The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) on Friday, February 21, 2025, announced that it has shut crude feeds into the 16-inch Nun River-Kolo Creek crude trunkline.
Obololi spill site
The development follows an oil leak on the pipeline at Obololi community, a coastline community along the River Nun in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area in Bayelsa State.
Mr. Chukuwemka Woke, Director-General, National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) had said that the spill occurred on Feb. 16 and was reported on Feb. 17.
The shutdown was announced in a statement by Mr Michael Adande, a Spokesman for SPDC in a reaction to response request after the spill.
According to the statement, the shutdown had stopped the leak while remediation efforts are ongoing to contain the spread of the crude and its impact on the environment.
Adande said: “The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), operator of the SPDC Joint Venture (SPDC JV), confirms that its Oil Spill Response Team has identified a leak from one of the SPDC JV assets located in the Obololi community, Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa state.
“The Team immediately isolated the line and suspended production into the line.
“The regulatory authorities and other stakeholders have been notified. Plan to conduct a regulator led Joint Investigation Visit (JIV), to determine the cause and impact of the spill is ongoing.”
Although the SPDC did not specify the volume of oil production affected by the shutdown, the 16 inch pipeline evacuates oil produced from various oil fields within Bayelsa swamps and feeds the SPDC’s manifold in Kolo.
The NOSDRA DG on Thursday said that the cause of the leak and estimated volume discharged was yet to be determined because the pipeline was beneath the river.
The regulator said that it has recommended a diversion of the river to a temporary dam to give access to the joint investigating team to the leak point for examination.
It will be recalled that, following the contamination of the Nun River, Chief Target Segibo, Chairman of Southern Ijaw LGA, who earlier visited the impacted Obololi community, pledged to provide alternative water source for the people.
The Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN) has urged stakeholders in the waste management value chain to key into the doctrine of circular economy for a sustainable future.
Waste evacuation
Mr. Olugbenga Adebola, National President of AWAMN made the call at its 2025 International Conference, Exhibition, Awards and Gala Night holding in Lagos.
The theme of the conference is “Redefining Integrated Waste Management in Nigeria Through Circular Economy”.
Adebola said that the conference is a landmark event in Nigeria’s sustainability and waste management journey.
“Today, we stand at the threshold of transformation – a moment where ideas, collaborations, and commitments will redefine integrated waste management through the circular economy for a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous Nigeria.
“This conference is not just another event – it is a reflection of AWAMN’s dedication to capacity development, a fundamental pillar of my administration’s commitment to empowering waste managers and strengthening Nigeria’s waste sector.
“Today, we bring together the best minds, top policymakers, and international partners to ensure that waste is no longer seen as a problem, but as an opportunity – an opportunity for wealth creation, environmental sustainability, and economic transformation,” Adebola said.
According to the National President, AWAMN is more than just an association – it is a movement.
He noted that, over the years, AWAMN had expanded its reach, influence, and impact in shaping Nigeria’s sustainability agenda.
“Today, we train, support, and empower thousands of waste managers, ensuring that their businesses thrive while also contributing to environmental conservation.
“This conference is a testament to our evolving role as leaders in waste management, and with every session, every panel discussion, and every partnership formed, we are cementing our place as the backbone of Nigeria’s sustainability ecosystem,” Adebola said.
He said that all stakeholders should work together to build a sustainable future that will benefit people, planet and everyone, everywhere will prosper.
Adebola stressed that the conference is not just about discussions alone, but about solutions to the challenges facing the waste management industry.
“As we engage in thought-provoking conversations, showcase cutting-edge innovations, and celebrate sustainability champions.
“Let us all make a commitment – to work together, invest in solutions, and take decisive actions that will redefine Nigeria’s waste management sector,” Adebola said.
He explained that circular economy is not limited or applicable to waste management alone, but a whole process – a chain kind of.
