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Nigeria approves minimum performance standard for air conditioners to boost energy efficiency

Michael Simire
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Nigeria approves minimum performance standard for air conditioners to boost energy efficiency

The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the rollout of new Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS) and energy labelling for air conditioners (ACs) so cooling is more energy efficient, affordable and environmentally friendly.

ECN
UNEP-U4E’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment expert (middle) instructing technicians and engineers on end-of-life management of Air Conditioners during a workshop at Government Technical College, Kano State, Nigeria

Air conditioners are among the highest energy-consuming appliances, accounting for over 40 percent of household electricity usage and much of that is wasted due to outdated technology, which is common, locally. The newly approved standard, aligned with international best practices, will help ensure that Nigeria is home to modern appliances which use electricity more optimally than outdated models with power savings that can be redirected to other sectors of the economy.

The standard also helps ensure that more climate-friendly refrigerant gasses are used in the equipment, consistent with the government’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the Paris Climate Agreement.

The new standard was developed under the project “Scaling Up Energy-Efficient and Climate-Friendly Cooling in Nigeria’s NDC Revision” implemented by the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) with technical support from the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) United for Efficiency (U4E) team and funding from the Clean Cooling Collaborative (CCC), and in collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).

The MEPS will be implemented in phases, enhancing energy efficiency and transitioning refrigerant gasses used in the equipment. Three efficiency steps will come into effect over time using the Nigeria Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (NSEER), an international test method tailored for local weather conditions. From a current performance baseline, energy efficiency must improve 6% by 2026, 36% by 2029, and 48% by 2031.

“Nigeria’s new energy efficiency standard for air conditioners, set to save 11.5 TWh of energy annually by 2040, are a game-changer for Africa. By reducing energy consumption and emissions by 39 million tonnes of CO₂ over the next 15 years, Nigeria is not only lowering costs for consumers but also leading the way toward a more sustainable and greener economy for the continent,” said Dr. Rose Mwebaza, Africa Director and Regional Representative, UNEP.

The transition to climate-friendly refrigerants will also be guided by an upper limit on global warming potential, set to take effect in 2029.

Commenting on this development, the Director-General of the ECN, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, described the newly approved MEPS as a game changer.

“For ECN, we believe that many Nigerians are paying excessive amounts for operating cooling systems. By setting an efficient standard for air conditioning, we are taking steps make use of this vital equipment more affordable and accessible while caring for the environment,” he said.

Following approval of the MEPS, the ECN Director-General emphasised that enforcement would be key. This includes ensuring that labels are provided to manufacturers and importers of air conditioning systems, a process that is currently under discussion by the government He also highlighted the importance of raising awareness among Nigerians about the benefits of energy-efficient products, helping consumers make informed decisions about their energy use.

“The people who consume large amount of electricity, need to understand the benefits of purchasing energy-efficient and climate friendly air conditioning systems.  To enhance awareness campaigns, the ECN plans to expand its outreach to sub-national regions, educating consumers about the new MEPS and the impact of their current energy usage on electricity costs. We will also engage vendors, assemblers, and marketers to present solutions,” said Dr. Abdullahi.

“In fact, we are already taking action. We recently held a meeting with Daikin which is one of the largest air conditioner manufacturers globally. Like many companies operating in Nigeria, Daikin recognises the importance of adopting and enforcing the new MEPS and labelling. Given the size of Nigeria’s market, aligning with rigorous international requirements ensures consistency and competitiveness.

“We are confident based on our in-depth market review and consultations with industry that by 2026, all air conditioners entering the country will meet the standard set by the ECN and SON in collaboration with UNEP U4E. This is a significant step in addressing one of the major challenges in the power sector – reducing energy waste in an affordable manner for consumers and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions,” added Abdullahi.

Abdullahi further emphasised that the government remains committed to driving the energy efficiency agenda and promoting environmentally sustainability in the cooling sector. He also revealed that plans to develop a standard and labelling for refrigeration appliances, currently the second-largest consumers of household energy in Nigeria, are already underway.

