Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has advised the management of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, which acquired assets of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), to operate differently from the former owners.
Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa State with members of the Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited during the visit
Diri stated this on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, when he received the management of Renaissance Africa Energy, including its Chairman, Mr. Layi Fatona; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Tony Attah; and other officials in Yenagoa.
The governor explained that before SPDC divested its assets, host communities were short-changed because the proceeds that accrued to them were grossly inadequate and resulted in agitations by state governments for a better deal.
According to Diri: “When we heard that SPDC had divested, we advised that the new company carries the host states along because part of the issues with the previous operator were that they were seen more like buccaneers.
“They were like people who came to the communities to collect and in return gave nothing back.
“Of course, the other party that also enjoys the oil arrangement is the federal government. Even out of protests and agitations, what the Niger Delta states get is a paltry 13 per cent.
“There is nothing wrong if states are co-owners with you even if it is a little percentage, and that is what l have been pushing for. l think it is not too late now that we have our own people there.
“If we are co-owners, there is even the tendency that we will protect it more just as we are doing with the 13 per cent. See what you can do to include the interest of Bayelsa State,” Diri said.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), noting: “Under the act, the federal government and oil companies cut off the states and local governments and deal directly with the communities.
“Now we receive a lot of protests from the communities. It is only when trouble comes that they remember that there is a state government and a local government.
“But you have now come in. So please, do not be the buccaneers that people used to know about SPDC, Nigerian Agip Oil Company and all other oil companies that have operated on our land,” Diri said.
The governor commended the management of the oil firm for acquiring SPDC, which had hitherto been dominated by foreigners for decades.
He also appealed to the company to look into the issues of environmental pollution, stressing that as it had acquired the assets of SPDC, it should equally acquire the liabilities.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Fatona, said the delegation was in Bayelsa to introduce the company and its vision to the government having acquired SPDC’s assets.
He sought the state government’s collaboration in the area of energy security under the administration’s ASSURED Prosperity Agenda to help support Bayelsa’s development.
Also, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Attah, said the company recognised Bayelsa as being supportive to its predecessor (Shell) and commended Diri for his visionary leadership.
Attah noted that the company intends to be Africa’s leader in energy security and facilitate industrialisation using domestic gas for the interest of Nigeria, especially Bayelsa which has huge potential in gas.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged residents of Rivers and Bayelsa to relocate to higher ground over the impending flooding in both states.
Flooding in Nigeria
Mr. Eric Ebhodaghe, South-South Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, made the remark during a news conference held on Friday, April 18, 2025, in Port Harcourt.
The Nigerian Metrological Institute (NIMET) recently forecasted flooding in 30 states across the country.
Ebhodaghe highlighted that coastal states such as Bayelsa and Rivers were likely to experience significant flooding during the current rainy season.
He noted that NEMA had already begun preparing communities to mitigate the anticipated impact of the flood, particularly as rainfall intensified in the affected states.
“We are working to reduce the impact on the people by sensitising them, with the aim of minimising economic losses and protecting lives,” he stated.
Following NiMet’s flood prediction, Ebhodaghe said NEMA initiated consultations with federal, state, and local governments to coordinate mitigation efforts.
“In Rivers State, we have identified communities within various local government areas that are at high risk of flooding during the rainy season.
“We have been visiting these flood-prone communities to raise awareness and educate residents, ensuring that they take precautionary measures to avoid major losses.
“Although we cannot prevent the flooding, we can manage it, and encourage relocation to safe grounds within communities and to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps,” he added.
The zonal coordinator stressed that prevention was critical in disaster management, particularly in the context of flooding.
He reported that an IDP camp had been established in each of the 15 local government areas identified as being highly vulnerable to flooding.
“We have also engaged with Community Development Committees, youth leaders, traditional rulers, and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to prepare for the flooding.
“The engagements are centred on improving local capacity to prevent and manage flooding through measures such as proper waste management systems,” he noted.
Ebhodaghe urged residents to ensure that drainage systems were regularly cleared to allow the free flow of rainwater into natural channels.
“When the water channels are blocked, the water will inevitably find alternative routes; therefore, if we adhere to responsible waste disposal and drainage maintenance, we will enhance our flood mitigation efforts,” he concluded.
