The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the troops of Operation Delta Safe have in the last one week discovered and deactivated no fewer than 42 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta region.
Illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, made this known in a weekly report of ongoing military operations on Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Abuja.
Kangye said the military had sustained operational tempo against crude oil thieves and other criminals in the Niger Delta during the week under review.
He said the troops recovered 117,395 litres of stolen crude oil, 22,050 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, 6,000 litres of Dual-Purpose Kerosene and 8,060 litres of Premium Motor Spirit.
He added that troops also discovered and destroyed 102 crude oil cooking ovens, 94 dugout pits, 18 boats, four speedboat, 56 storage tanks and 164 drums.
According to him, other items recovered include, pumping machines, drilling machines, galvanised pipes, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and nine vehicles.
“Furthermore, 42 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested while assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered.
“Between April 10 and April 14, troops while conducting offensive operations, made contact with criminals in Southern Ijaw and Aniocha South Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Bayelsa and Delta respectively.
“During the operations, troops arrested criminals and recovered arms and ammunition as well as large quantity of natural gas resources.
“Similarly, on April 11 and April 13, troops, acting on credible intelligence, arrested nine suspected vandals/kidnapers in Onelga and Ndoni LGAs of Rivers as well as Uvwie, Warri South and Aniocha South LGAs of Delta.
“They also effected arrest of five criminals in Ikom LGA of Cross River as well as Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa,” he said.
In a related development, the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos of the Nigerian Navy has deactivated seven illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadina Community in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Navy Capt. Ikenna Okoloagu, the Commanding Officer of the FOB Escravos, disclosed this to newsmen on Thursday in Warri.
Okoloagu said that the operations were carried out between March 29 and April 16 in the coastal community.
He added that the operations were based on credible information and in support of Operation DELTA SANITY II.
“Specifically, on March 29, 2025, personnel of FOB Escravos discovered and deactivated three illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadino in Warri South.
“Similarly, on April 11 and April 16, the personnel also discovered and dismantled two illegal refining sites each in the same community.
“Cumulatively, the three operations led to the deactivation of seven illegal refining sites.
“The operations also led to the seizure of about 5,980 litres of stolen crude oil and 3,810 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
“The products were stored in eight ovens, 50 dug-out pits and 67 polythene sacks,” he said.
Okoloagu said that the successful operations underscored the commitment of the Base to the strategic directives of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla to stem illegalities within Nigeria’s maritime space.
According to the naval boss, the operation is in line with concerted efforts to boost Nigeria’s daily crude oil production.
He assured that the base would continue to sustain the onslaught against crude oil theft and other economic sabotage.
He warned perpetrators to desist from the illicit activities.
Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, on Thursday, April 17, 2025, said the sector generated additional N700 billion revenue in 2024, reflecting a 70 per cent increase from what was collected in 2023.
Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu
Adelabu said this during the 6th Edition of the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing Series in Abuja.
“It is evident that, due to our transformative tariff reforms, the electricity market generated additional N700 billion revenue in 2024, reflecting a 70 per cent increase as N1.7 trillion was generated in 2024 while one trillion naira generated in 2023.
“This resulted from the cost-reflective tariff adjustment for Band A customers. This growth in market revenue is unprecedented, as the highest growth previously achieved was 20 per cent.
“This positively impacts the reduction of the government-subsidised tariff shortfall by 35 per cent, decreasing it from N3 trillion to N1.9 trillion,’’ minister said.
According to him, the growth in revenue demonstrates that financial viability and service delivery can coexist harmoniously.
Adelabu also said that the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to energy access was further demonstrated when it signed the Nigerian Energy Compact in Tanzania in January.
According to him, the initiative which is led by the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AFDB) aligns with the administration’s aspiration to expand energy generation.
“The target of M300 is to extend energy access to an additional 300 million Africans by 2030 out of the 600 million currently lacking access.
“This initiative will be realised based on a five-pillar strategy: expanding generation, strengthening utilities, incentivising private investment, accelerating renewables, and boosting regional integration.
“The compact sets ambitious goals to enhance electricity access, increase renewable energy adoption, and improve clean cooking solutions for millions of Nigerians,” he said.
Adelabu further said that in fulfillment of the statutory mandate of the Electricity Act 2023, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Power, developed the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP).
He said that the transformative framework in NIEP would set a clear roadmap for delivering a resilient, cost-effective, and sustainable power sector.