He said that circular economy is an economic system of exchange and production at all stages of the life cycle of products (Goods and Services), which aims at increasing efficiency of resource use and decrease the impact on the environment.
He listed seven operational fields of circular economy to include Eco-design, Industrial & Territorial Ecology, Functional Economy, Sustainable Consumption, Extension in the length of use of a product, Recycling and Sustainable Supply.
“Our gathering here today is part of a much bigger mission—the sustainable transformation of the Nigerian economy.
“We are transitioning from a linear economy, where waste was simply collected and dumped, causing pollution and environmental degradation.
“We evolved into a recycling economy, where valuable materials were recovered and repurposed, reducing our environmental footprint.
“Now, Nigeria is moving towards a full circular economy, where waste is no longer waste, but a resource that can be reintegrated into production cycles, creating jobs, stimulating innovation, and driving sustainable economic growth.
“This transition is not just an industry shift – it is a national economic transformation.
“Nigeria’s commitment to sustainability, waste management, and circular economy practices is stronger than ever.
Adebola said that AWAMN, as a key industry player, is proud to join this national journey and contribute meaningfully through advocacy, investments, and capacity development.
“My role, as President of AWAMN, an umbrella body of all waste management companies, practitioners, consultants etc has been to ensure that our association together with other Ecosystem players remains at the forefront of this transition.
“Over the years, I have been privileged to be actively involved in policy dialogues, investment facilitation, and knowledge-sharing initiatives that align with this sustainability mission.
“This conference is a direct fulfillment of one of my administration’s core campaign promises – Capacity Development.
“Through this platform, we are equipping waste managers, industry players, and policymakers with the knowledge, skills, and international collaborations needed to push this transition forward,” Adebola said.
He said that, for AWAMN as an association, the conference is a turning point.
“We are proving that we are not just industry operators – we are thought leaders, policy influencers, and key players in Nigeria’s sustainability journey.
“For the waste management sector, this conference presents opportunities to access green funding for sustainability projects
“Learn about cutting-edge waste management technologies and strategies
“Build relationships with international experts and investors
“Enhance collaboration between government, private sector, and communities
‘Through this platform, we are laying the groundwork for Nigeria to become a leader in circular economy practices across Africa.
“Join us in this movement. Let’s turn waste into wealth. Let’s make Nigeria a global leader in circular economy practices”.
Adebola expressed heartfelt gratitude to Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, for her unwavering dedication to environmental sustainability and social development.
“Her passion for waste management reform, community engagement, and resource efficiency has made her a heroine of the environment, and tonight, we honor her with a historic investiture as the Grand Patron of AWAMN.”
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State will, on Thursday, February 27, 2025, deliver the 6th yearly lecture of Freedom Online newspaper in Lagos.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State
A statement by the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of the online newspaper, Gabriel Akinadewo, says while Fubara is the Special Guest Speaker, former Governor of Ogun State and Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, is the Keynote Speaker of the lecture with the theme: ‘Nigeria’s Socio-Political Challenges: Whose Fault, Leaders or the Led?’
The Chairman of the event is former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George.
Other personalities billed to grace the lecture are former Police Affairs Minister, retired Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (Special Guest of Honour); Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams; former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr. Dakuku Peterside (Guests of Honour); and Professor Akin Onigbinde, the Executive Secretary, Centre for Policy and Development Studies, Ilepa, Ogun State (Special Guest).
President, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba; and President, Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, Maureen Chigbo, are Chief Hosts.
Freedom Online is an online news platform published by SWAAYA Limited, Lagos.
Ahead of the 62nd meeting of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) holding in Hangzhou, China, from February 24 to 28, 2025, the Chair of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group representing 45 countries and 1.1 billion people, Evans Njewa, has described science from the IPCC as “fundamental”.
Chair of the Least Developed Countries, Evans Njewa
According to Njewa, in a context where carbon emissions continue to rise, temperatures are increasing, and climate impacts are escalating globally, the IPCC’s reports are fundamental inputs to climate action around the world.