New Group Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has pledged to attract sectoral investments worth $30 billion and $60 billion by 2027 and 2030 respectively.
Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, New GCEO, NNPC Ltd
Ojulari said the company, under his stewardship, would raise crude oil production to over two million barrels per day, sustained through 2027 and attain three million by 2030.
The new GCEO disclosed this at a town hall meeting with the NNPC Ltd. staff in Abuja, a few days after assuming duties as the new GCEO, with a determination to pursue the company’s bold ambitions and build an NNPC that will be the pride of all Nigerians.
Ojulari, in a statement in Abuja on Friday, April 18, 2025, by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., said the company would also expand refining output to 200kbpd by 2027 and 500kbpd by 2030.
The GCEO, while unveiling his agenda, said the company would grow gas production to 10 billion cubic feet (bcf) per day by 2027, and 12bcf by 2030, and deepen energy access and affordability for all Nigerians.
“We stand at the gateway of a new era—one that demands courage, professionalism, and a relentless drive for excellence.
“The task before us is great, yet the opportunity to redefine Nigeria’s energy future is even greater. Now is the time to turn our transformation promise into performance.
“To achieve these targets, the company will be focusing on reconfiguring its business structure for agility and value creation; conducting independent value assessments to inform data-driven decisions and enforcing a robust performance management framework.
“The company will build transparent, value-aligned partnerships with all stakeholders, and most critically, taking control of its narrative,” Ojulari said.
While explaining the criticality of pursuing the company’s bold ambitions, the Group CEO said the targets are not just metrics, but indicators of hope, jobs, industrial growth, and energy security for millions of Nigerians.
He charged the staff to be proud of NNPC Ltd’s recent transformation, stressing that the next journey to becoming a fully-fledged limited liability company would require the collective drive towards making NNPC more transparent, profitable and accountable.
Ojulari pledged to give all employees the space to be able to outperform competitors.
“We will provide the best combination where the experienced and the young will both thrive towards achieving our set targets,” he assured.
According to him, the company’s management will deepen collaboration with the company’s in-house and national unions to build a stronger, trust-based relationship that reflects shared purpose and mutual respect.
He also called on all members of staff to lead with integrity, act with urgency, while bringing their very best to the table.
“We recognise that our greatest asset is our people. Our success will be powered by empowered employees. As such, we are fully committed to creating a workplace where everyone is valued, motivated, and inspired to thrive.
“Together, we will build a high-performing, globally competitive NNPC Ltd. that is proudly Nigerian and proudly world-class,” Ojulari said.
Africa CDC and World Health Organsation (WHO) have updated their joint Continental Response Plan for the mpox emergency as the disease continues to affect new areas. The revised strategy focuses on controlling outbreaks, while expanding vaccination coverage and transitioning toward a longer-term, sustainable response.
Dr. Jean Kaseya, director general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
Mpox is a viral illness that spreads between people, mainly through close contact. It causes painful skin and mucosal lesions, often accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. The disease can be debilitating and disfiguring.
Historically a zoonotic disease transmitted from infected animals, mpox has increasingly shown a tendency to spread between people. In 2022, a variant of the virus, clade IIb, began spreading globally through sexual contact. Since late 2023, yet another viral strain, clade Ib, began spreading through sexual networks and within households and through close contact. This prompted Africa CDC to declare a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security and the WHO Director-General to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in August 2024.
By August 2024, the virus had begun spreading from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to four neighbouring countries. Since then, 28 countries around the world have reported cases of mpox due to clade Ib. Outside Africa, cases remain largely travel-related. However, within Africa, in addition to transmission in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, local transmission has now been documented in additional countries including the Republic of the Congo, South Africa, South Sudan, the United Republic of Tanzania and Zambia.
Since the declaration of the emergency, both regional and global support has increased, particularly for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the epicentre of the outbreak. The Africa CDC and WHO Joint Continental Mpox Plan has guided these efforts, focusing on 10 key pillars: coordination, risk communication and community engagement, disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, clinical management, infection prevention and control, vaccination, research, logistics, and maintaining essential health services.
Vaccination efforts are underway, with more than 650 000 doses administered in six countries, 90% of which have been administered in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Overall, over a million doses have been delivered to 10 countries, with efforts ongoing to secure additional vaccine supplies.