According to him, the NIEP, which was presented to the President had been submitted for approval by the Federal Executive Council of Nigeria.
“This policy guides all power sector actors, including investors, operators, regulators, and the supervising ministry, to transform the country’s power sector through a data-driven and evidence-based approach,” he said.
Adelabu disclosed that the Federal Government it plans to pay Power Generation Companies (GenCos) N2 trillion out of the N4 trillion debt owed them before the end of 2025.
Adelabu was reacting to an appeal by the GenCos urging the Federal Government and stakeholders in the power sector to settle the outstanding debts owed them for electricity generated.
“I can tell you that between now and the end of the year, we are going to pay close to two trillion Naira out of these four trillion Naira owed GenCos.
“These debts are primarily unpaid subsidies, almost half of it was inherited, while about half of came from 2024 operations
“There are plans underway to make these payments. I will not say it will be paid 100 per cent; we will be paying it gradually,” he said.
Adelabu said that the mode of payment would be in two ways, adding that there would be some budgetary provisions which will facilitate cash payments.
He said that government was also discussing with the GenCos to give them some guaranteed debt instruments like promissory notes.
“These promissory notes will be liquid enough for it to be taken to the banks for discounting if they need immediate cash injection.
“It is a combination of cash payments and promissory notes.
“I had discussions with the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, who has promised that they are working on the promissory notes, and once we have budget releases, cash payments will also be made,” he said.
Adelabu also said the government had earmarked N25 billion in the 2025 budget to light up major highways in the country as part of national security efforts.
The minister said that beyond just supplying power to homes and businesses, lighting up highways was also part of the Federal Government’s strategy to improve security.
“I believe that this will continue in subsequent appropriation. We have noted it. I will ensure we start the process as soon as we start getting budget releases,” he said.
Speaking on subsidy, Adelabu said that government could not a keep funding subsidy after privatisation which keeps growing on an annual basis.
“As our consumption grows, government subsidy keeps growing. So we need to nip it in the bud.
“We are not saying stop subsidy completely. But subsidy in the past has always been favouring the higher echelon in our society because of huge consumption.
“We want to devise a subsidy strategy that will favour the poor so that it will be graduated, If you consume energy to a particular threshold, you will enjoy subsidy.
“Once it is going above a particular threshold, the tariff will go up, so that the poor will not be impacted negatively because of subsidy,” he said.
Adelabu also said the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) oversight function would remain strong in ensuring that Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) meet their service obligations.
The minister said that any DisCo charging Band A tariff but failing to provide 20 hours of electricity daily would be penalised.
“If it is discovered that any DisCo is collecting tariff but not supplying up to 20 hours, there are penalties.
“Recently eight DisCos were fined N628 million. The moment they are detected, they will be fined. Where you have feeders downgraded from Band A, they are not expected to charge Band A,” he said.
According to Adelabu, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Power, is targeting the deployment of 1.1 million meters by the end of 2025.
He said that the ministry would also distribute two million meters annually in the next five years as the procurement process had started.
According to him, through the World Bank-funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), over 3.2 million meters will be procured and installed alongside meter data management solutions for Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) optimisation.
“The first batch of 75,000 meters under the International Competitive Bid 1 (ICB1) arrived in April, with 200,000 more expected in May,” he said.
Adelabu said that under the renewable energy, rural electrification and energy transition, the country had continued to lead on renewable initiatives by powering sustainable development while bridging the energy access gap.
He said that in the first quarter of 2025, the Federal Government accelerated its transition to clean energy solutions while bringing electricity to underserved communities through innovative off-grid systems.
“These efforts align with our commitment to climate action, energy security and inclusive growth, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind in our journey toward a sustainable energy future,” he said.
According to him, through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) the Federal Government, under the Energising Education Programme (EEP), was designed to provide a reliable power supply to 37 Federal Universities and seven affiliated teaching hospitals across Nigeria.
Adelabu said that the EEP phases 1 and 2 implemented in collaboration with the World Bank had been successfully completed, adding that the EEP 3, implemented in collaboration with AFDB, is about 70 per cent completed.
He said that the projects would collectively add a total of 100 Megawatts (MW) of clean energy to electricity generated.
Adelabu said that another remarkable initiative of the power sector was the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) project, which is a 750 million dollars initiative funded by the World Bank.
