The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed strong support for ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The group described recent regulatory leadership changes as decisive steps to reposition the industry for growth, stability, and global competitiveness.
National Chairman of PANDEF, Godknows Igali, speaking at a news conference in Abuja on Friday, December 19, 2025, hailed President Bola Tinubu for making bold, well-considered appointments in the petroleum sector, particularly in regulatory institutions.
National Chairman of PANDEF, Godknows Igali
He lauded the appointment of Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), describing it as “putting a square peg in a square hole.”
According to Igali, Eyesan’s extensive experience and proven competence place her in a strong position to drive far-reaching reforms in the upstream petroleum sector, enhancing efficiency and governance.
He highlighted her credentials as an accomplished economist and former Executive Vice President (Upstream) at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), noting her diligence, professionalism, and impactful leadership.
Igali said Eyesan’s appointment not only demonstrated the administration’s commitment to merit-based governance but also served as an inspiration for women in the oil and gas industry.
In the same vein, PANDEF commended the appointment of Saidu Mohammed as CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, emphasising competent leadership across all segments of the sector.
The forum said the emergence of capable leaders in upstream, midstream, and downstream segments reflected a deliberate presidential strategy to reposition the industry for a “quantum leap” into the future.
Igali expressed optimism that the reforms would be comprehensive and sustained, noting that consistent policy direction and leadership were critical for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector to maintain its central role in the economy.
However, PANDEF renewed its demand for greater inclusion of Niger Delta professionals in strategic leadership positions across the petroleum industry, particularly within the NNPC and its subsidiaries.
The group stressed that the Niger Delta, as the hub of Nigeria’s oil production, had the highest concentration of seasoned professionals and deserved adequate representation at the highest decision-making levels.
Beyond appointments, PANDEF urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to address environmental degradation in the Niger Delta, insisting remediation must go beyond the ongoing Ogoni clean-up.
The forum called for a comprehensive and sustained environmental restoration programme, supported by annual budgetary allocations, to tackle decades of pollution and ecological damage in oil-producing communities across the region.
The Senate has confirmed the appointment of Saidu Mohammed and Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as chief executive officers of Nigeria’s key petroleum regulatory agencies.
While Eyesan was confirmed as the Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Saidu Mohammed was confirmed as the Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The confirmations followed the consideration and adoption of the report by the Senate Joint Committee on Petroleum (Upstream, Downstream and Gas), which conducted the screening of the nominees.
The Senate has approved the appointment of Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan (top) as NUPRC Chief Executive and Mr. Saidu Aliyu Mohammed as NMDPRA Chief Executive
The Senate acted on a request transmitted by President Bola Tinubu seeking legislative approval for the appointments, in accordance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021.
Chairman of the joint committee, Sen. Kawu Sumaila, who presented the report, explained that the nominations were referred to the relevant committees following plenary on Dec. 18, 2025.
He noted that Sections 2 and 29 of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021 establish NUPRC and NMDPRA respectively, while Sections 11(3) and 34(3) of the Act empower the president to appoint their chief executives, subject to Senate confirmation, for a renewable five-year term.
Sumaila said that the joint committee conducted an extensive screening exercise, which included interactive sessions with the nominees to assess their qualifications, professional competence and responses to questions from lawmakers.
“The joint committee, having screened the nominees and being satisfied with their qualifications, expertise and responses to the questions asked, hereby recommends that the senate confirms their nominations,” he said.
The Senate consequently dissolved into the Committee of the Whole to consider the report.
Following voice votes, the lawmakers unanimously approved the confirmation of both nominees and adopted the committee’s recommendations at plenary.
Presiding over the session, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, commended the joint committee for what he described as a thorough and timely exercise in spite of the limited time available
Barau congratulated the confirmed chief executives and urged them to see their appointments as a call to national service.
“You have been called to serve our nation. We expect you to discharge your duties diligently in a manner that will promote the interests of Nigeria and strengthen the petroleum sector,” he said.