Diagnostic testing capacity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has grown significantly, driven by the expansion of laboratory infrastructure – from 2 laboratories in late 2023 to 23 laboratories in 12 provinces today. With new, near-point-of-care tests currently being rolled out in the country, capacity is expected to increase even further.
Despite this progress, major challenges remain. Ongoing conflict and insecurity in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the incidence of mpox remains high, as well as humanitarian aid cuts, continue to limit the public health response and restrict access to essential services. Across countries and partners, over US$ 220 million is needed to fill funding gaps for the mpox response.
The updated Continental Response Plan calls for intensified efforts to bring outbreaks under control, while also taking concrete actions to integrate mpox into routine health services.
Along with the Continental Response Plan for Africa, WHO has updated the global strategic plan to curb – and where feasible, to stop – human-to-human transmission of mpox. In the first two months of 2025, 60 countries reported mpox, with the majority of cases and deaths reported from the African continent. The joint Continental Response Plan is aligned with the global strategy.
Africa CDC and WHO say they have continued to work closely with national governments, local communities, and partners to curb transmission, control the outbreak, and build longer-term resilience within public health systems.
Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has assured oil and gas companies in the state of a safe and secure operational environment.
Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State (third from left), with the visiting Renaissance Africa Energy Company delegation, in Asaba
The governor gave the assurance when he received top executives of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, on Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Asaba, the Delta State capital city.
Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings is a consortium consisting of four successful Nigerian independent oil and gas companies.
It recently completed acquisition of equity holding in Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC).
The governor noted that crude oil was the mainstay of the nation’s economy, emphasising the need for strong and sustainable partnerships that deliver value to all stakeholders.
Oborevwori called on oil companies operating in the state to institutionalise mutually beneficial relationship with their host communities in order to build trust and confidence needed for their smooth operations.
“The Chairman and the Managing Director are people that have worked in this environment. They have been with Shell; so, they know the workings and all that.
“And, in my relationship with Shell, I was the youngest Community Chairman working with Shell in the whole of Western Division when I was Osubi Community Chairman.
“We used to do this People’s Parliament and go for oil seminar with very top leaders in the region.
“So, I got a lot of experience with my relationship with them. I believe more in dialogue than confrontation. And, with you at the top in this company, I believe that you will do well,” he said.
Oborevwori said Delta State is one of the most peaceful states in the South-South, assuring that investments in the state are safe.
“All our oil facilities are safe and since I came in, there has not been any record of attack on oil facilities.
“Today, we are the highest oil-producing state and I pray we will continue to be number one. So, let us build stronger partnership that delivers value to all the stakeholders.
“The state will support you to succeed because, as you do, we will also succeed as we also get our taxes from there. I assure you of the total support of the government,” Oborevwori said.
Earlier, the company’s Chairman, Dr Layi Fatoma, thanked the governor for granting them audience.
He said that the visit was to introduce the management of the company to him.
Also, the company’s Managing Director, Mr. Tony Attah, said the vision of the company was to start from the Niger Delta with a view to promoting energy security in Nigeria, adding that the company had an African ambition.
“We want to take over Africa as it concerns energy and it is very important that we start from home. This is one of the reasons that we have to come back to base and start to connect with you.
“We fully align with the M.O.R.E. Agenda of Delta State Government. This country will go nowhere without oil and gas, and as we all know, we are very well positioned to lead the industry.
“We are confident that all the support you gave Shell and we, being 100 per cent Nigerian, will enjoy more support than you ever gave during their Shell’s time here.
“We look forward to partnering with you and I thank you for having us,” Attah said.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the troops of Operation Delta Safe have in the last one week discovered and deactivated no fewer than 42 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta region.
Illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, made this known in a weekly report of ongoing military operations on Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Abuja.
Kangye said the military had sustained operational tempo against crude oil thieves and other criminals in the Niger Delta during the week under review.
He said the troops recovered 117,395 litres of stolen crude oil, 22,050 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, 6,000 litres of Dual-Purpose Kerosene and 8,060 litres of Premium Motor Spirit.
He added that troops also discovered and destroyed 102 crude oil cooking ovens, 94 dugout pits, 18 boats, four speedboat, 56 storage tanks and 164 drums.
