The African Development Bank (AfDB) has reiterated its commitment to boosting investments in Africa’s energy sector and scaling up climate financing through its newly launched “Mission 300 initiative” ahead of COP30.
AfDB Vice-President, Nnenna Nwabufo
AfDB Vice-President, Nnenna Nwabufo, made this known in a statement on the bank’s website at the 2025 Finance in Common Summit.
She stressed the need for urgency to address energy access challenges, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where 600 million people remain without electricity.
She underscored the critical role of Local Finance Institutions (LFIs) in bridging the energy financing gap and promoting sustainable solutions.
“LFIs are the lifeblood of our economies, possessing a unique understanding of local contexts, needs, and opportunities.
“They are essential for mobilising the necessary capital, fostering local entrepreneurship, and scaling sustainable energy projects,” she said.
Nwabufo highlighted that Mission 300, backed by the World Bank, AfDB, and other development partners was aimed at providing electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030.
”The initiative builds on commitments made during the Mission 300 Energy Summit in January, where 48 African Heads of State pledged to accelerate policy reforms and 12 countries outlined National Energy Compacts,” she said.
In spite of significant progress, she said financing remained a major challenge, particularly for last-mile connectivity and off-grid solutions.
Nwabufo said that experts at the summit underscored the need for innovative financing models, concessional funding, blended finance, and risk-mitigation mechanisms to attract private investment.
“Traditional financing models often fall short in meeting the specific needs of local communities and small-scale energy project, this is where LFIs, with their local expertise, can make a transformative difference,” she added.
With the Mission 300 initiative gaining momentum, stakeholders remain optimistic that concerted efforts and strong partnerships will drive Africa toward universal energy access by 2030.
Ogun State Government says it has sealed two firms over industrial accidents that resulted in fatalities.
Gov Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State
Chairman of the State Task Force on Environmental Compliance and Enforcement, Farook Akintunde, made this known in a statement on Thursday, March 6, 2025, in Abeokuta, the state capital.
Akintunde names the firms as: Quantum Steel Industry in Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government Area and Xinfeng Plastics Limited on the Lagos -Ibadan Expressway.
He said that Quantum Steels was shut down over an industrial explosion which resulted in fatalities, with some victims still hospitalised while Xinfeng Plastics was equally sealed after a machine operator lost his life due to electrocution.
Akintunde said that government took the decision to seal the companies in order to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the incidents and proffer solutions to avert future occurrence.
“As a government, we are determined to conduct credible and diligent investigations, including inviting external safety experts to get to the root cause of these incidents in the overriding public interest and safety.
“What is even painful is that despite state government’s regular visits to these companies to educate them on the need to adhere strictly to safety procedures, such incidents still occurred within their production lines, hence the need to close them down,” Akintunde said.
According to him, the two companies would remain shut until investigations are concluded and new safety protocols entrenched in them.
Akintunde warned other companies in the state to take safety of their workers seriously, especially those in the production line.
Africa’s role in global climate discussions recently got a boost, with conversations between the African Union (AU) and Russia signaling a new phase of collaboration.
Ongoing talks to advance equitable climate policies and ensure that Africa’s interests are better represented internationally
Mr. Ali Daoud Mohamed, Chair of the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change and Special Climate Envoy of the President of Kenya, recently led high-level discussions in Moscow, meeting with key Russian officials, including Mr. Ruslan Edelgeriyev, the Russian Presidential Representative on Climate Issues, and Mr. Alexander Novak, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia. The talks centred on bridging the gap between African climate priorities and global climate action mechanisms.
Climate Justice Takes Centre Stage
A significant point of discussion was the historical responsibility of Western nations for climate change and how Africa, despite contributing only 3% of global emissions, is being asked to make disproportionately ambitious commitments.
Mohamed stressed that many current global policies favour industrialised nations while unfairly restricting Africa’s right to develop using its natural resources.
