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NCDMB, Starzs Gas upbeat about industrialisation at integrated CNG project’s inauguration

Michael Simire
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NCDMB, Starzs Gas upbeat about industrialisation at integrated CNG project’s inauguration

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Starzs Gas Limited were upbeat about growth prospects of Nigeria’s gas subsector and the potential boost to industrialisation as the groundbreaking ceremony for a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mother Station got underway in Iwhreken, Ughelli South, Delta State, on Thursday, February 13, 2025.

NCDMB
General Manager, Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Esueme Dan Kikile, with Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Starzs Investments Company Limited, Mr. Greg Ogbeifun; Vice Chairman, Miss Iroghama Ogbeifun; and other dignitaries at the groundbreaking ceremony for a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mother Station, Iwhreken, Ughelli South, Delta State, on Thursday

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the General Manager, Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination, Esueme Dan Kikile, commended Starzs Investments Company Limited, parent company of Starzs Gas, for pushing industry boundaries with its expansion into the gas subsector.

Ogbe described Starzs Gas Limited, whose offerings cut across natural gas compression, CNG fueling and refueling stations, conversion workshops and training centres, motorised CNG tube skids for sale and distribution, as well as engineering, construction and procurement solutions, as a veritable vehicle “to drive industrialisation and expand Nigeria’s economy.”

He was particularly elated that the multi-million-dollar Integrated CNG Project, which is slated for commissioning in the first quarter of 2026, has come at a time that the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas programme is going full steam, with the NCDMB itself acting as an enabler to numerous gas development and utilisation projects across the country.

On the Board’s performance in implementation of its core mandate, the Executive Secretary disclosed that local content hit 56 per cent in the last quarter of 2023, up from five per cent in 2010, when the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act came into force, noting that more and more Nigerian assets and resources are being utilised in oil and gas operations in the country.

Ogbe urged the host community, Iwhrekan, to cooperate with Starzs Gas Limited so as to enjoy maximum benefits and also facilitate unhampered production activities at the company. He said he was encouraged by the enthusiasm of the House of Representatives member for Ughelli North, Ughelli South, Udu Federal Constituency, Francis Waive, who was present at the ceremony, which could facilitate NCDMB’s sustainability programme for protection and security of the company’s facilities.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Starzs Investments Company Limited, Mr. Greg Ogbeifun, said the establishment of Starzs Gas Limited signalled “a generational shift,” as the Starzs Group, a conglomerate with such leading companies as Starzs Marine and Engineering Services Limited, Starzs Shipyard Limited, and Starzs Investments Company Limited, had for decades focused largely on the maritime industry.

He said Starzs Gas Limited was the culmination of unrelenting pressure by his daughter, Miss Iroghama Ogbeifun, that the global clamour for elimination of gas flaring and reduced carbon footprint, which form the basis of President Bola Tinubu’s initiatives on gas utilisation, be considered as a challenge to entrepreneurship.

According to him, he yielded and provided the necessary material support for the new company, whose focus is on gas for industrial applications, gas-to-power, and gas as auto fuel. The company is also engaged in engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) projects within the gas subsector.

The Starzs Group Chairman announced the immediate promotion of Miss Iroghama Ogbeifun to the position of Vice Chairman of the conglomerate in appreciation of her exceptional capabilities in visioning and implementing the blueprint for the new business organisation and her energy and drive.

Earlier in a welcome address, Miss Ogbeifun, Managing Director of Starzs Gas, expressed profound gratitude to guests among whom were top executives of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its subsidiaries, Chief Executive Officer, ND Western, Olanrewaju Kalejaiye, represented by the company’s Commercial Manager, Sunday Okunbor, Feb Idahosa, Waive, of the House of Representatives, the Council of Chiefs of the community, and President of the Nigerian Gas Association, Aka Nwokedi.

She said the event of Thursday was “not just groundbreaking…but setting the stage for cleaner energy and development for the host community,” pointing out that the NNPCL Gas Marketing Limited (NGML) has 15 per cent equity in the project, and that her company would leverage the partnership and expertise of the NNPCL.

“We are embarking on a journey that will drive industrial development,” Miss Ogbeifun assured the audience, adding that the Integrated Gas Project would significantly facilitate attainment of objectives in Federal Government’s Decade of Gas programme.

In a goodwill message, Francis Waive said Thursday (day of the groundbreaking ceremony) was a very important day for him, adding, “This is my place, my community, my constituency.” He told the community, “Let us work with Starzs to achieve success,” noting that development was coming to them if the people would refrain from disruptive activities.

