that we would investigate the matter exhaustively and take necessary actions.

“We can confirm that NCDMB had sanctioned SEEPCO a few years ago for gross violations of the NOGICD Act. Recently, we have been engaging the company for the same reasons. Our regulatory engagements with the firm are outlined below.”

  1. In 2017, the NCDMB identified five expatriates deployed by SEEPCO without obtaining the relevant NCDMB approvals. As a result, NCDMB penalized the company for this non-compliant deployment of expatriates. To remediate this, SEEPCO trained five Nigerians in Marine Engineering and Subsurface Drilling Engineering for nine months.
  2. In 2018, NCDMB identified 402 expatriates deployed by SEEPCO without approval. Additionally, NCDMB discovered projects, contracts, and purchase orders from multiple projects that were awarded and executed without appropriate approvals. NCDMB penalised SEEPCO for these infractions and directed SEEPCO and its affiliates to take the following actions:
  • Disengage the 402 expatriates and provide evidence of their disengagement and exit to the Board.
  • Commence and comply with the NCDMB Expatriate Quota application process.
  • Comply with the Board’s requirements for tendering and awarding projects, contracts, and purchase orders.
  • Complete the Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF) reconciliation exercise and pay outstanding remittances.
  • Submit up-to-date statutory reports on Nigerian Content and comply with the review process.
  • Train and employ 40 Nigerians as part of the remediation/penalty.

3. Regrettably SEEPCO ignored those directives until the Board commenced legal proceedings against the firm, in line with section 68 of the NOGICD Act.

4. In 2020, SEEPCO sought an out-of-court settlement and committed to addressing the compliance issues and undertaking the remediation. SEEPCO completed the training of 40 Nigerians in 2022, but the employment commitment was not achieved. Additionally, SEEPCO made only partial NCDF remittances.

5. SEEPCO has refused to respond and comply with other Nigerian Content requirements.

6. In 2023, SEEPCO obtained Expatriate Quota approval from the Board for three positions.

7. From our records SEEPCO has been granted only seven expatiate positions between 2017 to 2023.

8. The Board has requested for statutory submissions from SEEPCo and scheduled performance review session for March 2025.

Conclusion

NCDMB Expatriate Quota approvals and compliance and enforcement is applicable to only companies with investments or executing projects in the oil and gas industry. Non-oil and gas Expatriate Quota utilisation does not come to the Board, but rather directly to the Ministry of Interior.

NCDMB is committed to the effective implementation and enforcement of the NOGICD Act in the oil and gas sector, with a view to creating employment opportunities for Nigerians, deepening Nigerian Content and boosting the economy.

The Board will not fail to sanction firms that flagrantly flout provisions of the NOGICD Act. The Board welcomes collaboration of stakeholders, including oil unions towards achieving the intendments of the NOGICD Act.

Just Transition: Climate Secretariat seeks stakeholders’ support to boost guideline development

Michael Simire
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Just Transition: Climate Secretariat seeks stakeholders’ support to boost guideline development

The National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS) has urged key environmental actors to collaborate on the development of a just transition guideline that will promote inclusive climate action, ensure social equity, and, most importantly, drive Nigeria’s economic transformation.

NCCCS
Some participants at the NCCCS stakeholders’ workshop

Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, Director General of the NCCCS, made the call on Thursday, March 13, 2025, in Abuja during a workshop organised by her organisation to brainstorm on how to best achieve the aforementioned goal, which she said would require active cooperation from the government, private sector stakeholders, civil society, and development partners.

The DG, who was represented by the Council Secretariat’s Director, Mrs. Halima Bawa-Bwari, at the event supported by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), added that the projected just transition guidelines would be instrumental through socially responsible and economically viable strategies, with nature-based solutions playing a vital role in enhancing climate resilience, restoring the ecosystem, and creating sustainable green jobs.

A just transition framework, she explained, would ensure that the transition to renewable energy and a low-carbon future is consistent with this goal by incorporating policies that protect workers and communities, particularly those reliant on fossil-fuel-based sectors.

