Environment watchdog, the Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), has called the attention of the National Oil Spill Detection and Remediation Agency (NOSDRA) and Shell to a crude oil spill from a Shell pipeline along Obololi Creek in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Obololi Creek oil spill site
The current oil spill reportedly occurred on the night of Sunday, February 16, breaking Monday, February 17, 2025. It is said to be the very first spill happening on the community river or Creek, the people’s only source of water for everything.
Obololi community is where pipelines belonging to Oando and Shell traversed. Shell, according to community folks, laid this pipeline since 1973 and has not replaced it since then.
“The people urgently need drinking water. Shell should immediately mobilise for JIV and follow up with cleanup, remediation and compensation,” said the group.
Meanwhile, following EDEN’s advocacy efforts, the Deputy Executive Director of the group, Alalgoa Morris, will be leading the Southern Ijaw Local Government Chairman and the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Environment to visit the impacted area on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohammed Fall, has described the climate crisis as a human rights emergency, raising concerns over the future conditions in Sub-Sahara African countries.
Mohamed Malick Fall, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria
Fall stated this at a-three-day 2025 Regional Africa Human Rights Academic Network Conference on environmental degradation and climate change justice on human rights in Abuja.
The conference is organised by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in collaboration with the University of Nsukka (UNN) Raoul Wallenberg Institute (RWI).
The Regional African Human Rights Academic Network comprises institutions across the African continent, under the African Regional Programme of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI).
It was first preceded in Harare, Zimbabwe October 2022, the second in Stellenbosch, Republic of South Africa in September 2023, the third, Abuja, Nigeria on February, 2025.
Fall said the gathering which is under the theme of Human Rights, Environment and Climate Change, Access to environment and climate justice within the regional and sub-regional human rights system in Africa, is apt.
“The climate crisis is more than environmental issues. It is a human rights emergency.
“Across our continent, rising temperatures, extreme weather events and environmental degradation is proportionally impacting those who are the most vulnerable.
“I mention the women, the elderly, the children, the youth and the persons with disabilities. Those who contribute least to the greenhouse emission are those who pay the heaviest price.
“This to us is an injustice,” he said.
Sub-Saharan Africa, he said, produces less than four per cent of the greenhouse emission, yet it suffers the worst effect of climate change.
This, he said, is more than an environmental injustice.
“It is a moral failure. The children of tomorrow will grow up in a climate, in a world, in an environment which is already damaged. This is a choice they have never made.
“They will bear the cost of the crisis that they did not create. And this is not only unfair, but this is a deep betrayal for the future generation.
“Land loss, food insecurity, water scarcity and displacement resulting from climate change are daily realities for millions, including in Nigeria,” Fall said.
He added that this human rights crisis ripples inequality, exacerbates poverty and threatens peace and stability.
He noted that while environmental degradation denies people access to clean water, food and livelihood, it violates the fundamental right, right to life, the right to health and the right to dignity.
”Recognising this, the United Nations General Assembly in 2022 adopted a landmark resolution, affirming that the right to clean water, healthy and sustainable environment is a fundamental human right.
“This resolution reinforces global commitment to environmental justice, stating unequivocally that climate change and environmental degradation are among the most pressing threats to humanity’s future.
“It is also emphasised that achieving this right requires the full implementation of multilateral environmental agreements under international environmental law.
“This framework underscores both the urgency of action and the legal basis for protecting it.”
Fall said Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation and economic powerhouse, stands at a critical crossroads.
Nigeria, he said, was in the front line of climate change, facing severe desertification in the north, erosion and rising sea levels in the south, and a dramatic weather pattern disrupting agriculture and livelihood.
“In 2024, flooding in the northeas left hundreds of people dead or unaccounted for, and thousands displaced in addition to severely damaged vital infrastructure.
“If unaddressed, this challenge would escalate conflict over land, over resources, increase displacement, and strain governance and security.
“Yet, Nigeria is also a nation of resilience and innovation with great potential.
“Nigeria has a unique opportunity to champion environmental justice and climate action as a fundamental human right by integrating climate justice into the legal and policy framework in a manner consistent with Nigeria’s human rights obligations, development, sustainability, justice, inclusiveness, and rights-based approach” he said.
Fall said the UN stands firmly with Nigeria in addressing these challenges.
Through the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, he said, solutions are being driven in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.