“The project also aims to scale up Nigeria’s energy access gap by providing new or improved electricity supplies to more than 17.5 million Nigerians.
“This initiative aims to increase access to electricity services for households and small and medium businesses with private sector-led distributed renewable energy generation and encourage Productive Use of Energy (PUE).
“The proposed project is a part of the World Bank’s comprehensive, programmatic engagement in Nigeria’s power sector to help the Federal Government realise its ambitious Energy Transition Plan (ETP) vision,” he said.
The minister said that through the Africa Mini-grid Programme, the Federal Government had secured $5.91 million in grants for 23 projects.
He said that the Federal Government had also signed an agreement with Oando Clean Energy for a 1.2 gigawatt solar plant with panel recycling capabilities.
He said that the signing of the agreement was to ensure that the country does not just consume solar technology but participates in its full life cycle.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that countries have finalised a draft global agreement, aimed at improving how the world prepares for and responds to pandemics.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organisation (WHO)
The WHO said that the agreement marks a historic step that will be submitted to the World Health Assembly in May 2025 for adoption.
The UN health agency, in a statement on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, said that the agreement was developed after more than three years of negotiations under the auspices of the WHO.
According to the agency, the draft outlines a framework for strengthening international collaboration, equity and resilience in the face of future global health threats.
Remarking on the agreement, WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus said the nations of the world made history in Geneva today
“In reaching consensus on the Pandemic Agreement, not only did they put in place a generational accord to make the world safer.
“They have also demonstrated that multilateralism is alive and well and that in our divided world – nations can still work together to find common ground and a shared response to shared threats.”
Negotiations began in December 2021 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when WHO member States agreed on the urgent need for a legally binding international instrument and established the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB).
The process involved 13 formal rounds of negotiations, many of which were extended into the early hours, culminating in Wednesday’s consensus after a final overnight session.
Key elements of the proposed agreement include a commitment to a “One Health” approach to pandemic prevention and stronger national health systems.
Additionally, the agreement calls for setting up a coordinating financial mechanism and creating a globally coordinated supply chain and logistics network for health emergencies.
The draft also proposes a new pathogen access and benefit-sharing system, increased support for technology and knowledge transfer as well as capacity-building, and outlines a skilled, trained and multidisciplinary national and global health emergency workforce.
The text further affirms national sovereignty in public health decisions.
It states explicitly that nothing in the agreement gives WHO the authority to mandate health measures such as lockdowns, vaccination campaigns, or border closures.
The draft will now be submitted for consideration to the 78th World Health Assembly – UN’s highest forum for global health – set to begin on May 19. If adopted, it will be subject to ratification by individual nations.
According to media reports, the United States did not participate in the final round of negotiations, following its January announcement to withdraw from the global health body, and would not be bound by the pact.
Speaking at the conclusion of the meeting, WHO director-general praised the negotiating teams and the INB leadership for their perseverance and shared purpose.
“This achievement is not just a diplomatic success,” he said. “It reflects your resilience, unity and unwavering commitment to the health and wellbeing of people everywhere.”
INB Co-Chair Precious Matsoso of South Africa called the outcome a breakthrough for health equity.
“The negotiations, at times, have been difficult and protracted. But this monumental effort has been sustained by the shared understanding that viruses do not respect borders – that no one is safe from pandemics until everyone is safe,” she said.
Fellow Co-Chair Anne-Claire Amprou of France added that the agreement laid the foundation for a stronger, more equitable global health security architecture.
“This is a historic agreement for health security, equity and international solidarity,” she said.
The agreement emerges in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed critical vulnerabilities in global health systems and stark inequalities in access to diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines.
The virus claimed nearly seven million lives worldwide, severely disrupted economies, and overwhelmed healthcare services across the globe.
At the same time, the pandemic triggered the largest vaccination campaign in history, with more than 13.3 billion doses administered globally by April 2023.
British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation, a pioneering force in sustainable agricultural development and rural empowerment in Nigeria, has been decorated with the Longstanding Investment Recognition and Making a Positive Impact Award by the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC), in honour of organisations that have demonstrated enduring and impactful commitment to Nigeria’s development.
Presentation of the Award to BATN Foundation
The prestigious award celebrates the Foundation’s enduring contributions to Nigeria’s socioeconomic development, particularly in rural communities.
