As the first country in West Africa and the second in Africa to have the Climate Change Act, Nigeria is set to have an enabling framework to attract climate finance and a ready-to-go mechanism to domicile climate change funds and support bankable climate-smart projects.
Group photo of participants at the event
The Director General of the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS), Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, who unveiled the plan on Monday, March 3, 2025, during a stakeholder meeting hosted by her council in Abuja with support from the Green Protocol, emphasised the outcome of the deliberations, which she said has two distinctive pathways for the country: the government mechanism for the climate change fund and a draft for climate finance taxonomy.
According to her, “Africa is set to host COP32 in 2027, and Nigeria can be a co-host.”
She went on to say that in COP29, climate funding pledged by developed countries increased from $100 billion per year to $300 billion per year. Which means it is urgently important to have a specific framework that can provide an architecture for climate finance, operationalisation of climate change funds, domiciliation, and use of proceeds for Nigeria.
In the event was the Rwanda High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo, who spoke about the similarities between both nations and climate change issues such as desertification in the Sahel, rising sea levels on the Atlantic coast, and biodiversity losses.
While commending Nigeria, he shared Rwanda’s commitment with the country to drive sustainable projects that create job opportunities.
“Africa is not here to be a victim. We are here for a pact for urgency for climate change demand integrated with a stakeholder’s approach where government agencies, civil society organisations, and communities work together to plan initiatives on the ground,” the diplomat stated.
He continued by adding that Rwanda is proud to stand with Nigeria in this journey, as it is one of the first countries in Africa to issue a green bond and a framework for carbon credits trading and is ready for carbon trading and capacity training on green economy initiatives.
According to Green Protocol, the fund has the potential to drive investments in renewable energy, adaptation measures, and resilience, ensuring that communities most affected by climate change receive the support they desperately need. The state of research is more inspiring, and the diverse group of partners in one room is committed to shaping climate finance in Nigeria.
“This event is a testament that we can work hand-in-hand with the government to achieve real, tangible, and concrete products,” the body noted.
The federal government of Nigeria is expected to spearhead the sponsorship of the climate fund as the initial seed capital funder. With the NCCCS facilitating it, the funding is expected to align with the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), have a fund structure, and have an investment development link for donor partners.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC), at its third meeting of the year on Monday, March 3, 2025, approved the procurement of a N2.5 billion satellite gadget to combat illegal mining in the country.
Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting
Mr Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, said this while briefing State House Correspondents after the FEC meeting.
He said the technology was an integrated solution framework to combat unlicensed, unregulated, underreported mining activities.
The Minister said the deployment of the technology would curb activities that had led to revenue leakages, illegal operations and illegal extraction and exploitation of the country’s minerals.
“We are procuring satellite equipment, satellite gadgets that will be installed in strategic places all over the country that would enable us to have visual effect, real time of the operations that are ongoing in sites all over the country.
“There will be a centre like a screen in the operation centre, the mines martial centre, and in my office as well.
“At a glance, at the click of a button, you can surf any mine site and see the operations there; the volume of the mineral extracted, the number of trucks going out, and, of course, the security situation in the environment,” said the Minister.
Alake said his ministry introduced the technology in addition to a two-prong strategy to combat illegal mining.
He said on assumption of duty, the ministry adopted a two-prong approach: persuasive and coercive strategies.
He said the persuasive strategy entailed appealing to the sense of responsibility of artisanal miners to form cooperatives.
“When they form cooperatives, they become structured, formalised and legalised, and their operation can now add some value to the nation.
“When they form cooperatives they become bankable. They can even have access to financial institutions to procure loans to expand their businesses.
“And of course, it means they have to pay their obligations to the Nigerian state,” he said.
He said the ministry had been able to persuade the illegal and artisanal miners to form over 300 cooperative societies.
Alake said the second approach, the coercive strategy was for those who were recalcitrant, who failed to yield to the persuasive method.
“We used the coercive measure, and that is epitomised by the Mining Marshalls that we established. To date, we have arrested apprehended, prosecuted and convicted illegal operators, including foreigners,” he said.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has called on West African nations to align their policies and work towards creating a harmonised Liquefied Petroleum Gas market that ensures affordability and accessibility across borders.
The 6th West African LPG Expo in Lagos
Speaking at the ongoing 6th West African LPG Expo in Lagos on Monday, March 3, 2025, Ekpo emphasised that regional cooperation was vital to accelerating the adoption of LPG and achieving energy security in the region.
