Mothers in Kwara State have campaigned to demand for stronger tobacco control policies aimed at protecting children from the effects of tobacco exposure, particularly lung cancer.
Kwara mothers campaigning against smoking on Saturday in Ilorin
The campaign, on Saturday, February 15, 2025, in Ilorin, the state capital, was part of the activities organised to commemorate the World Cancer Day, themed: “United by Unique”, with subtheme: “Mothers Voices Against Tobacco in Our Children”.
The campaign was organised by Bundies Care Support Initiative in collaboration with Protecting and Activating Communities against Tobacco.
February is Cancer Prevention Awareness month, while World Cancer Day is celebrated annually on Feb. 4, to sensitise people and promote cancer awareness.
The Executive Director of the initiative, Mrs Funmilayo Osiegbu, said Kwara mothers were concerned about the harmful effects of tobacco on their children.
“We are urging the government to enact policies that shield young people from tobacco industry influence.
“In Nigeria, tobacco use remains a significant public health challenge, with increasing exposure to second hand smoke posing risks to children and families.
“The Kwara march amplifies the call for full implementation of Nigeria’s National Tobacco Control Act.
“This includes stricter enforcement of ban on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, as well as stronger measures to prevent youth access to tobacco products,” she said.
Osiegbu explained that the campaign was inspired by similar initiatives worldwide, such as the impactful advocacy efforts of Tobacco-Free Jordan.
“Tobacco-Free Jordan is an anti-smoking cmpaign where the mothers successfully campaigned for stronger regulations to prevent tobacco marketing to children.
“Nigerian mothers are also uniting to demand similar urgent action, because we cannot stand by while our children are exposed to harmful tobacco products.
“We are calling on our government to prioritise public health over the interests of the tobacco industry,” she said.
Also, the Kwara Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Afolashade Opeyemi, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to safeguarding the health of all citizens.
Opeyemi, represented by Mrs Ramat Akanni, Director of Personnel, Finance, and Supply at the ministry, stated that the administration had zero tolerance for smoking any substance, including shisha, cigarettes, and other tobacco products.
She commended Kwara mothers for the initiative and expressed the state government’s support in protecting young people from smoking harmful substances.
In his remarks, Prof. Abiodun Afolayan, Chairman, Nigeria Cancer Society, Kwara Chapter, stated that research had shown that lung cancer was the most common cancer worldwide due to smoking.
Afolayan, also the Provost, College of Health Sciences of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, explained that smokers were liable to develop lung cancer in the future.
According to him, the effects of smoking does not appear early but manifests later, often when it is too late, leading to death.
Similarly, Mr Lekan Mikail, Special Adviser on Drug Abuse to the Kwara Governor, noted that the initiative complemented the state government’s efforts in tackling the menace.
He urged parents in the state to be more vigilant in caring and protecting their children from drug abuse and smoking, describing them as harmful.
The Iyaloja of Yoruba-Road Market, Hajia Mulikat Ajide, also appealed to traders and market women to warn their children against smoking substance and abusing drugs.
Some of the participants of the campaign include the Women Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN), Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) and Kwara Ministry of Health.
The Centre for Public Accountability (CPA), in collaboration with other civic groups, has called for an investigation into alleged financial misconduct within the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
Felix Omatsola Ogbe, head of the NCDMB
The organisation alleges that N7.7 billion ($4.7 million) was misappropriated without the necessary approvals, in violation of procurement regulations.
In a statement issued on Saturday, February 15, 2025, CPA Executive Director, Dr Ebenezer Oladapo, accused the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Mr. Felix Ogbe, of authorising the expenditure without following due process.
The CPA stated that the amount exceeded the approval limits set by the Ministerial Tenders Board (MTB) and raised concerns about the payments being processed through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
It further alleged that the transactions were carried out without verifiable evidence that the consultant who received the funds had recovered any amount to justify the payment.
It warned that such practices undermine President Bola Tinubu’s anti-corruption agenda and efforts to promote accountability in public institutions.
The CPA called on President Tinubu to immediately initiate a comprehensive and independent investigation into the NCDMB’s financial activities under its current leadership.
It also announced plans to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and other relevant agencies to ensure a thorough probe.
The CPA thereafter issued a seven-day ultimatum for the government to take action, warning that failure to do so would prompt the organisation to mobilise legal and civic measures to hold those responsible to account.
