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2025 SCP: NiMet predicts delayed onset of rainfall in eight northern states

Michael Simire
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2025 SCP: NiMet predicts delayed onset of rainfall in eight northern states

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted that eight northern states will experience delayed onset of rainfall in 2025.

Festus Keyamo
Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development

The agency’s prediction is contained in its 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) unveiled by Mr. Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, in Abuja on Tuesday, February 4.

A statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by NiMet stated that the states include Plateau, Kaduna, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Adamawa and Kwara.

The SCP was themed “The Role of Early Warnings Towards a Climate-Resilient Aviation Industry for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development,” Key Rainfall Predictions for 2025.

The agency also predicted that Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Anambra, and sections of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Enugu, Imo, and Ebonyi would witness early onset of rainfall.

“Earlier than long-term average end-of-rainy season is predicted over parts of Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Plateau, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Kwara, Kogi, FCT, Ekiti, and Ondo states.

“A delayed end of season is expected over parts of Kaduna, Nasarawa, Benue, Lagos, Kwara, Taraba, Oyo, Ogun, Cross River, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Anambra, and Enugu States,” it said.

According to NiMet, the predicted length of rainy season in 2025, is expected to be mostly normal across the country.

NiMet, however, forecasts shorter than normal length of season over Borno and parts of Yobe.

The agency envisaged that Lagos and Nasarawa states to have longer than normal length of seasons in 2025.

“A normal to below-normal annual rainfall is anticipated in most parts of Nigeria compared to long-term average.

“Parts of Kebbi, Kaduna, Ebonyi, Cross River, Lagos Abia, Akwa Ibom states, and FCT are expected to have above-normal annual rainfall amounts.

“High-intensity rainfall is expected in May to June that may likely result in flash floods in the coastal cities.

“As with previous years, there are pre-onset rainfall activities that should not be confused with the actual onset of rainy season,” it said.

NiMet anticipated a severe dry spell of above 15 days after the establishment of rainfall in Oyo state (Saki, Iseyin, Ogbomosho, Atisbo, Orelope, Itesiwaju, Olorunsogo, Kajola, Iwajowa and Ori Ire), during the April-May-June (AMJ) season.

According to it, moderate dry spell that may last up to 15 days is likely to occur in Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo, Abia, Cross River, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom in the south.

“However, for the northern states, a severe dry spell that may last up to 21 days is predicted for the June-July-August (JJA) season of 2025.

“The Little Dry Season (LDS), also known as ‘August Break’ is predicted to begin by late July and would be severe only in parts of Lagos and Ogun states.

“The number of days with either little or no rainfall will range between 27 to 40 days. Moderate LDS effect is expected over parts of Ogun, Oyo, and Ekiti states,” it said.

The agency further predicted either light or mild LDS over Osun, Oyo, Kwara, and parts of Ondo-North.

NiMet envisaged temperatures to be generally above the long-term average across the country.

“Both daytime and nighttime temperatures are predicted to be warmer than the long-term average over most parts of the country in January, February, March, and May 2025.

“However, April day and nighttime temperatures are predicted to be generally cooler than normal, while warmer than normal temperatures are likely to be experienced over most of the northern states.”

Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP)
Dignitaries at the Public Presentation of the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) in Abuja

Mr. Keyamo has meanwhile called for improved sustainable practices to mitigate climate change in Nigeria.

Keyamo, who said this in his keynote address at the public presentation of the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), noted that the Federal Government would continue to invest in sustainable practices, strengthen infrastructure, and support communities that are most vulnerable to climate change impacts.

“Our seasonal climate predictions are not just about forecasting, they are about shaping our response to challenges ahead.

“As we celebrate the 2025 SCP document, let us recognise that its true value lies in its application.

“I urge all stakeholders present here today – government agencies, non-governmental organisations, private sector actors, civil society organisations, researchers, and the media to champion the use of the SCP in their respective domains.

“Collaboration and information sharing will be key to maximising its impact.

“Challenges posed by climate change demand innovative solution.

“The ministry of aviation and aerospace development through NiMet will remain at the forefront of these efforts.”

