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LAWMA warns property owners against illegal recycling, scavenging

Michael Simire
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LAWMA warns property owners against illegal recycling, scavenging

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has warned property owners, agents and private occupiers in the state to desist from illegal recycling and scavenging in unlicensed facilities.

Muyiwa Gbadegesin
Muyiwa Gbadegesin,

Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, who gave the warning in a statement on Friday, February 14, 2025, in Lagos, urged them to halt indiscriminate sorting, dumping, storing and trading of recyclable waste in their facilities and in public spaces around them.

He noted that such activities not only degrade the city’s aesthetic appeal but would also disrupt the rights of property owners, contributing to serious environmental hazards.

“LAWMA has observed a rising trend of indiscriminate waste sorting, dumping, and trading of recyclables in unauthorised locations.

“These activities violate the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017 and will not be tolerated.

“Any individual or entity engaging in illegal recycling or scavenging will face strict enforcement measures and penalties as prescribed by law,” he said.

According to him, part III, Section 85 & 86 of the law makes the deposition of recyclable waste in undesignated locations strictly prohibited.

Gbadegesin added that LAWMA would take the necessary steps to enforce compliance, including prosecuting violators and shutting down offending facilities.

“We cannot fold our hands and watch few people derail the ongoing efforts to make the environment cleaner and livable for all residents.

“I want to add that property owners who permit unauthorised recycling or scavenging activities on their premises risk revocation of property right and other legal consequences,” Gbadegesin said.

He urged residents and stakeholders to utilise only licensed recycling facilities and registered waste collectors to ensure proper waste management in Lagos.

He enjoined Lagos residents to report illegal activities through LAWMA’s official channels.

“We remain committed to achieving a cleaner and more sustainable Lagos, but we need the cooperation of all residents.

“We urge everyone to comply with waste management laws of the state and contribute to a healthier environment,” Gbadegesin said.

He advised property owners, businesses and the public to take the final warning seriously and avoid actions that could lead to serious legal repercussions.

In a related development, Gbadegesin said that a joint enforcement team has dislodged squatters and illegal recyclers at Ijora-Olopa under bridge.

He said the team comprised officials of LAWMA’s Monitoring and Compliance Department and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps.

Gbadegesin said the enforcement exercise would continue in other areas of the state in line with the zero tolerance for waste policy.

He said there would be no hiding place for any individual or group of persons bent on causing environmental degradation and undermining efforts of the authority.

By Fabian Ekeruche

Experts back N300bn health fund, urge transparency, sustainability

Michael Simire
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Experts back N300bn health fund, urge transparency, sustainability

Health experts and civil society organisations have welcomed the N300 billion additional allocation to Nigeria’s health sector in the 2025 budget.

Mohammed Ali Pate
Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare

In an interview on Friday, February 14, 2025, in Abuja, the experts emphasised the need for transparency, efficient fund utilisation, and alternative financing to prevent future disruptions in healthcare services.

The Senate approved this allocation to offset the funding gap created by the suspension of U.S. foreign aid.

This aid had previously supported key health programmes such as HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria, and Polio interventions through PEPFAR and USAID.

This decision followed the U.S. government’s halt of foreign aid disbursement, affecting critical health programmes.

Dr John Anyebe, a Public Health Specialist, said, “The increase is a positive step, but funding alone is not enough.

“There must be a clear strategy to ensure the money reaches the right programmes and populations without leakages or mismanagement.”

He highlighted the need for strengthened monitoring mechanisms to ensure effective use of funds.

Dr Abigail Banji, a Health Economist, stressed the importance of reducing dependence on foreign aid. “Relying on donor funding is not a sustainable model.

“Nigeria must invest in domestic health financing mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships, health insurance expansion, and increased taxation on harmful products like tobacco and alcohol,” she said.

Mrs Oyeyemi Pitan, Executive Director of Gem Hub Initiative and Co-Convener of the Joint Learning Agenda for UHC in Nigeria, stated, “The government must ensure these funds reach rural communities where healthcare access is weakest.”