According to him, other items recovered include, pumping machines, drilling machines, galvanised pipes, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and nine vehicles.
“Furthermore, 42 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested while assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered.
“Between April 10 and April 14, troops while conducting offensive operations, made contact with criminals in Southern Ijaw and Aniocha South Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Bayelsa and Delta respectively.
“During the operations, troops arrested criminals and recovered arms and ammunition as well as large quantity of natural gas resources.
“Similarly, on April 11 and April 13, troops, acting on credible intelligence, arrested nine suspected vandals/kidnapers in Onelga and Ndoni LGAs of Rivers as well as Uvwie, Warri South and Aniocha South LGAs of Delta.
“They also effected arrest of five criminals in Ikom LGA of Cross River as well as Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa,” he said.
In a related development, the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos of the Nigerian Navy has deactivated seven illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadina Community in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Navy Capt. Ikenna Okoloagu, the Commanding Officer of the FOB Escravos, disclosed this to newsmen on Thursday in Warri.
Okoloagu said that the operations were carried out between March 29 and April 16 in the coastal community.
He added that the operations were based on credible information and in support of Operation DELTA SANITY II.
“Specifically, on March 29, 2025, personnel of FOB Escravos discovered and deactivated three illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadino in Warri South.
“Similarly, on April 11 and April 16, the personnel also discovered and dismantled two illegal refining sites each in the same community.
“Cumulatively, the three operations led to the deactivation of seven illegal refining sites.
“The operations also led to the seizure of about 5,980 litres of stolen crude oil and 3,810 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
“The products were stored in eight ovens, 50 dug-out pits and 67 polythene sacks,” he said.
Okoloagu said that the successful operations underscored the commitment of the Base to the strategic directives of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla to stem illegalities within Nigeria’s maritime space.
According to the naval boss, the operation is in line with concerted efforts to boost Nigeria’s daily crude oil production.
He assured that the base would continue to sustain the onslaught against crude oil theft and other economic sabotage.
He warned perpetrators to desist from the illicit activities.
Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, on Thursday, April 17, 2025, said the sector generated additional N700 billion revenue in 2024, reflecting a 70 per cent increase from what was collected in 2023.
Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu
Adelabu said this during the 6th Edition of the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing Series in Abuja.
“It is evident that, due to our transformative tariff reforms, the electricity market generated additional N700 billion revenue in 2024, reflecting a 70 per cent increase as N1.7 trillion was generated in 2024 while one trillion naira generated in 2023.
“This resulted from the cost-reflective tariff adjustment for Band A customers. This growth in market revenue is unprecedented, as the highest growth previously achieved was 20 per cent.
“This positively impacts the reduction of the government-subsidised tariff shortfall by 35 per cent, decreasing it from N3 trillion to N1.9 trillion,’’ minister said.
According to him, the growth in revenue demonstrates that financial viability and service delivery can coexist harmoniously.
Adelabu also said that the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to energy access was further demonstrated when it signed the Nigerian Energy Compact in Tanzania in January.
According to him, the initiative which is led by the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AFDB) aligns with the administration’s aspiration to expand energy generation.
“The target of M300 is to extend energy access to an additional 300 million Africans by 2030 out of the 600 million currently lacking access.
“This initiative will be realised based on a five-pillar strategy: expanding generation, strengthening utilities, incentivising private investment, accelerating renewables, and boosting regional integration.
“The compact sets ambitious goals to enhance electricity access, increase renewable energy adoption, and improve clean cooking solutions for millions of Nigerians,” he said.
Adelabu further said that in fulfillment of the statutory mandate of the Electricity Act 2023, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Power, developed the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP).
He said that the transformative framework in NIEP would set a clear roadmap for delivering a resilient, cost-effective, and sustainable power sector.
According to him, the NIEP, which was presented to the President had been submitted for approval by the Federal Executive Council of Nigeria.
“This policy guides all power sector actors, including investors, operators, regulators, and the supervising ministry, to transform the country’s power sector through a data-driven and evidence-based approach,” he said.
Adelabu disclosed that the Federal Government it plans to pay Power Generation Companies (GenCos) N2 trillion out of the N4 trillion debt owed them before the end of 2025.