 According to him, the nation can build a more resilient and prosperous Nigeria in furtherance of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration with the support of policymakers and industry leaders.

According to him, the aviation industry faces increasing challenges from erratic weather patterns to the growing frequency of extreme events, which directly impacts airline operations as climate change continues to reshape the planet.

Keymo.said that aviation remained a weather sensitive sector , adding that decisions on flight plans, take-off and landing were not made without first considering the weather conditions.

“Adverse weather – thunderstorms, squalls, wind shear, heavy rainfall, flash floods, sandstorms, dust haze, fog among others, are some of the greatest challenges in aviation, resulting in flight delays, injuries, economic losses including loss of lives and property. 

“The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that global flight delays due to weather conditions have been on the increase, jumping from 11 per cent in 2012 to 30 per cent of total flight delays in 2023.

“According to the International Civil Aviation Organisation, while turbulence has long been a leading cause of injuries in-flight, scientific evidence suggests  there may be more severe weather patterns brought about by climate change which can  lead to more turbulence-related accidents.”

 The minister said that the effects of climate change had negative impact on the  aviation industry.

According to him, early warning systems, backed by robust climate predictions, are essential to overcoming stated challenges and ensuring safety, efficiency and sustainability of air navigation business.

Keyamo said NiMet’s SCP played a pivotal role by empowering stakeholders with the knowledge to anticipate and adapt to climatic changes, ensuring that aviation operations remained uninterrupted and that lives, and property were safeguarded.

He added that an enhanced resilient aviation sector contributed to broader socio-economic goals, including trade facilitation, tourism, and regional connectivity.

“The SCP document we are unveiling today is a critical tool for informed decision-making.

“It offers insights into expected weather and climate patterns, equipping various sectors with the foresight needed to plan, mitigate risks, and harness opportunities.

“Agriculture, disaster risk management, health, marine operations, transport and especially aviation are among the many domains that will benefit from this invaluable resource and advisory.

“Timely climate predictions will enable, inter alia; farmers to optimise farming schedules thereby improving the nation’s food system security,” he said.

According to him, the document will also help disaster managers to prepare for emergencies and minimise risks and health authorities to anticipate disease outbreaks linked to weather and climate variations.

“These underscore the interconnectedness of weather, climate, and socio-economic resilience.

“Over recent years, we have continued to observe unprecedented weather patterns that have tested our preparedness and resilience.

“From consistent warmer-than-normal temperatures to flash floods, the extremes of our climate are increasingly evident.

“These events serve as reminders that we must remain vigilant and proactive,” he added.

By Gabriel Agbeja

Ebola vaccination trial launched in Uganda

Michael Simire
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Ebola vaccination trial launched in Uganda

In what looks like a global first, Uganda’s Ministry of Health, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other partners on Monday, February 3, 2025, launched a first-ever clinical efficacy trial for a vaccine from Ebola from the Sudan species of the virus, and at an unprecedented speed for a randomised vaccine trial, in an emergency.

Tedros Ghebreyesus
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organisation (WHO)

This is the first trial to assess the clinical efficacy of a vaccine against Ebola Sudan virus disease. IAVI, the provider of the vaccine, conducted trials for safety and immunogenicity. It is also the first clinical trial of the vaccine during an outbreak.

The principal investigators from Makerere University and the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), with support from WHO and other partners, have worked tirelessly to get the trial ready in four days since the outbreak was confirmed on January 30. It is the first trial to assess the clinical efficacy of a vaccine against Ebola disease due to Sudan virus. The speed was achieved through advanced research preparedness, while ensuring full compliance with national and international regulatory and ethical requirements.

The candidate vaccine was donated by IAVI, with financial support from WHO, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and the European Commission’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) and support from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

“This is a critical achievement towards better pandemic preparedness, and saving lives when outbreaks occur,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Director-General.  “This is possible because of the dedication of Uganda’s health workers, the involvement of communities, the Ministry of Health of Uganda, Makerere University and UVRI, and research efforts led by WHO involving hundreds of scientists through our research and development Filoviruses network. We thank our partners for their dedication and cooperation, from IAVI for donating the vaccine, to CEPI, EU HERA and Canada’s IDRC for funding, and Africa CDC for further support. This massive achievement would simply not be possible without them.”

