25.5 C
Lagos
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Home Blog Page 92

Entries open for award recognising Africa’s leading nature protectors

Michael Simire
-
0
Entries open for award recognising Africa’s leading nature protectors

The annual search is underway to find and honour Africa’s most visionary, inspiring, collaborative, committed, and courageous conservation leaders with nominations now open for the 2025 Tusk Conservation Awards, in partnership with Ninety One, organisers said on Wednesday, January 22.

Tusk Conservation Awards
Prince William, Prince of Wales presents the Wildlife Ranger award onstage to Jealous Mpofu during the 2023 Tusk Conservation Awards at The Savoy Hotel on November 27, 2023, in London, England. Photo credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Tusk

Three winners will be chosen from what are expected to be hundreds of applications from across the continent and feted at a prestigious ceremony later in the year, with awards presented by HRH Prince William.

Successful nominees will be those who demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities and collaboration, especially with local communities, who come up with innovative approaches to conservation challenges that others can replicate and scale, and who create change that can outlast them, among other criteria.

Since the Awards were launched in 2013, the 57 winners and finalists have included a Madagascan helping communities conserve 3,500 sq km of their forests and wetlands; an anthropologist leading rangers protecting mountain gorillas in war-torn eastern Congo; a Zimbabwean intelligence officer who has jailed more poachers than anyone else in his country; and a herpetologist working with coastal communities to keep turtles safe in the seas off Sierra Leone.

The Awards’ role in shining a light on the often-unsung efforts of Africa’s conservation visionaries is more important than ever. Africa’s wildlife populations dropped by more than three-quarters since 1970. An area of forest the size of Kentucky or Switzerland is felled each year. Rangelands that cover 43% of the continent, supporting 268 million livestock keepers in 36 countries, are degrading fast. 

Tusk says it is committed to funding, supporting, and amplifying the work of Africa’s conservationists, whose innovative projects create meaningful change for both wildlife and people across the continent.

Nick Bubb, CEO of Tusk, said: “There is an urgent need to protect nature in Africa. Tusk believes it is the progressive work of conservationists on the ground that creates lasting change for both wildlife and people. By finding, funding, and telling the stories of such individuals, we are championing those who create inspiring solutions to conservation challenges, and we are backing those who understand, respect and protect the natural world.”

Nominees cannot apply themselves. They must be nominated by someone else, who could be a friend, colleague, lecturer, teacher, mentor or mentee, supervisor, partner, or anyone who knows them well enough to complete the comprehensive nomination form.

Nominations will fall into one of three categories. Nominees may only be entered to one category:

  • Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa – This is a lifetime achievement award that recognises outstanding dedication and exceptional continued contribution to conservation in Africa.
  • The Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa – This award is given to an individual judged to be an inspiring mid-career conservationist in recognition of their outstanding contribution and leadership qualities.
  • Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award – This award gives international recognition to the dedication and commitment of an individual who works in the field to protect Africa’s wildlife and wild places. 

Rachel Ikemeh, Founder and Director of the SW/Niger Delta Forest Project and 2021 finalist of the Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa, said: “I am forever grateful for having been made a Tusk finalist. As a project leader of the SW/Niger Delta Forest Project it has been so encouraging and motivating to have the rigours and challenges of my work fully recognised. The exposure from being a Tusk finalist brought my project to light and was a huge help in persuading people of the importance of managing protected areas.”

Nominations are open until April 25, 2025, and must be submitted online at https://www.tuskawards.com/nominations/. 

The Tusk Conservation Awards are held in partnership with Ninety One. They are supported by the Nick Maughan Family Foundation, DHL, Defender, ISPS Handa, Fortemus Films & Gallantium, Shelton Fleming, Justerini & Brooks, Patrick Mavros, and The Savoy Hotel.

Group empowers Cross River community, women in bee farming, others

Michael Simire
-
0
Group empowers Cross River community, women in bee farming, others

Environmental non-government organisation (NGO), DEVCON-PADIC-Afria, has wrapped up a two-year project by empowering women and other community members in Cross River State in bee farming and creation of cooperatives.

Iko Esai
Iko Esai community members during the two-day Project Sharing Lessons Workshop

The project, which was implemented by DEVCON PADIC-Africa, a community-based organisation rooted in most communities in the state, got its funding from international donors like Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA).

Executive Director of the organisation, Dr. Martins Egot, on Monday, January 20, 2925, during a two-day Project Lessons Sharing workshop held at Iko Esai community in Akamkpa local government council titled “Ensuring Iko Esai Community Forest Management Strategy” said the project has achieved its aim by improving the livelihood of forest communities especially women.