“It is noteworthy that Africa’s historical contribution to greenhouse gas emissions is minimal. Yet, we face mounting pressure to set ambitious targets while being denied the fair use of our resources. A truly equitable approach should ensure development opportunities for all,” he said.
Russia and Africa Push Back Against Climate Trade Barriers
Another crucial topic was the impact of climate-related trade policies, particularly the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
The mechanism, which imposes additional costs on carbon-intensive imports, is seen by many African leaders as a form of economic discrimination against developing nations.
“This policy places an unfair burden on African exporters while allowing high-emission countries to maintain their advantage,” Mohamed stated.
Russia, which has also been critical of the CBAM, expressed alignment with Africa in resisting such trade barriers.
Mr. Andrey Melnichenko, Chair of the Committee on Climate Policy of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP), reinforced the need for joint action, stating that Africa’s 1.4 billion people, combined with Russia’s diplomatic and technological resources, could form a powerful force for fairer climate policies.
A Shift Towards Science-Driven Climate Action
A key takeaway from the visit was the potential for scientific and technological collaboration between Africa and Russia in climate monitoring and emissions tracking.
Russia presented findings from its National Climate Monitoring System, which suggest that its ecosystems absorb twice as much CO₂ as previously estimated.
Africa expressed interest in developing reliable carbon data systems to help strengthen its position in global negotiations.
“Accurate data on emissions and removals will be crucial in shaping Africa’s climate policies and ensuring fair climate finance allocations,” Mohamed noted.
Next Steps: A Joint Climate Action Plan
Following the discussions, both sides agreed to develop a joint work plan that will include collaboration between African and Russian businesses, technology transfers, and a fairer approach to carbon markets.
Russia emphasised the coexistence of renewable and conventional energy sources, rejecting calls to eliminate fossil fuel investments.
This aligns with Africa’s energy strategy, where a balanced transition to green energy remains crucial to economic growth.
A New Strategic Alliance?
The AU’s engagement with Russia on climate matters comes when African nations seek to diversify their international partnerships beyond traditional Western allies. As the global climate landscape evolves, this partnership could redefine Africa’s role in climate diplomacy and set a precedent for future collaborations that prioritize fairness, economic development, and sustainability.
With Africa’s voice growing louder on the global stage, the continent is making it clear: climate action must be just, inclusive, and reflective of Africa’s right to development.
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, approved the construction of First Bank’s 43-storey building headquarters within the Eko Atlantic City
Vice President Kashim Shettima with other dignitaries during the groundbreaking ceremony for the First Bank 43-storey headquarters at Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island in Lagos on Wednesday
Sanwo-Olu, while presenting the certificate of approval to First Bank, commended the effort of the management of the bank toward sustaining the bank’s legacy over the years.
He gave the commendation during the groundbreaking ceremony of the First Bank’s 43-storey headquarters performed by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The governor appreciated Mr. Gilbert Chagoury and his brother, Mr. Ronald Chagoury, owners of Eko Atlantic City, for the transformative role they played in developing the city.
He invited other financial institutions to emulate what First Bank had done while promising thqt the state government would continue to create the right environment for businesses to thrive.
“We want to see the tower on a month-on-month rising out of the sun of the aquatic city. I will be presenting the certificate of approval for the bank to begin the construction of the 43-storey building.
“I invite the Managing Director of First Bank to come forward and receive the certificate, so that they know that we are doing it properly. From tomorrow, start the construction.
“We want the Chagoury brothers to give other financial institutions approval as well. If they have not bought their land.
“You will be given generous payment plan so that you can start your own development as well.
“Lagos and First Bank have had about 13 decades of relationship and I must state that this Eko Atlantic City is one of the wonders of Lagos. It is going to accommodate more corporate organisations,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu, Chief Executive Officer of First Bank Holdings, said the journey of the bank could be defined by resilience, adaptability and commitment to its customers.
He described the groundbreaking ceremony as a momentous occasion which signifies the bank’s commitment to repositioning it for the future.