In 2022, during the previous outbreak of Ebola disease (also from the Sudan species of the virus) in Uganda, a randomised protocol for candidate vaccines was developed. Principal investigators were designated under the leadership of the Minister of Health, and teams were trained to allow such a trial to take place during an active outbreak.

The randomised vaccine trial to assess the recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV) candidate vaccine was launched at a ceremony in Kampala on Monday by the Minister of Health of Uganda. WHO is co-sponsoring the trial. WHO was represented by Dr Mike Ryan, Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme and Deputy Director-General, and the WHO representative to Uganda Dr Kasonde Mwinga, along with other colleagues.

Three vaccination rings were defined today. The first ring involves about 40 contacts and contacts of contacts of the first reported and confirmed case, a health worker who has died.

Although several promising candidate medical countermeasures are progressing through clinical development, as of now, there is no licensed vaccine available to effectively combat a potential future outbreak of Ebola disease from the Sudan species of the virus. Licensed vaccines exist only for the disease caused by Ebola virus, formerly known as Zaïre ebolavirus. Likewise for treatments, approved treatments are only available for Ebola virus.

The vaccine for the trial was recommended by the independent WHO candidate vaccine prioritisation working group. If the candidate vaccine is effective, it can contribute to controlling this outbreak and generate data for vaccine licensure.

In 2022, the research teams were trained in good clinical practice (GCP) and standard operating procedures for such trials. They completed refresher training in recent days. WHO colleagues experienced in trials and in ring vaccination arrived in Uganda over the weekend to support the trial implementation and GCP compliance.

The vaccine doses were pre-positioned in the country. WHO worked with the principal investigators and national authorities and the vaccine developer to review cold chain documentation and ensure the doses were stored correctly over the previous years. As part of the signed agreement with the Ministry of Health, WHO has a signed agreement with IAVI for additional doses of the candidate vaccine to be made available shortly.

UNHCR, UN-Habitat join forces to improve urban settlements in El Salvador

Michael Simire
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UNHCR, UN-Habitat join forces to improve urban settlements in El Salvador

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and UN-Habitat, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, have launched “My Community, My House,” a joint initiative to improve housing, public spaces, and community governance in El Salvador.

La Campanera
La Campanera, El Salvador

The programme, which will run from December 2024 to June 2025 in La Campanera – a settlement of more than 12,000 people in the Soyapango district – aims to address forced displacement and strengthen social cohesion in communities affected by violence.

Decades of violence and insecurity have deeply impacted El Salvador’s cities, leading to abandoned housing, unsafe public spaces, and weakened social ties. The initiative focuses on participatory governance, the revitalisation of public spaces, and housing improvements to help rebuild trust and foster peaceful coexistence.

“The transformation of La Campanera will not only contribute to improving the living conditions of its inhabitants but will also make visible the capacity of communities to rebuild themselves when they have the right opportunities and tools,” said Fernanda Lonardoni, Head of UN-Habitat Mexico, Cuba, and Central America.

“The comprehensiveness of the proposal makes it so that people and their communities are at the centre of the process of recovery of public spaces and the improvement of housing. Bringing together humanitarian, development and peacebuilding approaches and working in partnership promotes citizen participation, peaceful coexistence, economic promotion, and the reconstruction of the social fabric in communities historically affected by violence and forced displacement,” said Mónica Tse Candido, Acting UNHCR Representative in El Salvador.

The programme is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Housing, the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, the Ministry of Public Works, and the Municipality of San Salvador Este, among others. It will support community-led planning and decision-making while improving infrastructure, including the construction of sports fields, restoration of green areas, better lighting, and improved waste management. Housing upgrades will also be provided for displaced families and those in vulnerable situations.

By addressing the root causes of forced displacement and urban instability, UNHCR and UN-Habitat aim to make La Campanera a model for sustainable, community-driven urban transformation, with lessons that could be applied across the region.