Egot, who expressed satisfaction on how the project has impacted positively on the community, said the two outstanding activities that solidified the project so far was the establishment of eco-guards and the bee farming, noting that it was exciting for the beneficiaries and the organisation.   

“The community is interesting; they contributed a lot by cooperating with us in making decisions and their zeal and enthusiasm is really encouraging. I can proudly say that the project met their expectations, and they are happy that the project came this far.

“There are two outstanding activities that solidified the project, one is the eco-guards, which inspected the community roads and forest governance, the people are happy about it, and the second activity is bee farming. 

“It is exciting for us and for them, the bee hives are flourishing and we are all expecting to get honey from them in a few months and sell them. Another important activity is the cooperative group for women. We need to upscale these activities for the nearest future,” Egot expressed.

On their part, the two resource persons, Wildlife Conservative Society’s (WCS) Mr. Tony Attah and the Director, Cross River State Eco-Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Mr. Clement Omina, advised the beneficiaries of the project to use the skills to generate income through forest management and at the same time protect the forest from deforestation.

Omina charged them to appreciate and showcase their heritage by identifying natural resources that are not known to the world especially the state government, stating that this would attract donor agencies and government support to the area. 

The community members expressed gratitude for what they described as knowledge of wealth received in the past two years since the beginning of the project.

Speaking on behalf of women, Akon Ekpe commended the organisation for bringing the project to the people in the grassroot. 

She said the community women have improved their livelihood from all the empowerment ranging from bee farming that produces honey, raising of nurseries of indigenous tree species and creation of cooperative groups for the women. 

By Stina Ezin

African Energy Chamber applauds as Nigeria leads Africa as top upstream investment destination

Michael Simire
-
0
African Energy Chamber applauds as Nigeria leads Africa as top upstream investment destination

The African Energy Chamber commends Nigeria for its dedication to simplifying policies and facilitating market growth for global oil and gas investors in the country’s energy sector

Ministers
Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri (left) with Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperipe Ekpo

Nigeria ranks as Africa’s leading destination for upstream oil and gas investment in 2024, research from market intelligence firm Wood Mackenzie shows. The country accounted for three out of four Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) announced by global oil and gas majors, totaling $13.5 billion.

The FIDs announced within the Nigerian market included Shell’s $122 million investment in the Iseni Gas Project, TotalEnergies’ $566 million commitment to the Ubeta Gas Project and Shell’s approval of the Bonga North Tranche 1 project. The investments reflect Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to unlock its hydrocarbon potential through investor-friendly policies and strategic global partnerships.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC), as the voice of the African energy sector, congratulates Nigeria for the milestone. The Chamber commends the Nigerian government for its proactive legislations aimed at attracting foreign investments, streamlining project implementation and reducing bottlenecks.

In 2024, Nigeria introduced several initiatives to create a conducive environment for oil and gas investors, including new tax incentives aimed at attracting up to $10 billion in natural gas investments – offering tax relief for gas investors, reducing corporate income tax and extending capital allowance benefits – for deepwater gas projects.

Other policies include the Presidential Directive on Local Content Compliance Requirements, 2024 to address reduction in oil and gas investments caused by high operating costs compared to global markets. The Presidential Directive on Reduction of Petroleum Sector Contracting Costs and Timelines, 2024 reduces time spent to award contracts for oil and gas projects.

In addition to the directives, Nigeria also launched its 2024 oil and gas licensing round, offering 19 blocks for exploration, demonstrating its commitment to continued collaboration with local, regional and international partners. With this momentum, further FIDs are anticipated, including TotalEnergies’ expected $750 million commitment to the Ima Shallow Gas Project in 2025.

With 45% of the Nigerian population lacking access to electricity and affordable and reliable energy, the Chamber believes the FIDs and policies are a right step in driving the country’s universal energy access and socioeconomic development targets.

“Nigeria continues to set a benchmark for investor-friendly policies, leveraging its hydrocarbon potential and government initiatives to drive sustainable development,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC, adding:

“The Chamber commends President Tinubu, Special Adviser to the President on Energy Olu Arowolo Verheijen and Nigerian energy stakeholders for fostering an environment that attracts global investments, contributing to energy poverty eradication, sustainable development and global energy market stability.”