“This groundbreaking ceremony is a momentous occasion for us, signifying our commitment to repositioning sturdily as ‘the’ Bank for the future.
“This new head office complex is not just about a modern architectural masterpiece; it is about reimagining banking for generations yet unborn.
“It will serve as a hub for financial innovation, digital transformation and operational excellence; ensuring that FirstBank remains ahead in an era where technology is reshaping the industry.
“The 43-storey edifice will become the tallest building in Nigeria and West Africa upon its completion.
“It will be a symbol of strength, embodying the progress we have made as an institution and reflecting our ambition to set new benchmarks in service delivery, operational efficiency and customer experience.
Mr. Femi Otedola, Chairman, Board of Directors, First Bank Holdings, said that the building represented a significant milestone in the history of Lagos and Nigeria.
He assured everyone that First Bank would continue to build a legacy to behold as it moves further to focusing on becoming customer-centric bank
He said: “I am extremely grateful to President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for their unalloyed support for this project and for creating a conducive environment for doing business in Lagos.
“I also appreciate the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, for his remarkable effort in maintaining the stability and growth of Nigeria’s banking industry.”
Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State promised to continue to support the bank.
“This is a bold and audacious move by First Bank. This is what tenacity does. Even with over 700 branches across the world, it stands as a financial institution with the largest network.
“This building, upon completion, can be an incubation centre for learning in the financial sector. We will continue to support First Bank, and I congratulate Odetola and Alebiosun for being dodged.”
Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State also lauded the effort of the bank.
He saluted those who had contributed to the growth of the bank since its creation in 1894, noting it had evolved to being a generational bank.
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), on Tuesday, March 4, 2024, hosted students and faculty members from the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel, and the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
The visiting students
The Director, Public Affairs, LAWMA, Mrs. Folashade Kadiri, who said this in a statement, added that the visit was part of the two universities study tour on urban challenges and environmental sustainability.
She said the delegation, led by Prof. Lynn Schler, Head of the African Studies Department at Ben-Gurion University, Israel, was welcomed by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin.
She said that Gbadegesin provided the visitors an overview of LAWMA’s role in ensuring cleanliness across Lagos and its efforts to promote environmental sustainability.
She quoted Gbadegesin as saying that LAWMA, established in 1977, emerged from the need to address the state’s waste crisis experienced earlier.
He added that the agency’s operations aligned with the THEMES+ agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, with emphasis on health and environment.
Gbadegesin identified climate change as a major challenge, contributing to the influx of migrants to the state.
He noted that LAWMA was working on integrating them into the waste management system in the state, through the “Last Man Collector” initiative.
“We have approximately 3,000 scavengers at the Olusosun dumpsite alone. So far, we have enumerated about 5,000 of them, and our goal is to transition them to be better structured in the waste collection roles,” Gbadegesin said.
He disclosed LAWMA’s plan to establish an upcycling centre in Otto, one of the state’s oldest communities, with the aim of training young people in upcycling and other sustainable waste management practices.
He said the initiative was geared at shifting from simply cleaning the state to implementing sustainable solutions that prevent waste from reaching public spaces.
Kadiri quoted Schler as commending LAWMA’s waste management and environmental sustainability initiatives, applauding the authority’s leadership and forward thinking strategies.
“If this were the only activity on our study tour, it would have been entirely worthwhile. The leadership and forward-thinking strategies at LAWMA are truly inspiring,” Schler said.
Kadiri said Shira Lahav, a student of Ben-Gurion University, expressed her excitement about the programme, emphasising the importance of international collaboration.
“This experience exceeded my expectations. Learning about Lagos and its waste management system has been incredibly insightful,” Lahav said.
Kadiri also quoted a history and strategic studies student from UNILAG, Femi Anjola, who joined the Israeli students on the tour, admitted that she knew little about how waste collection worked in Lagos before the visit.
Anjola said, “I have seen PSP operators in my area, but today, I have gained a much deeper appreciation of the system.”