Barau expressed appreciation to the leadership and members of the joint committee, noting that their work would enhance regulatory efficiency and oversight in the country’s oil and gas industry.
Livestock production is a major contributor to climate change. The world desperately needed to reduce its impact, but not all livestock production is the equal. Talentus Mthunzi, Head of Programme Quality & Impact at Solidaridad Southern Africa, shares his perspective the link between livestock and climate change, and makes the call for climate justice
As an African, the ongoing debates surrounding the production of livestock and its role in climate change are deeply personal. Across the globe, the prevailing narrative is that reducing livestock production – particularly cattle – is essential for mitigating climate change. But when this argument is applied to Africa, it overlooks one fundamental issue: climate justice.
Talentus Mthunzi
The African continent emits the lowest volume of greenhouse gases, yet we bear the brunt of the climate crisis, a crisis exacerbated by industrialised nations that have historically been the largest emitters of greenhouse gases. The question is: why should Africa sacrifice one of our most vital adaptive assets, livestock, when the very countries that contributed most to climate change continue to avoid their responsibility?
The Current Climate Debates on Livestock Production
The conversation about livestock and climate change often revolves around its role in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, specifically methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Livestock farming, especially cattle, is frequently targeted for its methane emissions from enteric fermentation and manure management.
While these emissions are indeed a concern, it is important to question whether livestock is truly the major culprit in the global context, or whether other sectors, such as fossil fuel industries, deforestation and industrial agriculture, are responsible for far larger emissions. In our discussions, it is essential to recognise that livestock production should not be demonized in isolation, especially when compared to the disproportionate environmental harm caused by the industrialised countries historically responsible for the largest share of emissions.
Africa’s Contribution to Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Africa is bearing the brunt of climate change impacts. However, it is crucial to highlight that the continent contributes just 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, far less than the industrialised nations that have built their economies on fossil fuel-intensive industries for centuries. The debate on livestock production in Africa must therefore be placed within the context of climate justice.
While livestock farming does contribute to emissions, it is essential to understand that the extent of Africa’s role in global emissions is minimal compared to the historical pollution of wealthier nations. Climate change disproportionately affects African nations, yet we are the least responsible. The world needs to hold major polluters accountable, not ask Africa to bear the burden of mitigation efforts that will only make our communities more vulnerable.
Livestock as a Key Adaptive Asset
For smallholder farmers in Africa, livestock is not just a commodity; it is a critical tool for adapting to climate change. Removing livestock from the equation would only increase the vulnerability of millions of African farmers. Livestock is a source of food, income and resilience in the face of climate shocks. Asking African farmers to reduce their herds without providing viable alternatives is not just environmentally unjust, it is also economically and socially unjust.
1. Livestock as a Food Source and By-products In Africa, livestock is a primary source of protein. Beyond meat, livestock provides milk, eggs and a range of other by-products that sustain families. These resources are especially important in times of drought or when crops fail due to erratic weather patterns. The idea of reducing livestock production ignores the simple truth: many African farmers rely on livestock to feed their families, particularly in regions where crops are highly vulnerable to changing climate conditions.
2. Livestock as a Source of Finance Livestock also plays an indispensable role as a financial asset (mobile bank). Smallholder farmers in Africa are often excluded from formal financial systems. As a result, livestock acts as an emergency fund that can be sold or traded when financial difficulties arise. In times of crisis, whether induced by climate impacts like droughts or floods or broader economic shocks, livestock is often the only financial cushion available to these farmers. By restricting livestock production, we would essentially be taking away this critical financial safety net, further marginalising smallholder farmers and denying them a way to weather the increasing number of climate shocks we are facing.
3. Cost-effectiveness and Resilience Compared to crops, livestock is a more resilient and cost-effective commodity to produce for vulnerable communities. Unlike crops, which require significant water, fertilisers and labour inputs, livestock can be raised in a variety of environments, from arid to semi-arid lands. Given the water scarcity and unpredictable rainfall in many parts of Africa, livestock offers a more reliable source of food and income. While crop production is highly dependent on irrigation and intensive labour, livestock can be a more sustainable option for communities living on the margins, facing climate-induced hardships.
