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African NOCs boost project development with innovative financing strategies

Michael Simire
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African NOCs boost project development with innovative financing strategies

African national oil companies (NOCs) are leveraging innovative financing strategies to advance oil and gas projects, ensuring continued investment despite shifting global energy markets.

Africa Energy Week
Africa Energy Week

Through various innovative strategies such as privatisation and divestment, bond issuances, development finance and resource-backed loans, NOCs are not only strengthening their financial capacity but positioning themselves at the forefront of African oil and gas development.

The African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference – taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town – will explore the impact these strategies will have on the continent’s hydrocarbon landscape. Uniting global financiers, development institutions, foreign operators and NOCs, the event will unlock a new wave of finance in African energy.

Privatisation and Divestment 

Privatisation and asset divestment have become crucial tools for African NOCs to streamline their operations and attract private capital. By selling stakes in non-core assets and partially-privatizing, NOCs are raising the much-needed capital to support oil and gas projects. Angola’s Sonangol, for example, has reaffirmed its plan to launch an Initial Public Offering (IPO), with 30% of the company’s shares expected to become available.

The IPO falls under the broader Propiv initiative by the government – aimed at reforming the economy toward a free market. The initiative will make 11 of Sonangol’s processes public through public tenders, limited tenders and IPOs.

Bond Issuances and Capital Market Financing

With the need for long-term project financing, governments and NOCs have turned to international capital markets, issuing bonds to raise funds for large-scale projects. Bond issues originating from Africa exceeded $14.8 billion in Q1, 2024, as African business and governments tap into the international bond market.

The Africa Finance Corporation acted as Global Coordinator for the issuance of a domestic dollar bond from the Nigerian government in 2024, raising $900 million. The first-of-a-kind issuance closed with 180% oversubscription, highlighting strong domestic investor confidence. Nigeria also issued a $1.7 billion Eurobond in December 2024, which was oversubscribed five-fold.

Joint Ventures

Joint ventures (JV) have proven effective strategies for NOCs to raise capital, leverage foreign technical expertise while sharing financial risk across oil and gas projects. The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has committed to pursuing innovative JVs with Eni in 2025 and beyond to fast-track oil and gas projects.

The country’s biggest oilfields – Jubilee and TEN – were developed through a JV between GNPC, Kosmos Energy, Petro SA and Jubilee Oil Holdings. JVs have served as a vehicle for Libyan oil and gas development. Mellitah Oil & Gas – a JV between the NOC and Eni – produced 403,000 barrels per day (bpd) in 2024 while Akakus Oil Operations – a JV between the NOC and Repsol – achieved record production in 2025 with 306,000 bpd.

Development Finance and Resource-Backed Loans

Development finance and resource-backed loans have become vital financing mechanisms for NOCs, particularly as access to private capital for oil and gas projects becomes increasingly challenging. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has leveraged oil-backed loans to increase its balance sheet over the years and is currently seeking a new $2-billion structure to support production growth.

The first $1 billion tranche has already been concluded with a second tranche in the works. Mozambique’s ENH leveraged development finance to fund its gas projects. Notably, the $20 billion Mozambique LNG project is expecting a $4.7 billion loan from the U.S.-Export-Import Bank to be re-approved. The project has already secured $3 billion in financing from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.

Meanwhile, Uganda and Tanzania’s NOCs are seeking an additional $3 billion in debt financing from Chinese lenders, specifically the Export-Import Bank of China and China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation, to fund the East African Crude Oil Pipeline.

“African NOCs are deploying a diverse range of financing strategies to ensure continued investment in oil and gas projects. From privatization and asset sales to bond issuances, joint ventures and development finance, NOCs are adapting to evolving market conditions while securing the necessary capital to sustain exploration and production,” states Ore Onagbesan, Programming Director, African Energy Chamber.

Brazil to host UN conference to advance global conservation of migratory wildlife

Michael Simire
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0
Brazil to host UN conference to advance global conservation of migratory wildlife

The Federal Republic of Brazil and the Secretariat of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) announced on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, that the South American country would host the Convention’s 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, from Monday, March 23 to Sunday, March 29, 2026.