The upcoming African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy 2025 conference – taking place from September 29 to October 3, 2025 – will hosts key Nigerian policymakers and energy stakeholders showcasing investment opportunities within Nigeria’s burgeoning oil and gas industry.

Scavengers: Lagos Assembly wants governor to enforce Environmental Protection Law

Michael Simire
-
0
Scavengers: Lagos Assembly wants governor to enforce Environmental Protection Law

The Lagos State House of Assembly has passed a resolution urging Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to enforce the state’s Environmental Management Protection Law (2017) in order to curb the activities of scavengers in the state.

Mojisola Meranda
Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mrs. Mojisola Meranda

The House passed the resolution through voice votes at the plenary in Ikeja on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

The Speaker, Mrs. Mojisola Meranda, who presided over the plenary, said the House was worried about the growing cases of vandalisation and stealing of critical infrastructure, such as manhole covers, pedestrian bridge railings and streetlight cables in the state.

According to her, the trend could undermine the state’s infrastructural development efforts, if allowed to continue.

The speaker, thereafter, urged all Sanwo-Olu to direct relevant law enforcement agencies to arrest any person found stealing and vandalising  public infrastructure and ensure that offenders face the full wrath of the law.

“This House notes the relentless efforts of the state in providing critical social infrastructure, aimed at fulfilling electoral promises, delivering the dividends of democracy, and improving the welfare of its citizenry.

“This House further notes that we have enacted various laws, including the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 and Environmental Management Protection Law, 2017, to protect and maintain the infrastructure, provided by the government.

“We have also observed that these infrastructure, including the roads with underground ducts, iron-cast manhole covers and bridges with steel safety rails amongst others, are designed to enhance the quality of life for residents.

“This is by providing safety for road users; reducing traffic congestion on highways; preventing the loss of productive man-hours, drainage systems to prevent flooding and improve the overall road network system in the state.

“This House is concerned about the growing menace of scavengers and criminally minded individuals who, through their activities, vandalise and steal critical infrastructure,” Meranda said.

She said enforcement of environmental laws was imperative to ensure  that appropriate sanctions were applied against  violators and criminally minded scavengers.

Meranda also urged the state government to come up with composite materials such as glass-reenforced plastic manhole cover as these materials have little to no resale value in the scrap market.

She also urged the state government, as a matter of urgency, to replace all the manhole covers that had been removed, in order to ensure safety of Lagos residents.

Meranda urged the governor to direct the Commissioner, Ministry of Information and Strategy, to embark on awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of manhole theft and encourage residents to report suspicious activities.

She said the government could create a whistleblower process to garner information that could lead to the arrest of manhole thieves.

Meranda said the government could raise community vigilance to encourage local communities to form neighbourhood groups, including Community Development Associations, to monitor and protect public infrastructure.

By Adekunle Williams

U.S., Indonesia in $35m debt-for-nature swap deal

Michael Simire
-
0
U.S., Indonesia in $35m debt-for-nature swap deal

Conservation International announced on January 15, 2025, that the debt-for-nature swap between the United States of America, the Republic of Indonesia and several non-governmental organisations (Conservation International, Yayasan Konservasi Cakrawala Indonesia, Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara, The Nature Conservancy) has officially been closed and $35 million will now begin to flow toward the protection and restoration of Indonesia’s highest priority coral reef ecosystems.

Coral reef
The funds will be used to conserve and protect coral reefs which are under threat globally from pollution and ocean acidification

First signed in July 2024, this debt-for-nature swap marks the first time the Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation Act will be used to drive funding specifically to coral reefs. This historic commitment will now benefit the conservation of two of the most biologically diverse reefs on the planet – the Bird’s Head and Lesser Sunda-Banda seascapes, home to iconic animals like turtles, sharks, whales and dolphins as well as hundreds of coral species. These underwater networks of sea life not only help keep the coral reefs and greater ocean healthy, but they also provide food security, storm surge protection, livelihoods and economic opportunity for the region.

Over the next nine years and in place of existing debt commitments, Indonesia will redirect the $35 million to establish a conservation fund that will issue grants to civil society organisations and support projects designed to restore and maintain the country’s reefs. This effort will also benefit the Indigenous Peoples and local communities that rely on healthy coral reef ecosystems for sustenance and livelihoods.

For more than 35 years, debt-for-nature swaps have played an integral role in financing global conservation efforts, allowing countries to restructure their debt in a way that benefits nature and people. Conservation International brokered the first in Bolivia in 1987. To date, Indonesia has participated in four swaps with the US, three previously and this historic global first to conserve and protect coral reefs which are under threat globally from pollution, ocean acidification and record-breaking temperatures. 