Ahead of the Hangzhou session, he emphasised the call in the first Global Stocktake for the IPCC to provide relevant and timely information in time for the second Global Stocktake, which has a deadline for inputs in 2028.
“For Least Developed Countries, there will be critical information in these reports for our priorities such as adaptation, finance, as well as broader mitigation action. All three Working Group reports will be needed by the 2028 Global Stocktake deadline. The IPCC Bureau has said this is a feasible timeline. We also believe that this is workable from our side,” Njewa submitted in a statement made available to EnviroNews on Friday, February 21, 2025
He added: “We expect all country members will enable the world’s scientists to provide timely input into the multilateral climate process, in line with their invitation in the UAE Consensus. Any backtracking on this process issue will be seen for what it is, politicisation of science at the expense of vulnerable countries. People in the developing world have nothing to gain from restricting access to freely available IPCC science.
“We also commend the Bureau on its emphasis on inclusivity. We would encourage the Bureau to strengthen facilitation measures, as well as capacity building initiatives, to further include LDC scientists into the process.”
Civil society organisations and climate justice groups have reiterated that carbon markets and carbon dioxide removals are a dangerous distraction and a false solution and will instead accelerate the climate crisis further.
Coraina de la Plaza, Global Coordinator, Hands Off Mother Earth! (HOME) Alliance
They made the submission on Friday, February 21, 2025, on the launch of the report “Scaling Up Carbon Dioxide Removals – Recommendations for Navigating Opportunities and Risks In The EU” by the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change (ESABCC).
There is mounting evidence that carbon markets do not deliver real emissions reductions and often lead to human rights abuses, land grabs, and violations of the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Geoengineering technofixes like Direct Air Capture (DAC), Carbon Capture Use and Storage (CCUS), and Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS), are a risky and speculative false solution which do not address the root causes of the climate crisis, they stated.
“Instead, they offer a distraction from genuine solutions like just transition from fossil fuels, restoration and conservation of ecosystems, and support for community-led and governed initiatives that address the climate crisis at its roots. They give a free pass to the biggest polluting industries to continue polluting.”
Late last year, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) made a decision to reinforce the precautionary approach to geoengineering and reaffirmed the existing de facto global moratorium on geoengineering.
Linda Schneider, Senior International Climate Policy Officer at Heinrich Boell Foundation, said: “The EU is looking to scale up Carbon Dioxide Removals, but these technological approaches to remove CO2 from the atmosphere at large volumes have huge uncertainties. They have not been proven to work, especially at scale. In fact, they have been shown to come with many known and unknown impacts and side effects for communities and the environment. What is referred to as ‘permanent removals’ in the ESABCC report is not actually permanent: Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is unsafe, unreliable and leads to more and continued emissions.
“While a lot can and must be done in the land sector in Europe to protect and restore natural ecosystems so they can help draw down CO2, this must not be used to allow for continued emissions from fossil fuels and industry. The integration of carbon removals – whether they are engineered or nature-based – into the EU Emissions Trading System is therefore highly problematic as it may facilitate reliance on uncertain and risky carbon removals and shift attention away from what we know needs to happen: slashing emissions and phasing out fossil fuels at source.”
Coraina de la Plaza, Global Coordination, Hands Off Mother Earth! (HOME) Alliance, said: “The EU potentially scaling-up Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) technologies is bad news for the climate crisis. While CDR technologies are often touted as a solution to the climate crisis, they are far from being a silver bullet. These technologies are mainly unproven at scale, expensive, and risky. They rely on untested assumptions about their long-term effectiveness and permanence. Rather than placing our hopes in speculative, unproven solutions like CDR technologies, we must prioritise immediate, real rights-based climate solutions actions to drive ambition and the real transformation we need to mitigate the climate crisis.”
The Government of Mongolia and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) have signed an agreement paving the way for the 17th session of the Convention’s Conference of the Parties (COP17) in Ulaanbaatar in 2026.