Marina Silva
Ms. Marina Silva, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change of Brazil

The landmark UN wildlife conservation meeting will bring together governments, scientists, conservationists, indigenous peoples and local communities, environmental leaders, and civil society from around the world to tackle the urgent conservation challenges faced by the thousands of species of wild animals that cross international borders.  
 
“Hosting COP15 of the Convention on Migratory Species in Campo Grande reinforces Brazil’s commitment to biodiversity protection through the conservation of migratory wildlife. The Pantanal, one of the richest and most vibrant biomes in the world, will be the ideal setting for this international dialogue on conservation and sustainable development.

“It is a great honour to host this conference, and we are determined to advance effective policies to ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty and immense diversity of this fascinating part of nature. In this context of great instability in multilateralism, I reaffirm Brazil’s strong intent to build a sustainable, just, and inclusive future, and I call on everyone to make COP15 in the Pantanal a successful event,” said Ms. Marina Silva, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change of Brazil.

Brazil, a Party to CMS since 2015, is the most biodiverse country in the world. Countless species of migratory animals rely on habitats in Brazil for their survival, whether for breeding, feeding or as stopover sites on their journeys. Its natural treasures, including the Amazon rainforest, Atlantic Forest, Cerrado savanna, Pampa grasslands, and the Pantanal, support extraordinary biodiversity, including migratory animals such as the Jaguar, the Mexican Free-Tailed Bat, and the Peregrine Falcon.

Furthermore, Brazil is home to a remarkable diversity of migratory species, including sharks, rays, migratory freshwater fish, turtles, numerous families of bird species, bats, as well as small cetaceans, whales and other marine mammals.

Aware of its responsibilities as owner of such a natural heritage, Brazil has made notable strides in safeguarding its exceptional migratory biodiversity through collaboration with international conservation agreements and rigorous domestic policies. CMS Appendix I species, of which Brazil is a range state, benefit from Brazil’s extensive conservation network and proactive regional cooperation under the CMS framework.

“Migratory animals connect the planet, crossing continents, oceans, and skies in incredible journeys each year, but they are facing unprecedented pressures. CMS COP15 in Campo Grande is an opportunity to strengthen international cooperation and adopt transformative measures that will secure the future of migratory species and their vital ecosystems,” said Amy Fraenkel, CMS Executive Secretary.

From antelopes to fish, from whales to elephants, from bats to birds and even butterflies, migratory species traverse vast distances across ecosystems, playing a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance. Apart from their intrinsic value, these species are indicators of environmental health and are essential for the functioning of habitats.

They provide ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, pollination, seed dispersal, pest and disease control, and nutrient cycling, which support overall ecosystem resilience and productivity. Likewise, migratory species also provide economic benefits to indigenous peoples and local communities through ecotourism and food availability, balancing their crucial contribution to the preservation of these animals and their habitats.

But, according to the State of the World’s Migratory Species report launched last year at CMS COP14, extinction risk is growing for migratory species globally due to human activity, highlighting the urgency of enhanced global conservation efforts. The report found that the two greatest threats to migratory species are overexploitation and habitat loss.

Compounding the crisis, climate change, pollution, and invasive species continue to erode vital habitats, and 399 at-risk migratory species are not yet listed under CMS, leaving them without coordinated conservation measures.

IFAD-VCDP enlightens farmers on climate-smart agriculture

Michael Simire
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0
IFAD-VCDP enlightens farmers on climate-smart agriculture

The International Fund for Agricultural Development-Value Chain Development Programme (IFAD-VCDP) has trained field staff, farmers, and processors in VCDP states on downscaling seasonal predictions and adopting climate-smart agriculture.

Alvaro Lario
Alvaro Lario, IFAD President

The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) provided the 2025 seasonal climate predictions.

The training, which held in Nasarawa State on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, covered Anambra, Benue, Ebonyi, Enugu, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, and Taraba states.