This recognition underscores over 20 years of impactful service, during which the Foundation has invested more than ₦4 billion towards fostering inclusive growth through sustainable agriculture and making a positive impact to empowering rural communities across Nigeria. In community development initiatives, the Foundation has made measurable and lasting contributions to economic growth, food security, youth empowerment, and improved livelihoods – especially among smallholder farmers, women, and young people.
One of the Foundation’s standout accomplishments is the empowerment of over 300,000 smallholder farmers through comprehensive capacity-building programmes, access to quality inputs, and training in good agronomic practices. These efforts have led to increased yields, improved produce quality, and sustainable income growth, fostering economic resilience in rural Nigeria.
The BATN Foundation’s reach spans all 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, with over 300 impactful community projects implemented across critical sectors. From agriculture to enterprise development and water sanitation, the Foundation has touched the lives of more than 1.7 million Nigerians.
Its investment in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure is another testament to its holistic approach to development. Through the deployment of 105 solar-powered borehole facilities, each with a 20,000-litre capacity, thousands of rural households now have access to safe and clean water, significantly reducing the prevalence of water-borne diseases.
Receiving this award reflects the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development priorities while aligning with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on ending poverty, ensuring clean water, and promoting decent work and economic growth.
Speaking on the award, Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of the Foundation, said: “We are deeply honoured by this recognition from the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce. It reaffirms our belief that meaningful investments in rural communities not only uplift lives but also reflects our commitment to empowering rural communities and improving lives through sustainable development. We are proud of how far we’ve come, and even more motivated to continue our journey of impact.”
The Foundation thanks its partners, stakeholders, and local communities for their continued collaboration and support in driving inclusive and lasting change across Nigeria.
The Foundation stated: “At BATN Foundation, we believe in the power of partnerships to scale impact. We are committed to building on this legacy by partnering with industry stakeholders, government, private sector, and community to transform lives.
“The BATN Foundation continues to champion collaborative development by partnering with public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders to scale its impact and ensure inclusive growth across Nigeria’s rural landscape.”
Established over two decades ago, BATN Foundation says that it is dedicated to empowering rural Nigeria through innovative agricultural programmes, youth empowerment initiatives, and sustainable development interventions.
“With a focus on impact, foster sustainable agricultural practices, and innovation, the Foundation continues to lead efforts that transform communities and improve lives across the country,” it added.
Wild Africa, a conservation organisation, has called on the Federal Government, the private sector, and conservation organisations to step up efforts to protect Nigeria’s threatened bat species.
Bats
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr. Festus Iyorah, Nigeria’s Representative, Wild Africa, in commemoration of the 2025 International Bat Appreciation Day, on Thursday, April 17, in Lagos.
The statement said that Nigeria is home to approximately 100 bat species, representing one-third of bats in Africa.
It noted that many of these species were facing extinction.
It said the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List (2025) identified several Nigerian bats, including the critically endangered short-tailed roundleaf bat, as being at high risk of extinction.
The statement said bats in Nigeria face multiple threats, including deforestation, mining, logging, agricultural expansion, light pollution, and bushmeat trade.
“Fruit bats, especially the straw-coloured fruit bat – Africa’s most hunted bat – are commonly consumed across Nigeria.
“This poses ecological and public health risks, as bats are known carriers of zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted to humans when consumed,” the statement said.
The statement quoted Dr Mark Ofua, the Wild Africa’s West Africa Spokesperson, as saying: “Today, we celebrate the silent guardians of the night, nature’s tiny heroes who keep the ecosystems in balance. We must learn how to coexist with them and give them room to thrive once more, so we can thrive as well.
“I look forward to the passage of the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill currently before the House of Assembly, which is set to strengthen protections for our wildlife, including bats, and the forests and ecosystems vital to their survival.”
Alluding to studies, the statement said bats and birds save farmers up to $478 per hectare per year on cocoa farms in Cameroon by reducing pest populations under shaded canopy conditions.
According to the statement, Wild Africa is using a combination of radio, TV, billboards, newspaper publications, and Public Service Announcements to highlight Nigeria’s conservation needs for both wildlife and wild spaces.
It added that the advocacy featured influential Nigerian ambassadors such as 2Baba, Nela Duke Ekpenyong, Josh2Funny, and other influential people.
“On International Bat Appreciation Day, Wild Africa calls on all Nigerians, especially the policymakers at the National House of Assembly, to support the new bill and help secure a future for the country’s bat population and broader biodiversity,” the statement said.
Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has reaffirmed his commitment to partner with key stakeholders to deliver on his mandate.
Group CEO, NNPC Ltd., Mr. Bashir Ojulari (right) in a warm handshake with the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, during a courtesy call on the Minister in Abuja, on Wednesday
Ojulari made the pledge when he visited the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Abuja.
Ojulari, in a statement by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., underscored the need for a shared vision of progress and performance for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
He emphasised that his executive leadership team stepped into office with a spirit of collaboration and a deep resolve to make a lasting impact.
He said that the success of NNPC Ltd. would depend on close synergy with the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Ministry of Finance, and other relevant institutions, to break through bureaucratic barriers and accelerate results.
“We are here with a mindset of partnership; a partnership with the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Ministry of Finance, and all other critical stakeholders.
“Our goal is to bridge the gaps, foster alignment and move forward with a united front. Antagonism benefits no one; collaboration is how we win,” Soneye quoted Ojulari as saying.
In response, Lokpobiri expressed strong confidence in the new leadership of NNPC Ltd., adding that he knew many members of the management team personally and had received outstanding reports about their professional capabilities.
“This is arguably the strongest leadership team NNPC Ltd. has ever assembled.
“Now is the time to translate that reputation into measurable results, especially in increasing crude oil production and ensuring the sector delivers optimal value to the Nigerian people,” Lokpobiri said.
The Minister assured Ojulari of his unwavering support and strategic guidance, adding that his office would work closely with him to provide the enabling environment for NNPC Ltd. to thrive and deliver on its national mandate.
“This renewed spirit of partnership signals a new chapter for the oil and gas industry, marked by purposeful collaboration, operational excellence, and a shared commitment to national development,” he said.
Following warnings by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) that flood will ravage many states of the federation in 2025, the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) has called on the Abia State Government to implement early mitigation and adaptation strategies in response to the Federal Government’s alert that 31 states, including Abia, are at high risk of flooding in 2025.
Dr Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State
FENRAD emphasises the need for a comprehensive baseline study of vulnerable communities to inform targeted interventions and enhance resilience against climate-induced disasters.
In alignment with these concerns, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has initiated sensitisation programmes across all 17 local government areas of Abia State. These programmes aim to downscale flood early warning strategies to the grassroots level, ensuring that communities are equipped with the necessary knowledge and resources to respond effectively to potential flooding events.
The 2024 Annual Flood Outlook predicts high flood risks for 31 states and moderate risks for 35 states, underscoring the urgency of proactive measures.
Governor Alex Otti has acknowledged the flood risks facing 11 out of Abia’s 17 LGAs and has pledged to address the issue through infrastructural development and community engagement. His administration aims to eliminate flooding in Aba within 18 months, focusing on constructing durable access roads and implementing a zero-pothole policy to improve drainage and reduce flood risks.
FENRAD’s call to action, according to its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between government agencies, civil society organisations, and local communities. By conducting baseline studies and implementing early mitigation strategies, Abia State can enhance its preparedness and resilience against the impending flood crisis, he added.
FENRAD emphasises the necessity for both federal and state governments to implement early mitigation and adaptation strategies.
“These strategies should include the establishment of community-based early warning systems, enhancement of public awareness campaigns, and the development of flood-resilient infrastructure. The organisation advocates for a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders to ensure sustainable development and the protection of human rights,” submitted Nwafor.
He pointed out that, in alignment with FENRAD’s recommendations, the Federal Government has activated several flood control measures. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has deployed experts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) to disseminate early warning messages across all states, Nwafor noted.
“Additionally, the government has inaugurated the National Flood, Erosion, Drought, and Desertification Management Council (NFEDDMC) to coordinate disaster management strategies and enhance public awareness of climate resilience practices,” he stated, adding that FENRAD is committed to promoting environmental justice, sustainable development, and the protection of human and environmental rights in Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Felix Omatsola Ogbe, on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, expressed total support for the vision and long-term plan of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, a consortium that concluded acquisition of onshore oil assets of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in March 2025.
L-R: Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Renaissance Africa Energy Company, Dr. Tony Attah, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe and Chairman of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Dr. Layi Fatona, after a delegation of the company visited NCDMB in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on Wednesday
Addressing a high-powered delegation of the company in his office at the Nigerian Content Tower (NCT) in Swali, Yenagoa, Ogbe said indigenous oil and gas companies are ever assured of an enabling environment by the Board, and that its management team would be willing to engage with their counterparts from the Renaissance Group whenever the need arose.