Kadiri said the event also featured a question-and-answer session, where the students and faculty members engaged with Gbadegesin on critical issues bordering on LAWMA’s operations.
She added that the session provided valuable insights into the challenges and solutions shaping waste management in one of Africa’s most populous cities.
In what looks like a groundbreaking initiative, Climagraphy, a leading media organisation dedicated to climate and environmental storytelling, is set to host its first-ever community-centred photo exhibition.
Mayowa Adebote
The exhibition, featuring the works of Nigerian documentray photographer, Mayowa Adebote, is titled “The Current: Lagos is rising, the sea too!” and aims to bring climate change realities to the forefront through powerful visual storytelling, placing the voices of affected communities at the heart of the narrative.
Unlike traditional photo exhibitions that are often held in galleries and upscale venues, The Current will take a unique, immersive approach by transforming dilapidated structures into exhibition spaces, bringing climate stories directly to the communities most impacted by environmental changes. This initiative is designed to not only showcase compelling imagery but also to create a platform for dialogue, engagement, and advocacy among policymakers, climate experts, and local residents.
Bridging the Gap Between Policy and People
Nigeria’s coastal and riverine communities are on the frontlines of climate change, facing challenges such as rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and displacement. Through vivid photography, firsthand accounts, and interactive sessions, The Current will provide an in-depth look at how these environmental changes are reshaping lives and livelihoods.
Adebote, who is the Creative Director of Climagraphy, said: “This exhibition is more than just a display of images; it is a movement to ensure that the people experiencing climate change firsthand are not only seen but heard. We aim to bridge the gap between climate science, policy, and public engagement by creating an experience that is accessible and impactful.”
A Platform for Collective Action
Beyond photography, the exhibition will feature panel discussions, workshops and training for locals and aimed at fostering collaboration among key stakeholders. The event is expected to draw participation from environmental organisations, policymakers, researchers, and the media, all working together to drive solutions for climate resilience and adaptation.
As part of its commitment to accessibility, The Current will take place in an open, community-friendly setting from April 4 to 5, 2025, in Akodo-Ise Community, ensuring that local residents can engage directly with the exhibition and contribute to the conversation.
Call for Partnerships and Support
Climagraphy is actively seeking partnerships with organisations, institutions, and individuals who are passionate about environmental advocacy and community-driven solutions. “This is a call to action for all stakeholders committed to climate justice and resilience,” said Adebote, adding: “We invite potential partners, funders, and media allies to join us in making The Current a success.”
The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) Rivers State Chapter, on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, reaffirmed its commitment to playing a leading role in driving sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Nigeria.
President, Nigeria Association of Women Engineers, awarding Scholarship to students
Dr Adebisi Osim, the President of the Association, said this during the a programme organised by the APWEN, in commemoration of the World Engineering Day for sustainable development in Port Harcourt.
Osim described the theme, “Unleashing the Power of Engineers to Advocate the Sustainable Development Goals”, as a call to action.
She said that it reminded the world of the indispensable role of engineers in shaping a sustainable, inclusive, and technologically advanced world.
According to her, the role of women engineers in leading a transformation and diverse solution in the SDG is apt.
“Women bring unique perspectives, creativity, and problem-solving skills that are crucial in designing sustainable systems.
“This is why ‘STEM for All’ is not just a slogan but a movement that seeks to empower young girls, as well as boys, mentor future engineers, and dismantle barriers to inclusivity in our profession.
“Engineering is the foundation of human progress, and as we strive towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we must recognize the immense responsibility we bear,” she said.
Osim explained that engineering as a catalyst for the 17 SDGs challenged engineers to address some of the world’s most pressing issues such as poverty, climate change, clean water, affordable energy, and resilient infrastructure.
She stated that engineers were at the heart of providing solutions, from designing smart cities to developing renewable energy sources and innovating in healthcare and agriculture.
The president mentioned some unique challenges faced by engineers as energy security, climate adaptation, infrastructural deficits, and digital transformation.