“SDG 30 on climate action, SDG 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions, and the Sixth Transition Pathway for acceleration of the SDG for 2030.
“Efforts including strengthening climate resilience in communities must also be supported to be resilient to environmental shock, ensuring adaptation policy, and prioritising the most vulnerable communities.
“Legislative and institutional reform are being supported to uphold environmental justice, ensuring that environmental human rights defenders are empowered, that polluters are held accountable, and that affected communities have access to justice and effective remedies,” he said.
According to Fall, investment in the youth and climate innovation recognises that Nigeria young people are not just leaders of tomorrow but also change makers of today.
He noted that, globally, the United Nations Secretary-General has been vocal in calling for climate justice.
He added, urging world leaders to move beyond pledge and move towards tangible actions grounded in equity, accountability, and the principle of leaving no one behind.
“Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, the world we have ahead of us demands bold leadership, collective action, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
“As we exchange perspectives during this day, let’s remember that the fight for climate justice is a fight for dignity, equalities, and the future of our planet.
“In the words of Nelson Mandela, to deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity,” he quoted.
He, therefore, urged participants to “affirm our shared humanity by ensuring that environmental justice is not just an aspiration but a reality for everyone”.
The European Union says its partially on track to achieve its climate, environment and sustainability objectives, according to the European Environment Agency (EEA) report.
EEA Executive director, Leena Ylä-Mononen
In a publication on Thursday, February 20, 2025, the EEA said that more decisive measures were needed to boost a circular economy, reverse the declining trend in biodiversity and reduce the EU’s consumption footprint.
“The EU is not yet on track to meet the many targets of the so-called 8th Environment Action Programme (8EAP), with limited progress overall, compared to the last report from 2023.”
EEA Executive director, Leena Ylä-Mononen, said that good progress had been made in reducing air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and boosting green finance.
“But decisive action is needed to put the EU on track elsewhere.
“This means bolder implementation of existing legislation, additional measures where needed and ensuring there is sufficient financing to deliver our climate, environment and sustainability objectives,’’ she said in a statement.
Four 2030 targets were deemed to be “totally ‘off track’’ including greenhouse gas emissions from land use, land-use change and forestry, doubling circular material use.
“It will ensure 25 per cent of farm fields are organically farmed, and significantly decreasing the EU’s consumption footprint,” EEA said.
Reducing energy consumption and boosting consumption of renewable energy were also off track.
The 8EAP sets out the EU’s long-term vision to 2050 of living well and within planetary boundaries and includes priority objectives for 2030 and the conditions needed to achieve these.
The Oyo State Government has sealed Fountain Manufacturing Company Ltd., an industrial facility in Oluyole, Ibadan, for violating environmental laws.
Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State
Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Abdulmojeed Mogbojubola, disclosed this to newsmen on Thursday, February 20, 2025, in Ibadan, the state capital.
“The sealing was done on the heels of several complaints and petitions received on the health hazard incured by the residents around the facility.
“Reports indicate that the harmful fumes emitted from the facility have caused significant unrest in the area.
“We have intervened in the matter for years, seeking an amicable resolution among residents, but the facility owner has consistently failed to comply with state environmental laws,” Mogbonjubola said.
He added that the ministry also sealed Casta De Lounge along Akala Road for dumping waste on the highway median.
The commissioner alleged that the lounge had refused to patronise the government-assigned waste collectors and was guilty of multiple environmental offences.
The Japanese government on Thursday, February 20, 2025, pledged assistance of $3 million to Nigeria to combat the cholera epidemic in the country.
Suzuki Hideo, Japanese Ambassador-Designate to Nigeria
Mr. Suzuki Hideo, Japanese Ambassador-Designate to Nigeria, said this at the Japanese Emperor’s 65th birthday reception held in Abuja.
He revealed that the assistance was funded by a recently approved supplementary budget for the current fiscal year.
Japan has indeed been a steady partner in providing humanitarian and development support to Nigeria, following the visit of Japan’s former foreign minister in April 2024, Japan announced an emergency loan of 108 million dollars to support Nigeria.
He added that there was also a grant of $5.4 million to enhance the country’s agricultural and health capabilities in 2024.
Japan’s government has been working with international organisations to assist Nigeria.
In 2023, Japan’s supplementary budget allocated two million in emergency aid to support peace and stability in Northeast Nigeria, and disaster prevention efforts using Japanese expertise.