4. Indigenous Regenerative Practices Many African pastoralist communities have developed indigenous, regenerative livestock production practices that have been honed over centuries. These practices help maintain soil fertility, improve biodiversity and even sequester carbon. Such systems, rooted in deep traditional knowledge, provide valuable insights into how livestock farming can be part of the solution to climate change.
These practices are often more sustainable than conventional industrial agriculture and could contribute significantly to global efforts to reduce emissions, yet they are often overlooked in favour of more conventional, industrialised solutions. The environmental benefits of these practices should be recognised and supported, rather than stifled.
5. Cultural Identity and Livestock For many African communities, livestock is not only an economic asset but also a cornerstone of cultural identity. From the Maasai in East Africa to the Fulani in West Africa, the Nguni’s in Southern Africa livestock, particularly cattle, holds profound cultural and spiritual significance. Livestock is tied to social structures, inheritance practices and traditional ceremonies. Reducing livestock production, or discouraging it in the name of climate action, risks undermining the cultural rights of millions of Africans.
It is an attempt to strip away an essential part of our identity, in the guise of global environmental policy. Climate justice demands that the rights and traditions of local communities be respected, not sacrificed for global agendas that fail to account for the unique circumstances in which we live.
Acknowledging the nuances and taking action The debate over livestock production in Africa cannot be divorced from the broader context of climate justice. Africa’s contribution to global emissions is minimal, and yet we bear the greatest burden of climate impacts. Livestock is not the problem, it is part of the solution. It provides food, income, resilience and cultural identity for millions of smallholder farmers across the continent.
The solution lies not in curbing livestock production but in supporting sustainable livestock practices that enhance the resilience of African farmers while addressing the larger issues of climate change mitigation and adaptation. We cannot allow the actions of historically high-emitting countries to dictate the future of African smallholder farmers. In the name of climate justice, it is time for the world to recognize that context matters; our survival depends on it.
Retired employees of Shell Nigeria celebrated a reunion at an annual golf tournament held in their honour by Shell Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) at the picturesque Lakowe Golf Course in Lekki, Lagos. A total of 47 former employees teed off at the 4th annual golf tournament and were joined by SNEPCo leadership led by Managing Director, Ronald Adams, and his wife, Pleashette Adams.
The tee-off was jointly performed by Ehis Uzenabor, Managing Director of the Shell Closed Pension Fund, alongside former Shell leaders: Egbert Imomoh, former Deputy Managing Director of SPDC; Jimmy Ahmed, former Business and Government Director; and Simbi Wabote, former Shell Director and immediate past Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
A group section of the winners with the Vice President Deepwater and Managing Director of SNEPCo, Ronald Adams and Mutiu Sunmonu, former Managing Director of SPDC and Country Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria both in the middle
On the course, competitive spirit met seasoned skill. Dr Okuns Ohiosimuan emerged as the Overall Male Winner, playing off a handicap of 35 to return an impressive net score of 63 (-9). In the ladies’ category, Justina Dibua claimed the Overall Female Winner title with a handicap of 31 and a net score of 77 (+5). These awards were presented by Ron.
The Male and Female Runner-up prizes went to Claude Esekody and Kate Iyamu respectively, presented by Mutiu Sunmonu, former Managing Director of SPDC and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria.
“This event is not just about golf; it’s about celebrating the people who laid the foundation of our success,” Ron said. “Our retirees remain an integral part of the Shell family, and initiatives like this reflect our commitment to wellness, inclusion, and enduring relationships.”
Mutiu Sunmonu described the tournament as “awesome and refreshing,” praising the opportunity for retirees to reconnect. “It was heartwarming to see former colleagues share memories and enjoy healthy competition. The bonds built over decades clearly endure,” he noted.