“By leveraging our natural assets such as mangroves, we can ensure that climate action goes hand in hand with economic growth, improved food security, and environmental sustainability,” said Dr. Maduekwe, who also serves as the country’s Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Change.

Speaking on the subject, Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director of the Federal Ministry of Environment’s Department of Climate Change (DCC), described the upcoming guideline as a critical document that will lay out Nigeria’s path to transition away from fossil fuels and towards a more environmentally friendly economy.

In the same vein as the DG, she advocated for equality by making sure that all interested parties were included and kept informed throughout the guideline formulation process.

“The Ministry will provide necessary support for a good document for an effective and efficient drive of just transition in Nigeria,” the director of the DCC promised.

In a joint statement, the ILO, UNDP, and UNIDO noted that developing a Just Transition Action Plan or Roadmap as a national guideline for all sectors is essential for addressing the problems and possibilities connected with the transition to a sustainable and low-carbon economy.

Mr. Stephen Agugua, who delivered the speech on behalf of the three UN entities, stated that Nigeria is dedicated to its international obligations, particularly the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to combat climate change and promote sustainable development in the country.

A well-designed roadmap, according to him, would build upon and align with the existing policy frameworks, providing a coherent and strategic approach to the transition of Nigeria to a low-carbon economy.

“The Nigerian government has already taken significant steps towards sustainable development and climate action. Such as the ongoing revision of the National Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Development Plan (NDP), and the establishment of a National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), demonstrate the commitment to climate change and promote sustainable economic growth,” he said.

Dr. Peter Tarfa, the representative of the Initiative for Climate Action and Development (ICAD) at the occassion, noted that Nigeria’s economy has undergone a dramatic transformation as a result of its 2060 carbon neutrality.

“It is expected that the outcome would be more ambitious and robust,” he said.

Mr. Akpan of Oxfam, who represented civil society organisations, also spoke out in support of the planned guideline, stating that it is fundamental in combating climate change and poverty at all levels of the economy.

“We believe that the guidelines will try to solve them and hold the government accountable,” he said, underlining the need of meeting the Paris Agreement by addressing the vulnerable people affected by climate change.

By Nsikak Emmanuel Ekere, Abuja

NCDMB launches ‘Champions of Nigerian Content Awards’

Michael Simire
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NCDMB launches ‘Champions of Nigerian Content Awards’

The Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Sweetcrude Limited, publishers of SweetcrudeReports, has announced the launch of the “Champions of Nigerian Content Awards”. The awards ceremony aims to recognise and celebrate individuals and companies that have made significant contributions to the development of Nigerian content in the oil and gas industry.

Nigerian Content Tower
The Nigerian Content Tower in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, which houses the NCDMB’s head offices, will host the awards ceremony

Awards Ceremony Details

The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the NCDMB’s conference hall at Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The event will hold at the sidelines of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF), scheduled for May 20-22, 2025.

Selection Criteria

Unlike other awards in the Nigeria oil and gas industry, the “Champions of Nigerian Content Awards” will be determined by verifiable accomplishments, using defined metrics set by the Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate and other operational directorates and divisions of the NCDMB.

Awards Categories

The awards categories include:

  1. Nigerian Content Icon of the Year
  2. Nigerian Content Lifetime Achievement Award
  3. Nigerian Content International Upstream Operator of the Year
  4. Nigerian Content Indigenous Upstream Operator of the Year
  5. Nigerian Content Midstream Operator of the Year
  6. Nigerian Content Downstream Operator of the Year
  7. Nigerian Content International Service Company of the Year
  8. Nigerian Content Indigenous Service Company of the Year
  9. Nigerian Content Innovator of the Year
  10. Nigerian Content Financial Services Provider of the Year
  11. Nigerian Content Media Organisation of the Year
  12. Women in Leadership Award for Promoting Gender Equality and Empowerment

Benefits for Awardees

Awardees will enjoy commensurate benefits, including media exposure and prominent display at the headquarters of the NCDMB, among other benefits to be determined by the Board.