The envoy said that since the birth of the Emperor in 1960 which also coincided with when Nigeria gained independence; this marked the beginning of a diplomatic bilateral relation that has continued to deepen over the years.
According to him, at the Lagos international trade fair organised by Japan’s external trade organisation (JETRO) held in November 2024, a record of 40 companies exhibited at the Japan Pavillion, this is a clear indication of the high expectations Japanese companies have for the Nigerian market.
“It is true that Japanese companies in Nigeria are facing various business challenges. I hope that under the strong leadership of the Nigerian government, the business environment will continue to improve.
“I am optimistic about the future of the Nigerian economy. I visited the Dangote refinery which has garnered global attention, and I was impressed by the groundbreaking vision, skill, and cutting-edge technology on display, this experience gave me a profound sense of the huge potential for future development in Nigeria,” he said.
According to the envoy, this year marks a significant milestone in Japan-Nigeria and Japan-Africa relations and in expectation of TICAD 9 which will hold in August 2025 in Yokohama.
Hideo, however, said that he is looking forward to seeing the participation of the Nigerian government from the highest level in TICAD 9 2025.
WATT Renewable Corporation (WATT), a provider of hybrid solar solutions, has announced significant achievements in 2024, including the removal of 1,329 tonnes of CO₂ emissions through its 233-hybrid solar and storage solutions.
WATT Renewable Corporation removed 1,329 tonnes CO2 emissions in 2024 through solar storage solutions
The company disclosed in a statement made available to EnviroNews on Thursday, February 20, 2025, that it increased its installed capacity by 17% to 2.31MWh and improved uptime to 99.50% across its remote sites in Nigeria, furthering its mission to eliminate reliance on diesel generators.
In 2024, WATT added 37 new installations, marking a 16% increase, including 11 financial sector sites and 26 telecom sites. Telecoms accounted for 70% of WATT’s total new capacity and aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to expand digital connectivity through its National Broadband Plan, unlocking community access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
2024 also marked a significant technological advancement for WATT’s solar storage systems, with the transition from traditional Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) batteries to advanced Lithium-Ion Battery (LIB) technology. This upgrade provides customers with longer-lasting power, faster recharging after outages, and enhanced energy reliability – offering a dependable solution to mitigate grid blackouts and support growth in energy-constrained environments.
“2024 was a milestone year for WATT,” comments Oluwole Eweje, CEO. “Our $15 million partnership with AFRIGREEN and other strategic investments have fuelled market expansion and delivered tangible value to businesses across the country. By helping clients cut energy costs by 25-30%, we’ve empowered them to reinvest in growth, drive innovation and gain greater energy independence. These achievements reflect our commitment to transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape with reliable, cost-efficient solutions that deliver real impact.”
WATT said that its success in 2024 was driven by a people-first approach. Its workforce grew by 40%, with women making up 14% of that growth, underscoring a dedication to diversity. Beyond its team, WATT uplifted communities across Nigeria by offering hands-on training to individuals from underserved areas, such as security guards and janitors, helping them develop skills to support long-term livelihoods.
This people-first approach, it added, extended to rural areas without grid access, where WATT installed charging ports and solar security lighting, enhancing safety, accessibility, and opportunity for all.
Discussing the company’s people-centric activities, Sherisse Alexander, Chief Business Officer at WATT, shared: “The growth of our team, particularly the increase in female employees, reflects the incredible talent potential here in Nigeria. By prioritising local talent, we’re empowering communities, supporting skills development and fostering resilience in areas that need it most. This is about creating opportunities that directly benefit Nigerians, both within our company and across the areas where we operate.”
The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) has called for continuous collaboration between professional associations in the oil and gas industry and government agencies to ensure the sector contributes more effectively to the socio-economic development of Nigeria. Such collaboration could result in investments in research and development that will ensure technological innovations not only in the oil and gas industry but also in other sectors of the economy.
The Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) has announced Chief Tunde Afolabi, MFR, as winner of the NMGS highest award for 2025, the NMGS/Shell Award at the 60th NMGS Annual International Conference and Exhibition in Abuja. The winner, Chief Afolabi (centre) receiving his award from Shell Head Specialist Geologist, Segun Obilaja (left) while the NMGS President, Professor Akinade Shadrach Olatunji, right, watches on
SPDC Exploration Manager, Gogo Eneyok, made the call in Abuja where the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) holds its 60th Annual International Conference on February 16-21, 2025, with the theme “Transformation of the Mineral, Energy, Water and Construction Sectors through innovations.”