The Expo, themed “LPG as Clean Fuel for Energy Transition in West Africa,” brought together key stakeholders in the energy sector to discuss sustainable energy solutions for the region.
Ekpo, represented by Mr. Abel Igheghe, Technical Adviser (Downstream) to the Minister, expressed the government’s commitment to collaborating with regional partners, development agencies and private sector players to scale up LPG adoption across West Africa.
“We must leverage our gas resources and expertise to foster a future where LPG leads the way in energy security and climate action in the region.
“The choices we make today will determine how quickly we transition to cleaner energy solutions that protect the environment, improve public health, and drive economic growth,” he said.
The minister noted that LPG is not just a fuel but a catalyst for sustainable development.
“LPG represents a pivotal opportunity for us to shift towards cleaner, more efficient energy systems that benefit both people and the planet,” he said.
The minister urged stakeholders to explore new opportunities over the next two days of the Expo.
He acknowledged the need for continued investment in LPG infrastructure across West Africa, stressing that governments and private entities must work together to establish efficient supply chains, improve safety standards and create an enabling environment for investment in the LPG sector.
To accelerate LPG adoption, Ekpo highlighted ongoing policy interventions, including tax waivers on LPG imports and equipment.
According to him, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) is working on developing a pricing framework for LPG to ensure price stability and possibly reduce costs for consumers.
“The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative is working in synergy with the LPG sector to provide a broader spectrum of clean energy alternatives.
“Together, these efforts are strengthening our energy security and reducing reliance on expensive and polluting fuels,” he added.
He emphasised that energy transition is a regional challenge that requires collaboration and knowledge sharing.
“No country can undertake this journey alone. It requires strategic partnerships, regional cooperation and joint efforts to ensure that the benefits of clean energy are accessible to all.”
The minister also recognised the importance of the ongoing dialogue at the Expo, calling it a critical platform for advancing conversations on energy transition and the growing role of LPG in West Africa’s path toward a cleaner and more sustainable future.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the organisers for bringing together public leaders, investors and stakeholders committed to shaping West Africa’s energy landscape.
“As we gather here today, it is important to recognise the global push toward clean energy and the crucial role that LPG plays in this transition,” Ekpo said.
He said that, across West Africa, millions of households and businesses still rely on biomass and traditional fuels, which degrade the environment and pose significant health risks.
Ekpo stressed that LPG, with its lower carbon footprint, is a viable and scalable alternative that can help mitigate these issues.
He said that under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian government has made significant strides in advancing LPG adoption as a key component of the country’s energy strategy.
Ekpo highlighted the “Decade of Gas” initiative, which aims to increase the adoption of gas for domestic, commercial and industrial use.
The minister also mentioned key initiatives such as the National LPG Penetration Programme and private sector investment, which have contributed to expanding LPG infrastructure and reducing reliance on imports.
“In the past two years, we’ve seen a 20% increase in LPG storage and distribution infrastructure.
“These efforts are crucial to ensuring price stability and improving access to clean energy for all,” Ekpo revealed.
As the region moves forward, Ekpo reiterated that the transition to LPG as a clean energy source must be supported by robust infrastructure.
He expressed confidence that through strategic policies, partnerships and continued investment, West Africa can build a sustainable, accessible and affordable LPG market that benefits everyone.
In his remarks, Mr. Abiodun Ogunleye, Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Lagos State, said that the state drives LPG adoption and gas-based energy solutions for a cleaner future.
Ogunleye, represented by Mrs. Abiola Kosegbe, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, said government has outlined the state’s ambitious roadmap for expanding the adoption of LPG, promoting autogas for transportation and developing gas-to-power projects for cleaner electricity generation.
Ogunleye stressed the urgent need for increased LPG penetration in Nigeria, which remains below its potential.
“Statistics reveal a stark reality: less than 25% of Nigerians have access to clean cooking, leaving over 75% reliant on solid fuels like firewood and charcoal.
“This not only contributes to deforestation but also worsens indoor air pollution,” he said.
He noted that Nigeria’s per capita LPG consumption is just 2 kg, far below the African average of 4 to 6 kg per capita, pointing out that household air pollution from inefficient cooking fuels was responsible for over 78,000 deaths annually in the country.