CAPPA urges National Assembly to increase tobacco control budget to N300m

Michael Simire
-
0
CAPPA urges National Assembly to increase tobacco control budget to N300m

As the National Assembly continues its review of the N49.7 trillion 2025 Appropriation Bill presented by President Bola Tinubu on December 18, 2024, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the Senate and House of Representatives to raise the budgetary allocation for Tobacco Control in the 2025 National Budget from the current N10 million to N300 million.

Tobacco smoking
Tobacco smoking

CAPPA, in separate petitions on Monday, January 20, 2025, to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, reasoned that allocating a minimum of N300 million is essential to address the multifaceted challenges posed by tobacco use and support the effective implementation of the National Tobacco Control Act (NTCA) 2015.

Highlighting the danger of tobacco consumption and the stakes at hand, Akinbode Oluwafemi, CAPPA’s Executive Director, noted that tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of death worldwide, including in Nigeria.

“Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of death worldwide, and Nigeria is no exception. Annually, tobacco-related illnesses claim 26,800 Nigerian lives and inflict debilitating conditions and non-communicable diseases like cancer, heart disease, and chronic respiratory diseases on thousands more. The economic toll is immense, costing billions in healthcare expenses and lost productivity. Additionally, tobacco cultivation exacerbates deforestation and soil degradation, while cigarette waste pollutes the environment,” Oluwafemi said.

The challenge, he noted, is further compounded by the emergence of unregulated tobacco and nicotine products that target younger demographics and exploit gaps in the regulatory framework.

Oluwafemi added: “These products, including electronic cigarettes and novel smokeless tobacco, are marketed as trendy despite their health risks. Moreover, tobacco companies in Nigeria continue to exploit weak monitoring systems to market their offerings aggressively on social media, as well as utilise corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives to gain favour with public health authorities, thereby undermining tobacco control laws and enticing more users into tobacco consumption.

“To counteract these threats, it is imperative that the Nigerian government intensify its efforts in regulation and control, recognising the grave public health and economic impacts of tobacco use. To be clear, the Federal Government must respond with proportional investment in the TCF for the effective regulation of tobacco consumption.”

CAPPA observed that while the 2024 budget commendably increased allocation to the TCF to N10 million from N4.7 million directed to it in 2023, it remains insufficient for several critical reasons.

Oluwafemi said: “Firstly, operational costs consume a large portion of the funds. The National Tobacco Control Committee (NATOCC) require substantial finance running in millions for the coordination of its meetings, which should occur at least four times annually as stipulated by the National Tobacco Control Act (NTCA). The current allocation to the TCF, which provides support for these meetings, remains poor and, therefore, leaves virtually no financial room for this activity or other essential responsibilities of the NATOCC.

“Secondly, effective sensitisation campaigns need robust media outreach, deep community engagement, and active coordination with various stakeholders across the country. These activities require substantial funding to reach a wide audience and create impactful messages.

“Thirdly, there is a pressing need for alternative cropping initiatives to support tobacco farmers transitioning to sustainable crops. This shift involves continuous investment in training programs, provision of quality seedlings, and adequate financial support to ensure that these farmers can move to more sustainable and health-friendly agricultural practices.

“Furthermore, enforcement and monitoring activities are crucial to combat industry interference and ensure compliance with tobacco control regulations. This includes prosecuting violations, safeguarding smoke-free spaces and ensuring a ban on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, amongst other efforts. Adequate funding is also essential to equip and train enforcement teams on the front lines of this battle, ensuring that regulations are not only in place but actively upheld.”

To this end, CAPPA made two requests of the upper and lower chambers. The first is to “increase the tobacco control allocation to a minimum of n300m in the 2025 budget and ensure subsequent increments in future budgets.”

The CSO reasoned that this would allow the National Tobacco Control Committee (NATOCC) and Tobacco Control Unit (TCU) domiciled within the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to convene mandated meetings and implement robust public health campaigns to educate citizens about the dangers of tobacco use, fund research initiatives to monitor trends in tobacco consumption and evaluate policy impacts, enhance enforcement efforts, including monitoring compliance with existing laws and prosecuting violations and support alternative livelihood programs for tobacco farmers, ensuring that they transition sustainably to other crops.

Secondly, CAPPA called for the full operationalisation of the National Tobacco Control Fund.