“UNEP U4E is proud of this accomplishment following years of hard work supporting the Federal Government of Nigeria in its pursuit of sustainable cooling and environmental solutions. We look forward to building on this solid foundation to address additional opportunities around new products and proper training on handling of equipment at the end of its useful life. Alongside regulatory efforts, we are supporting a new consumer finance programme with UNDP to help make the most efficient products more affordable and accessible through the newly launched AGORA project,” noted Brian Holuj, Programme Manager of UNEP U4E.

“As Africa’s largest cooling market and one of the fastest-growing cooling markets in the world, Nigeria’s new standard are a big deal and will ensure that every new air conditioner sold is an efficient one and that the country is no longer a dumping ground for energy-wasting models,” said Noah Horowitz, Senior Director of the Clean Cooling Collaborative which provided funding support for this work.

“By significantly reducing cooling-related energy consumption, this standard will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also lower household utility bills across the country, and we hope this bold action serves as a blueprint for other nations in the region to follow,” added Horowitz.

Togolese agency, ODEF, accredited as National Implementing Entity by Adaptation Fund

Michael Simire
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Togolese agency, ODEF, accredited as National Implementing Entity by Adaptation Fund

The Adaptation Fund (AF) Board has officially accredited a government agency in Togo, the Office de Développement et d’Exploitation des Ressources Forestières (ODEF), as a National Implementing Entity (NIE) for the Fund.

Mikko Ollikainen
Mikko Ollikainen, Head of the Adaptation Fund

The accreditation enables ODEF to access funding for climate adaptation projects in Togo through the AF, affirming its capabilities to design, develop and implement such projects for vulnerable communities while empowering country ownership in adaptation.

ODEF achieved accreditation through the AF’s innovative streamlined accreditation process, which is designed to help smaller institutions access climate finance. The process simplifies the application and assessment criteria while maintaining the Fund’s high fiduciary standards. The streamlined approach provides crucial support for institutions with limited resources to fight climate change, particularly those in small island developing states or least developed countries-as is the case with Togo, to demonstrate their capacity and address urgent adaptation needs.

The accreditation is the 6th to be made through the Fund’s streamlined accreditation process.

“The accreditation of ODEF will greatly help Togo access urgently needed grants through the Adaptation Fund to address their climate change needs,” said Mikko Ollikainen, Head of the AF. “Being a national agency, ODEF is able to receive resources directly from the AF without international intermediaries, which will enhance national ownership and capacity, and boost longer-term sustainability of Togo’s climate adaptation efforts. The streamlined process is a good example of the Fund’s innovation in opening doors to climate finance for vulnerable countries that may not have other recourse.”

As the national body responsible for managing Togo’s forestry sector, ODEF has demonstrated effective systems in financial management, procurement and project monitoring, as well as compliance with the AF’s Environmental and Social Policies – which foster human rights, biodiversity, and gender safeguards, among other principles.

Under the Ministry of the Environment and Forest Resources, ODEF focuses on sustainable forest management, including tree planting, overseeing logging operations, and collaborating with local communities to protect forest ecosystems. With this new partnership, ODEF will enhance Togo’s climate resilience, such as focusing on tackling deforestation and promoting sustainable natural resource management. By implementing projects that directly address climate impacts, ODEF will support vulnerable communities across Togo in adapting to climate change.

Since 2010, the AF has committed $1.25 billion in grants for adaptation and resilience programs in developing countries that are vulnerable to climate change, including 183 concrete projects on the ground serving 46 million total beneficiaries. About half are in Least Developed Countries or Small Island Developing States.

With new climate plans, countries could supercharge growth, fight poverty

Michael Simire
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With new climate plans, countries could supercharge growth, fight poverty

Later this year, dozens of countries that have signed the Paris Agreement are due to submit new national climate plans, or Nationally Determined Contributions. Done right, experts say these plans could not only rein in the greenhouse gases driving climate change. They could also serve as blueprints for reducing poverty, improving human health, bolstering food security and expanding energy access, all while creating trillions of dollars in investment opportunities.

Martin Krause
Martin Krause, Director of the Climate Change Division at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

“When we talk about climate change, we usually talk about what we stand to lose as the planet warms,” says Martin Krause, Director of the Climate Change Division at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). “But we need to talk more about the society-altering gains we could make by addressing climate change.”