Adelabu was reacting to an appeal by the GenCos urging the Federal Government and stakeholders in the power sector to settle the outstanding debts owed them for electricity generated.
“I can tell you that between now and the end of the year, we are going to pay close to two trillion Naira out of these four trillion Naira owed GenCos.
“These debts are primarily unpaid subsidies, almost half of it was inherited, while about half of came from 2024 operations
“There are plans underway to make these payments. I will not say it will be paid 100 per cent; we will be paying it gradually,” he said.
Adelabu said that the mode of payment would be in two ways, adding that there would be some budgetary provisions which will facilitate cash payments.
He said that government was also discussing with the GenCos to give them some guaranteed debt instruments like promissory notes.
“These promissory notes will be liquid enough for it to be taken to the banks for discounting if they need immediate cash injection.
“It is a combination of cash payments and promissory notes.
“I had discussions with the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, who has promised that they are working on the promissory notes, and once we have budget releases, cash payments will also be made,” he said.
Adelabu also said the government had earmarked N25 billion in the 2025 budget to light up major highways in the country as part of national security efforts.
The minister said that beyond just supplying power to homes and businesses, lighting up highways was also part of the Federal Government’s strategy to improve security.
“I believe that this will continue in subsequent appropriation. We have noted it. I will ensure we start the process as soon as we start getting budget releases,” he said.
Speaking on subsidy, Adelabu said that government could not a keep funding subsidy after privatisation which keeps growing on an annual basis.
“As our consumption grows, government subsidy keeps growing. So we need to nip it in the bud.
“We are not saying stop subsidy completely. But subsidy in the past has always been favouring the higher echelon in our society because of huge consumption.
“We want to devise a subsidy strategy that will favour the poor so that it will be graduated, If you consume energy to a particular threshold, you will enjoy subsidy.
“Once it is going above a particular threshold, the tariff will go up, so that the poor will not be impacted negatively because of subsidy,” he said.
Adelabu also said the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) oversight function would remain strong in ensuring that Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) meet their service obligations.
The minister said that any DisCo charging Band A tariff but failing to provide 20 hours of electricity daily would be penalised.
“If it is discovered that any DisCo is collecting tariff but not supplying up to 20 hours, there are penalties.
“Recently eight DisCos were fined N628 million. The moment they are detected, they will be fined. Where you have feeders downgraded from Band A, they are not expected to charge Band A,” he said.
According to Adelabu, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Power, is targeting the deployment of 1.1 million meters by the end of 2025.
He said that the ministry would also distribute two million meters annually in the next five years as the procurement process had started.
According to him, through the World Bank-funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), over 3.2 million meters will be procured and installed alongside meter data management solutions for Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) optimisation.
“The first batch of 75,000 meters under the International Competitive Bid 1 (ICB1) arrived in April, with 200,000 more expected in May,” he said.
Adelabu said that under the renewable energy, rural electrification and energy transition, the country had continued to lead on renewable initiatives by powering sustainable development while bridging the energy access gap.
He said that in the first quarter of 2025, the Federal Government accelerated its transition to clean energy solutions while bringing electricity to underserved communities through innovative off-grid systems.
“These efforts align with our commitment to climate action, energy security and inclusive growth, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind in our journey toward a sustainable energy future,” he said.
According to him, through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) the Federal Government, under the Energising Education Programme (EEP), was designed to provide a reliable power supply to 37 Federal Universities and seven affiliated teaching hospitals across Nigeria.
Adelabu said that the EEP phases 1 and 2 implemented in collaboration with the World Bank had been successfully completed, adding that the EEP 3, implemented in collaboration with AFDB, is about 70 per cent completed.
He said that the projects would collectively add a total of 100 Megawatts (MW) of clean energy to electricity generated.
Adelabu said that another remarkable initiative of the power sector was the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) project, which is a 750 million dollars initiative funded by the World Bank.
“The project also aims to scale up Nigeria’s energy access gap by providing new or improved electricity supplies to more than 17.5 million Nigerians.
“This initiative aims to increase access to electricity services for households and small and medium businesses with private sector-led distributed renewable energy generation and encourage Productive Use of Energy (PUE).
