25.4 C
Lagos
Friday, May 2, 2025
Home Blog Page 96

Groups urge Police to release detained environmental activist, Odey Oyama

Michael Simire
-
0
Groups urge Police to release detained environmental activist, Odey Oyama

A group comprising no fewer than 27 civil society organisations (CSOs) has called on the Nigeria Police to release detained environmental activist, Odey Oyama, and his six associates and cease all further hostile acts against their persons and legitimate campaigns.

Odey Oyama
Odey Oyama

In a statement made available to EnviroNews on Sunday, January 19, 2025, the group, coordinated by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), submitted that it “shall go to all legitimate lengths to enforce the right of Odey Oyama and his associates to advocate peacefully without any let or hindrance”.

On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, environmental activist and director of the Rainforest Resource and Development Centre (RRDC), Mr. Odey Oyama, and six others were arrested by Police officers from the Ikom division of the Cross River State Police Command. He was reportedly taken from his Okuni home and driven to Calabar where he was kept incommunicado, without legal representation and without formal charges for at least 24 hours.

The were reportedly protesting the exploitation of Olulumo Effi rainforest in Cross River State. The arrests reportedly followed their “peaceful resistance” to deforestation activities by Chinese and local collaborators in the forest.

Odey Oyama is described as a resolute campaigner for the protection of the rainforest and biodiversity in Cross River State, a cause that has brought him in constant confrontation with illegal loggers who plunder the rich forest ecosystem of Cross River State.

In recent times, Odey Oyama has been engaged in a fierce campaign against Chinese business concerns working with indigenous collaborators who are logging the Effi Rainforest, a trend that has resulted in massive deforestation, dissipation of wildlife and loss of biodiversity.

According to the group, Oyama has up till now not been formerly charged with any wrongdoing.

The activists criticised the Nigeria Police, saying that it has once again demonstrated flagrant disregard for due process and their role in stifling dissenting voices, especially when vested business interests are at stake. In this instance, Odey Oyama a conscientious objector to the destruction of the environment, rather than enjoy the protection of the government, is being systematically persecuted, added the campaigners.

They added: “As civil society organisations and activists in Nigeria, we are familiar with the selfless campaigns of Odey Oyama that have earned him national and international recognition and have helped to preserve the ecological heritage of Cross River State. We are therefore alarmed that rather than support the efforts of Oyama and other campaigners like him to check the illegal destruction of the Cross River forests, the Police is complicit in weakening his resolve and repressing him. It is even more alarming that he was arrested and detained without formal charges against all extant Nigeria and international laws.

“We are also concerned that this latest arrest is symbolic of the growing intolerance of the government towards the legitimate activities of civil society organisations. In Cross River State in particular, we have witnessed a pattern of arrest and detention of journalists and activists with the flimsiest excuses, but covertly to stifle democratic dissent. We are worried that the civic space is shrinking at an accelerated rate in the state, and the Police is highly complicit in this deteriorating trend.”

In another statement, Missang Oyama, a family member, described the activist’s detention as an act against his efforts to “defend the sanctity of our land against the greed of Chinese invaders and their despicable and mindless local collaborators”.

“Their only crime was standing up for the Olulumo forest, a treasure that should be preserved for generations yet unborn,” the statement reads.

“We call for the immediate and unconditional release of Prince Odey Oyama and all others unlawfully detained.”

In April 2024, Odey Oyama raised alarms over alleged deforestation and illegal exploitation by unidentified Chinese nationals, purportedly working in collaboration with locals.

He described the rainforest as a sanctuary for biodiversity and a vital resource for local communities, now under threat from indiscriminate deforestation.

“The exploitation of the Effi Pristine Rainforest by these entities is resulting in wanton destruction, indiscriminate deforestation, and irreversible damage to the delicate ecosystem. Immediate action is imperative to prevent further devastation,” the activist wrote.

“RRDC condemns the complicity of community elites and the silence surrounding this ecological plunder. We urge community leaders to break their silence and join efforts to protect our shared heritage.

“Efforts to uncover the truth behind these nefarious activities have been met with resistance and secrecy, highlighting the urgent need for government intervention.

“We therefore call upon the local government, the Cross River state government, and the federal government of Nigeria to invoke the necessary measures to halt the destruction of Effi Pristine Rainforest and hold perpetrators accountable.