The Chief Executive Officer of ND Western, Kalejaiye, expressed happiness at the initiative of the Starzs Group, pointing out that “Gas is not just fuel but an enabler of economic prosperity.” He described the project as most valuable as it broadens the country’s energy mix, while calling for collaboration between policymakers, producers and other key stakeholders.

The President, Nigerian Gas Association, Nwokedi, said the project being undertaken would reduce carbon footprint and bring about other economic benefits. He commended the partnership between the NNPCL Gas Marketing Limited and Starzs Gas as well as the focus and tenacity of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, for developments in the subsector.

In a related goodwill message, the Managing Director of NNPC Gas Marketing Limited, Justin Ezeala, described the Integrated Gas Project as a timely response to the Federal Government’s charge to the private sector to invest in gas infrastructure to promote resource development and utilisation.

Ezeala, who spoke as representative of the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Ekpo, and Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari, said the Federal Government “believes in the vision of Starzs” and that “It is reassuring that the National Assembly is making the right laws and Government is making the right policies.”

Starzs Gas Limited is building a CNG Compression Station adjacent to the gigantic NAZ 3 Gas Plant at Utorogu, Delta State. The Compression Station, by design, has an initial capacity of two million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd), which is scalable to five mmscfd within 18 months. It is envisaged to expand from CNG to domestic LNG production.

Mixed reactions trail Nigeria’s 2030 open defecation-free deadline

Michael Simire
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Mixed reactions trail Nigeria’s 2030 open defecation-free deadline

Stakeholders in the environment space and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) have expressed mixed reactions on the feasibility of Nigeria achieving open defecation-free target by 2030 with over 48 million Nigerians still practising open defecation.

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

They disclosed this in separate interviews on Sunday, February 16, 2025, in Lagos.

Year 2025 was initially set out to end open defecation in Nigeria, but the Federal Government shifted the date to 2030 to ensure that all stakeholders work for its actualisation.

The 2021 WASH NORM statistics indicated that about 48 million people still resort to open defecation.

Some argued that the date was not realisable, while others expressed optimism that all hands must be on deck to make the 2030 deadline possible.

Ayo Adebusoye, a lawyer and development consultant, said the 2030 date was not realisable.

Adebusoye, who is also the Chairman, Lagos Civil Society Participation for Development, said there was no evidence on the ground to show that an end to open defecation would happen in 2030.

“You have to be intentional, whenever you have commitments like this, you have to make obvious moves. It is not just to say it.

“In Lagos State, for instance, what we are facing is a whole lot, especially since the Lagos Waste Management Authority was destabilised during the Ambode regime. In so many places, we see refuse being dumped on the streets.

“We see all manner of people everywhere urinating or defecting on the streets,” Adebusoye said.

He said government needed to be intentional, adding that there must be people monitoring the streets.

He noted there was a need for more public toilets placed in strategic places like motor parks.

“Government at all levels have to become serious and the local government areas have a role to play – this is one of the main constitutional duties of the local government.

“Right now, we are not on track,” Adebusoye said.

According to him, there should be adequate enforcement to ensure that street by street, open defecation is phased out.

He said that petrol stations should be engaged to ensure that they have decent public toilets for people as obtained in other climes.

For Cecilia Imadu, a WASH expert with Save the Children, a non-governmental organisation,  the fight to end open defecation had been ongoing.

According to her, development partners have been in the vanguard of ensuring that Nigerians adopt best hygiene practices to end open defecation.

She noted that open defecation had been a major channel for the spread of diseases.

She, however, said there were gaps in the aspects of ownership and sustainability in the struggle from the part of government and citizens.

Imadu who noted that the Federal Government had passed policies to end open defecation such as the Clean Nigeria Campaign said but there were still gaps in infrastructure and behavioural change.

She identified lack of maintenance of WASH facilities and scaling up on the drive to end open defecation as gaps to tackle

“If the government is more commitment toward this, I think we will get there by 2030.

“Save the Children had supported Somolu Local Government Area (LGA) in Lagos State to end open defecation, where some infrastructures were put in place and they were handed over to the community under the stop diarrhea campaign some years back.

“But we cannot say for sure how well these infrastructure are being put to use and the level of maintenance.

“This is because when development partners intervene, they hand over to the community and by extension to the government to take it up from there.

“So, we are still lacking in the aspect of ownership and sustainability.

“If the government can do more in that regards, there is no doubt that the 2030 deadline is achievable,” Imadu said.