“The proposed project is a part of the World Bank’s comprehensive, programmatic engagement in Nigeria’s power sector to help the Federal Government realise its ambitious Energy Transition Plan (ETP) vision,” he said.
The minister said that through the Africa Mini-grid Programme, the Federal Government had secured $5.91 million in grants for 23 projects.
He said that the Federal Government had also signed an agreement with Oando Clean Energy for a 1.2 gigawatt solar plant with panel recycling capabilities.
He said that the signing of the agreement was to ensure that the country does not just consume solar technology but participates in its full life cycle.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that countries have finalised a draft global agreement, aimed at improving how the world prepares for and responds to pandemics.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organisation (WHO)
The WHO said that the agreement marks a historic step that will be submitted to the World Health Assembly in May 2025 for adoption.
The UN health agency, in a statement on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, said that the agreement was developed after more than three years of negotiations under the auspices of the WHO.
According to the agency, the draft outlines a framework for strengthening international collaboration, equity and resilience in the face of future global health threats.
Remarking on the agreement, WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus said the nations of the world made history in Geneva today
“In reaching consensus on the Pandemic Agreement, not only did they put in place a generational accord to make the world safer.
“They have also demonstrated that multilateralism is alive and well and that in our divided world – nations can still work together to find common ground and a shared response to shared threats.”
Negotiations began in December 2021 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when WHO member States agreed on the urgent need for a legally binding international instrument and established the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB).
The process involved 13 formal rounds of negotiations, many of which were extended into the early hours, culminating in Wednesday’s consensus after a final overnight session.
Key elements of the proposed agreement include a commitment to a “One Health” approach to pandemic prevention and stronger national health systems.
Additionally, the agreement calls for setting up a coordinating financial mechanism and creating a globally coordinated supply chain and logistics network for health emergencies.
The draft also proposes a new pathogen access and benefit-sharing system, increased support for technology and knowledge transfer as well as capacity-building, and outlines a skilled, trained and multidisciplinary national and global health emergency workforce.
The text further affirms national sovereignty in public health decisions.
It states explicitly that nothing in the agreement gives WHO the authority to mandate health measures such as lockdowns, vaccination campaigns, or border closures.
The draft will now be submitted for consideration to the 78th World Health Assembly – UN’s highest forum for global health – set to begin on May 19. If adopted, it will be subject to ratification by individual nations.
According to media reports, the United States did not participate in the final round of negotiations, following its January announcement to withdraw from the global health body, and would not be bound by the pact.
Speaking at the conclusion of the meeting, WHO director-general praised the negotiating teams and the INB leadership for their perseverance and shared purpose.
“This achievement is not just a diplomatic success,” he said. “It reflects your resilience, unity and unwavering commitment to the health and wellbeing of people everywhere.”
INB Co-Chair Precious Matsoso of South Africa called the outcome a breakthrough for health equity.
“The negotiations, at times, have been difficult and protracted. But this monumental effort has been sustained by the shared understanding that viruses do not respect borders – that no one is safe from pandemics until everyone is safe,” she said.
Fellow Co-Chair Anne-Claire Amprou of France added that the agreement laid the foundation for a stronger, more equitable global health security architecture.
“This is a historic agreement for health security, equity and international solidarity,” she said.
The agreement emerges in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed critical vulnerabilities in global health systems and stark inequalities in access to diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines.
The virus claimed nearly seven million lives worldwide, severely disrupted economies, and overwhelmed healthcare services across the globe.
At the same time, the pandemic triggered the largest vaccination campaign in history, with more than 13.3 billion doses administered globally by April 2023.
British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation, a pioneering force in sustainable agricultural development and rural empowerment in Nigeria, has been decorated with the Longstanding Investment Recognition and Making a Positive Impact Award by the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC), in honour of organisations that have demonstrated enduring and impactful commitment to Nigeria’s development.
Presentation of the Award to BATN Foundation
The prestigious award celebrates the Foundation’s enduring contributions to Nigeria’s socioeconomic development, particularly in rural communities.
This recognition underscores over 20 years of impactful service, during which the Foundation has invested more than ₦4 billion towards fostering inclusive growth through sustainable agriculture and making a positive impact to empowering rural communities across Nigeria. In community development initiatives, the Foundation has made measurable and lasting contributions to economic growth, food security, youth empowerment, and improved livelihoods – especially among smallholder farmers, women, and young people.