Advisory Board

The Awards are superintended by an advisory board headed by prominent and accomplished industry players, including Dr. Ernest Nwapa, pioneer Executive Secretary, NCDMB; Dr. Omar Farouk, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organisation; Mr. Tony Attah, erstwhile Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Ltd; and Mr. Wole Akinyosoye, former Zonal Operations Controller, Department of Petroleum Resources. The role of the advisory board is to confirm the authenticity of the winners and to give further gravitas to the awards.

Commenting on the “Champions of Nigerian Content Awards”, Mr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, said: “The time has come to identify and celebrate pillars of Nigerian Content who shall serve as a shining example of what is expected of others in the industry.”

He noted that the Awards are being launched just when oil and gas industry players are gearing up to mark the 15th anniversary of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act (NOGICD) Act 2010.

Mr. Abdulmalik Halilu, Director, Monitoring and Evaluation at the NCDMB, also remarked that the “Champions of Nigerian Content Awards” would motivate and reward Nigerian Content compliance among entities in the oil and gas industry.

He said the Board had mulled this event for a few years, and the launch signified NCDMB’s conviction that companies and individuals who extend themselves to develop Nigerian Content and comply with extant regulations should be identified by the regulator and celebrated, to serve as a beacon of motivation for other industry players.

On their part, Sweetcrude Limited has promised that the Awards will feature glitz and glamour, to signify the importance and contributions of Nigerian Content to the national economy. 

Govt urges stakeholders to fast-track SDGs implementation

Michael Simire
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Govt urges stakeholders to fast-track SDGs implementation

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, has urged stakeholders to intensify efforts toward the achievement of the SDGs by 2030.

Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire

She stated this in her keynote address delivered on her behalf by Dr Bala Yunusa, Senior Technical Adviser, at the North-East Regional Consultation in Gombe.

The event was part of Nigeria’s Voluntary National Review (VNR) preparation for the High-Level Political Forum in New York in July 2025.

Orelope-Adefulire noted that world leaders established the Forum on Sustainable Development through the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) as a follow up and review mechanism for the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.

The VNRs serve as the cornerstone of this review process.

Nigeria is currently undertaking its third VNR, engaging stakeholders across the six geopolitical zones to assess implementation progress, challenges and prospects.

Orelope-Adefulire stressed the need to fast-track progress on all the SDGs, noting that global progress on the goals was mixed, with Nigeria not exempted.

Citing the 2024 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Report, she stated: “Lack of progress toward the SDGs is universal but developing countries and the world’s poorest people bear the brunt.

“Currently, only 17 per cent of SDG targets are on track, nearly half show minimal or moderate progress, while over a third have stalled or regressed.”

At the national level, she said dwindling financial resources, the COVID-19 pandemic, and persistent insecurity had combined to slow-down Nigeria’s progress toward achieving the SDGs.

Orelope-Adefulire emphasised that the SDGs could not be achieved through isolated programmes but must be carefully integrated into national and sub-national policies and development plans.

She said robust Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting (MER), such as the SDGs Progress reporting and the VNR, were essential.

Orelope-Adefulire underscored the need for collaboration across the public and private sectors, the UN Development System, the donor community, academia, and civil society to ensure that no one was left behind.

She said world leaders had reaffirmed their commitment to take “bold, ambitious, accelerated, just, and transformative actions to fast-track the achievement of the SDGs.”

This, she said, was through the “Pact for the Future,” adopted during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2024.

She referenced Mr António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, who said massive investment and more effective partnerships were needed to drive critical transitions across food, energy and digital connectivity to unlock progress across the goals.

Orelope-Adefulire commended institutional members of the Multi-Stakeholder Core Working Group for Nigeria’s 2025 VNR for their dedication in organising and guiding the entire VNR process.

“I appreciate and commend members of the Core Working Group from relevant MDAs, the UN Development System, the Private Sector Advisory Group, the Civil Society Strategy Group and academia.

“Your commitment is highly valued. The consulting team for this VNR is equally appreciated,” she said.

In his presentation on the Overview of SDGs Implementation in Nigeria and 2025 VNR Process, Yunusa referenced the UN DESA Report of 2024.