Speaking at the Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop, Mr. Nura Lawal, Climate Change Specialist at IFAD-VCDP, said the training would equip farmers with climate-smart practices to mitigate the effects of weather variability.

Lawal stated that the programme would also update farmers on the latest agricultural technologies and equipment.

“The training covers soil management, crop rotation, pest and disease control, and efficient irrigation methods to help farmers adapt to climate change,” he said.

He explained that the pre-season training aimed to prepare extension agents and processors to guide farmers in adopting best practices throughout 2025.

“The training provides farmers with weather and climate advisory services, essential for effective planning,” he added.

Lawal noted that IFAD-VCDP’s collaboration with NiMet ensures farmers receive accurate climate information to support sustainable farming.

“At the end of the workshop, each state will develop a cropping calendar outlining on-farm and off-farm activities.

“With unpredictable weather patterns, many farmers face significant risks. This information will help them mitigate potential losses,” he said.

Ahmad Aboki, Principal Meteorologist at NiMet, presented the 2025 seasonal climate forecast.

He said the growing season in Karu Local Government Area is expected to last between 155 and 177 days, ending between Oct. 17 and 26.

“In Doma LGA, rainfall is expected to start on May 1, while in Nasarawa Egon, Lafia, and Keffi, it will commence between May 6 and 21,” he said.

He also highlighted dry spell predictions, noting that between April and June, Oyo State may experience a severe dry spell lasting over 15 days.

“While Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo, and Abia may see moderate dry spells of up to 15 days, between June and August, Cross River, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom may experience severe dry spells lasting up to 21 days.”

Aboki emphasised NiMet’s role in providing accurate weather and climate data for economic development, disaster preparedness, and early warning systems.

He reaffirmed NiMet’s ongoing partnership with IFAD-VCDP to improve crop yields and farming systems through climate adaptation.

Mustapha Baba’aji, Principal Meteorologist, noted the increasing impact of climate change in Nigeria, including extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves.

“Farmers are increasingly concerned about unpredictable rainy seasons, flooding, and damage to infrastructure and ecosystems,” he said.

Susan Akaaga, a rice farmer and processor from Benue State, praised the training for providing valuable insights into weather patterns and optimal planting times.

“This training has helped me understand when to plant for better yields,” she said.

By Felicia Imohimi

Japan to deploy joint operations command to help extinguish wildfires, death toll rises in South Korea

Michael Simire
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0
Japan to deploy joint operations command to help extinguish wildfires, death toll rises in South Korea

Japan will mobilise the newly established Joint Operations Command of the defence ministry to fight wildfires, Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani said on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

California wildfires
Wildfires

Wildfires broke out in the prefectures of Okayama, Ehime and Miyazaki, with evacuations ordered for more than 8,000 local residents.

In Okayama and Ehime, the fire spread across 300 hectares (740 acres) each.

On Monday, Japan’s Ground Self-Defence Forces were deployed to help extinguish fires, with 20 helicopters, mainly large transport Boeing CH-47 Chinook, involved in the operations.

“Responding to the challenges of a disaster that simultaneously spreads over a large area, it is necessary to effectively deploy the means of all self-defence forces,’’ Nakatani was quoted as saying.

He said this during a briefing by the Kyodo news agency.

An order to engage Joint Operations Command to firefighters operations was reportedly issued on Wednesday night.

On Monday, a Joint Operations Command was created in Japan’s Ministry of Defence to improve defence efficiency and flexibility and enhance cooperation with allies.

It would take charge of coordinating land, air and naval self-defence forces in both peacetime and contingency situations, as well as in repelling space and cyber threats.

In the event of a disaster, the defence minister will order the newly-established command, which will be headed by Gen. Kenichiro Nagumo, to manage the deployment of self-defence force units and operations.

The command will be required to daily monitor Japan’s defence situation, direct the dispatch of the army to deal with natural disasters, respond to ballistic missile launches.

It would also ensure security of Japanese citizens outside the country, respond to emergency situations, and coordinate interaction with the U.S. command.

In a related development, the death toll from the wildfires sweeping through south-eastern South Korea has risen to at least 22, with authorities fearing the numbers could continue to climb.