According to her, without a clear plan for equitable distribution, the impact will be minimal.

She also advocated for a comprehensive tracking system to monitor the expenditure of the N300 billion.

Patient advocacy groups also raised concerns about potential challenges to HIV/AIDS treatment programmes in spite of the increase, particularly with PEPFAR-funded interventions still uncertain.

Mrs Joy Kwande, Founder of the Joyce Kwande Foundation, highlighted that millions of Nigerians depend on antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) supported by PEPFAR.

“If the government is serious about taking over funding, it must provide a detailed plan to ensure no treatment gaps,” Kwande said.

She added that ramping up local production of HIV test kits and ARVs would require significant investment in manufacturing capacity and logistics.

By Abujah Racheal

Alcohol industry obstructionist derailing global efforts at regulation – Report

Michael Simire
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0
Alcohol industry obstructionist derailing global efforts at regulation – Report

A new report made possible through funding from Movendi International and RESET Alcohol Initiative has linked the alcohol industry to economic claims aimed at obstructing and derailing alcohol policy initiative across the world.

Alcohol
Alcohol

The report, Big Alcohol Exposed Annual Report 2024 “From Sports to Screens – Exposing Big Alcohol’s Predatory Practices”, provides an in-depth analysis of the alcohol industry’s worldwide activities through the “Dubious Five” – a framework that identifies the five primary strategies Big Alcohol deploys to maximise its profits and ensure market dominance. The strategies include Deception, Manipulation, Political Interference, Promotion, and Sabotage.

The report stated that from creating misleading health claims to funding deceptive prevention programmes, the alcohol industry’s efforts reveal a relentless prioritisation of profit over people’s health and community wellbeing.

It revealed that, in 2024, the strategies of the industry became increasingly sophisticated and pervasive, as it leveraged them to deflect criticism, shape public opinion, determine what people think about their products policy solutions, and obstruct evidence-based alcohol policy initiatives.

It cited the example of Uganda where the alcohol industry managed to destroy the Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill by promoting questionable claims that it would lead to job losses. In that particular case Big Alcohol lobby framed their economic contributions as essential to the country’s prosperity, a misleading and false narrative that deflected attention from the devastating health, social, and economic costs of alcohol harm.

There were also case studies from Mexico, Germany, the United States and more, that demonstrate the scale of Big Alcohol’s political interference.

Documented strategies of the industry include health-washing, deceitful marketing, and political interference, normalisation of alcohol through sports sponsorships, misleading health claims, greenwashing environmental impacts, and leveraging non-alcoholic product lines to build loyalty with alcoholic brands.

The report serves as an evidence-based empowerment tool for policymakers, advocates, and communities on how to identify and counter latest Big Alcohol narratives and implement effective solutions.

It aims to empower such efforts and initiatives by providing critical insights and resources to identify and expose Big Alcohol’s interest and tactics, address conflicts of interest, and curb the alcohol industry’s influence to promote healthier, more equitable societies.

NCDMB debunks reports that it spent N7.7bn on consultancy, training

Michael Simire
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0
NCDMB debunks reports that it spent N7.7bn on consultancy, training

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has declared as false, malicious, and misleading a publication by Sahara Reporters on February 12, 2025, titled – “Exclusive: Nigerian Content Board NCDMB bossOgbe spends N7 billion on consultancy, over 580 million on 5-day London training, logistics, allowances”.

Felix Omatsola Ogbe
Felix Omatsola Ogbe, head of the NCDMB

According to the NCDMB, the publication is riddled with falsehoods, gross inaccuracies and baseless inferences.

It stated that neither the Board nor the Executive Secretary spent the amount stated in the headline of the referenced statement.

In a statement made available to EnviroNews, NCDMB declared: “It is a fact that, in 2017, the Board developed a 10-Year Strategic Roadmap underpinned by five pillars and four enablers. The 10-Year Strategic Roadmap targets in-country retention of 70% spend in the oil and gas industry by 2027, amongst other measurable targets.