“We will not stand by while public officials entrusted with the nation’s resources engage in reckless financial misconduct without consequences,” the statement read.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity in public financial management, insisting that public funds must be handled in strict accordance with due process.
The NCDMB has defended its spending after reports of alleged financial misappropriation emerged in different media outlets.
It confirmed organising a strategic workshop costing N580 million, stating that it was part of its 10-year Strategic Roadmap to boost local content in the oil and gas sector.
Responding to claims that N7.7 billion was diverted into questionable contracts, the Board insisted all expenditures followed due process and were subject to strict government oversight.
Oxfam, an international organisation, has called on nations to honour their financial commitments made during 27th Conference of Parties (COP27) convention on climate change.
Mr. Henry Ushe, the Oxfam Programme Manager for Accountable Governance in Nigeria, made the call at a two-day workshop organised by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC), with the support of Oxfam in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
COP27, Sham El-Sheikh, Egypt
Some developed countries had pledged $100 billion annually to support the low- and middle-income countries in their climate action efforts.
Oxfam said that the actual amount already delivered was low with much of the finance provided as loans which aggravating debt burdens in vulnerable countries
Ushe, however, stated that Nigeria had developed the gas master plan following its commitment to COP27 to transit energy to net zero by 2060 and to the Paris Agreement of accelerating climate action.
He explained that Nigeria had also passed the Climate Justice Act and established its secretariat to work with CSOs and other stakeholders to ensure the total implementation of the policy framework.
“But what we haven’t seen since then is the financial commitment to be able to drive through with all of this policy; what we need is the financing of all these plans.’’
Ushe said that was why they were calling on those who made financial pledges at COP27 to redeem them, “while we hold our government to account, ensuring that the support is used judiciously.
“We are very optimistic about the safe transition because the country has put in place all the mechanism that is needed, including a very robust gas master plan,” he said.
In his remarks, Mr. Lawrence Dube, the Head Community, Environmental Legal Desk of Natural Justice in Nigeria, urged the regulatory agencies to structure and enforce global energy security.
Dube, who spoke on the “Aligning Gas Plans with Climate Goals”, urged government to put the policy framework into use, bringing investors to the round table discussion for investment and partnership.
Mr. Harry Udoh, the Chairman, Civil Society National Regulation Council of Nigeria, decried the slow pace of the implementation of the plans since 2007 till date.
Udoh urged government to accelerate gas infrastructure development, invest in pipeline networks, processing plants and storage facilities to improve market access.
He recommended that there should be expansion of virtual gas pipelines like the CNG and LNG trucking system to reach underserved areas.
He called for the strengthening of partnership within the West Africa Gas Pipeline (WAGP) to enhance regional energy security among others.
Earlier, Mr. Ayo Omowu, the Programme Lead, Department of Tax Justice, Environment, and Conservation of Nature in CISLAC, urged the country to implement the policy framework for the renewable energy and its sustainable development goals for 2060.
Shell has identified key enablers for boosting local content in the oil and gas industry, saying strategic partnerships, capacity building and adherence to regulations would help Nigeria to derive more value from the participation of local business in such operations.
General Manager, Nigerian Content Development, The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), Olanrewaju Olawuyi, and Chairman, Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), Wole Ogunsanya, at the 9th Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC) in Lagos
The remark was made by the General Manager, Nigeria Content Development of The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) Olanrewaju Olawuyi, at a panel session on “on “Local Content Private Sector” at the ongoing Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC) in Lagos.
Drawing lessons from the experience of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Olawuyi said it was necessary to encourage indigenous companies to form partnerships to deliver major work scopes. “By awarding contracts worth $1.98 billion to Nigerian businesses in 2023, Shell has bolstered the capabilities of local firms, enabling them to become regional contractors,” he said.
According to him, there is also the need to improve the expertise of local companies through training and provision of resources. “At Shell, we have implemented projects like the Nigerian Diving school to increase divers capacity in Nigeria, domestication of 3D printing technology and research work to develop synthetic base fluid for drilling. These are among many efforts to develop the capacity of suppliers.”
He said compliance with local content policies was essential as this had helped to ensure Shell’s operations benefit the local economy while at the same time fostering trust and collaboration with host communities.