He said: “SPDC has sustained its decades-old partnership with the NMGS, sponsoring conferences, providing internship opportunities for professionals and the academia and supporting research, especially through the provision of real-time data from the industry to improve the quality of academic work.”
Eneyok added: “Shell continues to power progress n Nigeria through our operations on land, shallow and deep-water waters, as well as in gas and renewables and will provide opportunities for industry professionals to innovate and keep pushing the limits of research and development. It is indeed, a time where all professionals and government must deliberate on the various aspects of the energy sector.”
In his address at the conference, NMGS president, Prof Akinade Olatunji, enjoined Nigerian government to trust its citizens’ capabilities to guide the nation on a “trajectory of consistent growth that will wipe out poverty.”
He said: “The NMGS conference has grown from a very humble beginning 60 years ago to become the flagship of all the geosciences and mining professionals’ conferences in Nigeria. We are confronted by a vast changing world order. It is against this background of a changing world order and the fervent need to be self-sufficient in all spheres that we have identified the need for innovation in solving the myriads of challenges in the various sectors of the Nigerian economy.”
In a goodwill message delivered at the conference, President of the National Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), Johnbosco Uche, said: “NMGS role is critical as it helps to shape the future of earth scientists, foster research and ensure that professionals operate with noble values as the nation exploits natural resources.”
Uche, who is also the Chief Geophysicist for Shell Companies in Nigeria, highlighted NAPE’s collaboration with NMGS: “As colleagues in geosciences, we at NAPE deeply value the partnership with you. Our shared goal of harnessing the earth’s resources responsibly and efficiently requires continuous co-operation and synergy between us.”
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) said it carried out criminal enforcement on 96 recalcitrant facilities across the country, including the FCT, in 2024 for environmental infractions.
Officials of NESREA during a shutdown operation
Dr Innocent Barikor, the Director-General of NESREA, who stated this at a news conference on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, in Abuja, said that the agency would continue with the enforcement as long as such facilities failed to live up to their obligations.
Barikor said that, in order to achieve effective environmental compliance monitoring and enforcement, NESREA had so far developed 36 National Environmental Regulations, as well as various National Environmental Guidelines.
He said that in enforcing these national environmental legislations, the agency carried out various forms of enforcement procedures, both administrative, civil or criminal to ensure compliance of facilities in the green and brown environment.
He said that the ultimate goal of the agency is to achieve a culture of voluntary compliance from the regulated community.
According to him, this is where facility operators proactively adhere to extant environmental legislations without the need for criminal enforcement action.
“NESREA would continue to do that as long as such facilities fail to live up to their obligations towards the environment,” Barikor said.
Barikor said that the the agency made a landmark progress in the Battery Sector which had been unregulated for so long by developing and gazzetting.
He said this was achieved with the support of some development partners, such as the German Government (GIZ), the National Environmental (Battery Sector Control) Regulations, 2024.
“This sector has hitherto, been plagued with indiscriminate and improper handling of Used Lead Acid Batteries (ULABs) which are associated with severe environmental and health hazards,” he said.
He said that the agency had taken steps to promote awareness on the circular economy model in Nigeria.
“NESREA has over the years commenced the implementation of the circular economy principles in the country through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme.
“Implementation has commenced particularly in the Food and Beverage, Electrical/Electronics, Batteries, Used Tyres, Domestic Plastics, Rubber and Foam, (and soon to-be Plastic Waste) Sectors,” he said.
He said the continuous development of the capacity of members of staff of the agency was paramount for efficiency and improved productivity.
“NESREA as an agency works hard to afford Nigerians and all who reside in Nigeria a better environment in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“This we cannot achieve alone, without the support of Nigerians.
“I urge all Nigerians to be true environmental watchdogs, by blowing the whistle on any crime or infraction that affects the environment while supporting sustainable practices.
“Together, we can build a cleaner and healthier Nigeria for all,” he said.
The Lome, Togo-based ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has been accredited to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), unlocking new opportunities to support climate change initiatives across West Africa.
President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EBID, Dr George Agyekum Donkor
The remarkable accreditation, it was gathered, improves EBID’s ability to finance climate-resilient development across the ECOWAS region, building on its existing sustainability portfolio and green advocacy initiatives. The move positions EBID as a direct channel for global climate funds into critical regional projects.