How pact to protect ozone layer is helping counter climate change

Michael Simire
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How pact to protect ozone layer is helping counter climate change

In 1985, three British scientists published a paper in the journal Nature that revealed there was a large hole in the ozone layer above the Antarctic. The research sent shockwaves around the world. The ozone layer shields the planet from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation and its loss would decimate life on Earth.

Ozone
The hole in the ozone layer has shrunk by more than 1.7 million square miles since 2,000, according to scientists. Photo credit: NASA GODDARD

The crisis led to the Montreal Protocol, a landmark global agreement that has put the ozone layer on the path to recovery. But the Protocol also has the potential to do something else: slow climate change. By implementing its key obligations, countries could prevent what experts call a massive amount of global warming, key at a time when the planet’s temperature is going through the roof.

“The Montreal Protocol has helped protect the world from the sun’s deadly ultraviolet radiation,” said Megumi Seki, Executive Secretary of the Ozone Secretariat administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). “It is also helping us combat another catastrophe.”

Here’s a closer look at the Montreal Protocol and how it’s countering climate change.

What exactly is the ozone layer?

Located 15–35 km above the Earth’s surface, the ozone layer acts as a shield, protecting humans, animals and plants from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, in particular UV-B. Without the ozone layer, the Earth would be a very different place: crops would fail, and humans would be blighted by everything from cataracts to skin cancer.

What has the Montreal Protocol done?

The accord has led to the phase out of 99 per cent of ozone-depleting substances, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). These refrigerants were once commonly found in fridges, air conditioners, foams, spray cans and fire extinguishers. Their demise has put the ozone layer on the road to recovery; scientists estimate it will return to pre-1980s levels by 2066.

How is the Montreal Protocol tackling climate change?

Most ozone-depleting substances also contribute to global warming. By reining in these substances and protecting carbon sinks, like forests, from damaging ultraviolet radiation, the protocol is expected to prevent about 0.5°C to 1°C of warming by the end of the century.

But that’s not the end of the story. CFCs and HCFCs, have been largely replaced by hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Although harmless to the ozone layer, HFCs are potent greenhouse gases. Some are thousands of times more adept at trapping heat than carbon dioxide, the most common greenhouse gas, says Seki.

Adopted in 2016, the Montreal Protocol’s Kigali Amendment aims to gradually reduce HFC production over the next 30 years. So far, 162 states and the European Union have ratified the treaty.

What effect could the Kigali Amendment have on global warming?

Eliminating HFCs could prevent up to 0.5°C of planetary heating by the end of the century. Seki says that could make a big difference in the trajectory of climate change. “For every fraction of a degree the Earth warms, the impacts of climate change – from droughts to wildfires, to superstorms – become more severe,” she says.

According to UNEP’s latest Emissions Gap Report, a 0.5°C temperature rise would increase the frequency and severity of heat extremes, heavy rainfall events and regional droughts.

Energy efficiency is also a pillar of the global effort to implement the Kigali Amendment. As nations phase down HFCs, they are also working to transition to cooling equipment that uses less electricity, helping to lower the greenhouse gas emissions associated with power generation.

Does the Kigali Amendment support other efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions?

Yes. HFCs, also fall under the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C this century. The amendment also serves as the foundation of voluntary initiatives like the Global Cooling Pledge. Launched in 2023 it aims to reduce cooling-related emissions by more than two-thirds and dramatically improve the efficiency of air conditioners while also promoting passive cooling solutions.

What is UNEP doing in this area?

UNEP hosts the Secretariat of the Montreal Protocol and the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol. The fund is helping 144 developing countries to phase out ozone-depleting substances, phase-down HFCs and at the same time, improve the energy efficiency of cooling. Meanwhile, UNEP through its OzonAction programme, strengthens the capacity of developing nations and industry to implement the Montreal Protocol.

Finally, the UNEP-convened Climate and Clean Air Coalition supports action on super climate pollutants, like HFCs, including through partnerships and by funding transformative projects at the global, regional and country levels.

What needs to happen next to harness the full cooling potential of the Kigali Amendment?

The amendment needs to be fully ratified by all parties to the Montreal Protocol; so far, 163 of the 198 parties have done so. Seki says universal ratification and full implementation of the amendment is key to maximizing its contribution to reducing global temperature rise. As well, energy efficiency improvements, which should take place amid the phase down of HFCs, are crucial for meeting a rapidly increasing demand for cooling while minimizing further warming of the planet.