With that in mind, here are some of the biggest benefits of climate action, according to the experts.

Climate action can create jobs and generate investment opportunities

The transition to clean energy has been called one of the greatest business opportunities since the Industrial Revolution. In 2024 alone, investments in climate-friendly energy projects reached $2.1 trillion, according to Bloomberg, and still have room to grow. Meanwhile, reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 could drive global gross domestic product 7 per cent higher, says the International Monetary Fund, and create 14 million clean energy jobs, finds the International Energy Agency.

Climate action can save lives and improve human health

Extreme weather events, which are being turbo-charged by climate change, have caused over 2 million deaths and $4.3 trillion in economic losses over the last 50 years. Slowing global warming and adapting to the impacts of climate change would reduce this growing burden. In fact, it could head off an estimated 14.5 million deaths and $12.5 trillion in economic losses, finds the World Economic Forum.

The benefits don’t stop there. Many sources of outdoor air pollution – like cars – are also sources of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. Limiting this pollution would save millions of lives and hundreds of billions of dollars in healthcare costs each year.

It can save people money

Every year, consumers and businesses waste staggering amounts of energy. That not only costs them money but also contributes needlessly to climate change.

According to the International Energy Agency, energy efficiency measures could save households globally $201 billion on electricity and gas by 2040.

Accelerating the transition to renewable energy also helps countries economize. The costs of renewable energy, such as wind and solar, are often below those of fossil fuel-fired alternatives. For example, Canada could save up to 15 billion Canadian dollars ($10.5 billion) per year in energy costs by transitioning its electricity grids to net-zero by 2050, found the International Institute for Sustainable Development. That would save the average Canadian household 1,500 Canadian dollars ($1,000) annually.

It protects nature and biodiversity

Humanity relies on nature and biodiversity for everything: from food and water to breathable air and building supplies. Over half of the world’s gross domestic product is in fact moderately or highly dependent on nature, according to the World Economic Forum.

But climate change and the loss of nature are inextricably linked. Conversion of nature, such as deforestation, is responsible for a large chunk of greenhouse gas emissions, while climate change drives phenomena such as wildfires and desertification, which destroy nature.

Sustainably managing and restoring ecosystems is a major solution to the climate crisis. According to UNEP’s Emissions Gap Report 2024, reduced deforestation, increased reforestation and improved forest management alone could deliver around 20 per cent of the cuts needed by 2030 to meet the Paris Agreement goals. Meanwhile, restoring 15 per cent of degraded land and halting conversion could avoid up to 60 per cent of expected species extinctions.

It builds national security

Climate change is a threat multiplier to security concerns, increasing conflict over scarce resources such as water and land, and driving forced migration. At least 25 million people are predicted to migrate by 2050 as a result of climate change. Acting to lower emissions and build resilience will create better conditions for peace and reduce forced migration – easing pressures on borders and budgets – by protecting natural resources.

In addition, countries that invest in renewables and energy efficiency become less vulnerable to volatile fossil fuel prices by reducing imports.

NCDMB advocates African-wide local content framework to harmonise policies

Michael Simire
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0
NCDMB advocates African-wide local content framework to harmonise policies

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has advocated for an African-wide local content framework to harmonise policies and foster cross-border partnership for mutual prosperity in the continent.

Felix Omatsola Ogbe
Felix Omatsola Ogbe, head of the NCDMB

Mr. Felix Ogbe, Executive Secretary, NCDMB, stated this at the 2025 Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES), on Monday, February 24, 2025, in Abuja.

The theme of the summit is: “Bridging Continents: Connecting Investors Worldwide with Africa’s Energy Potential,” billed to hold from Feb. 24 to Feb. 27.

The summit provides opportunities for energy industry leaders, investors, policy makers and stakeholders for global sharing of technology, expertise, products and best practices.

Ogbe spoke on “Unlocking Africa’s Potential through Local Content: Policies, Partnerships, and Progress.”

He said the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presented an opportunity to position local content as a driver of continental industrialisation.

“NCDMB remains committed to working with our African counterparts to share best practices, co-develop industrial hubs, and create synergies that benefit the wider energy landscape.