“It is imperative that immediate action is taken to restore and preserve the Effi Pristine Rainforest for future generations, reaffirming our commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.

“We implore government authorities to act swiftly to avert this ecological crisis and safeguard the Effi Pristine Rainforest for the benefit of present and future generations.”

Eni, TotalEnergies announce new exploration projects in Libya

Michael Simire
-
0
Eni, TotalEnergies announce new exploration projects in Libya

Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) and international energy companies TotalEnergies, Eni, OMV, Repsol and Nabors, outlined key exploration milestones and strategies to advance oil and gas production in Libya at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit 2025 on Saturday, January 18.

TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies

Among the key developments highlighted were TotalEnergies’ recent onshore exploration project and promising exploration opportunities in the Sirte and Murzuq basins.

“With 40% of Africa’s reserves, Libya remains largely untapped,” said Julien Pouget, Senior Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa at TotalEnergies.

Pouget shared TotalEnergies’ plans for 2025, including the completion of an onshore exploration project and new exploration in the Waha and Sharara fields.

“We expect results next week,” he added.

Luca Vignati, Upstream Director at Eni, echoed optimism for Libya’s potential and outlined the company’s ongoing investment initiatives in the country. “We are launching three exploration plays – shallow, deepwater and ultra-deep offshore. No other country offers such opportunities,” Vignati stated.

He also highlighted the company’s investments in gas projects, including over $10 billion for the Greenstream gas pipeline and a CO2 capture and storage plant in Mellitah.

Repsol affirmed its commitment to advancing exploration in Libya, focusing on overcoming industry challenges and achieving significant production milestones.

“Over the past decade, Libya has made remarkable efforts to fight natural field decline and encourage exploration,” said Francisco Gea, Executive Managing Director, Exploration & Production at Repsol. “We have reached 340,000 barrels per day. The two million target is within reach, and as international companies, we have the responsibility to bring capacity and technology.”

“Innovation is key to maximising production and accelerating exploration. By deploying cutting-edge solutions, Nabors can enhance efficiency, reduce costs and ensure safer operations,” added Travis Purvis, Senior Vice President of Global Drilling Operations at Nabors.

Bashir Garea, Technical Advisor to the Chairman of the NOC, highlighted the country’s immense oil and gas potential. “We have 48 billion barrels of discovered but unexploited oil, with total potential estimated at 90 billion barrels, especially offshore,” he said.

He also pointed to Libya’s sizable gas reserves, noting, “Libya has 122 trillion cubic feet of gas yet to be developed. To unlock this potential, we need more investors and new technology, particularly for brownfield revitalisation.”

“Our strategy spans the entire value chain. Strengthening infrastructure is essential to maximising production and efficiency,” said Hisham Najah, General Manager of the NOC’s Investment & Owners Committees Department.

NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber and session moderator, underlined Libya as a prime destination for foreign investment: “Libya is at the cusp of a new energy era. The time for bold investments and strategic partnerships is now.”

Petrol price hike a reflection of spike in global crude oil prices – Dangote Refinery

Michael Simire
-
0
Petrol price hike a reflection of spike in global crude oil prices – Dangote Refinery

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has made a significant and commendable decision to absorb a substantial portion of rising global oil prices, ensuring that Nigerians continue to benefit from stable fuel costs despite a surge in international crude prices.

Dangote Refinery
Dangote Refinery

Africa’s first private refinery, which disclosed this in a statement by its Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, said the move underscores its commitment to the Nigerian people.

Dangote Refinery recently announced an increase in its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, from N899.50 to N950 per litre. However, the company clarified that the price hike is a direct reflection of a spike in global crude oil prices, which recently surged from $70 to $82 per barrel.

It noted that while the cost of crude oil on the global market rose by 15%, Dangote Refinery decided to absorb a significant portion of these rising expenses to shield Nigerian consumers from the full brunt of the global price surge. As a result, the ex-depot price increase remains at 5%, considerably lower than the price hikes experienced in other global markets.

“We wish to clarify that the recent adjustment in our ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) is directly related to the significant increase in global crude oil prices. As crude remains the primary input in the production of PMS, any fluctuation in its international price inevitably impacts the cost of the finished product. At Dangote Petroleum Refinery, we recognise the critical importance of affordable fuel for all Nigerians, and we remain committed to offering the best value with guaranteed quality to our customers.