New Zealand researchers explore underground hydrogen storage

Michael Simire
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New Zealand researchers explore underground hydrogen storage

A New Zealand research is modelling the injection, storage, and extraction of 10,000 tonnes of underground hydrogen at natural gas storage site in Taranaki of the North Island.

Underground hydrogen storage
Underground hydrogen storage

The models are designed to simulate the complex processes involved in hydrogen storage, said PhD candidate Liu Jinjian of the University of Canterbury (UC).

“They help us predict what might happen, identify potential challenges, and determine practical solutions for hydrogen extraction,’’ said Liu who conducted the research supervised by UC Associate Prof., David Dempsey.

While storing natural gas underground is standard, it is also less complex because it is in its natural environment.

Using the same process for hydrogen is a comparative unknown but it may end up being critical to whether New Zealand has a hydrogen future, according to the study.

The research highlights critical operational considerations, such as managing reservoir pressure, minimising hydrogen loss, and maintaining gas purity.

Liu said, citing an example that the site’s unique geology allowed hydrogen to sit buoyantly in cups within the reservoir, but excessive injection risks spillover.

“One challenge already identified is contamination during extraction, as hydrogen often mixes with residual natural gas or water.

“While this mixture may complicate some applications, it could still be viable for power generation or certain chemical processes,’’ Dempsey said.

Hydrogen storage at scale could act as a buffer, much like reservoirs do for water, he said.

He added that the goal was to develop a framework that can be applied to various sites nationwide, optimising storage and minimising transport challenges.

NMDPRA seals 19 illegal LPG outlets in Delta

Michael Simire
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NMDPRA seals 19 illegal LPG outlets in Delta

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) says it has sealed 19 illegal Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and category D cooking gas outlets in Delta State.

Farouk Ahmed
Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA, Mr. Farouk Ahmed

The Coordinator, NMDPRA in the state, Mr. Victor Ohwodiasa, disclosed this to newsmen on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, in Warri.

Ohwodiasa said that the illegal outlets were sealed within the last two weeks in Orerokpe, Ogwashi-Ukwu, as well as Warri and its environs during an operation by the Authority.

The category D class of LPG operators are those within localities that refill gas from licenced gas plants for customers.

The NMDPRA coordinator said that the illegal gas outlets were shut over offences ranging from lack of prerequisite approvals to operate such facilities, to unsafe locations.

“During the operations, about 28 illegal outlets were spotted by the Authority. We tried to see if it is possible to have them regularised as they were wrongly sited.

“The outlet that was sealed in Ogwashi-Ukwu was a five metric tonnes refilling plant constructed on a roadside closed to high tension cables.

“The Authority looked at the environment; it was wrongly sited on a right of way and has no approval. It was sealed and relocation order issued immediately.

“Other offenders were the ones doing what we called, ‘decanting’, which means bottle to bottle transfer. We do not allow that.

“What they are expected to do is ‘bottle swap’, that is bring your empty cylinder and go with a filled one,” he said.

Ohwodiasa explained that the essence of the exercise was not to frustrate the small scale gas business owners, but to ensure they operate in a safe and secured environment.

He appealed to landlords to stop allocating land or property to the LPG category D operators who want to do illegal business in their premises or properties.

According to him, the essence is to prevent possible fire outbreak that could destroy lives and properties of the operators and the neighbours.

He added that the NMDPRA was committed to ensuring that lives and properties were adequately protected.

“Imaging someone storing cooking gas close to where welding operation is taking place or where a woman is frying beans cake or roasting corn. Once there is leakage, the resultant effect will be catastrophic.

“If the operator of the illegal outlet does not appreciate his life, it is our duty to ensure that he does not kill himself and others by illegally operating such facility,” he said.

Ohwodiasa also said that the regulatory Authority would continue to sustain the exercise in the state and assured that anybody found wanting would face the wrath of the law.

He further said that any defaulter who refuses to relocate his facility, would be handed over to the relevant security agencies for prosecution.