In his closing remarks, retiree Rowland Ukpedor said: “Even in retirement, the spirit of golf and the friendships it fosters never fade,” and thanked Shell “for creating such a memorable experience and continued support in promoting wellbeing of retirees, sportsmanship and comradeship”.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has charged Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to align with Nigeria’s energy development goals under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Shettima, who is the Chairman of the Board of NDPHC, made the call during the company’s 20th anniversary celebration held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He implored the management and members of staff of the power firm to remain operationally reliable in order to play a positive role in the country’s development journey.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima
The Vice-President recalled that the enactment of the Electricity Act 2023 marked a defining turning point for Nigeria’s power sector and for NDPHC.
He said for the first time, the company now operates within a framework that offers clearer legal authority, greater commercial flexibility, and stronger institutional footing to compete, partner, and grow within a more open and dynamic electricity market.
“The Board views this moment as an opportunity for evolution, an opportunity to transition from an intervention-driven institution into a commercially disciplined and performance-focused enterprise.
“The company must also remain faithful to its national mandate,” he added.
The Vice-President assured that the board would remain fully committed to its responsibilities to the company.
“We will continue to provide strategic direction, uphold the highest standards of governance, support management in taking sound and accountable decisions
“We will also protect shareholders’ value on behalf of the Nigerian people, and keep NDPHC aligned with national energy and development goals.
“We recognise that the road ahead will demand discipline, courage, and partnership, and we stand ready for that task,” he added.
Shettima noted that the board has already prioritised extracting greater value from existing power sector assets.
He explained that the energy needs of a nation are not a technical footnote to its history but a fundamental dilemma that shapes the rhythm of its economy, the dignity of its people, and the credibility of its future.
“Power is the difference between promise and paralysis. It is the quiet force that animates industry, lights homes, and anchors hope.
“Any person or institution that steps forward to fill a critical gap in a nation’s search for stability earns a place in its collective memory.
“This is one such day – a day to pause, a day to reflect, and a day to celebrate the enduring promise that this institution represents,” he said.
Earlier, the Minister of Power, Dr Adebayo Adelabu, commended NDPHC for its successes to the sector, particularly in ensuring relative stability and attracting investments over the years.
Adelabu expressed confidence in the company’s ability to deepen partnerships with stakeholders for improved service delivery, noting that it is well positioned to play a greater role in Nigeria’s power sector.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the leadership of NDPHC has performed commendably.
Ekpo advised the management to continue aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda reforms for the progress of the energy sector.
The Federal Government on Thursday, December 18, 2025, in Abuja unveiled the first Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) treatment centres as part of a national project to eliminate the harmful chemicals and protect public health and the environment.
Malam Balarabe Lawal, the Minister of Environment, said the unveiling of the facility was a clear demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to environmental sustainability and public health protection, in line with our national development priorities and global obligations.
The PCBs Treatment Facility is situated in Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO), Abuja.
Malam Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment (left) with Mrs Elsie Attafuah, Resident Representative United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), at the opening of the PCBs Treatment Facility, situated in Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO), Abuja
It was established under Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and support from the Environmentally Sound Management and Disposal of PCBs Project in Nigeria.
The minister said the centre would strengthen national capacity for the management and environmentally sound disposal of PCBs and other Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).
PCBs are man-made while the POPs, once widely used in electrical equipment (transformers, capacitors) and other products (paints, plastics, carbon paper) for their fire-resistant and cooling properties.
However, it was banned in the 70s due to their toxicity and long-term environmental persistence.
“PCBs are highly hazardous pollutants that poses serious risks to human health, biodiversity, and the entire environment.
“When improperly handled or disposed of, they can cause severe illnesses such as cancer and reproductive disorders, as well as long-term damage to ecosystems.
“They are also a major cause of soil, water, and food contamination, which threatens the well-being of present and future generations.
“Nigeria is a committed Party to the Stockholm Convention on POPs; we are therefore obligated to eliminate and manage PCBs in an environmentally friendly manner.
“This treatment facility is a direct demonstration of our dedication to meeting these obligations and building lasting institutional capacity,” the minister said.
Lawal said that the facility was more than a technical installation; it represents a major advancement in Nigeria’s capacity to manage hazardous materials domestically.