The official news agency Yonhap reported on Wednesday that at least 18 people had died in the south-east of the country since Tuesday afternoon.

Over the weekend, four first responders had lost their lives while battling the fires, with one person missing and two people sustaining serious injuries.

According to Yonhap, around 5,000 firefighters and more than 140 helicopters are currently in action to combat the fires, which have already destroyed some 17,000 hectares of forest.

Authorities have declared at least four counties in the region disaster zones.

The fires, which began on Friday in Sancheong County, about 250 kilometres south-east of Seoul, have caused significant destruction, with several historical sites destroyed.

Goun Temple in Uiseong, built in 681, was destroyed, Yonhap reported, adding that national treasures stored in the ancient temple had been relocated before its destruction.

The historic Hahoe village, which UNESCO declared a World Heritage site in 2010, was also threatened by the flames.

Authorities had ordered evacuations to protect residents.

The fires were fuelled by dry winds and a prolonged drought, according to officials.

Wildfires are not uncommon in South Korea during dry spells.

In recent years, both average temperatures and extreme weather events had increased in the country, significantly increasing the risk and severity of fires.

Experts view the increase in wildfires as a sign of the ongoing effects of climate change.

Africa’s economic growth will reach 3.8% in 2025 – ECA report

Michael Simire
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0
Africa’s economic growth will reach 3.8% in 2025 – ECA report

The Economic Commission for Africa’s (ECA) Economic Report on Africa (ERA) says the continent’s economic growth will recover gradually, reaching 3.8 per cent in 2025 and 4.1 per cent in 2026.

Claver Gatete
UN Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Mr. Claver Gatete

According to the report, the growth is driven by increased private consumption and improved trade performance.

The report warned that, in spite the rebound, growth remained below the level required to enhance living standards and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The ECA reiterated multiple downside risks threatening the continent’s growth prospects, including global economic tensions, an escalated U.S.-China trade war, regional and domestic conflicts, and the increasing frequency of climate shocks.

“While Africa’s debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio is projected to decline from 67.3 per cent in 2023 to 62.1 per cent in 2025, concerns persist over high debt levels.

“Also, expensive borrowing costs continue to limit essential development spending, prompting calls for reforms in the global financial system,” it said.

On poverty, the report said the proportion of Africans living in extreme poverty (below 2.15 dollar per day) was declining.

It said the absolute number of people in poverty had risen to an estimated 468 million, worsened by recent economic crises.

The report also emphasised the urgent need for climate action, citing that, in 2022, weather, climate, and water-related hazards affected more than 110 million Africans, causing economic losses exceeding $8.5 billion.

With 76 million young Africans not in employment, education, or training, the ECA called for greater investment in skills development to harness the continent’s youthful workforce and strengthen economic resilience.

Amid concerns over global trade wars, the report said there was opportunity for Africa to enhance intra-regional trade and self-reliance through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

By Lucy Ogalue

Carbon project developers applaud ICVCM’s cookstove methodology advancements

Michael Simire
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0
Carbon project developers applaud ICVCM’s cookstove methodology advancements

The Project Developer Forum (PD Forum), representing over 50 carbon project developers worldwide, welcomes the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market’s (ICVCM) efforts to enhance the integrity of carbon markets and appreciates the clarity provided on cookstove methodologies.

Cookstove
Cookstove

These changes are regarded as an important step toward strengthening market confidence and ensuring the credibility of carbon credits.

The Integrity Council’s endorsement of three cookstove methodologies gives a clear market signal that high quality cookstove projects are an important part of the climate solution, submits the PD Forum, adding that some 2 billion people worldwide lack access to clean cooking, generating the same emissions annually as the aviation industry.

Quality clean cooking projects generate emission reductions that buyers can rely on, alongside a range of social and health co-benefits for communities, notes the group.