The coordinator appealed to the public to report anyone transferring cooking gas from one cylinder to another to the NMDPRA for prompt action.

He assured that the regulatory body would continue to sensitise the operators, adding that the authority had annual stakeholders’ engagement with the gas plant owners and the category D operators.

He thanked the Chief Executive of NMDPRA, Mr. Ahmed Faruok, for his consistent support for the state’s operations.

By Edeki Igafe

UN lists crises most at risk following US humanitarian freeze

Michael Simire
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UN lists crises most at risk following US humanitarian freeze

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) has listed Sudan, Gaza, Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), Syria and Ukraine as some of the crises most at risk as a result of the freeze on U.S. humanitarian foreign assistance.

UN OCHA
A humanitarian crisis situation

According to the UN agency, the freeze has left millions of vulnerable people around the world at risk, and that families facing conflict, famine, and health crises are now in even greater danger and cannot be let down.

“Disrupting life-saving aid will have deadly consequences at a moment when humanitarian crises are multiplying, and the needs are greater than ever.

“The United Nations and partners are working tirelessly to provide life-saving assistance to those in desperate need. But without immediate funding, critical programmes will be cut, and countless lives will hang in the balance,” stated the UN body.

It noted that if aid to Sudan was disrupted, malnutrition and famine would worsen, and more people will die.

“Emergency shelters, critical medical clinics in conflict zones, and sanitation systems combating cholera outbreaks will no longer operate,” declared UN OCHA, stressing that while humanitarian aid is critical to the success of the ceasefire in Gaza, an escalating conflict in eastern DRC in recent weeks has left hundreds of persons dead, injured and trapped in their homes.

On Syria and Ukraine, the UN stated: “The people of Syria stand at a moment of history – the end of more than five decades of brutal, dictatorial rule has given rise to much hope. However, humanitarian needs remain immense, with millions displaced and food insecure. It would be cruel to abandon them now during this historic time. In northern Syria, the suspension of water and other critical aid in camps is endangering the lives of displaced families, the majority of whom are women and children.

“The ongoing war in Ukraine has displaced millions inside and outside the country. Millions were left without homes, heating, or other basic necessities amid winter temperatures due to the large-scale damage and destruction of critical civilian infrastructure. Years of hostilities have profoundly affected the lives of millions across all regions, but particularly those remaining near the front-line – most of whom are older people, people with disabilities and limited mobility.”

While calling for donation that “can make a life-saving difference”, the UN stated: “Foreign aid isn’t just about generosity – it’s an investment in global stability and shared prosperity. Cutting it risks humanitarian crises and economic setbacks far beyond the immediate savings.”

EU urged to suspend controversial minerals deal with Rwanda amid escalating DRC violence

Michael Simire
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EU urged to suspend controversial minerals deal with Rwanda amid escalating DRC violence

Environmental watchdog, 350Africa, has called on the European Union to immediately suspend its minerals deal with Rwanda and prioritise agreements that are transparent, equitable, and focused on true sustainability.

Goma DRC
Humanitarian crisis in Goma, DR Congo

The group submitted that the path to a just and green future must put people, peace, and the planet at the centre, and not the continued extraction of resources at the expense of vulnerable communities.

In a statement made available to EnviroNews on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 350Africa said that it stands in solidarity with the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where escalating violence is exacerbating an already devastating humanitarian crisis. The EU’s minerals deal with Rwanda, signed in February 2024, is said to be fueling this crisis by enabling the continued extraction of minerals from the DRC under exploitative conditions.

350Africa noted that while the deal is framed as part of the green transition, it is clear that reliance on minerals and fossil fuels to drive this transition is not the solution.

“Real solutions must support energy justice, enable energy access first to those in dire need and increase social equity, instead of perpetuating cycles of violence and environmental destruction for the benefit of multinational corporations,” emphasised the group.

Guillaume Kalondji, climate activist from Rise Up Congo, said: “Our resources have been exploited for generations, yet the solutions being put forward continue to harm us. Conflict minerals and fossil fuels are not the answer to the climate crisis. The green transition must be built on clean, renewable energy systems that prioritise the rights of people and protect our environment. We need solutions that empower local communities, not ones that feed into cycles of violence and inequality.”