He added that, by enabling the decontamination and environmentally sound treatment of PCBs, it will prevent further contamination of our environment and food systems, thereby reducing health risks to workers and surrounding communities.
“This facility is a direct pathway to generating more green jobs, driving Nigeria’s broader transition towards a circular economy, enhancing resource efficiency, and promoting sustainable development for the benefit of all,” the minister explained.
Mrs. Elsie Attafuah, the Resident Representative United Nations Development Programme, said that the facility is Nigeria’s first and West Africa’s first ever PCBs treatment facility.
“PCBs project is a powerful demonstration of Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to environmental sustainability, public health protection, and global compliance under the Stockholm Convention.
“Today’s commissioning is more than an environmental achievement. It is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future.
The State of the Art Facility positions Nigeria as a regional leader in hazardous waste management, while opening new opportunities for job creation .
“I can only say that by investing in this facility, Nigeria is protecting its people and environment while safeguarding the productivity of its workforce and reducing future public health burdens,” Attafuah said.
Dr Osu Inya Otu, the National Programme Officer for the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in Nigeria, stated that PCBs cause health risks, such as liver damage, immune systems, chronic conditions and other problems.
“We are all aware that PCBs are a group of toxic, man-made organic chemicals used for their stability and electrical insulation properties in conformance to our particular potential needs.
“We have been working in Nigeria with private sector, various partners and stakeholders, state and federal government. Currently UNIDO signed its programme for country partnership from 2024 to 2028 with the federal government of Nigeria,” he said.
Dr Abayomi Orishadipe, Acting Director General, SHESTCO, said that the facility would make Nigeria’s environment safe.
“We have a lot of capability for proper maintenance of the facility, so we are ready to continue to collaborate with the project, with this, we know that definitely we’re going to mitigate the effect of harmful practices on our society,” he assured.
Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, said the PCBs are well known for their toxic, parasitic and viral accumulating properties which documented links to cancer, endocrine disruption, neurodevelopmental disorders and other adverse health outcomes.
Pate was represented by Mrs Adeola Olufowobi Director Food, Chemical, Cosmetics and Water Safety Division (Food & Drugs Services Department) in the Ministry.
He said that the facility marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s commitment to sound chemical and waste management, environmental protection and public health security.
“The establishment of these PCBs treatment activities demonstrate our collective resource to eliminate persistent organic pollutants and to reduce health and environmental risks associated with astronauts’ aircraft.
“Their improper handling or disposal poses serious risk not only to the ecosystems but also to inherent health, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women and frontline workers,” Pate stated.
Mrs Bahijjahtu Abubakar, the Director, Department of Pollution and Control in the Ministry of Environment assured that the ministry would replicate the facility in the six geo-political zones of the country because the present facility cannot take care of unused oils and the transformers in the country.
Mrs Agnes Aneke. Operational Focal Point (GEF) said that climate change is real and that whether we like it or not we must manage the situation, however expressed satisfaction with the facility saying it will restore Nigeria’s ecosystem.
Etsu Kwali, Luka Ayedo Nizassan III, expressed satisfaction with the project and assured the maintenance and sustenance of the facility in the area.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has called on all its members nationwide to patronise the Dangote Refinery in their purchase of PMS products, noting that the refinery already offers the best affordable price for all marketers, even as free delivery commences in January 2026.
The association also expressed delight over a recent agreement by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to begin the supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) – also known as petroleum – products directly to registered IPMAN members, in a statement signed and issued by the IPMAN National President, Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi Shettima.
IPMAN National President, Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi Shettima
At a press conference held in Abuja on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, on recent happenings in the oil & gas sector, IPMAN also applauded the support of the Chairman of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Aliko Dangote, towards the Federal Government, which it noted has become evident in the regular reduction of the petroleum pump price.
According to Shettima, “the association has the highest percentage of the supply chain of the PMS downstream sector, controlling over 80% of the PMS retail market. We therefore declare that there will be no gap or scarcity in PMS supply to Nigerians.