He highlighted the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, escalating conflicts, geopolitical tensions and climate chaos on SDG progress.

According to the report, if current trends persist, no fewer than 590 million people may still live in extreme poverty by 2030.

It said without substantial acceleration in poverty reduction, fewer than three in 10 countries would halve national poverty.

It added that nearly one in 10 people globally would face hunger, and 2.4 billion people would experience moderate to severe food insecurity.

As part of Nigeria’s VNR consultative process, no fewer than 150 participants drawn from the six states of the North East were updated on the institutional frameworks for the implementation of the SDGs.

They focused on progress on the 17 SDGs, implementation, challenges and lessons learnt.

At the end of the Regional Consultation, participants reflected on these and offered context specific recommendations.

They also suggested implementation strategies to fast-track the achievement of the SDGs by 2030.

Key stakeholders, including representatives of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), private sector, civil society, academia, persons with disabilities and youths were in attendance.

In his address of welcome, Sulaiman Turaki, the Focal Person of the SDGs Project Support Unit in Gombe State, described the Regional Consultation as a critical dialogue that would shape Nigeria’s next VNR.

He said it would ensure that the country’s progress, challenges, and opportunities were accurately reflected and that no one was left behind in the overall development journey.

“This gathering is a testament to our collective commitment to advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Goal,” said Turaki.

He called on stakeholders to engage actively, share insights, and propose solutions that will make a real impact.

“Let us embrace this opportunity to drive meaningful change, inspire innovative policies, and accelerate sustainable development efforts across the North-East Zone,” Turaki stated.

By Salif Atojoko

CAPPA commends Lagos on Adiyan II, urges increased funding of public water

Michael Simire
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CAPPA commends Lagos on Adiyan II, urges increased funding of public water

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has commended the Lagos State Government for making significant strides towards funding critical water infrastructure across the state, particularly the Adiyan II Water Treatment Plant.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State

In a statement made over the weekend, it said the steady progress on the project – 12 years in the making – demonstrates that state-led and funded solutions remain the best pathway to expanding public water supply and achieving universal access to clean, safe, and affordable water for Lagosians.

According to reports from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s recent visit to the facility, Adiyan II is now 80% complete and remains on track for its 2027 completion timeline. In a further show of commitment, the state government has allocated an additional ₦20 billion in its 2025 fiscal budget to settle ‘outstanding liabilities’ for the project.

While CAPPA commended the state’s efforts, it urged it not to hand over Lagos’ water sector to private profiteers once these projects are completed.

The statement emphasised that privatising Lagos’ water supply would undermine the massive investments already made by the state.

“We strongly urge the Lagos State Government to resist any temptation to privatise or concession the Adiyan II project and other water treatment facilities across the state. Water is not a commodity to be sold to the highest bidder. If Adiyan II or any other public water facility is handed over to private corporations, Lagosians will suffer – higher tariffs, restricted access, and corporate exploitation,’ the nongovernmental organisation warned.

CAPPA cited failed privatisation experiments across Africa, where foreign-backed water projects collapsed due to skyrocketing costs, contract failures, and profit-driven policies that left millions without access to clean water.

Furthermore, CAPPA pointed to the recent withdrawal of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) from Lagos’ water sector as a critical lesson.

“What is happening with USAID is a textbook example of why governments should never outsource critical infrastructure to external financiers with hidden agendas.

“The Lagos State Government must recognise this as a blessing in disguise and take full control of its water sector rather than leaving it vulnerable to shifting donor priorities, where financial commitments are subject to geopolitical agendas, austerity measures, and changing domestic policies in donor countries, all of which can leave both governments and communities stranded,” said Akinbode Oluwafemi, CAPPA’s Executive Director.

Under the 2021 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Lagos State and USAID, no fewer than five mini waterworks were slated for rehabilitation with private sector involvement as a key component. However, USAID’s abrupt withdrawal of funding, driven by upheavals and funding cutbacks within the U.S. government, has laid bare the dangers of relying on external entities to provide essential public services. Beyond the immediate financial shortfall, this exit creates even deeper risks, leaving policy vacuums, stalling critical projects, and ultimately weakening local decision-making power over vital utilities.