It adds: “While the PD Forum welcomes the Integrity Council’s announcement, we believe some decisions, such as those related to fNRB (fraction of non-renewable biomass) and the wood-to-charcoal conversion factor (WCCF), require further refinement and validation. For example, the fixed WCCF of 4:1, is overly conservative and does not fully reflect the reality of informal charcoal production in Africa – where values can reach 11:1.

“Meanwhile, the MoFuSS model for fNRB is still under validation by the CDM Executive Board. We encourage further research and alignment with ongoing discussions at the UNFCCC level, to ensure regional variations and the latest data are accurately represented in future standards.”

The PD Forum recognises that the evolving standards bring greater clarity and consistency to the market, helping buyers make more informed purchasing decisions.

“These improvements will enhance the credibility of carbon credits, reducing reputational risks and ensuring that investments drive genuine climate impact. Now is the time for buyers to engage – by supporting projects that are transitioning to these higher standards, they can secure future-proofed credits with strong environmental integrity. Transparent timelines, structured pathways, and clear guidance will be essential in making this transition smooth for both developers and buyers.”

Many project developers are said to be proactively transitioning to the latest methodologies, meaning a wave of high-quality, verifiable credits will soon be available to buyers. To maintain momentum, PD Forum says it is essential that regulatory transitions are handled carefully – without forcing changes on existing projects mid-cycle, as this could disrupt financial models and investor confidence.

“A stable regulatory environment will allow buyers to access credible, future-proofed credits while ensuring long-term market trust.”

The PD Forum says it remains committed to supporting market integrity and the transition to robust methodologies.

“We look forward to collaborating with the ICVCM and other stakeholders to ensure these adjustments are both practical and effective, enabling developers to continue delivering meaningful climate and social benefits,” the group concluded.

The PD Forum is a global network and collective voice of companies and practitioners dedicated to developing and financing greenhouse gas emission reduction projects.

With a diverse membership that spans all regions, it brings together in-depth technical expertise and practical experience with international carbon markets.

The ICVCM is an independent governance body for the voluntary carbon market, which aims to maximise its potential to finance climate solutions.

The Integrity Council enables a high-integrity voluntary carbon market that contributes to the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), by setting and enforcing a global benchmark for high-quality carbon credits – the Core Carbon Principles (CCPs). 

Nigeria Customs foils attempt to smuggle animal parts in Cross River

Michael Simire
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0
Nigeria Customs foils attempt to smuggle animal parts in Cross River

Atempt to smuggle a shocking cache of endangered animal parts into Nigeria has been thwarted by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the Mfum/Ekok border in Cross River State.

Wildlife
Seized items: two gorilla skulls, and four gorilla hands and feet

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has applauded the swift action of Customs officers, who intercepted a suspect transporting a gruesome haul from Cameroon, including 213 parrot skulls, 29 packs of parrot feathers, six eagle skulls, one pack of eagle feathers, 128 African hornbill skulls, two gorilla skulls, and four gorilla hands and feet.

Commending the operation, WCS Country Director, Andrew Dunn, emphasised the critical role of Customs in curbing the illegal wildlife trade.

“Every confiscated item represents a tragic loss for nature, but through continued vigilance and collaboration, we can fight back against wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species,” he said.

The arrested suspect, a Nigerian from Oyo State, was caught on March 12 and remains in custody pending further investigations. Customs officials reaffirmed their commitment to cracking down on illegal wildlife trade through rigorous border surveillance and enforcement.

According to Dunn, WCS has been actively supporting Nigeria’s anti-trafficking efforts, training over 100 Customs personnel since 2020 and partnering with the Elephant Protection Initiative to establish ten secure storage facilities for seized wildlife products. Since 2001, WCS has worked tirelessly to protect Nigeria’s biodiversity, with a strong presence in Bauchi and Cross River States.

Authorities urge the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities linked to wildlife trafficking, reinforcing the collective fight to safeguard Nigeria’s rich natural heritage.

By Stina Ezin, Calabar 

Bolstering support for climate reporting in developing countries

Michael Simire
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0
Bolstering support for climate reporting in developing countries

The Consultative Group of Experts (CGE) held two key meetings in Bonn, Germany, in March 2025 to bolster support for developing countries implementing the Paris Agreement’s transparency requirements. The group’s 7th informal Forum brought together 145 participants to discuss lessons learned by developing countries as they prepare their first Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs).