He commended the company’s emphasis on Nigerian Content and plans to establish a foothold in other countries across Africa, assuring the delegation that NCDMB would provide their company with “double enabling environment” in support of its growth in Nigeria and abroad.
The NCDMB boss noted that Renaissance Africa Energy Company has a promising future, given the very competent hands in its employ who had held responsible positions in companies with track records of performance in the oil and gas sector.
Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Dr. Tony Attah, had thanked the Executive Secretary for the warm reception, assuring him and the NCDMB Management, “We are ourselves Nigerian Content – we’re wholly Nigerian.”
On the company’s long-term plan, he said, “We invest in Nigeria, but represent Nigerian Content across Africa…. Our mission is to be the African leader in energy but most importantly to enable energy security, to enable industrialisation.”
In his own remarks, the Chairman of the Renaissance Group, Dr. Layi Fatona, recalled that the NCDMB had been very supportive to the SPDC in the past, and that it was their expectation that the new company which has acquired the assets of the Anglo-Dutch giant would continue to enjoy the same relationship.
The General Manager, Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination of the NCDMB, Esueme Dan Kikile, in a brief comment noted that the vision of the NCDMB aligns with that of Renaissance, and that the two organisations would be able to collaborate productively to advance local content.
Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited is a consortium comprising four leading indigenous oil companies, namely, ND Western Limited, Aradel Holdings, FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited (FIRST E&P), and Waltersmith Group, and an international energy company known as Petroni.
Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) has been named Major Oil Company of the Year for 2024 by a Nigerian publication, Energy Times, in recognition of its contributions to deep-water oil and gas development and the industry generally. Energy Times also awarded the title of Amazon of Nigeria’s Oil Sector for 2024 to Mrs. Elohor Aiboni, a former Managing Director of SNEPCo now on international assignment in Brunei.
L-R: Chairman, Energy Times Board, Yakubu Lawal; Chief Executive Officer, Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) Rekhiat Momoh; SNEPCo’s Senior Operations Manager, Bolanle Odunayo-Ojo; SNEPCo’s Policy & Advocacy Senior Advisor, Elohor Abu and SNEPCo’s Bonga Main Life Extension Venture Lead, Asamu Wali, during the award ceremony at Oriental hotel in Lagos
The awards were presented to SNEPCo’s Senior Operations Manager, Bolanle Odunayo-Ojo, who represented the Managing Director, Ronald Adams, at a ceremony attended by key stakeholders in the oil and gas sector.
“We are honored to receive the recognitions for the company and our former Managing Director as they underscore our dedication to excellence in the upstream sector,” Bolanle stated. “The modest achievements are result from teamwork and support by our partners, particularly the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and regulatory agencies. The awards encourage us to continue to work together to power progress and innovation in Nigeria’s energy landscape.”
SNEPCo has been a pioneer in Nigeria’s deep-water oil and gas production since it began production from Bonga in 2005, Nigeria’s first deep-water well. Gas from Bonga is also piped to Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Company Limited at Bonny Island.
SNEPCo’s operations have led to significant discoveries, including Bonga Southwest in 2001 and Bonga Northwest, which began production on August 5, 2014.
In its award, the Board of Directors of Energy Times pointed to the continuing success of Bonga, notably production of the 1 billionth barrel of oil in February 2023 and the recent Final Investment Decision on the $5 billion Bonga North project.
The award on Mrs. Aiboni’s highlights a career that has seen her serve in various business and leadership roles within and outside Nigeria. She was appointed Managing Director of SNEPCo in 2021 and led initiatives that deepened operational efficiency, local content development and social investment projects across the six geopolitical zones in the country.
In 2024, floods in Nigeria devastated entire farmlands, wiping out crops, displacing up to 200,000 people, and disrupting food production and distribution. If decisive mitigation measures are not urgently implemented, the situation in 2025 will likely remain the same.
Rural farmers
In a practical effort to address these challenges, the Nigerian government has committed to developing and adopting climate-smart, low-carbon farming practices nationwide through the recently signed $1.1 billion Green Imperative Project (GIP) with Brazil.
However, while the government is engaged in discussions about effective sustainable agricultural solutions related to this project, smallholder farmers who contribute up to 80 per cent of Nigeria’s food supply already struggle to implement locally available climate-smart practices that could help protect their livelihoods and the country’s food security.