“One of the four enablers of the 10-Year Strategic Roadmap is Stakeholder Collaboration and Engagement, borne out of a need to ensure harmonious policy and regulatory implementation by all agencies and institutions of government. It is against this background that the Board has every two years organised a Strategic Workshop with Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of government that pertain to the oil and gas industry to interrogate and find areas of alignment in the implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010.

“In carrying out this Strategic Workshop and every other activity of NCDMB, due process was followed in ensuring that all financial expenditures were made following approved financial and procurement guidelines. We wish to emphasise that NCDMB operates under strict government regulations and oversight bodies.

“It is regrettable that Sahara Reporters, known for its sensationalism and lack of investigative rigour, has once again published unverified claims designed to mislead the public and tarnish the hard-earned reputation of our Executive Secretary and esteemed organisation.

“The NCDMB categorically refutes the false claims made in the publication. The allegations of misappropriation to the tune of N7.7 billion without due approval are entirely baseless, mischievous, and aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the Board and the Executive Secretary. There was no such expenditure of N7.7 billion by the Board for consultancy services.

“We wish to emphasise that the NCDMB led by Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, operates with the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and due process in all its operations. All expenditures in the Board are subjected to rigorous approval processes in accordance with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2007, our enabling law, the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act (NOGICD) Act 2010 and other relevant statutes and policies. The Board remains committed to upholding the principles of good governance in line with its statutory mandate.

“It is on account of our strict adherence to due process that the NCDMB achieved remarkable milestones, including ranking first three consecutive times in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Compliance Report in the Ease of Doing Business, Transparency and Accountability among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of government in Nigeria. Additionally, the Board received the Nigeria Govtech Award and the Distinguished Govtech Trailblazers Award from the Bureau for Public Sector Reform (BPSR) for excellence in digital governance and public sector innovation.

“The NCDMB remains resolutely committed to its core mandate of building local capacity and empowering Nigerians to participate effectively in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. Our initiatives are aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, aimed at empowering Nigerians and creating sustainable jobs.

“We encourage members of the public and media houses to always verify their sources of information before rushing to publish the ‘’so-called exclusive report.’’ The NCDMB has an open and accessible corporate communications team with verifiable addresses and contact details that if the above referenced online platform had bothered to reach out to for clarification, this undue sensationalism would not have happened. We believe this is a hatchet job and thus avoided the time held journalism practice of hearing the other side.

“We assure the public that this malicious, false, and misleading publication will not distract the Executive Secretary from his commitment to driving the Board’s mission. The Executive Secretary remains steadfast in advancing the goals of the organisation and delivering on its mandate for the benefit of all Nigerians.”

Lagos to demolish illegal structures on Banana Island

Michael Simire
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Lagos to demolish illegal structures on Banana Island

The Lagos State Government has announced that it will begin marking illegal buildings on Banana Island for demolition by Monday February 17, 2025.

Banana Island
Banana Island

Mr. Gbolahan Oki, General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), made the announcement at a stakeholder meeting on Banana Island, on Thursday, February 13.

He said that the buildings were encroaching on prohibited areas, violating building codes and posing safety risks.

Oki said: “From Monday to Friday, next week, officials will come and mark the buildings; the following week, we will just give you two weeks to get your documents ready.

“After that, I am going to pull everything down.”

The general manager said that the decision followed illegal constructions on Banana Island, particularly buildings under high-tension power lines and those too close to the shoreline.

He said that the lives of Lagos residents were more important than the value of the property.

Oki said that LASBCA had taken a similar action in other areas such as Abule Egba, Iya Niba and Iyana Isheri, by removing buildings under high-tension lines.

The general manager said that buildings under high-tension lines or too close to shoreline violated established planning rules and regulations.

Oki said: “The government’s regulations require buildings to be at least 150 metres from the shoreline, which was generously reduced to 100 metres.

“Even with the leniency, some developers have failed to comply.”