“The case for LPG adoption is urgent and compelling, and Lagos is leading the way in pioneering clean energy solutions through LPG,” Ogunleye added.
“As Nigeria’s most industrialised state and commercial hub, Lagos accounts for over 40% of the nation’s energy consumption, powering the needs of over 26 million residents,” he stated.
Ogunleye explained that the state government has made gas a cornerstone of its energy transition strategy, aiming to reduce environmental impacts while ensuring reliable and sustainable energy for its population.
He said that among the key initiatives driving LPG adoption in Lagos is the state’s gas policy, which serves as a blueprint for the utilisation of gas across various sectors.
Ogunleye highlighted the state’s commitment to supporting investments in LPG storage, distribution and bottling plants to enhance supply chain efficiency.
The commissioner said that one significant player in this effort is the Ibile Oil & Gas Corporation (IOGC), Lagos State’s strategic agency for oil and gas development.
“Through IOGC, Lagos is expanding LPG infrastructure, fostering public-private partnerships, and driving autogas adoption.
“IOGC is crucial in ensuring that LPG is accessible and affordable to households, businesses, and industries,” he added.
He said that the IOGC has also been instrumental in converting public transport buses and government vehicles to compressed natural gas (CNG), encouraging the use of cleaner fuels to reduce vehicle emissions and fuel costs.
“This aligns with Lagos’ vision for a cleaner environment and a more sustainable urban transport system.
“Additionally, the Eco-Gas Initiative has played a pivotal role in expanding LPG access to households, with Lagos now accounting for 60% of Nigeria’s domestic LPG consumption,” he explained.
Ogunleye noted that the state’s strategy focuses on expanding gas infrastructure, improving affordability and ensuring that more households and businesses switch to cleaner cooking and heating solutions.
He said Lagos is also making strides in the power sector through gas-to-power projects that will enhance energy security and reduce reliance on diesel generators.
According to him, the state is investing in gas-fired plants, leveraging its strategic location to provide reliable, affordable, and environmentally-friendly electricity.
“By integrating LPG and CNG into the power sector, Lagos aims to boost energy security and contribute to a more sustainable energy future,” he explained.
Ogunleye also announced that Lagos has recently advertised an expression of interest for investors in its gas-to-power projects, inviting participation from interested parties to further advance the state’s clean energy agenda.
“With these initiatives, Lagos State is setting an example for the rest of Nigeria and the West African region, leading the charge in cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions through LPG adoption, autogas promotion, and gas-based power generation.
The expo recorded about 200 participants and 70 exhibitors across the West African countries.
Stakeholders convened in Abuja on Monday, March 3, 2025, to call for an innovative funding mechanism for wildlife conservation.
Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Lawal
They unanimously agreed on the need for such a mechanism during the 2025 World Wildlife Day celebration, themed “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet”.
Malam Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment, stated that the theme could not be more timely as “we confront the urgent need to bridge the financing gap for wildlife conservation”.
The minister was represented by Alhaji Mahmud Kambari, Permanent Secretary in the ministry.
He emphasised that wildlife is not just a source of national pride and ecological balance but also the foundation of the economy and social well-being for millions of people.
“There is a need for an innovative financing mechanism; both private sector and community-based revenue models must be harnessed to ensure long-term conservation.
“This requires a collaborative effort between the government, international partners, financial institutions, and other communities that must work together to secure a sustainable funding stream that aligns with the conservation activity we are intending to carry out.
“Nigeria is committed to strengthening our conservation financing landscape through strategic partnerships, policy reforms, and innovative funding models,” the minister assured.
Lawal urged stakeholders to collaborate on conservation efforts that would unlock new biodiversity opportunities and drive sustainable development.
Alhaji Mahmud Kambari, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, called for urgent and innovative financing strategies to ensure that conservation efforts remain sustainable and impactful.
Kambari, who was represented by Dr Ama Moses, Director of Forestry in the ministry, stated that investing in wildlife conservation is not just about protecting species.
“It is about securing livelihoods, strengthening climate resilience, and fostering sustainable development.
“However, achieving lasting success requires sustainable financing models that integrate government support, private sector investment, and community participation.
“Nigeria is blessed with a rich biodiversity that supports ecological balance, livelihoods, and economic development,” Kambari said.
Cheikh Toure, the representative of UNODC Nigeria, said that the 2025 theme is a call to action at a crucial time to safeguard our natural heritage globally.