“While we have made a 5% adjustment to our ex-depot price from N899.50 to N950 per litre, it is important to note that this increase is considerably lower than the 15% rise in global crude oil prices, which has seen Brent Crude rise from $70 to $82 in a matter of days, in addition to the premium for Nigerian crude (approximately $3 per barrel) in international markets. Furthermore, Dangote Refinery has maintained the Single-Point Mooring (SPM) ex-vessel price at N895 per litre,” it said.

The company also said it kept the Single-Point Mooring (SPM) ex-vessel price stable at N895 per litre while absorbing the increased logistics cost to ensure that its PMS are sold at a uniform price across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, ensuring that no region is left to bear the full weight of the global oil price fluctuations.

The statement added that had the refinery not intervened, Nigerians could have been facing an eye-watering increase, with petrol prices potentially climbing to as high as N1,150 or even N1,200 per litre, further compounding the woes of millions of Nigerians already grappling with inflation and economic hardship.

“All our partners, including Ardova, Heyden, and MRS Holdings, will offer petrol to Nigerians at a retail price of N970 per litre nationwide. We have absorbed the increased logistics costs to guarantee uniform pricing across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“Dangote Refinery has absorbed approximately 50% of the cost increases in the international oil market. This is due to our unwavering commitment to quality and affordability, as well as the ownership of the refinery by Nigerians, which remain central to our mission. If Dangote Refinery were to pass on the entire increase in the price of crude oil to the market, the retail price of PMS would be approximately N1,150 to N1,200 per litre in some locations, compared to the current price of N970 per litre,” he said.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery emphasised that this move reflects its deep commitment to the Nigerian people and its mission to ensure access to affordable, high-quality fuel. The company, which is wholly Nigerian-owned, prides itself on prioritising national interests, even at the expense of short-term profits.

Furthermore, the refinery has committed to maintaining transparency with the public, promising to publish its ex-depot, ex-vessel, and pump prices on a weekly basis. This ensures that consumers remain well-informed and protected from potential price exploitation.

The Refinery also expressed its gratitude to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its continued support, particularly through initiatives like the Naira for Crude scheme, which has allowed Nigeria to maintain consistent access to petrol while mitigating the pressures of global price volatility.

“We would like to express our gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the introduction of the visionary Naira for Crude Initiative. This groundbreaking initiative has enabled consistent access to high-quality PMS for all Nigerians, while also insulating the Nigerian consumers from the volatility of the global oil market,” it said.

As the global oil market continues to face uncertainty, Dangote’s decision to absorb these costs ensures that Nigeria remains shielded from the worst impacts of rising oil prices, safeguarding the interests of Nigerian consumers.

Recent natural disasters have been most impactful stretch of extreme weather in America in 90 years – AccuWeather

Michael Simire
-
0
Recent natural disasters have been most impactful stretch of extreme weather in America in 90 years – AccuWeather

Experts at AccuWeather say extreme weather events and disasters in the past 12 months have had the costliest and most widespread impacts that Americans have faced in nearly a century.

California wildfire
A burnt neighbourhood in California. Photo credit: Ariana Drehsler for The New York Times

“The catastrophic wildfires burning in Southern California combined with destructive hurricane impacts last year have been the worst series of natural disasters in America since the Dust Bowl in the 1930s,” AccuWeather Founder and Executive Chairman, Dr. Joel N. Myers, said.

“The Dust Bowl led to a massive migration west to California. Ninety years later, we expect these wildfires, the rising costs of rebuilding and recovery, the challenge of securing and affording insurance, as well as drought and water supply concerns will likely lead to a significant migration out of California over the next few years,” added Myers.

AccuWeather’s revised preliminary estimate of the total damage and economic loss from the fast-moving, wind-driven infernos in Southern California stands at $250 billion to $275 billion.

When combined with the nine additional weather disasters that AccuWeather issued preliminary estimates for in the past 12 months, Myers says AccuWeather estimates that the total damage and economic loss from extreme weather events over the past year has skyrocketed to $693 billion to $799 billion. That figure is equivalent to nearly 3 percent of the United States annual gross domestic product.

AccuWeather’s preliminary estimate for the total damage and economic loss for the wildfires in Southern California is substantially higher than other estimates because many other organisations only focus on insured losses and direct losses.

AccuWeather experts consider the costs of immediate healthcare, long-term physical and mental healthcare, the financial impacts of excess deaths in the years following a disaster, and dozens of additional factors, to provide a more holistic and comprehensive scope of the long-term financial impacts.