“We are also excited at the recent agreement by the Dangote Refinery to begin the supply of PMS products directly to registered IPMAN members, and its free delivery to our filling stations anywhere and everywhere in Nigeria which will commence in January 2026.
“This will again, certainly lead to further decrease in the pump price of the products at our filing stations. Therefore, I am calling on all IPMAN members nationwide to prioritise patronising the Dangote Refinery in their purchase of PMS products, as they already offer the best affordable prize for all marketers today”, the statement added.
The IPMAN boss noted that “At IPMAN we have no doubt as to the viability of the oil and gas policies being initiated by the Federal Government, and we have ceaselessly called and sought for enhanced cooperation across all levels of governance in the oil and gas sector. Hence our repeated persuasion to always partner the Dangote refinery, to ensure the steady availability of PMS products.
“The focus of the Dangote & IPMAN partnership, has always been geared towards making life better for Nigerians. And of course, this blooming partnership would never have been possible without the pragmatic leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his sound judgment in readjusting the leadership of the NMDPRA and the NUPRC.
Our position has always been to deepen domestic refining in order to eradicate imports of petroleum products. Continuous import is NOT an acceptable parallel business model, because issuing import licenses recklessly distorts market dynamics, drains foreign exchange, enthrones poverty, destroys jobs, and scares potential investors away,” Shettima added.
The association congratulated the new heads of the oil & gas regulatory bodies and reminded them of the long outstanding bridging claims owed its members totalling over N190 billion. “We specifically call on the NMPDRA new leadership to immediately make this debt a cause for serious concern as he assumes his new position”, the statement added.
In 2025, transparency under the Paris Agreement became firmly embedded in climate action across Parties and non-Party stakeholders.
The year marked the completion of the first Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) cycle for an initial set of Parties, including the submission of their first Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs), followed by Technical Expert Reviews (TERs) and the Facilitative Multilateral Consideration of Progress (FMCP).
Together, these milestones confirm transparency as a core driver of implementation, grounding climate action in clear and credible climate data.
Transparency under the Paris Agreement. Photo credit: Zô Guimarães / UN Climate Change
Political momentum and global milestones
At the Global Transparency Forum, hosted in September by the Government of the Republic of Korea, countries underscored the growing recognition of transparency as a vital enabling tool, beyond its technical and reporting dimensions.
That message was reinforced at the COP30 High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Transparency, convened with the COP29 and COP30 Presidencies, where Ministers and Heads of Delegation highlighted transparency as the foundation of trust and effective multilateralism.
A major milestone in 2025 was the release of the first BTR Synthesis Report, which shows that Parties having submitted their first BTRs have taken tangible steps to meet their climate commitments – from establishing new legal and institutional systems to track emissions and adapt to climate impacts, to mobilising finance for resilience and clean energy transitions. These measures are strengthening countries’ capacity to design and implement more ambitious climate plans.
“More nations now have climate plans covering their entire economies, linked to long-term net-zero goals, and integrating adaptation, gender equality, and just transitions. This is how climate cooperation works: progress measured, transparency strengthened, impact deepened,” said UN Climate Change Executive-Secretary, Simon Stiell, at COP30.
This year countries also agreed to continue the term of the Consultative Group of Experts (CGE) indefinitely as a constituted body. The CGE remains the main channel for technical assistance and support to developing countries in meeting their reporting requirements, including preparing national communications, BTRs, and engaging in TERs – reinforcing long-term support for transparency implementation.
Moreover, at COP30, UN Climate Change and China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment signed a Letter of Intent to strengthen collaboration with developing countries to support implementation of the Convention and the Paris Agreement, with a focus on transparency through capacity-building and South-South cooperation.
Learning and improvement
The submission of 120 BTRs over the last year represents a major milestone in implementing the Paris Agreement’s ETF. But transparency does not end with submissions.
The completion of the first ETF cycle marks the start of an ongoing process of review, learning, and continuous improvement. As highlighted in the first TER Annual Report, Parties and technical experts have identified both successes and challenges, offering clear insights into where additional support and improvements are needed.