These farmers struggle to adopt climate-smart farming practices, ranging from crop rotation to water conservation and organic fertilisation, because of the lack of communication. Not just any communication, but clear, localised messaging that resonates with them.
If we truly want to increase food production in Nigeria while protecting the environment and helping farmers build resilience against climate impacts, we must utilise social marketing—a strategy that has influenced behavioural change across industries worldwide through clear, impactful communication.
Social marketing is unlike the typical promotion of products or practices to a set of people; it is a targeted approach that uses tailored messages that improve people’s knowledge to drive behavioural change for the good of their societies. It has successfully encouraged healthier eating, increased vaccination rates, and promoted environmental conservation globally.
When applied to promoting sustainable agriculture practices among farming communities, social marketing can also help change the attitudes of farmers, agribusinesses, and policymakers to current climate impacts like floods.
International NGOs like the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) already use social marketing tools, including research publications and workshops that educate policymakers, to shape sustainable agriculture policies in Nigeria. However, the messages from these publications and workshops often fail to reach the farmers who need them the most.
For many smallholder farmers in the country, policy documents and research reports remain inaccessible due to language barriers, the complexity of topics, or a lack of direct engagement with them.
Besides, sustainable agriculture policies alone won’t change farmers’ behaviours. Farmers need to see the immediate and long-term value in adopting sustainable practices before integrating them with their traditional farming systems. This is where localised communication as a social marketing tool plays a crucial role.
If we want farmers to embrace climate-smart agriculture, we must rethink how we communicate these solutions.
Farmers trust what they see, hear, and experience within their communities. Instead of relying solely on policy briefs, the government and international NGOs should invest in culturally relevant storytelling, community radio programs, and farmer-to-farmer knowledge sharing.
Imagine a farmer in Katsina hearing a fellow farmer on the radio explaining how he doubled his maize yield through soil conservation, or members of a farmers’ cooperative in Ondo learning about drought-resistant crops via a voice note broadcast on WhatsApp. These approaches resonate with farmers far more than complex, science-based policy documents.
One striking example of effective localised communication is the success of community-led farmer training in Malawi, where rural farmers were introduced to conservation agriculture through field demonstrations and local champions. Adoption rates increased because the messages were simplified, personalised, and delivered by trusted peers.
Similarly, Kenya’s integration of indigenous farming knowledge with modern sustainability practices has successfully aided a sustainable switchover from traditional farming methods, widely characterised by low crop yields and a continual loss of soil fertility. This was done with the help of on-the-field experts from local NGOs, providing training and technical assistance on sustainable agricultural land management practices that could help improve formerly degraded lands.
Nigeria can replicate these by strengthening local communication networks and ensuring messages are tailored to different regions, languages, and farming traditions. Existing farmer-oriented radio talk shows in the country need to be amplified through better government support and funding to reach every farmer.
The success of integrating modern sustainability practices with indigenous farming knowledge in Kenya has proven that communications from local NGOs play an essential role in bridging the gap between high-level policy documents and on-the-ground realities.
By equipping local NGOs with the right tools—radio airtime, social media training, and simplified extension materials – the Nigerian government can empower them to drive sustainable change at the grassroots level. These organisations can also serve as feedback channels, helping policymakers understand what works on the ground and what doesn’t.
The urgency of food insecurity created by erratic rainfall and floods in the country simply means we cannot afford to only rely on policy documents that never leave government offices. To effectively promote sustainable agriculture among farmers as a solution, the government and international NGOs must prioritise effective, localised communication.
This involves investing in farmer-friendly communication channels such as community radio, social media, and village meetings. It also involves training local NGOs and extension workers to translate policies into actionable, relatable messages, using storytelling and real-life testimonials to show the benefits of climate-smart farming, and encouraging farmer-to-farmer knowledge sharing through cooperatives and agricultural groups.
Research must also be made more accessible by simplifying language and removing technical jargon – this can be achieved with the help of content and public relations specialists in the country.
If farmers do not understand the benefits of sustainable solutions, they will not adopt them. To feed Nigeria’s growing population and protect the environment at the same time, we must speak the language of those who feed us. Only then can sustainable agriculture move from policy discussions to real-life practice.
By Muhammad Eyinfunjowo, Communications Associate, Marchmont Communications