Olawuyi explained: “Shell has learnt that the local content race is not a sprint, but a marathon and it makes a lot of business sense and creates value long term. As the energy sector evolves, local content strategies will shift from simple compliance to value-driven partnerships, technology adoption, and sustainable economic impact. Companies that invest in innovation, digital transformation, and workforce development will lead in shaping the next phase of local content growth.”
A Magistrate Court sitting in Calabar has once again adjourned the case against environmental activist, Odey Oyama, to February 27, 2025, after the prosecution failed to present evidence for trial as previously ordered by the court.
Odey Oyama
The case, numbered MC/20C/2025, was slated to begin on February 14, 2025, following a directive by Magistrate Okoho Bassey Otu on January 7, 2025, instructing the prosecution to provide evidence.
Oyama is accused of allegedly inciting a native war in his community of Effi, located in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State.
However, instead of presenting evidence, the prosecuting counsel, O.U. Ubi, informed the court that he had submitted an application to the Chief Judge of Cross River State, requesting the transfer of the case back to Ikom, where the incident allegedly occurred.
According to Ubi, the request was made under Sections 382 and 383 of the Cross River State Administration of Criminal Justice Law (2016), which grants the prosecution the authority to seek case transfers. He also cited Sections 96 and 97 of the same law, which empower the Chief Judge to determine the appropriate jurisdiction for hearings.
In response, the defense counsel, Chief Sunny Mgbe, argued that the prosecution was expected to present evidence as directed by the court. He emphasised that the application for transfer remained a mere request until acted upon by the Chief Judge.
“My Lord, we have already submitted to the court’s decision that the case should commence in the Calabar division. Since the Chief Judge has not issued any directive to halt proceedings here, this court retains jurisdiction, and the matter should proceed as planned,” Mgbe stated.
Magistrate Okoho Bassey Otu ruled that the court would allow one final adjournment to determine whether the case would continue in Calabar or be transferred. The prosecution was urged to obtain a formal approval for the transfer request before the next hearing.
“In light of the circumstances, the court shall grant one more adjournment to allow a final decision on whether the matter will proceed in this court or be reassigned. The prosecution must secure approval from the Chief Judge before the next date,” the magistrate ruled.
The case has now been adjourned to February 27, 2025, for either trial commencement or further directives from the Chief Judge.
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) will host the 41st meeting of the GCF Board (B.41) in Songdo, Incheon, Republic of Korea from February 17 to 20, 2025.
GCF Board members at B.40
Twelve new climate projects totalling $736.8 million of GCF funding will be considered for Board approval.
Half of the proposed projects focus on adaptation in some of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, three are private-sector projects, and two would be the first single-country projects for Togo and Serbia. Three projects were developed under the Project-specific Assessment Approach (PSAA), a recent initiative to facilitate new partnerships and enhance access to GCF funding.
The Board will also consider the accreditation of six new organisations as GCF project implementing partners. Five of the six are regional or national organisations, with the majority coming from a Least Developed Country or Small Island Developing State.
Other items on the agenda include discussions about establishing a GCF regional presence to enhance the Fund’s support for developing countries.
Nearly 400 participants will attend B.41, including observers from civil society and private sector organisations, National Designated Authorities (NDAs), Accredited Entities, and other partners who assist in delivering climate finance to developing countries.
GCF Board members and their alternates are drawn equally from developed and developing countries.
The GCF Board is charged with the governance and oversight of the Fund’s management. It was established by 194 sovereign governments party to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The Board is independent and guided by the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention.
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has appealed to the state residents to pay land use charge to enable his administration to provide more infrastructure.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State
He made the appeal on Friday, February 14, 2025, at the inauguration of another set of roads in Eti Osa Local Government Area.
Sanwo-Olu said that the road rehabilitation was in line with his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development.
He said his administration was determined to ensure that the residents would have unhindered access to facilities which would make their lives better.
“My appeal is for you to support us. Please pay your land use charge. Do that, and we will do more for you. It is your civic responsibility.
“These roads are very strategic roads within the confines of Femi Pearse and Adeola Odeku. We gave out the job to our local contractor, PWC, and it did a fantastic job.
“This project is yet another milestone in our administration’s commitment to developing and delivering life-changing infrastructure,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu, alongside his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, unveiled Chief Yesufu Abiodun Oniru Road, Akiogun Road (Alternative Route to Admiralty Circle Plaza In Lekki) and Abudu Smith Street, all in Eti Osa Local Government Area.