Dr Babatunde Olajide, Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on e-GIS and Planning Matters, emphasised that the state government, through the governor, was the sole authority on land matters within the state, as stipulated by the Land Use Act.

He said that the state had a master plan for the area, adding that unauthorised sand filling and land reclamation had disrupted the organised development the state envisioned.

He appealed to  the residents to co-operate with the state government, saying that the government was there to serve them and needed their cooperation to do so effectively.

He said that the government had received complaints about illegal extensions in the area and had set up a committee headed by the Mr Olalekan Sodeinde, Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, to investigate.

Mr Olalekan Sodeinde, Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Lagos State, said that the estate, which was once a source of pride and a premium property location, was losing its status due to negative environmental impacts.

This, he said, was the reason the government intervened to restore order and prevent further degradation.

He also confirmed that the governor directed his Special Adviser on e-GIS and Planning Matters and the Office of Urban Development to conduct an assessment of the situation.

The Chairman, Banana Island Association, Mr. Abidemi Sonaike, expressed willingness to co-operate with the government and other stakeholders to resolve issues on the estate.

He expressed satisfaction at the government’s initiative in calling the meeting, saying it was a positive first step toward collaboration.

Sonaike called for joint efforts in finding lasting solutions.

By Lydia Ngwakwe

Images: Why e-waste is more than an environmental issue – Oluwanifemi

Michael Simire
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Images: Why e-waste is more than an environmental issue – Oluwanifemi

Every day, Lagos gets tons of old phones, broken TVs, and outdated computers. People throw them away as quickly as they get new ones. But these gadgets don’t just disappear. They end up in the hands of workers who take them apart by hand. They’re trying to make a living, but they’re exposed to dangerous chemicals and harmful materials, just to earn a little money.

Fayefunmi Oluwanifemi, a documentary photographer with a deep focus on environmental storytelling, spent time at Computer Village, Alaba Market, and Arena Oshodi, where e-waste is a common sight. He saw workers handling the waste with bare hands, no gloves, no masks, just doing their best to salvage what they could.

According to him, it wasn’t just a job for them, it was survival. The conditions were harsh, and the risks were high. But they had no choice. This was their reality.

He said: “It made me think about my own relationship with technology. The phone in my pocket, the laptop on my desk things I upgrade without a second thought. I never considered where they go when I’m done with them. But the workers in Lagos, they see the end of the line for these devices every day. Their lives are connected to the very things most of us discard.

“Lagos is dealing with more than just piles of broken electronics. The e-waste is polluting the land, the water, the air. The workers, the people who live nearby they’re the ones who suffer the most. Yet, through it all, they stay resilient. They continue, despite the dangers, because they have no other option.

“What I’ve learned through this project is that e-waste is more than an environmental problem – it’s a human problem as well. The people here aren’t just dealing with pollution. They’re fighting to survive, to make ends meet, to keep going even when the world doesn’t seem to care.

“This is why I tell this story. To show that behind every discarded phone or computer is a person, a family, a community. To make us think twice about what happens to the things we throw away and who pays the price for it. In Lagos, the story of e-waste is not just about waste it’s about resilience, survival, and hope. It’s a story that needs to be told.

“This project aims to share the voices of those living in this crisis, highlighting their resilience and creativity, while pushing for meaningful change.

“I focused on the individuals who work with e-waste, many of them in informal settings turning what others see as trash into resources. By sharing their stories, I hope to raise awareness of the challenges they face and spark action toward sustainable solutions.”