UN Climate
The Consultative Group of Experts (CGE) meeting in Bonn, Germany. Photo credit: UN Climate Change

These reports enable governments to build a stronger evidence base that helps refine climate policies over time, identify needs and opportunities, and allocate resources effectively.

“We are now at a critical juncture in our process, as the first BTRs are submitted and Parties prepare for the next set of reports,” said Daniele Violetti, Senior Director of Programmes Coordination at UN Climate Change, emphasising the CGE’s essential function in helping developing countries track progress on Paris Agreement implementation.

Violetti called for continued collaboration and political and financial support to ensure all Parties can submit their first BTRs, prepare for technical expert reviews, and start work on the second round of BTRs.

Julia Gardiner, Chair of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI), highlighted the importance of BTRs, describing them as vital tools for tracking countries’ implementation of national climate plans (NDCs), and providing valuable inputs into processes like the Global Stocktake.

Jenny Mager, Chair of the CGE, called on Parties to maintain momentum in submitting BTRs as soon as possible.

The CGE also provided an update on its 2024 activities, reporting progress made by developing countries in preparing their first BTRs. Representatives from South Africa, Maldives and Kazakhstan shared their experiences, discussing the challenges they faced, steps followed, and lessons learned. Representatives from partner organisations – including CBIT-GSP, UNEP, UNDP and ICAT – also offered insights into their support efforts and upcoming plans for 2025.

Lessons learned 

  • Preparing BTRs provides useful insights for revising and updating NDCs.
  • Developing countries can work towards overcoming obstacles like data gaps through strong institutional frameworks and fostering cross-departmental and stakeholder collaboration.
  • The BTR preparation process is a valuable learning opportunity, helping countries identify capacity-building needs and priorities.
  • A wide range of initiatives and resources are available to assist developing countries in preparing their BTRs.

Next Steps

Following the 7th Informal Forum, the CGE held its 13th meeting to develop its workplan for 2025. With the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) now fully operational, the CGE reaffirmed its commitment to support developing countries in meeting their transparency obligations under the Convention and the Paris Agreement.

Recognising the ongoing financial challenges, the CGE explored ways to deepen collaboration with partner organizations like CBIT-GSP, UNEP and UNDP to ensure sustained technical support throughout the year.

Discussions also focused on findings from capacity-building needs assessments, and feedback from 2024 events. Looking ahead, the CGE will expand its cooperation with the Paris Agreement Implementation and Compliance Committee (PAICC) and other constituted bodies to provide even more tailored and comprehensive support for transparency efforts in developing countries.

Established in 1999, the CGE is mandated to provide technical advice and support to developing country Parties for enhancing their institutional and technical capacity to prepare and submit national communications, biennial update reports, national greenhouse gas inventories and BTRs, as applicable, with a view to enabling improvements in their reporting over time.

Abia to reintroduce sanitary inspectors to sustain environmental cleanliness

Michael Simire
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0
Abia to reintroduce sanitary inspectors to sustain environmental cleanliness

The Abia State Government on Monday, March 25, 2025, announced its resolve to reintroduce sanitary inspectors in the state, in its bid to maintain cleanliness.

Dr Alex Otti
Dr Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State

The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, made this known during a press briefing on the outcome of the weekly State Executive Council meeting, in Umuahia, the state capital.

Kanu said that the move formed part of the ongoing Abia Clean-Up Initiative, aimed at ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for residents.

The commissioner said: “The decision to bring back sanitary inspectors stems from the understanding that a clean environment plays a crucial role in the overall health and well-being of the people.

“This initiative will be spearheaded by the state’s Ministry of Environment and the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA).”

Kanu said that over the past few months, the government had recorded significant achievements in environmental sanitation, particularly in Aba, a city once known for its poor waste management.

He noted that the streets that were previously littered with heaps of refuse had been transformed, showcasing the present administration’s commitment to a cleaner Abia.