“These strategic roads will not only make life more meaningful, but they will also reduce travel time, reduce congestion, and bring quality life to the people of this community.
“Since the third week in December, we started going round the state to inaugurate roads in Kosofe, Ifako-Ijaye, Ikoyi-Obalende, Alimosho and Amuwo-Odofin.
“We still have plans to go to Badagry and Ibeju-Lekki because we promised that no part of Lagos will be left behind.
“In total, we still have about 15 to 17 roads that are nearing completion which we need to go and hand over.”
Sanwo-Olu applauded the Oniru of Iru-land, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, and other stakeholders for their cooperation.
He reiterated the government’s determination to construct the Green Line Rail.
Mr. Olufemi Daramola, the Special Adviser to the governor on Infrastructure, said that the rehabilitation of an alternative route to Admiralty Circle Toll Plaza, Lekki – would significantly decongest traffic at the plaza.
“No industry can grow, industrialise or be competitive in the dark,” Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, once declared at the Noor solar power point in Quarzazate, Southern Morocco.
Dignitaries at the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit
This, therefore, explains the essence of the recent African Energy Summit: “Mission 300”, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from Jan. 27 to Jan. 28, a collaboration between the African Development Bank and the World Bank Group, alongside other development partners to expand Africa’s energy access
The initiative is a bold step toward providing electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030, positioning energy access as the cornerstone of economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation.
Bringing together influential stakeholders such as global leaders, development banks, and private sector representatives came together to chart Africa’s energy future.
A central theme of the summit was the urgent need to transition toward renewable energy as Africa is endowed with vast renewable energy resources, solar, wind, and hydropower, which remain largely untapped.
At the end of the summit, some key contributions and recommendations were incorporated into the “Dar es Salaam Declaration”, a landmark achievement, shaping Africa’s energy future.
The declaration emphasises the necessity of scaling up investments in clean energy projects, particularly in rural and off-grid areas, to bridge the continent’s energy access gap.
Stakeholders at the summit stressed the importance of innovative financing mechanisms to fund Africa’s energy transition.
They recommended strengthening public-private partnerships (PPPs) to attract private sector investment, expanding the use of green bonds to finance renewable energy projects and increasing concessional financing from global institutions like the World Bank and the African Development Bank.
The summit underscored the need for harmonised policies to facilitate cross-border energy trade. Successful examples, such as Ethiopia’s renewable energy exports to neighbouring countries, were highlighted as models for enhancing energy security.
The declaration calls for the expansion of regional power pools to ensure efficient energy distribution and affordability as well as acknowledging the transformative role of digitalisation in the energy sector.
The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, urged African leaders to prioritise energy access, stressing the importance of collaborative efforts.
He stated, “Let us work together to create a brighter future for our citizens, where every African can access reliable and affordable energy.
“A future where our industries thrive, our economies grow, and our people prosper.”
The President reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to its unelectrified population by 2030, saying, “This is an ambitious goal, but we can achieve it together.
“As Nigeria’s President, I am committed to making energy access a top priority.”
His counterpart, Tanzania’s president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, said, “As leaders, we will be able to deliver on our promise to our citizens to provide power and clean cooking solutions that will transform lives and economies.
“Mission 300 is expected to boost the provision of clean cooking energy to homes, cutting reliance on wood and charcoal which are harmful.
The Minister of Finance and Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, during the signing of a partnership agreement between the IFC and Distributing Renewable Energy (DRE) companies, emphasised the significance of the initiative in addressing energy poverty on the continent.
He said, “This is one of the first tangible actions we can point to at this summit, which will culminate in the Dar es Salaam Declaration.
“Today’s agreement will bring electricity access to 400,000 people, and we all know how transformative that is.
“I encourage us to keep up this momentum of doing rather than merely saying.”
Meanwhile, Adesina, emphasised the need for decisive action to accelerate electrification across the continent.
“Critical reforms will be needed to expand the share of renewables, improve utility performance utilities, ensure transparency in licensing and power purchase agreements, and establish predictable tariff regimes that reflect production costs.
“Our collective effort to support you, heads of state and government, in developing and implementing clear, country-led national energy compacts to deliver on your visions for electricity in your respective countries,” he said.
Kevin Kariuki, Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate, and Green Growth, AfDB, said, “energy is the engine of development, without affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity, Africa cannot achieve its developmental aspirations or secure its rightful place in the global economy.