With USAID gone, the Lagos Water Corporation’s Managing Director, Mukthar Tijjani, has confirmed that the state is now seeking funding from other international agencies, including the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and France’s Agence Française de Développement (AFD), to sustain water infrastructure projects. CAPPA raised the alarm about this development, warning that these financial institutions have a long history of imposing harsh commercial conditions on public utilities.

“JICA and AFD have a track record of attaching dangerous conditions to their loans and grants – cost-recovery tariffs, bulk water purchase agreements, and privatisation clauses and mandates that prioritise corporate profits over public welfare. AFD, in particular, has close ties to Suez, a corporation notorious for its aggressive pro-privatisation stance and the devastation it leaves in its wake. If Lagos aligns itself with these buccaneers, residents will soon be burdened with unaffordable water tariffs while the state loses control over its own infrastructure,” CAPPA cautioned.

CAPPA encouraged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to not be discouraged with the withdrawal of USAID but to rather treat it as a blessing in disguise and make history by keeping Lagos’ water under full public control.

“This is a defining moment. Lagos has the opportunity to lead Africa’s water justice cause by rejecting privatisation and strengthening its public water systems. As Engr. Mukthar rightly acknowledged in an interview on this matter, ‘…we need to rely on the state government more… it is more predictable…’ – unlike funding from external sources.

“The state must invest in the Lagos Water Corporation and the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, to enhance their operational efficiency, and ensure transparency in the sector rather than handing over control to foreign profiteers. The decisions made today will determine whether water remains a public good accessible to all Lagosians, or whether it becomes a luxury available only to those who can afford it,” the statement concluded.

CAPPA urged Lagosians to remain vigilant and demand that their government prioritise people over profit.

Experts want review of privatisation of power sector

Michael Simire
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Experts want review of privatisation of power sector

Some experts in the power sector have urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to as a matter of urgency review privatisation of the power sector.

National grid
National grid lines

The experts, who spoke in Abuja on Sunday, March 16, 2025, said that privatisation of the power sector was a good idea, but however, added that it was not working.

They said that a comprehensive auditing and review of the sector would form part of efforts to addressing the challenges in the industry.

Privatisation of the sector in November 2013 was an initiative of the Federal Government to transfer ownership and management of power assets to private entities.

The move was to improve efficiency, attract more investments, and enhance overall electricity supply.

Eleven Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) and six Generation Companies (GenCos) were formed after the sector was privatised.

However, the transmission arm of the sector was retained by the Federal Government.

Mr. Princewill Okorie, the National President, Association for Public Policy Analysis (APPA), said that government should carry out a national audit of the privatisation.

According to him, there should be a national committee to audit the privatisation and to also review it.

Okorie said that the auditing should be carried out on  investments made in infrastructure and  the revenue collected from electricity consumers since  privatisation began in 2013.

“The auditing should also entail investments by consumers, local, state government, Federal Government and the international community.

“Government should carry out a thorough auditing of the privatisation process including investments in infrastructure and how much has been extorted from electricity consumers from inception to date.

“Look at how much consumers have paid as tariff from inception till date and how much the investors have invested in the power sector,” he said.

Okorie said that based on the auditing of the sector, discussion on reversing the privatisation policy would be considered.

According to him, when the privatisation of the sector took off, the conditions or criteria that are to be met by investors have not been met.

“It was not even done on a sincere note and the data used was not correct.`

“How can you privatise without adequate investment, and it was done in a way to make the citizens become cash cow.

“Now, the citizens are the ones that are being exploited. What they call privatisation in my opinion is extortion from citizens,” he said.

Okorie said that the audit of the privatisation process would  precede the reversal.

Mr. Uket  Obonga, the National Secretary, Nigeria Electricity Consumers Advocacy Network (NECAN), also called for a review of the privatisation.