Expanding transparency beyond governments
At COP30, UN Climate Change officially launched the Climate Data Hub, developed in partnership with Microsoft, EY and NEDAMCO Africa. This platform brings together information submitted by Parties under the Convention in one accessible space – providing all users with a reliable source of information, and making climate data easier to find, use and understand.
The Non-State Actor Zone for Climate Action (NAZCA) portal is also entering a new phase. During a high-level session at COP30 in Belém, UN Climate Change presented the NAZCA Redevelopment and Engagement Roadmap, outlining plans for a modern, data-driven platform that strengthens the role of the UNFCCC secretariat as the custodian of credible climate action data from non-Party stakeholders. The redeveloped NAZCA will consolidate information on mitigation, adaptation, resilience, and means of implementation.
Throughout 2025, the UN Climate Change #Together4Transparency initiative strengthened partnerships with non-Party stakeholders. A collaboration with CDP resulted in the report Data as the Catalyst, highlighting how corporate and subnational data can track progress on national climate plans (NDCs) and unlock climate finance.
In addition, a joint case study, Unlocking Climate Finance through Transparency, was developed with the Centre for Clean Air Policy, featuring Panama’s National Climate Transparency Platform and showcasing how transparency can serve as a strategic tool to mobilize public and private finance.
As implementation continues, transparency remains central to strengthening ambition, guiding support, and delivering climate action under the Paris Agreement.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has validated Brazil for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV, making it the most populous country in the Americas to achieve this historic milestone.
This accomplishment, according to the UN body, reflects Brazil’s long-standing commitment to universal and free access to health services through its Unified Health System (SUS), anchored in a strong primary health-care system and respect for human rights.
Lula da Silva, President of Brazil
“Eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV is a major public health achievement for any country, especially for a country as large and complex as Brazil,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Brazil has shown that with sustained political commitment and equitable access to quality health services, every country can ensure that every child is born free of HIV and every mother receives the care she deserves.”
The milestone was marked during a ceremony in Brasília, attended by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Brazil’s Minister of HealthAlexandre Padilha, and the Director of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Dr Jarbas Barbosa, along with representatives from UNAIDS.
Meeting validation criteria
Brazil met all the criteria for EMTCT validation, including reducing vertical transmission of HIV to below 2% and achieving over 95% coverage for prenatal care, routine HIV testing, and timely treatment for pregnant women living with HIV. In addition to meeting the targets of the validation, Brazil demonstrated the delivery of quality services for mothers and their infants, robust data and laboratory systems, and a strong commitment to human rights, gender equality and community engagement.
The country implemented a progressive, subnational approach by first certifying states and municipalities with over 100,000 inhabitants, adapting the PAHO/WHO validation methodology to its national context while maintaining coherence across the country.
The evaluation, supported by PAHO, was conducted by independent experts who reviewed data, documentation, and health facility operations. Findings were then assessed by WHO’s Global Validation Advisory Committee, which formally recommended Brazil’s validation for elimination.
“This achievement shows that eliminating vertical transmission of HIV is possible when pregnant women know their HIV status, receive timely treatment, and have access to maternal health services and safe delivery,” said Dr Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO. “It is also the result of the tireless dedication of thousands of health professionals, community health workers, and civil society organisations. Every day, they sustain the continuity of care, identify obstacles, and work to overcome them, ensuring that even the most vulnerable populations can access essential health services.”
Part of a broader initiative
Over the past decade (2015-2024), more than 50,000 pediatric HIV infections have been averted in the Region of the Americas as a result of the implementation of the initiative to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
Brazil’s success is part of the broader EMTCT Plus Initiative, which seeks to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and congenital Chagas, in collaboration with UNICEF and UNAIDS. It is embedded within PAHO’s Elimination Initiative, a regional effort to eliminate more than 30 communicable diseases and related conditions in the Americas by 2030.