Through this partnership, EBID will expand its capacity to finance infrastructure, renewable energy, and green economy initiatives, ultimately fortifying the resilience of local communities against the adverse effects of climate change, and accelerate the transition towards a low- carbon, climate-resilient economy while ensuring alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As part of its Strategy for 2021-2025, EBID has already committed over $1 billion to sustainability-driven projects. Furthermore, the Bank has solidified its commitment to climate- friendly investments by securing a €100 million credit agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB), aimed at bolstering sustainable development initiatives within the ECOWAS sub-region.
These strategic investments underscore EBID’s commitment to fostering a green and resilient economic future for West Africa through spearheading climate- smart financial solutions that empower member states to implement transformative projects to address climate risks and support sustainable economic growth.
Commenting on the Accreditation, The President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EBID, Dr George Agyekum Donkor, remarked, “This is a significant step towards a future where economic growth and environmental sustainability go hand-in-hand. We are committed to leveraging this accreditation to mobilise resources, unlocking opportunities, and building a better future for the people of West Africa.”
As climate challenges intensify across West Africa, the GCF accreditation empowers EBID to deliver targeted innovative financial solutions that create an inclusive and climate resilient economic growth for ECOWAS member states.
For EBID, the accreditation strengthens its capacity to:
Design and implement large-scale climate adaptation and mitigation projects,
Leverage additional climate finance from international partners,
Provide technical assistance to member states in developing bankable climate projects,
Align regional development with global climate goals.
The GCF is the United Nations’ primary mechanism for providing financial support to developing countries in their fight against climate change. Officially launched at the Durban Climate Change Conference (COP17) in 2011, the GCF facilitates the transfer of funds from developed nations to the most vulnerable economies, financing projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate adaptation measures.
Through EBID’s partnership with the GCF, the Bank has enhanced its ability to support ECOWAS Member States in meeting their climate commitments while advancing their sustainable development goals to create sustainable economic opportunities for their citizens and the future generations.
ActionAid, the Small-Scale Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON), and other stakeholders have urged state governments and community leaders to prioritise women’s rights to land and their participation in agriculture.
Stakeholders at the ActionAid-SWOFON meeting in Abuja
According to them, such measures would maximise agricultural production and ensure food security across the country.
The stakeholders made this call at a meeting organised by SWOFON in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, in Abuja.
ActionAid Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, identified women’s rights to land and resources as fundamental, adding that without such access, all efforts towards food security and sustainable income would be in vain.
Mamedu, who was represented by Ms. Nkechi Ilochi-Kanny, Director for Business Development and Innovation at AAN, stressed the importance of women owning and having control over land to enable them to cultivate their desired crops effectively.
He emphasised the need for women to have access to resources that would enable them to purchase land and become economically independent rather than relying on others for land.
According to him, “If there is a challenge of inadequate land at the community level, women should be allowed to form cooperatives to gain access to agricultural land.
“Traditional leaders, who are the custodians of community land, should begin to rethink land allocation in terms of women’s access at the community level.
“So, if the land is given to them, they will be able to own it and cultivate any kind of crops they intend on those lands.
“We advocate to governments to allow women easy access to land, and they should relax conditions that restrict this particular group from such access.
“By prioritising women’s land rights and participation in agroecology, we can unlock their full potential as agents of change in sustainable agriculture and contribute to achieving broader development goals related to food security, poverty alleviation, and environmental conservation.”
Mr Chris Kaka, a consultant for SWOFON, identified conflict within the institutional framework as one of the key challenges affecting women’s access to land.
According to him, “Based on Sections 43 and 44 of the Nigerian Constitution, there is no discrimination regarding sex in terms of access to land, likewise the Land Use Act.”
He noted that customary law states that the right to own land rests with men, while women can only gain access through marriage.
“Women owning land helps determine the kind of crops they grow, such as economic crops, among others. So, it is important for women to own land and for the government to provide land at a subsidised rate for women.
“Sustainable Development Goals are also tied to women’s access to land.
“Research has consistently shown that when women have secure rights to land, agricultural productivity and household food security improve, leading to broader economic and social development outcomes.
“Moreover, women tend to prioritise sustainable land management practices, contributing to the long-term resilience of agricultural systems and environmental sustainability.”