E-waste
Refurbished flat screen TV sets for sale
E-waste
A technician gets set to work on his electronic items
E-waste
A wheelbarrow operator walks past a shop
E-waste
A technician with his wares of used laptops
E-waste
A pile of e-waste items
E-waste
The corridors of e-waste merchandising
E-waste
A trader sits beside his wares

E-waste
Used loudspeakers
E-waste
Technicians handling e-waste with bare hands
E-waste
A typical e-waste outlet
E-waste
an outlet dealing in used computer laptops
E-waste
A display of items for sale

Photo credit: Fayefunmi Oluwanifemi

South Africa’s G20 Presidency for 2025: A catalyst for energy investment in Africa

Michael Simire
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South Africa’s G20 Presidency for 2025: A catalyst for energy investment in Africa

In 2025, South Africa will hold the rotating presidency of the G20. Given its position as Africa’s most industrialised nation and an energy hub, South Africa’s leadership could play a pivotal role in attracting investment to the continent’s energy sector. By leveraging its G20 platform, South Africa can push for increased funding from global partners, particularly for natural gas projects, which are critical for Africa’s energy security and economic development.

G20 Summit
President Luiz Lula da Silva of Brazil (left) with President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa at the G20 Summit in Brazil

While renewable energy is rapidly expanding across the continent, Africa continues to rely heavily on coal, oil and natural gas to meet growing demand and drive economic growth. Gas is increasingly viewed as a cleaner transitional fuel in Africa’s energy mix, and many G20 nations are leading investment in gas exploration and production across the continent.

For instance, the U.S. Export-Import Bank, U.K. Export Finance, China Development Bank and Japan Bank for International Cooperation, among other lenders, have played a key role in financing TotalEnergies’ $20 billion Mozambique LNG project. Additionally, several G20 countries are driving further investment, with Italy’s Eni developing new LNG facilities in the Republic of Congo, bp expanding operations in Senegal and Mauritania, Norway’s Equinor advancing the Tanzania LNG development and ExxonMobil spearheading Rovuma LNG in Mozambique.

South Africa can advocate for G20 nations to increase their financial backing for new gas projects, which have the potential to boost production, enhance energy security and attract much-needed investment to the continent.

While natural gas is essential for Africa’s energy security, combining it with renewable energy sources could help diversify Africa’s energy mix. South Africa’s own experience with large-scale energy projects, such as its successful Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme, can serve as a model for blending financing and developing both gas and renewable projects. By advocating for mixed investment, South Africa can show G20 nations that supporting a variety of energy sources will allow Africa to meet its energy demands while transitioning toward greener energy.

In addition to advocating for investment in specific projects, South Africa can focus on creating favorable conditions for financing. One way to achieve this is by encouraging the G20 to support debt relief or concessional financing for African countries with high debt burdens. This would free up resources for governments to invest in energy infrastructure and allow them to prioritize projects that will improve energy access and support economic growth. South Africa could work closely with organisations like the World Bank, IFC, BRICS Bank, European Investment Bank and more to unlock financing mechanisms that reduce the risk for international investors.

The role of South Africa’s G20 presidency in facilitating greater engagement between G20 nations and African energy markets cannot be overstated. By using its platform to promote key energy projects, South Africa can attract much-needed investment for both traditional oil and gas and clean energy developments. At the same time, it can help establish new financing structures that make these projects more attractive to investors.

African countries like Nigeria, Angola, the Republic of Congo, Senegal, Namibia and Mozambique stand to benefit from increased G20 support for their oil and gas sectors, and other African nations can follow suit by aligning their own energy priorities with the goals set forth by South Africa during its presidency.

This year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference in Cape Town serves as a key platform for attracting global attention and investment to Africa’s energy sector, facilitating discussions among G20 nations, financial institutions and energy companies. AEW acts as a conduit for driving investment into critical energy projects, positioning South Africa as a catalyst for sustainable development across the continent while ensuring Africa’s energy needs are met.

With South Africa’s G20 presidency presenting a unique opportunity to secure crucial investments in Africa’s energy sector, the 2025 edition of AEW is more significant than ever. By leveraging this platform to advocate for financing and foster partnerships between G20 nations and African energy producers, South Africa can play a pivotal role in advancing the continent’s energy future and contributing to global energy security.