“Traditional funding models are no longer sufficient or sustainable in the long run; we need innovative solutions now more than ever,” he said.
Dr Ibrahim Goni, Conservator-General (C-G) of the National Park Service (NPS), described the theme as apt, stressing that funding challenges affect all sectors of life.
He urged stakeholders to adopt innovative solutions to address conservation financing needs.
Goni, who was represented by Dr Mohammed Kabir, Assistant Conservator-General (AC-G) and Director of Ecology and Resource Management at NPS, emphasised the need to raise awareness about investing in wildlife conservation.
“Every specie plays a vital role in our lives. Financial investment is not only about preserving wildlife; it also impacts the health of ecosystems and humans.
“The challenges confronting the parks include poaching, grazing, encroachment, banditry, and insurgency. However, the NPS remains committed to the conservation and preservation of the ecosystem,” he said.
Dr Mark Ofua, West Africa Representative for the Africa Wild Fund, in his keynote address, called for urgent action on wildlife conservation, warning that “over one million species are threatened with extinction due to human activities”.
The UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, will visit Nigeria for a four-day trip to discuss the opportunities a strong climate plan can bring with government officials, business leaders, civil society, and other key stakeholders.
UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell
The Executive Secretary will first visit Abuja, from March 4 to 5, 2025, where he’ll engage with Nigerian government officials and civil society.
After meeting with key government officials in Abuja, he will attend a symposium on the “Intersecting Worlds of Climate Change, Mangrove, and Art” on March 6, convened by Nigeria’s National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS) at the Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos.
The Executive Secretary will deliver a speech on the opportunities of Nigeria’s new climate plan (also known as their Nationally Determined Contribution or NDC), which will be open to media attending the event.
The speech will focus on how Nigeria can realise new economic opportunities with a new national climate plan, and why bold action on climate change can lift people out of poverty, and secure energy access for all.
The Executive Secretary will emphasise that key sectors in Nigeria’s economy are on the verge of take-off, and that bold climate plans are key to them taking flight, bringing significant benefits for households, businesses, and governments.
He will talk about how protecting the environment boosts Nigeria’s resilience to extreme weather caused by climate change, saving lives and livelihoods. From preserving mangrove forests that protect coastal areas from flooding to growing a Great Green Wall in the Sahel to restore degraded land, Nigeria has a clear path forward in adapting to the impacts of climate change on its people, crops, and infrastructure.
Additionally, the Executive Secretary will participate in a panel discussion with business leaders at the symposium on March 6 and meet with civil society representatives on March 7.
With 198 Parties, the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) has near universal membership and is the parent treaty of the 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement.
The main aim of the Paris Agreement is to keep a global average temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius and to drive efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
The UNFCCC is also the parent treaty of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol.
The ultimate objective of all agreements under the UNFCCC is to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that will prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system, in a time frame which allows ecosystems to adapt naturally and enables sustainable development.
The Ogoni Dialogue Committee, tasked with discussions on the proposed resumption of oil extraction in Ogoniland, says it will soon present the people’s unified demand to the Federal Government.
Ogoni leaders a the a town hall meeting involving various Ogoni communities and the Ogoni Dialogue Committee in Kpor, the headquarters of Gokana LGA
Ignatius Kattey, Archbishop of Niger Delta North, Anglican Church of Nigeria, and Co-Chairman of the committee, disclosed this in Saakpenwa during a meeting with representatives of communities in the Tai area, Rivers State.
Ogoniland covers four local government areas in Rivers, including Eleme, Gokana, Khana, and Tai.
Kattey explained that the ongoing dialogue with the Ogoni people is aimed at capturing their opinions and concerns, ensuring their voices were heard.
“The committee will also engage with other stakeholders, including women and youths, to enable us to present a unified demand from the Ogoni people regarding the planned oil extraction,” he stated.
Kattey urged various Ogoni communities in Tai Local Government Area (LGA) to actively participate in the dialogue process.
He noted that the Federal Government had demonstrated the willingness to honour the demands of the Ogonis, as evidenced by its confidence-building initiatives in Ogoniland.
According to him, the delegation that recently met with President Bola Tinubu requested the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology, which Tinubu subsequently signed into law.
“The university has the potential to unlock significant economic opportunities for the Ogoni people, serving as a beacon of hope and progress for the area.