Odontuya Saldan, Mongolia’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change
COP17 will bring together UNCCD’s 197 Parties in a crucial global forum to accelerate action against desertification, land degradation and drought.
As one of the most affected countries by desertification, with nearly 77 per cent of its land degraded, Mongolia will leverage COP17 to drive solutions for land restoration, sustainable land management and resilience-building across the world.
At the signing ceremony in Bonn, Odontuya Saldan, Mongolia’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, said: “Mongolia is committed to combating desertification and restoring degraded lands. Through initiatives like the ‘Billion Trees’ campaign, we are taking decisive steps to protect our environment and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.”
UNCCD Executive Secretary, Ibrahim Thiaw, said: “The urgency of addressing desertification and drought cannot be overstated. COP17 in Mongolia will build on the momentum from COP16 in Riyadh to enhance global commitments, strengthen financial mechanisms and foster cross-sector partnerships.”
According to UNCCD data, up to 40 percent of the world’s land is degraded, affecting nearly half of humanity and threatening climate stability, biodiversity and livelihoods. Addressing land degradation is essential for food security, water availability and resilience to climate change.
COP17, set for 2026 during the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) – declared by the United Nations General Assembly and championed by Mongolia – will build on efforts to promote the sustainable management, restoration and conservation of rangelands.
These vast grazing ecosystems are vital for the economy, food security, biodiversity and climate resilience, yet more than 50 per cent are facing alarming degradation. Rangelands not only support smallholder herders, farmers and indigenous communities but also play a crucial role in stabilizing soil, regulating water cycles, enhancing biodiversity and storing carbon. Strengthening their management is essential for the economy of the estimated 500 million pastoralists, making COP17 a key moment for Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
With 60 percent of Central Asia and Mongolia’s land used as grazing rangelands, supporting nearly one-third of the region’s population, sustainable land management is a national priority. Despite their value, they have historically received less attention and funding than forests and wetlands. COP17 and the IYRP will provide a vital platform to advance sustainable land management and reinforce global commitments to rangeland restoration.
The two-week conference will feature a high-level segment, thematic dialogues and forums, including the Gender Caucus and the first-ever Indigenous Peoples Caucus. In addition, Youth Forum and the Business4Land Forum will engage youth and the private sector in sustainable land management solutions.
COP17 in Mongolia will serve as a global platform to address climate challenges, with a focus on desertification, drought and renewable energy transition. Strengthening international cooperation will be key to boosting climate investment, creating green jobs and fostering sustainable development. Mongolia faces serious environmental threats, including soil degradation, sand and dust storms and desertification, making environmental protection and green growth national priorities.
In line with its Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) targets, Mongolia aims to reduce deforestation and forest degradation to maintain forest cover at 9 per cent of the total area by 2030, promote sustainable grassland management to halt further degradation, increase agricultural yields and ensure no net loss of wetlands by 2030.
Building on the progress made at UNCCD COP16 held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in December 2024, nations will work towards finalising a comprehensive global drought regime to enhance preparedness and resilience against increasing drought risks.
The Federal Government has announced plans to rehabilitate an 18km section of the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Expressway using reinforced concrete pavement.
Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Expressway
Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, disclosed this on Thursday, February 20, 2025, when he toured the road to assess its condition and progress made in its rehabilitation.
He said that the government was committed to completing the project.
Umahi said that the 78km expressway, initially awarded to Julius Berger Plc. eight years ago, had faced numerous challenges.
According to him, while Julius Berger completed one carriageway, the project remained unfinished.
Umahi said: “We are here to look at the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Expressway. The total kilometer is 78.
‘”It was awarded to Julius Berger about eight years ago.
“Berger has completed one carriageway fully. The Ogun State Government has taken off the section that is within Ogun State. That is about 60km; so we are left with 18km.”
“What we intend to do is to award this 18km on reinforced concrete pavements and then wait for Ogun State Government to finish its own.