Kofi Adu Domfeh: Radio’s commanding power in climate change mitigation and adaptation

Michael Simire
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0
Kofi Adu Domfeh: Radio’s commanding power in climate change mitigation and adaptation

A severe storm strikes, bringing with it torrential rains, deafening thunder, and blinding lightning. The downpour is wreaking havoc on the community, with roofs being ripped off houses, streets transforming into rivers, and worst of all, people losing their lives in the raging floodwaters.

Radio
Radio

Yet another day, the sunrise brings a fleeting sense of serenity, offering a brief respite from the sweltering heat. However, this tranquility is short-lived, as the sun’s intense rays soon begin to scorch the skin, penetrating deep beneath the surface.

This is the climate reality.

In Ghana today, the rains are coming at unexpected periods, the sun hits harder than it should have; the least of the rains causes flooding and livelihoods are impacted in diverse ways.

This situation cannot be different from other parts of the world.

People are experiencing changing times for real, and indeed everybody seems to be talking about the severity of the change in weather patterns.

Yet the climate change agenda is not a top priority in the media – reports are often limited to government policy papers and other scientific stuff.

But the media, especially radio, can play a central role in the global drive to mitigate climate change as well as support adaptation mechanisms.

Radio and Climate Change

Radio is a powerful broadcast medium in impacting farming practices of the local people, through the production of climate-related programs.

By broadcasting in the local language, for instance, a radio station is helping the communities to be weather-aware, while managing problems with sea erosion, soil management, crop diversification and best adaptation mechanisms.

Access to radio can reduce the farmer-extension service ratio and enhance agricultural practices.

It is therefore heartwarming that 2025 World Radio Day is dedicated to “Radio and Climate Change” to support radio stations in their journalistic coverage of this issue.

Proper communication of climate events is becoming increasingly important in the wake of the continuous increase of negative climatic effects that plague the planet, such as the confirmation that 2024 has been the warmest year on record.

Broadcasters are expected to prioritize the quality and diversity of information sources, as they play a critical role in addressing climate-related issues. “This includes dismantling climate skeptics’ arguments, investigating greenwashing, understanding ecological economics, and reporting on climate activism and barriers to solutions”.

Radio aids in climate adaptation

Climate mitigation has taken centre stage at the national and global levels. According to the Paris Agreement, greenhouse gas emissions need to ease in order to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

But at the community level, what is required most is adaptation. The ordinary person on the street relies on radio to access public information on the changing seasons.

Increasing access to information and use of knowledge on climate change adaptation is important to improve the livelihoods of people in local communities. The rural farmer is hardest hit when information on the changing climate is not adequately disseminated.

A number of institutions are currently engaged in climate change-related activities across Africa. However, communicating issues on the unexpected changing weather to reach the mass of vulnerable communities remain challenging.

All over the world, in socio-political, economic and environmental circles, talk of climate change is top of agenda and there are several initiatives geared towards mitigating the impact of climate change.

But attitude towards the environment – forests, water bodies, waste management and land degradation through resource exploitation – remains largely pathetic.

The media is expected to lead the dissemination of information on what to do and what not to do in environmental protection.

Climate change and environment reporting can be made interesting to the audience if journalists and media houses can change their approach and explore diverse areas of coverage including land use and water management, forest conservation, sustainable development and wealth creation.

Radio, as a powerful tool, will continue to play a critical role in weather information mediation, climate change communication, and environmental protection and promotion.

Kofi Adu Domfeh is a journalist and Climate Reality Leader; adomfeh@gmail.com

Nigeria meets OPEC’s crude oil production quota of 1.5m bpd

Michael Simire
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0
Nigeria meets OPEC’s crude oil production quota of 1.5m bpd

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) says Nigeria’s average daily crude oil production has increased significantly to 1.53 million Barrels Per Day (bpd) in January.

Haitham al-Ghais
OPEC Secretary-General, Haitham al-Ghais

The country, for the first time, met the OPEC production quota of 1.5 million bpd since it was set for the 2024 period at OPEC’s ministerial meeting in November 2023.

The production figure, which was released in OPEC monthly oil market report, showed that the increase was against 1.485 million bpd recorded in Dec. 2024, which represented 54,000 bpd change.