Ms Titilayo Ogedengbe, environmental officer, Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), acknowledged that incidences of open defecation adorn the Berger Bus Stop area of the LCDA on the Lagos Ibadan expressway.

Ogedengbe said the Lagos State Government in 2024 embarked on series of campaign and have put in measures to end open defecation within the Berger corridor.

According to her, the government through the park unions have engaged people to police the Berger area to stop the indiscriminate defecation in the area.

Ogedengbe expressed optimism that the 2030 date for the eradication of open defecation was realisable.

She said the state government had ensured the provision of adequate toilet facilities, especially in the Berger area, to ensure that people do not defecate in the open.

She added that development partners, like WaterAid Nigeria, have been intervening in the LCDA to instill behavioural change among the residents.

“By 2030, there will not be open defecation within the Berger axis because of the measures already put in place by the Lagos State government,” Ogedengbe said.

For Pastor Segun Feyemi, the Community Development Commitee Chairman, Ojodu LCDA, the 2030 deadline is realisable, given the indices on ground.

Feyemi said that Ojodu LCDA had been working with WaterAid to end open defecation.

Prince Adeniran Ogunbanwo, CDC Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA, said the 2030 deadline feasible.

Ogunbanwo said that all the stakeholders should work in unison, adding that with robust campaign citizens should be sensitised on the dangers of open defecation.

“Ikorodu North LCDA is doing its best to put structures on the ground to combat open defecation within the confinement of available resources.

“But the resources is not enough, we still need partnership like what we are having with WaterAid to do more.

“We still need more intervention with other agencies,” he said.

He said that the environmental health officials in Ikorodu North were doing their best to sensitise the residents on the dangers of open defecation and the need for residents to make use of their toilet facilities.

He, however, noted that they were short staffed.

Mr. Ola Oresanya, Commissioner for Environment, Ogun State, said the causes of open defecation must be addressed to achieve the target.

“If we want to end open defecation, we need to look at what causes it, why are people defecating openly.

“Some of the reasons include lack of toilets, people have bad habits of not  looking for the nearest facility when the call of nature comes.

“And because they have no shame, they enjoy themselves doing it openly,” he said.

Oresanya noted that in the area of Infrastructure,  there are many houses, especially in the villages,  that don’t have toilets.

According to him, there were also lack of adequate public toilets.

He noted that some other places that could  be used  like shopping malls and fueling stations and eateries are locked up.

“We need to get a law to reprimand such facilities for not making their toilets available.

“For those indulging in such bad habits – defecating openly, there must be enforcement and heavy fines to deter them.

He noted that Ikenne LGA in Ogun State had been declared open defecation free.

He said that the state was looking at an additional five LGAs to be declared open defecation free by 2025.

“It means all houses within the LGA has public toilet facilities with running water. and there is regular inspection.

He said that Ogun State planned to have 400 public toilets, adding that one unique thing about the public toilets in Ogun State is that they are also sources of energy.

“They produce electricity from the feces. It us green energy, and it is a PPP arrangement, whereby we allow the sector  to use their money to build it and we help them to recover their funds through serious enforcement.

“We also want to implement the law that if you get to a petrol station in Ogun State and they don’t allow you to use their public toilet, the station could lose their operating licence.

“We can seal them up because they have reneged on their agreement,” Oresanya said.

By Fabian Ekeruche

AU Climate Summit urges $1.3tr annual fund for Africa

Michael Simire
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AU Climate Summit urges $1.3tr annual fund for Africa

African Union leaders on Sunday, February 16, 2025, demanded a massive increase in climate finance, calling for $1.3 trillion annually as Kenyan President, William Ruto, chaired a high-stake meeting ahead of upcoming global climate negotiations.

William Ruto
Kenyan President, William Ruto

The summit at AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, underscored the vast gap between developed nations’ commitments and Africa’s actual needs in the fight against climate change.

“Africa presented a unified voice at COP29, with strong participation from African leaders, ministers, and experts. While the conference made some progress on key issues such as climate finance, adaptation, and carbon markets, the outcomes fell short of Africa’s expectations,” Ruto said.

The Kenyan president noted that the current pledge to mobilise $300 billion by 2035 represents just a fraction of what Africa requires to effectively address climate challenges.

South African Minister, Dion George, highlighted his country’s upcoming G20 presidency as a crucial opportunity for advancing the continent’s environmental agenda.

“Through the G20, South Africa will continue to contribute to global efforts in tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution,” George said.

Kenyan Foreign Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, emphasised the need for continental unity on climate issues.