“However, these challenges present opportunities for engineering ingenuity.
‘’We must rethink our approach, leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, green energy solutions, and sustainable construction practices to drive impactful change,” Osim stated.
She called on public-private partnerships, academia, policymakers, and industry leaders to work together and create an enabling environment for engineering solutions.
Osim also urged government to support researches and innovations, while industries embrace sustainable practices.
She also advised engineers to advocate for ethical engineering practices that prioritise environmental sustainability, social impact, and economic growth.
“As we mark this World Engineering Day, let us commit to promoting STEM education and inspiring the next generation of engineers, particularly young women.
’’And also driving innovation in sustainable solutions that address our local and global challenges,” she said.
In his keynote address, Dr. Promise Elechi, a don, spoke on the theme, “Engineering Tomorrow: Harnessing Innovation for Sustainable Development Goals.”
He said that engineers were the major key players in achieving the 17 items of the SDGs by the global world.
Elechi, also a lecturer with the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Rivers State University (RUST), stated that engineers should be fully involved in driving the SDGs, particularly in Nigeria.
“Engineers are innovators; we are key players in everything in the development; advancement of the economy revolves around the engineering profession despite the different fields of endeavors,” he said.
Elechi mentioned some of the challenges faced by engineers as lack of funding, government support and enabling environment and urged government to collaboroate with them and respond to their needs.
Among the 20 schools invited for participation, 14 schools were in attendance while four students from different schools won the scholarship award.
The four students who received the award are respectively from Government Craft Secondary School, Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borokiri, Government Secondary Schools, Rumeprikom, and Stella Maris Secondary, all in Port Harcourt.
The awardees are Deborah Peter who came first, the second was Lawson Jane, the third, Malachi Emeka while Sampson Emmanuelle came fourth.
The Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) has described the planned “forced” migration of lower bands of electricity consumers to the Band A by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) as insensitivity to the plight of Nigerians who are being made to shoulder the failure of the power sector privatisation carried out in 2013.
Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu
RDI believes the decision will further widen the number of Nigerians facing energy poverty with grave implications on businesses, health care services and the overall development of the nation.
RDI position is coming on the heels of last Thursday’s announcement of the plans by Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and the barrage of condemnations it has garnered from various groups including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) which is planning a nationwide showdown to stop the plans going forward.
In a statement issued in Lagos, RDI Executive Director, Philip Jakpor, said: “It is very unfortunate that at a time that the World Bank has rated Nigeria the country with the largest absolute electricity access deficit, with 45 per cent of the population (90 million) lacking access to the electricity grid, the present administration is doing everything to push more Nigerians into darkness.”
Jakpor said that RDI position aligns with that of the NLC which has described the ongoing problems in the power sector as systematic exploitation and economic violence against ordinary Nigerians.
“How else can you explain a power sector privatisation which has only unleashed huge costs on the ordinary citizens, incessant power outages and collapse of the national grid, large disparities in access between urban areas and rural areas and the forced closure of 25 percent of manufacturing firms according to the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria?
“To further rub salt on injury, the banding of Nigerians into different categories of beneficiaries of electricity is in itself a class system that ensures that only the rich who can afford the astronomical costs can have electricity at the expense of the poor that are barely surviving.”
Jakpor pointed out that the indices nationwide are in the negative as residents of many communities where the gas that ultimately feed power plants hundreds of kilometers away are sited do not even get a flicker of light.
He insisted that the way forward is a reversal of the power sector privatisation and adoption of a multi-pronged approach that incentivises investments in renewable energy to complement the national grid within a public public partnership framework that leverages resources and expertise of successful models of public sector solutions.
“Increasing tariffs will only add to the burdens of Nigerians and sustain the culture of groping in the dark which the privatisation of the sector has unleashed. This drama is no longer acceptable,” Jakpor insisted.
The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has restated its commitment to ensuring the use of energy efficient air conditioners with climate friendly refrigerants.