“Energy access is the cornerstone of economic transformation, opening doors to education, healthcare, and income generation.
“Moreover, it fosters gender equality by reducing the time women spend on labour and time-intensive tasks such as cooking with traditional fuels or collecting for firewood.
“Mission 300’s success is therefore not just about electrification; it is about saving and empowering lives as well as communities. It is also about reducing greenhouse gas emissions and safeguarding biodiversity,” he added.
Mr. Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank, stressed the importance of collaboration to achieve the summit’s ambitious goals.
He said, “Access to electricity is a fundamental human right. Without it, countries and people cannot thrive.
“Our mission to provide electricity to half of the 600 million people in Africa without access is a critical first step. To succeed, we must embrace a simple truth: no one can do it alone.
“Governments, businesses, philanthropies, and development banks each have a role, and only through collaboration can we achieve our goal.”
During the summit, partners announced a series of commitments: AfDB and the World Bank Group plan to allocate $48 billion in financing for Mission 300 through 2030, which may evolve to fit implementation needs.
Also, Agence Francaise de Development (AFD): one billion pounds to support energy access in Africa while Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) promised one billion dollard to 1.5 billion dollars to support Mission 300, Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group: 2.65 billion dollars in support of Mission 300 and energy access in Africa from 2025-2030.
OPEC Fund made an initial commitment of one billion dollars in support of Mission 300 with additional financing to follow.
Similarly, World Bank and AfDB launched Zafiri, an investment company that supports private sector-led solutions, such as renewable mini-grids and solar home systems.
Zafiri anchor partners will invest up to 300 million dollars in the first phase and mobilise up to one billion to address the persistent equity gap in Africa in these markets.
Also, experts at the summit, advocated the adoption of smart grids and decentralised energy systems to improve efficiency, reduce energy losses, and integrate renewable energy sources more effectively.
An energy expert, Ms Chantel Abdul, Chief Executive Officer of Virtuition Solaris, highlighted her organisation’s efforts to drive energy access in underserved communities.
She lauded the collaborative efforts of development partners in supporting the Distributed Energy Solutions (DES) programme, which aims to provide off-grid electricity to those who need it most.
“This is evidence of our development partners’ commitment to the M-300 agenda, as outlined by the Minister of Finance. Connecting 300 million Africans, including Nigerians, to electricity is a passion that Solaris shares deeply,” she said.
Governance challenges, including regulatory inefficiencies and corruption, were identified as major barriers to energy progress.
The declaration calls for greater transparency and accountability in energy investments, stronger regulatory frameworks to attract investors, community engagement to ensure energy policies align with local needs.
Pangolins are widely considered the world’s most trafficked mammals, accounting for nearly 20% of all illegal wildlife trade. These shy, nocturnal creatures are hunted extensively in West and Central Africa for their meat and scales, which are valued in traditional medicine in Asia.
The Pangolin. Pangolins are believed to be the world’s most trafficked mammals
While pangolins are consumed as bush-meat across Nigeria and other African nations, the primary driver of trafficking is demand for their scales from China and Vietnam, where pangolin scales are falsely believed to treat a variety of conditions including skin diseases and rheumatism.
However, the relentless poaching of pangolins is pushing them toward extinction, raising urgent concerns about conservation and economic losses. Nigeria has become a key transit hub for African pangolin scales, with large shipments smuggled from across the continent and exported to Asia.
Reports by Mongabay, a conservation news site, and BBC indicate that seizures in Nigeria have been among the largest globally, highlighting the country’s central role in the illegal trade. In a significant move against trafficking, Nigeria publicly incinerated $1.4 million (£1.2 million) worth of seized pangolin scales in 2023, marking its first symbolic destruction of wildlife contraband. This act was intended to send a strong message about the country’s commitment to combating
Poaching and illegal trade
According to Dr. Iziaq Adekunle, the former Minister of State for Environment, the destruction of these seized pangolin scales was a symbolic step toward protecting Nigeria’s wildlife.
However, while public demonstrations of commitment like the destruction of the seized stockpile are important, experts argue that stronger law enforcement and harsher penalties are needed to dismantle the multi-billion-dollar wildlife trafficking network operating within the country.
According to the UNODC, Africa is home to four species of pangolins, including the giant pangolin, and the white-bellied or tree pangolin – mostly found in Nigeria. However, due to extensive poaching, their population has plummeted, with Nigeria now primarily acting as a transit hub for scales sourced from across Africa.