The commissioner said that in order to sustain this progress, the sanitary inspectors would have the task of enforcing environmental health regulations, to prevent the outbreak of diseases associated with poor sanitation.

By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom

NiMet seeks stakeholders’ partnership to enhance climate-resilient economy

Michael Simire
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0
NiMet seeks stakeholders’ partnership to enhance climate-resilient economy

Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on Monday, March 24, 2025, sought stakeholders’ partnership to enhance climate-resilient economy globally.

NiMet
Prof. Charles Anosike, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) Director-General (right), and the WMO representative in Nigeria, Mr. Bernard Gomez

Its Director-General, Prof. Charles Anosike, made the call in Abuja at the commemoration of the 2025 World Meteorological Day themed “Closing the Early Warning Gaps Together”.

Anosike said such partnership would ensure that no one was left behind in accessing life-saving weather and climate information.

“I want to use this opportunity to call on all stakeholders in the weather and climate service value chain to work together, across sectors and borders, to ensure that no one is left behind in accessing life-saving weather and climate information.

“It is our collective duty to reaffirm our commitment to strengthening early warning systems and building partnerships that enhance weather and climate-resilient economic development and close the early warning gaps together.

“To our young students here today, I therefore encourage you to take an active interest in understanding the dynamics of weather and climate, as your contributions will be vital in addressing the challenges ahead.“ he said.

The NiMet D-G recalled that the commemoration of the 2025 World Meteorological Day came into force on March 23, 1950, of the Convention establishing the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).

He explained that the annual event provided a unique opportunity to reflect on the role of meteorology in building a climate-resilient society and safeguarding lives and livelihoods to strengthen early warning capabilities globally.

He said investing in early warning systems would save countless lives and livelihoods, generate ten times return on investment and strengthen economies.

He added that there was progress made in expanding early warning systems coverage worldwide as climate variability and extreme weather events continued being experienced.

He said NiMet had been engaged in strengthening forecasting and dissemination capabilities to ensure communities and individuals prepare for, respond to, and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events to support the global endeavour.

The director-general said the agency remained at the forefront of advancing early warning systems through science-based weather and climate services.

Anosike stated that NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), daily weather forecast, and bulletins, impact-based forecast and other publications had proven instrumental in disaster risk reduction across all socio-economic sectors.

According to Anosike, modernised hydrometeorological infrastructure is key to enhancing early warning and a solid step towards reducing the early warning gaps.

“At NiMet, we continue to work towards upgrading our weather systems, providing quality observation and robust weather forecasts to trigger pre-emptive measures and equip stakeholders with necessary tools to interpret early warnings and respond with early actions.

“We need to recognise and pay tribute to one of our own and an esteemed pioneer in many aspects of meteorology and climate science, Prof. Godwin Obasi, former Secretary General, World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).

“In his paper titled ‘WMO’s Role in International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction’, Obasi highlighted critical importance of research, observation, forecasting and collaborations in enhancing warning systems, risk assessment, technological exchange, public information, and training.”

The NiMet boss said that Obasi was one of the earliest scientists to recognise the role of early warnings in disaster risk management.

He said the unprecedented weather extremes in the past few years were surfacing early warning gaps like – inadequate finance and access to latest technologies, uncoordinated dissemination efforts, insecurity and maintainability of early warning systems needed to be proactively addressed.

Anosike added that closing the early warning gap required strong collaboration, coordination and cooperation between national and international partners, policymakers, the private sector, and local communities, especially the youth.

He explained that the government would not be able to do it alone.

The WMO Secretary-General, Ms. Celeste Saulo, said that the governments ought to lead the way and make collaboration the main key.

Saulo, who was represented by the WMO representative in Nigeria, Mr. Bernard Gomez, maintained that investing in National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) was about forecasting toward saving lives, strengthening economies, and securing the future.

“NMHS must remain the source of authoritative warnings, while the private sector can help drive innovation, strengthen dissemination, and enhance risk knowledge.

“The time to act is now,” Saulo said.

By Gabriel Agbeja

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