“So, as we move forward, I encourage every Ogoni community in Tai LGA to submit their positions on the resumption of oil activities in Ogoniland.
“You voices are vital, as all collated views will form an integral part of our demands in negotiations with the Federal Government,” Kattey added.
The archbishop encouraged all Ogonis to participate in the dialogue, emphasising that this was an opportunity for the Ogoni people to ensure their collective concerns are heard and addressed.
He expressed gratitude to Tinubu for granting the Ogoni delegation the opportunity for dialogue, describing it as a crucial turning point in the pursuit for understanding, reconciliation, and progress.
Kattey also thanked the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his support, and Gov. Siminalayi Fubara for promptly donating land for the construction of the university.
Sen. Barry Mpigi, representing Rivers South East Senatorial District, assured that the people of Tai were not opposed to the resumption of oil activities in the local government area.
“The position of the Tai people is that they want to see how their demands are implemented.
“This is why we have submitted our memorandum so that if the prospective operator listens to the terms set by the Tai people, we can work together,” Mpigi concluded.
Some of the Ogoni-bearing communities submitted their demands to the committee.
Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State has presented cheques worth $25,000 to 10 communities each, amounting to over N375 million, as a community revolving fund to farmer groups.
Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State
The fund was provided on Saturday, March 2, 2025, by the World Bank-assisted Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, to enable the beneficiaries to invest in climate-smart rain-fed agriculture.
The benefitting communities include Anchau, Kuzuntu, Kubau, Zuntu and Jenau, as well as Likoro, Jaja, Hunkuyi, Kudan and Danmahawayi.
Speaking at the event, the Governor said that the fund aligned with his administration’s commitment to rural transformation.
According to him, it is designed to support registered farmer groups under the umbrella of Community Interest Groups (CIGs), with loans.
Sani promised to start the disbursement of his administration’s loans with Kudan and Kubau Local Governments in the phase one of the initiative, with a total of 82 CIGs.
He pledged that phase two would commence in the second quarter of the year, with four local governments in the Central and Southern Senatorial zones as well as two Area Councils in the Northern Senatorial zone.
According to the governor, the concluding phase of implementation would cater for the remaining 11 local government areas.
Sani maintained that the state was proud to be at the forefront of initiatives aimed at combating climate change and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for the people.
“Over the years, we have implemented a range of strategic policies and programs designed to enhance ecological conservation, mitigate the impact of climate change, and promote economic resilience among our citizens.
“With the support of ACReSAL, the State Government unveiled a 10-year Climate Change Policy, trained 500 women, youth, and school-feeding vendors in the production of biomass briquettes as an alternative to wood fuel,’’ he added.
The governor recalled that his administration had identified 22,435 hectares of degraded land for land restoration, provided state-of-the-art weather station.
He had also procured the Amphibious Excavator, otherwise known as Swamp Buggy, for the prevention and control of erosion, deepening of waterways, maintenance and cleaning of rivers.
Earlier, the Task Team Lead of the ACReSAL project, Dr Joy Agene, commended the state for its commitment to environmental sustainability, which was evident in it being one of the best performing sub nationals in the country.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas, warned that the fund was a loan and not a grant, adding that it would function as an investment fund.
Abbas said that the ACReSAL project constituted a significant component of the Federal Government’s aim to rehabilitate one million hectares of degraded land, contributing to the goal of restoring four million hectares by 2030.
“The initiative will additionally contribute to diminishing the susceptibility of countless individuals living in extreme poverty in northern Nigeria, thereby enhancing their capacity to engage in the stewardship of their surroundings,’’ he added.
An entrepreneur from the Difa community in Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State, Salisu Danjuma, says he earns over N2.5 million annually from tomato cultivation during the season.
Baskets of tomato being sold at Bula community in Gombe State
Speaking in an interview on Monday, March 3, 2025, in Difa, Danjuma described tomato farming as one of the most profitable agricultural ventures for youths.
Having cultivated tomatoes for the past 15 years, he said that the business had provided him with a stable livelihood while also creating employment opportunities for about 70 youths who work directly and indirectly on his farm.
According to him, during the dry season, he focuses primarily on tomato farming, harvesting over 55 large baskets weekly. These are then transported to Enugu, Rivers, and other southern states.