“Unlocking Africa’s potential through local content requires unwavering commitment to capacity building, policy refinement, and strategic partnerships.

“I call on all industry stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and invest in initiatives that will make Africa self-sufficient in energy development,” he said.

Ogbe said the NCDMB, as Nigeria’s pre-eminent local content regulator, had been at the forefront of implementing initiatives that drive local capacity development in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

He said that some of the government policies had helped to shape the landscape and enabled pivotal public private partnerships.

“Local Content is not just a policy – it is a strategy for sustainable economic growth.

“At NCDMB, through strategic initiatives, we have become a model for the continent. We have demonstrated how capacity building, policy refinement, and joint partnerships can create a thriving, self-sustaining oil and gas ecosystem,” he said.

Ogbe said the board prioritised developing indigenous skills, assets and equipment ownership, and local manufacturing capabilities.

He said one of its flagship initiatives to support the above priorities was the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCIF), which provided affordable financing to support indigenous businesses in acquiring assets, expanding operations, and delivering world-class services.

He said the board’s Human Capacity Development (HCD) programmes had also continued to train thousands of Nigerians in specialised skills that aligned with industry needs.

These efforts, he said ensured that Nigeria’s energy sector was not only driven by local talent but also sustained by indigenous expertise.

He said board had developed the Project 100 Initiative, targeting capacity development for indigenous service companies with the aim to grow them to become multinational firms in the future.

“The Board provides opportunities by linking Project 100 companies to major operators. We also have business-to-business and market opportunities for these companies across the sub region.

By Emmanuella Anokam

Govt constructs 12 reference labs to monitor water quality

Michael Simire
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Govt constructs 12 reference labs to monitor water quality

The Federal Government of Nigeria has established 12 water quality reference laboratories across Nigeria as part of efforts to improve water quality monitoring and surveillance.

Prof. Joseph Utsev
Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, announced this at the opening ceremony of the inaugural Annual Water Quality Conference in Abuja on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.

Utsev, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, said the laboratories were established under the National Water Quality Reference Laboratories and Monitoring Network Programme.

He also noted the introduction of the Freshwater Restoration and Source Water Protection Programme, aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s water sources, including rivers, lakes and artificial reservoirs.

Utsev said access to safe water is a priority under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with the government committed to tackling sector challenges through partnerships and innovation.

He added that quality plays a vital role in public health, socio-economic development and environmental sustainability.

He recalled that “according to the 2021 Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene National Outcomes Routine Monitoring (WASHNORM) Report, 67 per cent of Nigeria’s population has access to basic water supply services.

“However, a significant proportion still lacks access to safely managed drinking water, with 25 per cent of the population relying on unimproved or surface water sources, which pose a high risk of waterborne diseases.”

He acknowledged that poor sanitation remains a major concern, as open defecation and indiscriminate waste disposal continue to contaminate water sources.

The minister stated that the ministry is leveraging modern technologies and collaborating with both local and international partners to enhance water quality management.

He reaffirmed government’s commitment to eradicating open defecation and ensuring improved water and sanitation standards across the country.

“To further enhance water quality assurance, the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality, the Nigerian Standards for Ambient Water Quality, and the soon-to-be-finalised Nigerian Standard for Irrigation Water Quality have been established.

“Additionally, the Community Water Safety Plan has been introduced to empower rural communities with the knowledge and tools needed to prevent water contamination.

“The ministry has also commenced the production of hydrogen sulphide vials for microbial water quality assessment, which is currently being tested in UNICEF-supported states,” he said.

Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh, the Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, reaffirmed government’s commitment to providing safe drinking water for all Nigerians, promoting public health and economic productivity.

She emphasised that ensuring water safety is a public health, economic and environmental priority.

“We all know that contaminated water is a major cause of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoea, which hinders socio-economic development.

“It is our collective responsibility to develop and implement robust policies, institutional frameworks and innovative solutions to improve water safety nationwide,” she said.

UNICEF WASH Manager, Mr Chiranjibi Tiwari, warned that two-thirds of Nigeria’s water sources are contaminated with E. coli and Salmonella, causing severe waterborne diseases like cholera.

He cited a 2021 WASHNORM data, reporting 111,000 cholera cases and 3,600 deaths, with outbreaks persisting, including in Lagos, a traditionally low-risk area.