Pangolin poaching has significant economic implications beyond biodiversity Ioss. If protected, Nigeria’s wildlife, including pangolins, could contribute substantially to ecotourism, an industry worth over $10 billion annually across Africa.
Countries like Kenya and Rwanda have successfully monetised wildlife conservation, yet Nigeria remains absent from this lucrative sector due to weak wildlife laws and rampant trafficking.
On the black market, pangolin scales fetch around $3,500 per kilogramme, fueling an illegal trade that benefits a few, while depriving the nation of sustainable economic opportunities. If trafficking continues at its current rate, Nigeria could lose millions in potential conservation revenue, worsening rural poverty and ecological degradation.
As Nigeria observes the 2025 World Pangolin Day on Saturday, February 15, awareness must translate into action. Strengthening the wildlife laws by passing the bill currently at the House of Assembly – headed for third reading, increasing law enforcement capacity, and promoting ecotourism are essential steps to reversing the pangolin population decline. Without urgent intervention, Nigeria risks not only losing a keystone species but also forfeiting the economic benefits of sustainable wildlife conservation.
In order to reverse the pangolin population decline in Nigeria, urgent action must be taken. This includes strengthening wildlife laws by passing the bill currently at the House of Assembly, increasing law enforcement capacity, and promoting ecotourism. As Nigeria observes World Pangolin Day 2025, it is essential to translate awareness into action to prevent the loss of this keystone species and the economic benefits of sustainable wildlife conservation.
By Ajibola Adedoye
This article was funded by a grant from the United States Department of State (via Wild Africa). The opinions, findings and conclusions stated herein are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of State
The Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, has tasked Nigerians on the need to process its raw materials before exporting them to boost economy.
Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso
Ike-Muonso made the call during the Maiden Public Lecture organised by the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science Education, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) on Thursday, February 13, 2025, in Enugu.
The lecture was themed “Raw Materials Education And Sustainable Development In Contemporary Nigeria”.
He said processing of raw materials by Nigerians could lead to value addition, diversification of the country’s economy and lift many out of poverty as there would be job creation.
The DG explained that if the citizens continued to have their raw materials exported outside Nigeria where they would be processed and sold to them at exorbitant prices, the people would continue to suffer.
“As long as we continue to do that, the generation unborn will continue to be unemployed, our naira will continue to lose its value and we will continue to experience same pain we experience today.
“The solution and way out is to support the bill we are championing that nobody should export raw material in their virgin form out of Nigeria without at least processing it up to 30 per cent.
“This bold move will protect our natural resources and catalyse domestic processing capabilities, creating jobs and fostering industrial growth,” Ike-Muonso said.
The director general explained that the policy was the single key to changing the fortunes of the country, adding that it was in processing that employment, income and prosperity would be created.
“Enugu has many raw materials across council areas likewise other states in Nigeria. What we are asking people is that at your own level, support with some processing equipment and education on raw material processing,” he said.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Prof. Aloysius Okolie, noted that Nigeria was blessed with abundant natural resources but were faced with the challenge on how best to harness them for sustainable economic growth, industrialisation and technological advancement.
Describing the lecture as both timely and necessary, Okolie, represented by the Director of Research and Innovation Development Centre, ESUT, Prof. Nnenna Nwobodo-Nzeribe, called for raw material education in the country.
He said, “The synergy between academia, industry and policymakers must be strengthened to develop locally sourced, value-added products, reduced dependency on import and enhance job creation.”
Earlier in a welcome address, the Head of Department of Mathematics and Computer Education, ESUT, Associate Prof. Samuel Nneji, said the importance of raw material processing could not be overemphasised.
According to him, if we want the best economy, we must turn back to our raw materials to create values.
“Even the crude oil we are exporting, how much do we process here but when we harness our raw materials maximally, it will benefit all,” he stressed.
The vice chancellor said that the university would use the knowledge from the lecture to educate the communities around them, students and the public on raw materials value.
He decried the activities of illegal miners who used locals to mine mineral resources in the state.
Prof. Augustine Uwakwe, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Gregory University, Uturu in Abia, also urged Nigerians to develop ability to recognise some natural raw materials around them and harness them.
He added that ability to export and process raw materials for economic development was what distinguished individuals and nations.