“It is imperative for African nations to speak with one voice on matters of debt and climate change. Our collective strength will ensure that our concerns are heard and addressed in international forums,” Mudavadi said.

Serah Makka of the ONE Campaign called for fundamental changes in how Africa’s wealth is calculated.

“Africa needs to recalibrate its economic metrics to truly reflect its wealth, including natural assets. This will not only improve our debt ratios but also attract sustainable investments,” Makka said.

The gathering concluded with a unanimous commitment to develop a comprehensive climate finance plan before the COP30 conference in Brazil.

By AfricaBrief & Distory

PASA wants African nations to prioritise sanitation, hygiene

Michael Simire
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PASA wants African nations to prioritise sanitation, hygiene

The Executive Secretary, Pan-African Association of Sanitation Actors (PASA), Mr. Kitch Bawa, has urged African governments to make sanitation and hygiene top priority.

Speaking to Africa Media Practitioners virtually on Saturday, February 15, 2025, he outlined PASA’s ongoing initiatives in 25 countries to strengthen sanitation services.

Toilets
CNC team visiting toilets constructed under the ‘Build Operate and Maintain’ intervention in Abuja

He emphasised the need for better waste management systems across the continent.

He said: “We are committed to improving sanitation infrastructure and advocating training of sanitation and health workers.”

He announced the upcoming launch of PASA One City, One Fecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) Initiative.

This, he said, would be introduced in Kampala, Uganda, during the Mayors and Local Authorities Forum at the African Water and Sanitation Association (AFWASA) Congress on Feb. 18.

Bawa expressed concern over the mismanagement of fecal sludge treatment plants in several African countries, warning that inadequate facilities posed serious health risks to individuals and communities.

He emphasised the need for climate-resilient sanitation infrastructure to ensure long-term sustainability.

Addressing the issue of open defecation, he revealed alarming statistics that demonstrate the severity of the problem.

He, however, reassured that PASA is actively working to combat the challenge.

He said: “Our mission is to enhance public health and improve the quality of life in African communities. We call on the media to raise awareness about the importance of sanitation and hygiene in Africa’s development.”

Dr Simeon Kenfack, the Director of Programmes at AFWASA, stressed the need for stronger sanitation policies and oversight.

He stated that AFWASA is collaborating with multiple countries to improve sanitation services, citing Senegal as a model example.

He further revealed that the organisation is mentoring five other nations to adopt Senegal’s successful sanitation strategies.

He noted that “to amplify its impact, AFWASA has committed to partnering with media practitioners to drive awareness and advocacy.”

Kenfack acknowledged media’s vital role in influencing public policy and behaviour.

He said: “Journalists are key allies in sanitation advocacy, and we are eager to collaborate with them to improve conditions across Africa.”

The director said sanitation is a critical public health issue that demands immediate and sustained action, reaffirming AFWASA’s commitment to make this a reality.

“We are dedicated to tackling this issue and ensuring improved sanitation across the continent,” he added.

A WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (JMP), along with the UN-Water Global Analysis and Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking Water, reveals the poor state of sanitation in Africa.

A survey conducted across the 55 member states of the African Union between 2000 and 2022 revealed that only 31 per cent of the population had access to safely managed sanitation, while just 28 per cent had access to basic hygiene in 2022.

Alarmingly, 779 million people lack basic sanitation, including approximately 208 million who still practise open defecation.

By Tosin Kolade

ACSEA seeks awareness-raising, policy implementation to tackle Nigeria’s energy inequality

Michael Simire
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ACSEA seeks awareness-raising, policy implementation to tackle Nigeria’s energy inequality

With over 85 million Nigerians living without access to reliable energy, the African Coalition for Sustainable Energy & Access (ACSEA) has urged the government to prioritise policy implementation and awareness raising to address this issue.

ACSEA
Participants at the National Consultative Dialogue on Nigeria’s Energy Transition and Renewable Energy Commitments, held in Abuja

ACSEA’s advice is especially important considering that energy inequality in Nigeria has resulted in over 70% of the population using firewood as a cooking fuel, a practice that kills over 93,000 people each year.

“We believe that an equitable energy transition is possible when communities are actively involved, and decision-making processes are transparent and inclusive,” Pius Oko, the country project lead for ACSEA, stated.

Oko, who made the statement while addressing some participants in Abuja on Friday, February 14, 2025, during the national consultative dialogue on Nigeria’s Energy Transition and Renewable Energy Commitments, hosted by ACSEA, Lift Humanity Foundation (LHF), and Ecosteward and Humanitarian Foundation (EHF), drew attention to two key vital instruments – the Nigeria’s Climate Change Act (CCA 2021) and the Energy Transition Plan (ETP) – that capture the nation’s vision and outline strategic actions to achieve its climate ambition.