The Tobacco Control Fund (TCF) was established under Section 8 of the Nigeria Tobacco Control Act (NTCA), 2015, as part of a comprehensive framework to combat the harmful effects of tobacco consumption. The fund is drawn from various sources, including appropriations from the national budget, proceeds of fines for violations of tobacco laws, and contributions from relevant development bodies for tobacco control.

Explaining the TCF’s importance, Oluwafemi added: “By establishing the TCF, the federal government recognised the enormous public health risks posed by tobacco and the role of adequate financial resources to combat them. In fact, the TCF is intended to support vital activities such as public health campaigns, regulatory enforcement of the NTCA, research on tobacco trends, and alternative livelihood programs for tobacco farmers.

“However, since its creation, the Fund has yet to achieve full operationalisation, leaving Nigerians vulnerable to the unchecked dangers of tobacco consumption and marketing.

“By fully operationalising the TCF, ensuring transparent and accountable fund management, and bolstering the institutional capacity of relevant public health authorities to exercise their mandate, the National Assembly will be leading the charge in safeguarding public health, reducing economic burdens, and protecting the environment from the devastating impacts of tobacco.”

CSOs seek restraint on planned resumption of oil extraction in Ogoniland

Michael Simire
-
0
CSOs seek restraint on planned resumption of oil extraction in Ogoniland

Concerned civil society organisations (CSOs) have called for restraint on the planned resumption of oil extraction in Ogoniland, citing environmental degradation, social injustices, and a lack of meaningful community engagement.

Oil spill
Workers stand by a container to collect oil spill waste, in Ogoniland, Nigeria, June 16, 2023

The groups, representing various stakeholders across the Niger Delta, issued their statement after a meeting at the Port Harcourt office of the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria.

The statement was endorsed by several organisations, including Environmental Rights Action, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Ogoni Solidarity Forum-Nigeria, and others.

According to the groups, the call for a restraint follows an invitation by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for select Ogoni leaders to attend a private meeting in Abuja to discuss resuming oil production.

The civil organisations criticised this approach, describing it as dismissive of the collective will of the Ogoni people, whose lands and livelihoods have been devastated by decades of reckless oil exploitation.

“Ogoniland remains a stark example of environmental degradation, with decades of oil spills, gas flaring, and poor remediation efforts leaving land, water, and air heavily polluted.

“The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Environmental Assessment of Ogoniland in 2011 highlighted the catastrophic effects of oil activities, including severe health impacts and economic losses for the Ogoni people.

“Despite the report’s recommendations, implementation has been slow, with the Nigerian government and oil companies accused of neglecting cleanup efforts.

“The attempt to resume oil extraction without addressing these environmental crises is an affront to the Ogoni people’s right to a safe environment,” the statement read.

The groups outlined a series of demands aimed at ensuring justice, environmental restoration, and sustainable development in Ogoniland and the broader Niger Delta.

They called for the allocation of $1 trillion for the cleanup of the land and compensation for lost livelihood.

“Full and transparent execution of the UNEP report’s recommendations and increased funding for the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).

“Review of the military trial and execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and other environmental activists, along with their exoneration.

“Enforcement of strict regulations and holding oil companies, particularly Shell, accountable for past damages.

“Prioritising a shift away from fossil fuels to mitigate environmental harm and address climate change,” the coalition said.

They urged the federal government to recognise Ken Saro-Wiwa, an Ogoni environmental activist executed in 1995, as a hero of the environment, similar to the national honour conferred on MKO Abiola for his role in democracy.

By Usman Aliyu

Trump revokes ‘nearly 80 destructive radical executive actions’ of Biden administration

Michael Simire
-
0
Trump revokes ‘nearly 80 destructive radical executive actions’ of Biden administration

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, January 20, 2025, took gigantic steps to revoke immediate past U.S. president Joe Biden’s policies by signing executive orders.

Donald Trump
President Donald Trump signs an executive order as he attends an indoor Presidential Inauguration parade event at Capital One Arena, on January 20, 2025, in Washington. Photo credit: Evan Vucci/AP

Trump signed a few other executive orders in front of the crowd at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., just a few hours after being sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, including the revocation of nearly 80 executive orders from the Biden administration.

“I’m revoking nearly 80 destructive radical executive actions of the previous administration,” Trump told the crowd at the signing ceremony.

Trump signed an executive order to delay the TikTok ban imposed by the Biden administration  by 75 days “to permit my Administration an opportunity to determine the appropriate course of action with respect to TikTok.”