“Then we take both over and then do it, operate and maintain it through a concession agreement.”
The minister emphasised the importance of collaboration, noting that the Ogun State Government’s cooperation was crucial for the project’s overall success.
He said that the contract for the rehabilitation of the 18km stretch would be awarded through bidding, adding that Julius Berger might be invited to participate.
“We want to encourage indigenous contractors.
“If it is within the scope of indigenous contractors, we will not invite Berger; so, it depends on the outcome of the design and the cost,” Umahi said.
The minister was accompanied by key officials of the ministry, including permanent secretary, director of design and deputy directors, demonstrating the ministry’s commitment to fast-tracking implementation of the project.
Umahi said that a scoping exercise would be scheduled for Saturday, with procurement expected to begin after that.
He expressed confidence that work on the Lagos section of the expressway would commence within the next two months.
Delta Government and NIPCO Gas Limited on Thursday, February 20, 2025, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicle conversion centre in the state.
A CNG station
At a brief ceremony in Asaba, the state capital, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Kingsley Emu, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Onoriode Agofure, and the Attorney -General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, signed on behalf of the state government.
While Mr Sanjay Tarat signed on behalf of NIPCO Gas Limited.
The SSG, in his remarks, said it was a deliberate effort of Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori to provide a place for residents of Asaba to convert their petrol-dependent vehicles to CNG-powered ones.
Emu charged the company to ensure that it made good use of the place provided for the take-off of the project and to maintain quality and standard in handling the project.
He said, “Gov. Oborevwori takes seriously the issue of timeliness and quality,” adding that the state would not hesitate to revoke the MoU if the company failed to perform accordingly.
“We have shown commitment by providing you with a 3,000 square meters facility in the heart of Asaba.
“The conversion to CNG is the way to go; the governor was among the very few governors who drove in Electric Vehicles and CNG vehicles. Yes, planning takes a while and here we are with this engagement.
“It shows that we want to get the fundamentals right before we start getting the vehicles. Without the CNG stations in our environment, we can’t go anywhere.
“So, we like to welcome you to Delta state. This ceremony is important to us and the name chosen is a brand and NIPCO is one, especially as it concerns CNG; one of the foremost in the country.
“Timelines are very critical to us. Please, endeavour to keep to timelines. I am sure you have heard about His Excellency’s penchant for timelines and quality jobs on the social media space.
“We shall not hesitate to revoke this MoU on account of your inability to perform. We do know you can perform and your inability to perform, we have mitigated by providing the space, which is also what we owe you. Therefore, the ball is in your court,” Emu said.
The Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Onoriode Agofure, who took the team on a guarded tour of the site of the project on Summit Road by Inter Bau Roundabout, Asaba, for official handle over, said CNG was more cost-effective than petrol and called on citizens to embrace it.
On his part, the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, said the state had to do a feasibility study on the project before embarking on it.
Aniagwu said the project would be expanded to cover other parts of the state, though it had to start in Asaba, adding that the cost of transportation would crash overtime with the effective takeoff of the CNG busses in the state.
“You may want to ask why we are starting now, we had to do a good feasibility study. We felt that we cannot bring in CNG busses when there are no stations to fuel them.
“You must first and foremost have where you will fuel and refuel these vehicles before they can start running. And let me assure you that the fact that they are starting in Asaba does not mean they are stopping here.
“Once this is done, we will move to other major cities, starting with Warri, and, later, the various local government headquarters. So, we believe that once this is done, given the difference between the cost of CNG and PMS, the cost of transportation will definitely come down.
“The government has also assured that all that is needed for them to meet the deadline will be made available. And you heard them mention that this is the first time a governor is practically involved,” Aniagwu said.
The Chief Operating Officer, NIPCO Gas Limited, Mr Sanjay Tarat, appreciated the governor and other top officials of the state for facilitating the process.