Purple Line rail project: LAMATA begins stakeholder engagement

Michael Simire
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0
Purple Line rail project: LAMATA begins stakeholder engagement

Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has begun stakeholder engagements as a precursor to scoping activities for the Purple Line rail project, a component of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) system.

Lagos Blue Line rail
Lagos Blue Line rail

This is contained in a statement posted by LAMATA on its official X handle on Monday, February 3, 2025.

“A team from LAMATA visited Ikeja and Agege local government areas as well as Ojodu Local Council Development Authority to initiate discussions with local stakeholders, today.

“The Purple Line will cross two local governments in Ogun and five local governments and four  local  council development areas,” it said.

The authority said that during the visit, officials of the councils expressed  support for the project.

It quoted the Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Dr Balogun Mojeed, as affirming commitment to the project and emphasising its potential to improve the lives of Lagos residents and contribute to the state’s development into a smart city.

LAMATA quoted Agege Local Government Chairman, Mr Kola Egunjobi, represented by Mr Rasheed Adaranijo, as  assuring of the council’s readiness to support the initiative.

It added that Mr David Odunmbaku of Ojodu Local Council Development Area commended Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for undertaking such an impactful project.

“The LRMT Purple Line, a 57km rail line, stretching from Redemption Camp in Ogun State to Volkswagen area along the Lagos Badagry Expressway, will feature 17 stations.

“It is designed to integrate with the Red Line at Agege, the Blue Line at Volkswagen, and the Yellow Line at Isheri-Osun, creating a comprehensive and interconnected public transportation network,” it said.

By Chiazo Ogbolu

Visiting Samsung officials get NCDMB assurances of support for oil industry projects

Michael Simire
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0
Visiting Samsung officials get NCDMB assurances of support for oil industry projects

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Felix Omatsola Ogbe, on Friday, January 31, 2025, received a delegation from the Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria (SHIN), led by their new Managing Director, Mr. Jin Lee.

NCDMB
Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Felix Omatsola Ogbe, officials of NCDMB, with the new Managing Director of Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria (SHIN), Mr. Jin Lee, and his colleagues

The meeting was held at the Board’s Lagos liaison office and discussions focused on the firm’s in-country capacities, which include heavy fabrication and FPSO integration quayside at the SHI MCI free zone, Takwa Bay Lagos.

The company sought the Board’s assistance to attract new projects to the facility, highlighting their experience to execute major oil and gas projects and pledging support to the Federal Government’s mantra of fast-tracking crude oil production and creating employment opportunities for Nigerians.

The SHIN team reminded the Executive Secretary that their facility executed key scopes in-country aspects of Total Energies’ Egina deepwater project, including the partial integration of the Egina FPSO in 2017 and 2018. The project remains a reference point for local content accomplishment in the Nigerian oil and gas industry till date.

Lee regretted that the facility had not carried out major projects since the onset of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when oil industry operations were significantly impacted.

SHIN officials also requested the Board to introduce their company to the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO) and other international clientele. The introduction would enable them to market their capabilities, attract international businesses, thereby establishing Nigeria as a hub for export such services in Africa, the MD said.

The company also announced plans to diversify into the renewable energy space, and contribute towards providing solutions to Nigeria’s energy challenges. The company intends to manufacture floating foundations and associated assets for wind farms, and other renewable projects.

In his comments, the Executive Secretary welcomed the new Managing Director to Nigeria, and assured him of the Board’s support, in line with its mandate to encourage domiciliation of critical oil and gas industry’s operations and patronage of established capacities.

He charged SHIN to work with indigenous service companies, build their capacities and maximise job creation in the economy.

Speaking further, Ogbe promised to recommend SHIN to APPO and other international groups, in furtherance of the Nigerian Content 10-year strategic roadmap’s Sectorial and Regional Linkage enabler, which places emphasis on the creation of international opportunities for Nigerian companies that have built outstanding capacities.

He also promised that the Board would visit SHIN’s facilities, in company with representatives of international and indigenous operating oil and gas companies, with a view to accessing their capacities and mobilizing patronage.

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