Obonga said that when the issue of privatisation came on board, Nigerians were happy that investors were coming to invest in the sector.

He said that privatisation was supposed to bring massive improvement and more infrastructure into the power sector but nothing seems to have improved.

“So where do we go from here? What are we really doing? The privatisation that was well conceived has not really worked.

“So let there be a deliberate review of the entire privatisation,” he said.

Obonga also urged the government to set up a technical forensic audit team to audit the power sector infrastructure.

According to him, Generation Companies (GenCos) have invested so much, and their capacity has scaled up to about 14,000 megawatts.

“Government should ensure that any Electricity Distribution Company (DisCo) that does not have certain amount of money to invest in infrastructure should not be allowed to continue to operate,” he said.

In a related development, the Chattered Institute of Power Engineers of Nigeria (CIPEN) has advised the Federal Government to use the country’s professionals to tackle the challenges in the power sector.

Mr. Israel Abraham, the President, CIPEN, while speaking on the epileptic power supply being experienced in the country currently, said that there was the need for the government to trust its own power engineers to solve the problem.

“Government must trust its own. You must trust your own people. As it stands, government does not trust its own people.

”You want to develop the power sector. Who are your appointees? Do you call the professionals to sit down to say, this is it, gentlemen, what do we do?,” he said.

Abraham said that when government want to look into the issues in the power sector, they should look for the experts in the system, sit with them and discuss the way forward.

According to him, CIPEN has written a lot of memos, papers and even stated their position.

He said that most of the countries that were developed today trusted their professionals and believed in them.

” So is the government trusting the power engineers to take over the power sector? If the government is doing that, then we will  not say the responsibility is not on us.

”As it stands, we cannot take responsibility for what is not under our purview.

“We tell them this is what to do. They tell you they have their experts from other countries,” he said.

Abraham said that the only way to solve the problem in the power sector was to challenge the owners of the system who are the professionals in the country.

“You challenge them to say, we want answers. And then they give you, their terms. then you take the terms and work with it,” he said.

Abraham also said that to address the issue of epileptic electricity supply, it was required that power networks were domesticated locally in such a way that people could access them.

He said that there should be more local networks, so that people could connect their electricity supply, adding that this was where energy access comes in.

“The is where renewable energy like solar panels comes in as a way of stop gap measures where people can easily get that, especially in areas where people do not have access to the public supply.

“In some villages where you have solar system, most of them will never worry about being connected to the grid, they continue with their lives as they already have access to power.

“So, while working on the major ones to bring power supply, those ones can serve as energy access to the people,” he said.

Abraham said that CIPEN was also doing a lot by trying to collaborate with Ministries Agencies and Departments (MDAs) to see how the power sector could be enhanced. 

By Constance Athekame

How policy reform is strengthening mining industry in Ghana, Nigeria

Michael Simire
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How policy reform is strengthening mining industry in Ghana, Nigeria

Ghana has introduced transformative policy reforms over the past decade, focusing on local content development, infrastructure and equipment modernisation and investment. As a result, the country has seen a slate of projects being launched across mature sectors such as the gold, bauxite, manganese and diamond markets, as well as in emerging sectors like lithium, graphite, rare earth elements and iron ore.

Mining
Mining in Nigeria

Uniting policymakers, mining stakeholders and global partners in Accra, the upcoming Mining in Motion (MIM) conference will showcase how policy reform has impacted Ghana’s mineral market. Speakers will share updates on major projects, highlighting investment opportunities and collaborations.

Ghana’s Mining in Motion conference and summit will be held under the theme “Sustainable Mining & Local Growth – Leveraging Resources for Global Impact”.

Raw Bauxite Export Ban

Ghana announced plans to introduce a law banning the export of raw bauxite in June 2024. According to Samuel Abu Jinapor, Ghana’s Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, the law aims to support the monetisation of Ghana’s estimated 900 million tons of bauxite reserves. By focusing on value addition, the law is expected to create employment, enhance downstream and midstream infrastructure development and increase revenue through the export of high-value bauxite products.