He warned that contaminated water threatens public health, education and productivity, stressing the need for urgent, coordinated action to achieve SDG 6 on Universal Clean Water Access.

He also linked safe water access to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, warning that failure to act would hinder national progress.

Tiwari called for stronger collaboration among development partners, NGOs, civil society, academia, media and the private sector.

He urged stakeholders to form structured partnerships, particularly with the private sector, to develop household water treatment technologies and public awareness campaigns to promote safer water practices.

The UNESCO representative, Dr Enang Momah, warned that water pollution could pose serious risks to health, food production, ecosystems and economic growth.

She highlighted the impact of untreated wastewater, industrial chemicals and emerging pollutants, exacerbated by climate change.

Without improved water monitoring, she cautioned, 4.8 billion people could face health risks by 2030, stressing the urgency of pollution control and better wastewater treatment to prevent diseases like cholera and schistosomiasis.

She reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment to supporting Nigeria through its Intergovernmental Hydrology Programme (IHP) and technical expertise.

Representatives of WaterAid, ministries of health and environment, and other partners delivered goodwill messages.

By Tosin Kolade

UK pledges £204m for Nigeria’s agriculture growth

Michael Simire
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0
UK pledges £204m for Nigeria’s agriculture growth

The United Kingdom (UK) Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has expressed readiness to leverage £204 million in private sector finance and investment into agriculture in Nigeria.

Adiya Ode
Mrs. Adiya Ode, Country Representative for Propcom+

Mrs. Adiya Ode, Country Representative for Propcom+, a programme funded by the UK FCDO, disclosed this in Katsina on Monday, February 24, 2025, during a stakeholders’ meeting.

According to her, Propcom+ is UK Aid’s eight-year climate-resilient agricultural market development programme.

It aims to support economic growth for smallholders and SMEs in conflict- and climate-affected regions.

“We’re improving the resilience of smallholders and small-scale entrepreneurs to climate change while increasing productivity and incomes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and maintaining natural ecosystems.

“The programme, which runs from 2023 to 2030, supports climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture and forestry that benefits people, the climate and nature.

“It also aims to transform Nigeria’s rural economy by addressing environmental, social and economic challenges in the country’s food and land-use system,” Ode said.

Ode explained that the programme will achieve this by increasing productivity, improving nutrition and food security, enhancing climate resilience, reducing emissions, and protecting nature.

“It will also help tackle some of Nigeria’s underlying drivers of conflict and insecurity, supporting sustainable, pro-poor, climate-resilient growth in selected rural markets.

“We work as a ‘market facilitator’, identifying constraints in market systems and enabling changes that help rural markets benefit poor and climate-vulnerable smallholders and entrepreneurs.

“Propcom+ aims to increase the incomes and climate resilience of 3.79 million poor and vulnerable Nigerians, 50 per cent of whom will be women.

“The programme aims to support over four million people in adopting sustainable agricultural practices while about £95 million was earmarked for the programme,” she added.

She revealed that the programme is already active in Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Bauchi, Plateau, Gombe and Adamawa. Katsina has just been approved as a beneficiary.

Ode said this development followed a meeting between Gov. Dikko Radda and the FCDO, where they discussed the programme’s implementation in Katsina.

“Today, we had a very good meeting with farmers, businessmen, processors, academics, women’s groups and cooperatives.

“They support the decision to implement the programme in Katsina.

“In the coming days, we’ll meet government officials to better understand the challenges and how we can address them,” Ode stated.

According to her, Propcom+ aims to tackle three major challenges: low agricultural productivity, conflict over natural resources, and the impact of climate change.

She noted that the programme seeks to transform the rural economy and increase smallholder farmers’ and SMEs’ incomes, ensuring people can earn a decent living and reduce poverty.

By Abbas Bamalli

Trump calls for Keystone XL pipeline plans to be revived

Michael Simire
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0
Trump calls for Keystone XL pipeline plans to be revived

U.S. President Donald Trump has called for the revival of the Keystone XL pipeline, which would carry oil from Canada to the U.S.

Donald Trump
Donald Trump

Trump took to his online platform Truth Social to urge the company building the pipeline to come back to America.