“I make over N2.5 million from cultivating tomato annually and this has really helped me to provide for my family and even engage youths working for me and making their daily income.
“As you can see now, we just loaded a vehicle going to the South East from here and each big basket here costs N11,000 while the medium basket is N8,000,” he said.
Danjuma stated that although tomato farming was lucrative, the high costs of fertilisers and agrochemicals had continued to reduce his income. He, however, noted that cultivating crops through irrigation was generally more expensive.
He encouraged youths in the state to explore opportunities in agriculture by utilising available water bodies in their communities for irrigation farming, saying: “It is a profitable venture.
“In Nigeria today, it is no longer sensible to wait on the government because the government cannot employ all the youths but with agriculture, youths can earn better than civil servants.
“I farm all-year-round; during wet season I go to another farmland because this place would have been overtaken by flood water from the river.
“This is why I am not begging anyone for jobs because I don’t stay idle in any season,” he said.
The 40-year-old farmer also appealed to the state government to invest more in irrigation farming, adding that food sufficiency would not be achieved with wet season farming alone.
“Government can support youths with irrigation facilities to carry out dry season farming which is more profitable and will help in addressing youths unemployment in the state,” he said.
Danjuma also appealed to the state government to provide mini processing facilities to reduce post-harvest losses, which often occurred after harvest.
Wild Africa, a wildlife conservation organisation, has stated that Nigeria’s iconic species require substantial investment in conservation to ensure their protection.
Wildlife
This is contained in a statement signed by Festus Iyorah, Nigeria’s Representative at Wild Africa, on the occasion of World Wildlife Day 2025, marked on Monday, March 3, in Lagos.
Iyorah called on the Nigerian government, the private sector, and conservation organisations to increase their support for wildlife conservation initiatives to preserve the country’s iconic species.
According to him, the 2025 theme, “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet”, reflects the role of innovative funding in protecting biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future for both nature and humanity.
Citing the 2024 Living Planet Report, Iyorah noted that Africa’s wildlife populations have declined by an alarming 76 per cent over the past 50 years.
“In Nigeria, the situation is dire, with several species, such as lions, elephants, chimpanzees, and gorillas, on the brink of extinction.
“For example, the country’s elephant population has declined by 99 per cent, with only about 300–400 elephants surviving in the wild,” Iyorah said.
He stressed that without immediate investment in conservation, species loss would accelerate, leading to devastating consequences, not only for nature but also for economies that depend on natural resources.
“The stakes are high. In Africa, 80 per cent of tourists visit the continent for its wildlife, fuelling the ecotourism industry, which generates $12.4 billion annually and sustains local economies and communities.
“In countries like Kenya, wildlife tourism accounts for 10.4 per cent of the GDP, employing millions of people and generating $2.7 billion for the country in 2023.
“In Nigeria, the travel and tourism sector’s contribution to GDP is projected to grow at an average rate of 5.4 per cent between 2022 and 2032, underscoring its significant potential to drive economic growth,” Iyorah said.
He added that the sector is expected to create 2.6 million new jobs over the next decade and generate nearly ₦12.3 trillion ($8.2 billion) by 2032.
Iyorah emphasised that the sustainable management of natural resources, alongside the preservation of wildlife and wild spaces, is essential to fostering a profitable wildlife economy with further growth potential.
He quoted Dr Mark Ofua, Wild Africa’s West Africa Spokesperson, as saying: “Conservation is a symphony, and all hands must be on deck.
“Businesses must see conservation efforts as their corporate social responsibility, working with governments, conservation organisations, and individuals.
“Together, we can harmonise our efforts, mobilise resources, and create a resilient future for our planet’s precious biodiversity.”
Iyorah noted that Wild Africa is leveraging a combination of radio, TV, billboards, newspaper publications, and public service announcements (PSAs) to promote and protect Nigeria’s wildlife and wild spaces.
He added that the media campaign features influential Nigerian ambassadors, such as 2Baba and Nela Duke Ekpenyong, to highlight Nigeria’s wildlife tourism potential and the need to protect the country’s wildlife and wild spaces.
Iyorah also quoted Peter Knights, Chief Executive Officer of Wild Africa, as saying: “Without nature, we will not survive.
“Whether it’s countering our carbon footprints, safeguarding our watersheds, maintaining jobs in tourism, or keeping fishing at sustainable levels.