He also signed an executive order  that will let the United States withdraw from the World Health Organisation.

Trump also declared a national energy emergency in an executive order with an eye on driving down energy costs.

As the first of this kind declared by the U.S. Federal Government, the emergency is expected to enable the government to crank up energy production by tapping emergency powers.

The United States is the largest producer of both crude oil and natural gas in the world and is also the top exporter of liquified natural gas (LNG) globally.

The incoming U.S. president also signed an executive order to pull the United States out of the Paris climate accord.

The move means the United States will pull out of the Paris climate accord for the second time.

During his inauguration speech, Trump, who has long regarded clean energy as expensive and wasteful, also vowed to redouble the efforts to extract and utilise fossil fuels.

“I will also declare a national energy emergency. We will drill, baby, drill,” he said.

“We have something that no other manufacturing nation will ever have — the largest amount of oil and gas of any country on Earth,” Trump claimed. “And we are going to use it.”

Adopted in December 2015, the Paris Agreement is an international endeavour to tackle human-caused global warming and related crises, which the United States formally joined in September 2016.

The first Trump administration officially let the United States, one of the world’s top emitters of greenhouse gases, exit the Paris climate accord in November 2020, dealing a major blow to international efforts to combat the climate crisis.

The latest executive order among many others by Trump will mark another round of back-and-forth moves regarding the U.S. commitment to dealing with climate change on the global stage.

Joe Biden, who succeeded Trump to become the 46th U.S. president in 2021, signed an executive order on Jan. 20, 2021 — his first day in office — to bring the United States back into the Paris climate accord.

Vandals responsible for Buguma Wellhead fire – NNPC

Michael Simire
-
0
Vandals responsible for Buguma Wellhead fire – NNPC

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has alleged that the fire incident at its Buguma Wellhead 008, operated by its subsidiary, NNPC Eighteen Operating Ltd. (NEOL), was caused by  pipeline vandals.

Mele Kyari
GCEO, NNPC Ltd, Mr. Mele Kyari

Mr Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., in a statement said the fire was caused by the activities of vandals who were attempting to compromise the Christmas Tree and steal crude oil.

Buguma Wellhead 008 is located in Buguma community in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Soneye said the unfortunate act of sabotage, which also resulted in severe damage to the well’s back pressure valve, reflected a disturbing pattern of repeated attacks on wellheads in the zone.

He said since March 2023, crude oil theft on the asset had been persistent, with criminals who were resorting to extreme measures, including the use of dynamite to destroy installations and illegally access hydrocarbons.

“The NNPC Ltd. remains committed to combating these fires and mitigating the financial losses associated with these criminal activities, which place a significant burden on the nation’s economy.

“The company is working closely with relevant security agencies to put an end to these acts of vandalism.

“Additionally, NNPC Ltd reaffirms its commitment to supporting communities affected by these destructive activities and will continue to provide necessary relief efforts to mitigate the impact on those affected,” he said.

By Emmanuella Anokam

IEA calls for global cooperation as gas market tightens

Michael Simire
-
0
IEA calls for global cooperation as gas market tightens

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has urged global cooperation to ensure  security of supplies amid a tightening global gas market.

Fatih Birol
Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA)

In its quarterly gas market report released in Paris on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, the IEA highlighted efforts from the past year to enhance market transparency, data sharing, and cooperation mechanisms for both natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

However, the intergovernmental body warned that as global demand rose and supply grew more slowly, the natural gas market would remain tight through 2025.

The IEA said the cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine at the start of the year had not yet posed an immediate risk to European supply; however, it could drive up LNG demand in Europe and further tighten market conditions.

It said growth in Asia drove gas demand, as Asia’s rapidly expanding markets were a significant driver in global gas demand, which grew by 2.8 per cent 2023.

At the same time, the IEA said the below-average LNG production growth led to a tight supply while extreme weather events added further strain to the market.

The trend is forecast to continue, with new LNG export capacities, particularly in the U.S. and Qatar, only expected to come into operation in the latter half of this decade.

The IEA also pointed to the growing role of natural gas in various sectors as a replacement for oil.

It said in the Middle East, the switch from oil to gas in the electricity sector is progressing, while in China, gas-powered trucks are increasingly replacing diesel vehicles.

As weather extremes intensify, natural gas is playing an increasingly vital role in ensuring the stability of electricity supplies, according to the report. 

1...919293...2,204Page 92 of 2,204

TV Report

Archives

2025 EnviroNews Nigeria. All Rights Reserved.

×