In December 2024, the quota was extended to 2026 as Nigeria produced below the quota for over a year.

According to OPEC, the crude oil production data was obtained from two sources – direct communication with Nigerian officials which is from member countries and secondary communication, such as energy intelligence platforms.

The report showed that Nigeria retained its position as the largest oil producer in Africa, surpassing Algeria, which produced 907,000 bpd in January.

The report showed that Congo produced 251,000 bpd in the period under review, making the country the third-largest oil producer in Africa.

According to secondary sources, total OPEC-12 crude oil production, total DoC crude oil production averaged 40.62 mb/d in January 2025, which is 118 tb/d lower, m-o-m.

“Crude oil output increased mainly in Libya, Congo, and Gabon, while production in Nigeria, UAE, and Venezuela decreased significantly.

“Also, total non-OPEC DoC crude oil production averaged 13.94 mb/d in January 2025, three tb/d higher, m-o-m.

“Crude oil output increased mainly in Kazakhstan, while production in Russia decreased,” the report stated.

The OPEC report further stated that Nigeria’s oil production would likely  increase with Dangote refinery nearing full capacity.

“The oil sector remains central to the economy, and the Dangote Refinery reaching full production capacity should help stabilise the petroleum product supply and possibly lower petrol prices,” OPEC stated.

By Emmanuella Anokam

Lagos, WaterAid partner to rehabilitate Akilo Waterworks

Michael Simire
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0
Lagos, WaterAid partner to rehabilitate Akilo Waterworks

The Country Director, WaterAid Nigeria, Ms Evelyn Mere, says the Akilo Waterworks when fully rehabilitated will deliver potable water to 100,000 residents within Ifako-Agege, a suburb of Lagos.

Akilo Waterworks
Officials at the contract signing for the rehabilitation of Akilo Waterworks at the Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) on Thursday, February 13, 2025

Mere said this at the contract signing for the rehabilitation of Akilo Waterworks at the Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) on Thursday, February 13, 2025.

She said the transformative effect of the project on household income and social wellbeing to be derived from the intervention would be unquantifiable.

The project is facilitated by WaterAid Nigeria in collaboration with the LWC with the support of Armani Beauty.

The country director said the project had been long in coming.

She described the collaborative efforts and resilience of WaterAid and the LWC in achieving the milestone as a testament to possibilities that could be achieved through partnerships.

“From the technical assessment, through intense reviews of the product of assessment, to the finalisation of the procurement process, WaterAid Nigeria mainstreamed its key approach of systems strengthening, encouraging government leadership and commitment.

“Without this, it is impossible to achieve long- term sustainability of Akilo water scheme.

“For us Water, Sanitation and Hygiene are human rights and essential basic services that serve as a foundation for reducing the spread of infectious diseases and promoting human dignity,” Mere said.

She noted that the huge burden of lack of access to safely managed water, sanitation and hygiene services impacts heavily on health.

“It may interest you to know that, about 90 per cent of deaths caused by diarrheal diseases are linked to unsafe water, poor sanitation and hygiene.

“This is why in our current strategy, WaterAid is making a strategic shift to interventions that serve large groups of people. Hence, this contract signing and award event is enabling us to achieve this strategic objective.

“We commend Armani Beauty for prioritising water access in their Corporate Social Responsibility commitments, and a huge thanks to the International Programme Director for her support, without which it would have been impossible to get here,” Mere said.

She expressed appreciation to the government of Lagos State and the LCDA’s for being receptive and open to the partnership.

Earlier, the Managing Director of Lagos Water Corporation, Mr. Muktaar Tijani, commended WaterAid for the partnership.

Tijani reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for the contractor to deliver quality work within the designated time frame.

Goodwill messages were sent by the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, the Lagos State Water Regulatory Agency and the Lagos State Waste Management Office.

The project is scheduled for completion within six months.

By Fabian Ekeruche and Olaitan Idris

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