“The Trump administration is very different, easy approvals, almost immediate start.

“If not them, perhaps another pipeline company. We want the Keystone XL pipeline built,’’ he said.

The pipeline, first proposed in 2008, has been controversial from the start.

It would carry crude oil from oil sands in Alberta, Canada to Nebraska in the Midwestern U.S., where it would link up existing pipelines that connect to the Gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi River.

It was opposed by environmental groups and native American tribes.

A long-standing  battle between the oil industry and environmentalists trickled into politics and U.S. and Canadian courts.

Then U.S. president, Barack Obama, rejected the project in 2015 due to environmental concerns before Trump revived it during his first term in office.

Then, in one of his first actions as U.S. president in 2021, Joe Biden revoked Trump’s permit for the pipeline, stating that its construction was not consistent with his administration’s economic and climate goals. 

UN biodiversity talks resume in Rome after failure to agree last year

Michael Simire
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0
UN biodiversity talks resume in Rome after failure to agree last year

The UN Biodiversity Conference opened on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, in a renewed attempt to reach an agreement, four months after delegates failed to strike a deal due to disagreements over financing issues.

UN Biodiversity
The resumed session is being held at the FAO headquarters in Rome

In November 2024, the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) in Cali, Colombia, ended without an agreement after disputes about funding and the implementation of previous resolutions.

This time, the delegates have three days to agree on the issues.

The Colombia talks focused on the technical implementation of the global biodiversity conservation agreement as well as on financing issues.

The participating states agreed in 2022 on 23 goals to be achieved by 2030.

Among these was an agreement to protect at least 30 per cent of the world’s land and marine areas.

Only 17.6 per cent of the world’s land areas and 8.4 per cent of its waters are protected, according to the UN Environment Programme.

In addition, industrialised countries are to provide around 20 billion dollars annually by 2025 for the protection of biodiversity.

The main point of contention in Cali was how to distribute financial support for the countries of the Global South.

A further problem at the Colombia meeting was that by the end of the two-week talks, so many negotiators had left that not enough people were present to make decisions.

A fact slammed as a “disgrace’’ by environmentalists.

The resumed session is being held at the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation headquarters in Rome.

NCDMB commends SPDC for Nigerian content milestone as mooring buoys are fabricated in Warri

Michael Simire
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0
NCDMB commends SPDC for Nigerian content milestone as mooring buoys are fabricated in Warri

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has commended The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) for the in-country fabrication of two Single Point Mooring (SPM) buoys by Prime Sources Limited (PSL,) an indigenous company based in Warri, Delta State.

Shell
Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe (third from left), with officials of NCDMB, SPDC and Prime Sources Limited at the work yard in Warri, Delta State, where the SPM (in the background) was fabricated.

SPMs are floating facilities used for loading liquids and gas offshore and were first fabricated locally for the Bonga floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd (SNEPCo) in 2006 by Dorman Long Engineering Limited with headquarters in Lagos. 

SPDC awarded the contract for the two buoys to the indigenous company, PSL, which is delivering the facilities in line with world-class quality standards as attested to by the International Registrar and Classification Society in Norway, Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and a team of resident engineers from IMODCO, PSL’s technical partner in France. The buoys will be installed offshore at Bonny and Forcados terminals this year.

“Awarding such a technically complex scope to a local contractor highlights SPDC’s commitment to local content development,” NCDMB Executive Secretary, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, said when he toured the project site at the Julius Berger Port in Warri recently. “I want to especially commend SPDC for believing in the indigenous contractor. I commend the contractor for delivering the project in good time without any injury and the community for their support.” 

SPDC Director, and General Manager, Safety and Environment, Conventional Oil and Gas, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mrs. Elozino Olaniyan, said: “The project reiterates Shell’s commitment to the economic development of Nigeria and improving the capacity of local vendors.”

SPDC’s Domestic Gas, Forcados Yokri Integrated Project and Terminals Project Manager, Chris Ubuane, said: “We’re pleased that PSL will deliver the first buoy within a year with a team of over 90% of Nigerians performing various tasks including project management, piping and structural fabrications, scaffolding, welding, fitting, blasting and painting. SPDC will continue to work with PSL to grow their capability in buoy fabrication and maintenance.”