One of the Foundation’s standout accomplishments is the empowerment of over 300,000 smallholder farmers through comprehensive capacity-building programmes, access to quality inputs, and training in good agronomic practices. These efforts have led to increased yields, improved produce quality, and sustainable income growth, fostering economic resilience in rural Nigeria.
The BATN Foundation’s reach spans all 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, with over 300 impactful community projects implemented across critical sectors. From agriculture to enterprise development and water sanitation, the Foundation has touched the lives of more than 1.7 million Nigerians.
Its investment in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure is another testament to its holistic approach to development. Through the deployment of 105 solar-powered borehole facilities, each with a 20,000-litre capacity, thousands of rural households now have access to safe and clean water, significantly reducing the prevalence of water-borne diseases.
Receiving this award reflects the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development priorities while aligning with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on ending poverty, ensuring clean water, and promoting decent work and economic growth.
Speaking on the award, Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of the Foundation, said: “We are deeply honoured by this recognition from the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce. It reaffirms our belief that meaningful investments in rural communities not only uplift lives but also reflects our commitment to empowering rural communities and improving lives through sustainable development. We are proud of how far we’ve come, and even more motivated to continue our journey of impact.”
The Foundation thanks its partners, stakeholders, and local communities for their continued collaboration and support in driving inclusive and lasting change across Nigeria.
The Foundation stated: “At BATN Foundation, we believe in the power of partnerships to scale impact. We are committed to building on this legacy by partnering with industry stakeholders, government, private sector, and community to transform lives.
“The BATN Foundation continues to champion collaborative development by partnering with public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders to scale its impact and ensure inclusive growth across Nigeria’s rural landscape.”
Established over two decades ago, BATN Foundation says that it is dedicated to empowering rural Nigeria through innovative agricultural programmes, youth empowerment initiatives, and sustainable development interventions.
“With a focus on impact, foster sustainable agricultural practices, and innovation, the Foundation continues to lead efforts that transform communities and improve lives across the country,” it added.
Wild Africa, a conservation organisation, has called on the Federal Government, the private sector, and conservation organisations to step up efforts to protect Nigeria’s threatened bat species.
Bats
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr. Festus Iyorah, Nigeria’s Representative, Wild Africa, in commemoration of the 2025 International Bat Appreciation Day, on Thursday, April 17, in Lagos.
The statement said that Nigeria is home to approximately 100 bat species, representing one-third of bats in Africa.
It noted that many of these species were facing extinction.
It said the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List (2025) identified several Nigerian bats, including the critically endangered short-tailed roundleaf bat, as being at high risk of extinction.
The statement said bats in Nigeria face multiple threats, including deforestation, mining, logging, agricultural expansion, light pollution, and bushmeat trade.
“Fruit bats, especially the straw-coloured fruit bat – Africa’s most hunted bat – are commonly consumed across Nigeria.
“This poses ecological and public health risks, as bats are known carriers of zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted to humans when consumed,” the statement said.
The statement quoted Dr Mark Ofua, the Wild Africa’s West Africa Spokesperson, as saying: “Today, we celebrate the silent guardians of the night, nature’s tiny heroes who keep the ecosystems in balance. We must learn how to coexist with them and give them room to thrive once more, so we can thrive as well.
“I look forward to the passage of the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill currently before the House of Assembly, which is set to strengthen protections for our wildlife, including bats, and the forests and ecosystems vital to their survival.”
Alluding to studies, the statement said bats and birds save farmers up to $478 per hectare per year on cocoa farms in Cameroon by reducing pest populations under shaded canopy conditions.
According to the statement, Wild Africa is using a combination of radio, TV, billboards, newspaper publications, and Public Service Announcements to highlight Nigeria’s conservation needs for both wildlife and wild spaces.
It added that the advocacy featured influential Nigerian ambassadors such as 2Baba, Nela Duke Ekpenyong, Josh2Funny, and other influential people.
“On International Bat Appreciation Day, Wild Africa calls on all Nigerians, especially the policymakers at the National House of Assembly, to support the new bill and help secure a future for the country’s bat population and broader biodiversity,” the statement said.