The Director-General, Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi (fifth from right) flanked by other dignitaries during the workshop in Abuja
The commission said that the air conditioner which is climate friendly be used in residential, commercial and public buildings.
Dr Mustapha Abdullah, Director-General of the commission, made this known at a stakeholder’s workshop on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, in Abuja.
Abdullahi said that the workshop is to showcase project achievements and present the content of the approved air condition minimum energy performance standards.
According to Abdullahi, the use of energy efficient air conditioners aligns with Nigeria’s climate targets in the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
Abdullahi said that the Commission in partnership with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) is implementing the project titled “Scaling up Energy-Efficient and Climate-Friendly Cooling in Nigeria’s National Determined Contribution Revision”.
“This is supported financially by the Clean Cooling Collaborative (CCC). The ECN has been implementing the Project since 2022,
“We are committed to its objectives of accelerating the use of energy efficient air conditioners with climate friendly refrigerants aligning with Nigeria’s climate targets in the NDC.
“I want to express my gratitude to Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) for the support given to the Project Team in the review of the minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for air conditioners (ACs) under this Project, as this was one of the major deliverables of the Project.
“I have been informed that the new MEPS for ACs has been approved by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“The implementation and enforcement of this landmark standard will bring both economic and environmental benefits to the nation as this will lead to energy savings for individuals and national savings for the country,” Abdullahi said
He said that the developments would lead to reduction in energy demand and increase energy access.
The D-G also said that there is the need to communicate the success made in the project to the Nigerian public and also showcase its achievements to stakeholders.
The workshop is organised by ECN in partnership with Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Mr. Jose Carbajosa, UNEP representative, in his remark said that the project’s overall goal is to accelerate the use of energy-efficient air conditioners with climate-friendly refrigerants.
Carbajosa said that improving the energy efficiency of air conditioners and promoting the use of low global warming potential refrigerants will have significant environmental and climate change benefits.
“With Nigeria’s new Minimum Energy Performance Standards for air conditioners, the stage is set to have 11.5 TWh of energy annually by 2040.
“This is a game change for Africa, and it will allow Nigeria to be a leading example in the continent,”
“The success of this project was anchored on the principles of inter-organisational collaboration. I want to encourage all the agencies that were involved to continue with this synergetic spirit,” Carbajosa said.
Dr Okeke Ifeayi, Director General of SON, said that the organisation has been working with ECN and others to ensure the standardisation of the air conditioners.
The SON DG was represented by the Group Head, Electrical Electronics, Lawal Ismaila, who said that SON has two certification schemes; for goods imported and for local manufacturers.
He also said that the gases from the old model air conditioners are not ozone and environmentally friendly.
An environmentalist, Chief Alagoa Morris, has said that the Feb. 16, 2025, oil leak from Shell’s pipeline in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State has raised the toxicity of Obololi River leading to death of fishes.
Chief Alagoa Morris
Morris said on Wednesday, March 5, in Yenagoa, the state capital, that the pollution caused by the leak was massive and affected the biodiversity in a negative way.
Morris, who is also the Technical Adviser to the Bayelsa Governor on Environment, said that a team he led on a field trip to the impacted areas showed empirical evidence of abnormal toxicity of the waters.
“I led a team to the spill site and witnessed oil industry induced pollution first hand and the evidence of pollution starred us in the face.
“We saw a lot of dead fishes, from the pungent smell of crude everywhere, the respiratory health of the community people are in jeopardy in addition to the water pollution,” Morris said.
Morris explained that the impact of the spill had adversely affected the predominantly fishing and farming occupation of the Obololi people.
The National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) traced the source of the leak to a 16 inch Nun River-Kolo Creek underwater pipeline operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).
It was learnt from Obololi community sources that recovery of spilled crude into plastic tanks was already ongoing.
Mr. Michael Adande, a Spokesman for SPDC, earlier said that the oil firm has shut oil feeds into the leaking pipeline.
Adande pledged to update on relief, remediation and response efforts but has yet to do so.