Managing Director Prime Sources Limited, Francis Anyakwo, thanked SPDC for the opportunity to “undertake this complex project,” and NCDMB for the support which has enabled the company to transform to a major subsea contractor in the oil and gas industry.

Secretary of the Ijaw Kingdom Traditional Council, Chief Anthony Jolomi, and representative of the Itsekiri Kingdom, Dr. Omiwere-Ete George Boyo, also expressed gratitude to SPDC for the project, pledging that the community would continue to provide an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the area.

Southern Africa vultures provide $1.8bn worth of ecosystem services annually – Report

Michael Simire
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0
Southern Africa vultures provide $1.8bn worth of ecosystem services annually – Report

A new report documenting the economic value of ecosystem services provided by vultures in Southern Africa has been launched by BirdLife International, marking a significant milestone in understanding the role of vultures in the ecosystem. According to the report, which focused on Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia, vultures provide ecosystem services including bequest values, sanitation and pest control services, totalling to $1.8 billion per year.

Vultures
Vultures

Africa is home to 11 species of vultures. Seven face the risk of extinction, listed as Vulnerable, Endangered or Critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. Vultures, essential for maintaining ecological balance by scavenging on decaying carcasses, have experienced alarming declines, with African vulture populations plummeting by 80-97% over the last five decades, with some species facing a decline of over 92%.

The main threats include poisoning (responsible for 61% of recorded vulture deaths across Africa); belief-based use (29%); and electrocution by energy infrastructure (9%). Halting and reversing these declines is imperative to prevent vultures from becoming extinct.

In Southern Africa, widespread poisoning of vultures through secondary poisoning incidences at carcasses of mega-herbivores and for belief-based use pose a severe threat to vultures, with incidents such as the mass poisoning in Botswana in 2019, resulting in the death of over 500 Critically Endangered vultures. Other threats in the region include collision and electrocution by energy infrastructure, and habitat destruction among others.

The adverse decline of vultures in Asia in the 1990s due to the presence of diclofenac in carcasses, provided a window into a catastrophic scenario without vultures and the impact of the loss of the ecosystem services they provide. Thus, BirdLife International and its Partners commissioned the study to evaluate the value of vultures in the African context and the impact of not having vultures in the ecosystem.

Additionally, the report highlights other values associated with vultures and the economic value associated with them by communities living with vultures, the public (local and international) tourism players as well as rangers and parks personnel. Further, it highlights welfare loss due to not taking action to conserve vultures, equivalent to approximately $47 million per year, whereas the welfare gains from conserving vultures equates to $30 million per year.

Matthew Lewis, Head of Conservation, Africa at BirdLife International, said: “The decline of vulture populations across the continent is indeed worrying. This groundbreaking study on the economic value of vultures in the Southern Africa region is crucial inadvancing conservation efforts. BirdLife and Partners will continue to collaborate with stakeholders in the region to turn the tide for vultures in Southern Africa.”

Leeroy Moyo, Preventing Extinctions Programme Manager at BirdLife Zimbabwe, said: “As BirdLife Zimbabwe, this report is intended to support policy advocacy for vulture conservation. It seeks to enhance awareness among local communities and stakeholders regarding vultures’ essential role in maintaining ecosystem health and promoting human well-being. By integrating these findings into national conservation strategies, we aim to continue mitigating threats such as poisoning, habitat loss, and illegal trade, thereby ensuring a sustainable future for vulture populations in Zimbabwe and the ecosystems they support.”

Mary Malasa, Programme Manager at BirdWatch Zambia, said: “It was particularly interesting to interact with local communities and gain firsthand insights into their perspectives while collecting this data. Quantifying vultures’ role as nature’s cleanup strengthens the case for their conservation. This valuation will serve as a tool not only to raise awareness but ensuring that the role of vultures in the ecosystem is appreciated.”

BirdLife and Partners hope that this study will be instrumental in promoting vulture conservation efforts in the Southern Africa region, through provision of critical information on the economic value of vultures and encourage improved efforts in Southern Africa through increased collaborations among governments, civil society, academia, and local communities.

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