Green Minerals Policy 

Ghana enacted the Green Minerals Policy in August 2023 to simplify entry for critical mineral industry players, foster local content development and establish a footprint in the global energy transition market. By addressing fiscal barriers, the policy is spurring new exploration and production projects. For instance, Atlantic Lithium Limited received an environmental permit from Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency for its Ewoyaa Lithium Project in September 2024, with first production slated for 2026.

Local Content and Participation Regulation 

Ghana’s Local Content and Participation Regulation, introduced in 2020, mandate the use of Ghanaian expertise, goods, services and financing in mining. The laws have facilitated increased investments from global partners by promoting faster project deployment, providing easy access to a skilled and resilient workforce and ensuring seamless entry to market services. Electrochem Ghana Limited announced plans to expand its workforce by 3,000 to boost salt production to one million metric tons.

China’s Zijin Mining Group seeks to acquire a stake in Newmont’s Akyem Gold Mine in a $1 billion acquisition deal. Canadian firm Asante Gold Corporation also announced a $525 million investment to fund its growth strategy within Ghana’s gold industry in October 2024. Meanwhile, Australian firm Atlantic Lithium is raising additional funding to untap Ghana’s lithium potential.

Equipment Tracking Regulations 

Modernising mining infrastructure is a focus of Ghana’s policy reforms. The Equipment Tracking Regulations of 2020 have enhanced operational efficiency by monitoring and regulating the use of earth-moving and mining equipment, contributing to more sustainable mining practices. As a result, production across the mining value chain has increased with the Minerals Income Investment Fund generating $1.02 billion in revenue from gold monetisation in 2024. Mining firm Goldstone Resources also reported a 34% increase in gold production at the Homase Mine as a result of infrastructure modernisation and mine expansion.

Over the past two years, Nigeria has implemented key policies and reforms to revitalise its mining industry, attract investment and strengthen the sector’s contribution to GDP.

Recent government-led initiatives have streamlined licensing processes, removed bottlenecks and simplified market entry for international investors, enhancing production across the country’s 44 solid mineral types.

As Africa’s premier mining investment event, African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 will convene Nigerian and African stakeholders with global investors and industry leaders to drive deal-making and accelerate sector growth.

Launch of Mineral Resources Decision Support System 

In May 2024, the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency unveiled the Mineral Resources Decision Support System to provide global investors with easy access to geological and policy data. The platform markets Nigeria’s vast mineral resources and critical infrastructure, assisting investors in making informed decisions about the country’s mining sector. By enhancing data transparency and accessibility, the system aims to streamline investment processes and boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s mining industry.

Restructuring of Ministry 

To improve efficiency, Nigeria restructured the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development in August 2023, creating two separate entities. The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development focuses on upstream activities and investment facilitation, while the Ministry of Steel Development oversees the development of steel and metallic resources to drive industrial growth. This restructuring aims to enhance sector-specific governance, attract targeted investments and accelerate the country’s mineral and steel value chain development.

Approval of Nigerian Minerals & Mining Bill 

Approved in April 2023 and currently under public review, the Nigerian Minerals & Mining Bill aims to introduce incentives for foreign investors while strengthening local content requirements. Once enacted, it will become the sector’s primary legal framework, enhancing transparency and investor confidence. The bill is also expected to modernise regulatory oversight, ensuring sustainable resource management and aligning Nigeria’s mining sector with global best practices.

Implementation of Nigeria Mineral Value Chain Regulations 

Implemented in July 2021, the Nigeria Mineral Value Chain Regulations mandates local processing of raw minerals such as gold and lithium, encouraging downstream investment. Following this policy, China’s Avatar Energy Materials Company launched a 4,000-ton-per-annum lithium processing facility in Nasarawa State in May 2024, while Ming Xin Mineral Separation Nig Ltd. is developing a lithium processing plant in Kaduna State to support EV e battery production.

These investments mark a significant step toward positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global critical minerals supply chain. Against this backdrop, AMW 2025 will provide a platform for industry leaders to explore Nigeria’s evolving mining landscape and engage with global investors. 

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