“Investing in conservation in Africa isn’t charity, it’s a necessity. A world without wildlife is not just an ecological disaster, it’s an economic one, too.”
Iyorah urged the Nigerian public to participate in sustainable ecotourism by visiting national parks and supporting local conservation organisations through donations or volunteering as part of the activities to mark the day.
Eco-justice organisations such as The Green Connection, Natural Justice, and Masifundise are sounding alarm bells about yet another fossil fuel project application underway, warning of potentially severe environmental risks to marine biodiversity and serious socio-economic concerns for the coastal communities that depend on it.
An offshore drilling rig at sea
After reviewing the Draft Scoping Report – for TotalEnergies EP South Africa’s (TEEPSA) proposed offshore oil and gas exploration drilling in the southern part of Block Deep-Water Orange Basin (DWOB), off the country’s West Coast – the eco-justice organisations also highlight the project’s impact on the country’s commitment to address the climate crisis and move toward a just energy transition.
The Green Connection’s Strategic Lead, Liziwe McDaid, emphasises government’s responsibility to make informed decisions that serve the public interest.
“If crucial data is missing – information essential for fair and sensible decision-making – then government must reject the reports and applications. Now more than ever, as the climate crisis worsens, energy poverty persists, and food insecurity grows, the risks associated with oil and gas exploration may simply be too high. South Africans, especially those who depend on the ocean for food, livelihoods, and their way of life, cannot afford to sacrifice vital marine ecosystems. We need government to recognise that the world is moving toward a new era of innovation and sustainable alternatives that do not compromise ecosystem health,” said McDaid.
The organisations say that TEEPSA’s argument, that the proposed project aligns with South Africa’s climate policies, is flawed. TEEPSA cannot ignore the full lifecycle of the project in its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) because exploration leads to production, which results in more oil and gas, and this means more carbon emissions and worsening climate change.
Therefore, trying to separate exploration from production, to avoid climate scrutiny, is legally indefensible. The science is clear: fossil fuel extraction drives climate change, making this project neither necessary nor desirable under National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 (NEMA) principles.
David Mtshali from Natural Justice’s Defending Rights Programme says: “The Draft Scoping Report’s failure to identify oil and gas extraction activities as a factor to be assessed in the need and desirability evaluation, will result in an inadequate assessment of the proposed project’s overall need and desirability. This oversight will compromise the integrity of the environmental assessment process and will result in non-compliance with the country’s laws and regulations on climate change and the environment in general.”
As part of the DWOB South project, TEEPSA plans to drill up to seven wells in an area spanning nearly 30,000 km² between Saldanha Bay and Kleinzee, with drilling depths reaching 3,900 metres. Experts warn that exploratory drilling at such depths carries a heightened risk of blowouts, raising concerns about South Africa’s ability to contain an oil spill of this magnitude.
McDaid warns, “This project, because it goes deeper, seems more dangerous and even riskier than the infamous Deepwater Horizon well, where a catastrophic oil spill has caused long-term harm to marine ecosystems and local coastal communities.”
Mtshali adds: “The continued pursuit of oil and gas as demonstrated by this proposed project, undermines the fundamental right of individuals to have the environment protected for the benefit of both current and future generations. Such projects are neither needed nor desirable, especially now when the world is facing a climate crisis.”
According to Carmen Mannarino at Masifundise, “Fisher people in South Africa are already struggling with declining stocks of key fish species they depend on, compounded by the impacts of climate change. The last thing they need is another industry that disregards their wellbeing. Continued offshore oil and gas exploration will further threaten coastal livelihoods. The draft scoping report fails to acknowledge these realities; another reason for it to be rejected.
“It is critical that we learn from the devastating impact of similar activities in neighbouring Namibia, where tuna stocks have declined drastically since 2011 due to oil and gas exploration. This is why we need a thorough Fisheries Assessment that fully considers the long-term implications for our oceans and the people who depend on them.”
As the public participation process for this project unfolds, The Green Connection, Natural Justice, and Masifundise urge South Africans to hold decision-makers accountable. The future of the country’s energy system should not be dictated by corporate profits but by sustainable development that ensures economic and environmental justice for all.
“This is about our communities, our oceans, and our future,” say the organisations. “We cannot allow reckless fossil fuel expansion to rob the people of their rights and livelihoods, especially as life has already become harder, with the cost of living quickly becoming almost completely unaffordable for most.”