“I appreciate Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori for this opportunity and the Commissioner for Transport. Delta state is the first state in Nigeria to have provided this kind of location for our CNG.
“We definitely promised the commissioner that we will need six months to complete it. But be assured that this job will be completed before then and we will prove it.
“The only thing is that we have to follow all the laws and rules. We definitely know that this being the first station, will not be the last station. So, we are very thankful to the Gov. Oborevwori and Delta state government,” Tarat said.
Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) has announced the appointment of Helena Thybell as its new Executive Director. Thybell, who has previously held positions such as CEO of Save the Children Sweden, brings extensive experience in strategic organisational development and leadership.
Helena Thybell
She will assume her new role on March 17, 2025.
“I am truly excited to join such a renowned and influential organisation as SIWI,” says Thybell. “Water and climate are among the most pressing issues of our time, and I look forward to leading SIWI’s important work in these areas. I am equally excited to help shaping SIWI’s path forward as an organisation, to make it fit for future challenges and opportunities.”
With a strong background in senior leadership roles across international organisations, Thybell has worked extensively in sustainability, business development, societal challenges, leadership, and human rights. Her core expertise includes driving organisational capability, fostering leadership, and delivering strong business results in complex and uncertain environments.
“I am eager to contribute my experience in organisational development, strategy, and positioning,” she adds. “I am passionate about fostering engagement and energy, and I look forward to working alongside SIWI’s dedicated and knowledgeable team and the new SIWI Board as we take the next steps together for the organisation.”
Tom Panella, Chair of SIWI, describes Thybell as a competent and experienced leader and says that together with the rest of the board, he looks forward to working with her.
“I am pleased that SIWI will have a new ED with such an extensive background in developing organisations and identifying opportunities in a complex landscape,” says Panella.
Thybell will replace Caroline Andersson who has served as Acting ED for SIWI since September 2024.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has revealed that despite the country’s three operational refineries boasting a combined refining capacity of 985,000 barrels per day, less than 50% of the daily petrol demand is met locally. This shortfall is being compensated by the importation of refined petroleum products.
Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA, Mr. Farouk Ahmed
Farouk Ahmed, NMDPRA’s Chief Executive, who made the disclosure during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, February 20, 2025, said that Nigerians are consuming approximately 50 million litres of petrol every day, which is a significant decrease from the previous average of 66 million litres per day. The drop in consumption followed the government’s removal of the fuel subsidy in May 2023.
“Let me speak a little bit about supply. All of us experienced a Yuletide free of petrol scarcity. From year to year, we saw an increase in demand for petrol, but following the subsidy removal, consumption reduced significantly,” said Ogbugo Ukoha, NMDPRA’s Executive Director of Distribution System, Storage, and Retailing Infrastructure, who represented Ahmed at the briefing.
Despite the operational refineries, including the Port Harcourt refinery (210,000 bpd) and the Warri refinery (125,000 bpd), which resumed production after years of dormancy, the country continues to rely heavily on imported petrol. Ukoha confirmed that local refineries contribute less than half of the 50 million litres consumed daily.
“The contribution of local refineries towards sufficiency is less than 50% of what we require daily,” Ukoha stated. “This shortfall is sourced through imports. Even though none of the domestic refinery owners have imported petrol this year, the oil marketing companies (OMCs) have stepped in to bridge the gap.”
Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel is a pressing issue, especially since the Dangote refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, has started operations, raising hopes for local production. However, Ukoha emphasized that without the importation of refined products, fuel shortages would be inevitable.
He also reassured the public that all imported petroleum products meet the required standards.
“The NMDPRA insists that all imported products meet the specifications of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the Petroleum Industry Act,” he said, adding that claims of substandard products circulating on social media were baseless and misleading.
Ukoha concluded by reaffirming the NMDPRA’s commitment to ensuring a steady and quality fuel supply across Nigeria. “If necessary, we will utilise the supplier of last resort to fill any gaps to avoid a potential scarcity,” he stated.