“I am delighted that Brazil has just been certified by WHO/PAHO for eliminating vertical transmission – the first country of more than 100 million people to do so,” said Winnie Byanyima, UNAIDS Executive Director. “And they did it by doing what we know works –prioritising universal health care, tackling the social determinants that drive the epidemic, protecting human rights, and even – when necessary – breaking monopolies to secure access to medicines.”
Global context
Brazil is one of 19 countries and territories worldwide that have been validated by WHO for EMTCT. Twelve of these are in the Region of the Americas. In 2015, Cuba became the first country in the world to be validated for EMTCT of HIV and the elimination of congenital syphilis.
Other countries in the Region include Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Montserrat, and Saint Kitts and Nevis in 2017; Dominica in 2020; Belize in 2023; and Jamaica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in 2024.
Outside the Americas, countries validated for EMTCT of HIV include Armenia, Belarus, Malaysia, Maldives, Oman, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to achieving improved performance in its 2026 validation under the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).
NEITI gave the assurance on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, in Abuja at the opening of its Advocacy Dialogue for Stakeholders on Nigeria’s 2026 EITI Validation, organised with support of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme.
EITI Validation is the quality assurance process, an impartial assessment to check if a country’s implementation of the EITI Standard on improved governance and transparency in oil, gas, and mining is effective, driving learning and accountability.
Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman, NEITI National Stakeholders Working Group (NSWG)
Speaking at the event, Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman, NEITI National Stakeholders Working Group (NSWG), said the dialogue was paramount as Nigeria grappled with complex economic reforms.
Akume, represented by Mr. Dele Ayanleke, National President, Miners Association of Nigeria, said the dialogue was coming at a critical moment as Nigeria was navigating fiscal pressures and rising public expectations for accountability in the management of natural resources.
“The extractive sector remains central to Nigeria’s economic stability, revenue mobilisation and long-term development aspirations.
“Yet governance gaps, inefficiencies and transparency deficits have historically limited its full potential,” Akume said.
He said that findings and recommendations from NEITI reports had become important tools driving ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s oil, gas and mining sectors.
He said that the 2023 EITI Standard required countries to go beyond disclosure and use transparency to deliver real reforms and tangible benefits to citizens.
“For Nigeria, this means moving beyound compliance and deploying EITI as a reform instrument to support domestic revenue mobilisation, prudent fiscal management and inclusive governance,” he said.
He also acknowledged the support of development partners, particularly the European Union-International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (EU-IDEA) Programme and the EITI International Secretariat, for their continued collaboration in deepening transparency reforms.
In his remarks, Musa Sarkin-Adar, Executive Secretary, NEITI, said Nigeria was determined to improve on its 2023 EITI Validation score of 72 out of 100 points.
Sarkin-Adar, represented by Dieter Bassi, Director, Policy, Planning and Strategy, NEITI, said that the EITI had evolved into an outcome-driven credibility test focused on demonstrable reforms and measurable impact on governance.
“The EITI is no longer a narrow checklist. It now demands meaningful stakeholder engagement and tangible reforms that strengthen national governance.
“Nigeria’s next assessment would be conducted using the EITI 2023 Standard, which places strong emphasis on the independent and effective participation of civil society organisations, the media and sub-national actors.
“Nigeria’s 2023 Validation identified gaps requiring urgent action, including strengthening multi-stakeholder engagement, providing structured and safe spaces for civil society participation, improving access to extractive sector data and clearly demonstrating how EITI implementation drives policy and sector reforms.
“NEITI had initiated corrective actions, EITI implementation remained a shared responsibility among government, companies and civil society,” the executive secretary said.
He outlined the dialogue’s objectives to include reviewing progress on corrective actions, identifying outstanding gaps, developing an implementable framework to address challenges and strengthening the role of non-state and sub-national actors in extractive sector governance.
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the NEITI’s latest Policy Brief titled “Beyond Assent: Pathways for Implementing Nigeria’s New Tax and Revenue Framework” by the NEITI Executive Secretary.
The policy brief aimed at bridging the gap between the passage of tax laws and effective implementation.