According to him, while the CCA 2021 provides a legal framework for climate resilience, carbon budgeting, and transitioning to a low-carbon economy, the ETP, on the other hand, outlines a plan to realise net-zero emissions by 2060 and increase renewable energy access.

Now, the question is: why is energy inequality still present and expanding in the country?

The attempt to provide answers to this question inspired ACSEA and her partners to bring together stakeholders to brainstorm on Nigeria’s responsiveness and come up with a strategic action plan to bridge the gaps.

At the conclusion of the exercise, five major factors were found to be the cause of the issue: inadequate accountability and enforcement, which impedes progress on carbon budgeting and emission reduction; and the limited participation of grassroots communities, especially women and young people, in the formulation and implementation of policies.

Other issues include the nation’s excessive reliance on fossil fuels (oil makes up more than 90% of export revenue), a lack of investment in infrastructure and capacity building for renewable energy, and conflicting laws that encourage the growth of fossil fuels.

Nweze Emmanuel Obinna, the Programme Director of Ecosteward and Humanitarian Foundation (EHF), believes that Nigeria must put aside its rhetoric about policy and begin taking practical steps in order to overcome this setback.

“For a truly sustainable and equitable energy future, we must close policy gaps, enhance accountability, and involve local communities, women, and youth in decision-making processes,” he said during his remarks at the conference.

As a result, the EHF programme director tasked the government and other relevant stakeholders to take immediate and deliberate action to promote the implementation of climate-smart and socially inclusive energy policies that benefit all Nigerians.

By Etta Michael Bisong, Abuja

Group to inaugurate climate change clubs in Adamawa, Yobe schools

Michael Simire
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Group to inaugurate climate change clubs in Adamawa, Yobe schools

PLAN International, an NGO, has unveiled plans to come up with climate change clubs, targeting schools and communities in Adamawa and Yobe states.

PLAN International
Participants at the five- day capacity building workshop in Kano

Nubwa Ibrahim, PLAN’s Social Behavioral Change Communication Officer, disclosed this at the end of a five- day capacity building workshop for journalists and other stakeholders in Kano on Saturday, February 15, 2025.

The stakeholders were drawn from National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Academicians, Ministry of Environment and NiMet.

Ibrahim said the programme would be implemented in 14 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Adamawa and Yobe states, with seven LGAs in each state.

She said the project, with support from Zurich Foundation, aimed to educate young people about the causes and consequences of climate hazards.

Ibrahim added that it would also equip them with skills to build resilience to equip young people with the knowledge and tools of addressing environmental challenges while providing long lasting solutions in a more innovative way.

“The programme will foster a sense of responsibility for the environment, advocate for sustainable practices and to inspire others to take actions.

“It will create a generation of environmentally conscious citizens who are committed to a more sustainable future,” she said.

According to her, the school teachers will act as focal persons for the activity.

“They will receive training on climate change from experts, so they will be able to facilitate sessions and transfer knowledge on climate change for actions.

Mr. Mathew Aliyu, Climate Change Resilience Influencing Officer and resource person, said the strategy for influencing climate resilience is divided into three phases.

The phases include foundation and awareness-building, policy advocacy and capacity-building, as well as implementation, support, and monitoring.

“ZCRA Nigeria’s structured approach to climate resilience advocacy focuses on partnerships, awareness, and policy engagement, with a commitment to ensuring no one is left behind in climate action,” he said.

He called on participants to join the effort in building climate-resilient communities.

Prof. Ambrose Zemba, a lecturer at Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola, described the workshop as timely, considering the effects of climate change in the targeted states.

He urged participants to apply the knowledge gained in addressing climate change challenges in the country.

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

Kwara mothers seek stronger tobacco control policies

Michael Simire
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Kwara mothers seek stronger tobacco control policies

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
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.

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

CPA seeks probe into alleged N7.7bn NCDMB misappropriation

Michael Simire
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CPA seeks probe into alleged N7.7bn NCDMB misappropriation

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
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.

By Olasunkanmi Onifade

COP27: Oxfam calls on nations to redeem financial pledges

Michael Simire
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COP27: Oxfam calls on nations to redeem financial pledges

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.

Sham El-Sheikh
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.

By Precious Akutamadu

Shell outlines steps to boost local content in oil and gas operations

Michael Simire
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Shell outlines steps to boost local content in oil and gas operations

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.

Shell
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.”

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