“Damage estimates based only on insured losses and direct impacts grossly underestimate the long-term financial losses that families, businesses, and communities endure after a weather disaster,” Myers explained. “There are many compounding factors that can multiply the financial impacts in the months and years after a disaster. Damage estimates that solely consider immediate and insured losses cannot truly capture the immense magnitude of a tragedy like this, especially in a high-risk area where some insurers are canceling policies and leaving thousands of people underinsured or uninsured.”

With thousands of multi-million-dollar properties destroyed in one of the most expensive real estate markets in the nation, Myers said impacts to property values and a loss of tax revenue will have major ramifications for the region’s economy.

“The destructive fires will likely erode the tax base, which could lead to a cutback in public services or higher taxes,” Myers said. “This domino effect could worsen the migration out of California, as more families consider moving to states with lower taxes and a lower risk of wildfires.”

AccuWeather’s total damage and economic loss estimates also factor in cleanup costs, the value of home contents, damage to businesses, and medical facilities, infrastructure and vehicles, as well as temporary wage losses and permanent job losses. AccuWeather total damage and economic loss estimates also account for the financial impact of power outages from utility damage and power outages from planned public safety power shutoffs during wildfire threats, which can result in business disruptions and food spoilage impacting hundreds of thousands of people.

AccuWeather incorporates independent methods to evaluate all direct and indirect impacts of the storm and is based on a variety of sources, statistics and unique techniques AccuWeather uses to estimate the damage. It includes damage to property, job and wage losses, crops, infrastructure damage, interruption of the supply chain, auxiliary business losses and flight delays.

The estimate also accounts for the costs of evacuations, relocations, emergency management and the extraordinary government expenses for cleanup operations and the long-term effects on business logistics, transportation and tourism as well as the health effects and the medical and other expenses of unreported deaths and injuries, as well as the long tail of negative impacts to physical and mental health that survivors may face in the next decade.

EU allocates €510m to Nigeria, Sub-Saharan Africa for humanitarian assistance

Michael Simire
-
0
EU allocates €510m to Nigeria, Sub-Saharan Africa for humanitarian assistance

The European Union (EU) Commission has allocated €510 million to Nigeria and others in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Ursula von der Leyen
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

The amount is part of the €1.9 billion set aside for the 2025 humanitarian assistance.

The bloc made this known through Ms Hadja Lahbib, the EU Commissioner for Equality Preparedness and Crisis Management in a statement.

The statement was signed by Mr. Modestus Chukwulaka, the Press and Information Officer for the EU Delegation in Nigeria and ECOWAS and made available in Abuja.

It stated that Lahbib said that these funds were set to be channelled across West and Central Africa, the Sahel, the Lake Chad basin, North-West Nigeria, Central Africa, the Great Lakes region and the Greater Horn of Africa.

She added that a further €470 million of the funding is destined for the Middle East and North Africa, with a particular emphasis being on delivering aid to Gaza and Yemen.

The EU continues to remain a leading global humanitarian aid donor with more than 300 million people estimated to need humanitarian assistance in 2025.

The EU on Thursday announced an initial humanitarian budget for 2025 of €1.9 billion.

“With more than 300 million people needing humanitarian assistance in 2025, the EU is upholding its commitment to help those most in need as a leading humanitarian aid donor.

“Our humanitarian aid funding will support our partners on the ground – the UN family, the Red Cross/Red Crescent family, international and local government and non-governmental organisations – to provide life-saving, emergency assistance where needed.

“At the same time, I reiterate my call for safe and unimpeded access to people in need: funding is not enough – we need to be able to reach the most vulnerable.

“And for this, there is an urgent need for all parties to respect International Humanitarian Law,” Lahbib the EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, said.

According to the statement, the EU’s humanitarian aid will be allocated as follows: Middle East and North Africa €375 million will be allocated to the wider Middle East.

The humanitarian situation remains extremely acute and fragile, particularly in Gaza.

The region has seen significant changes in recent months, including after the recent developments in Syria.

€95 million will be allocated to North Africa and Yemen: a region exposed to complex political, economic and social challenges.

For Ukraine, now in its third year of war, the initial allocation is €140 million. An additional €8 million is allocated to humanitarian projects in neighbouring Moldova.

For Africa, a total of €510 million will support vulnerable people across the continent. Aid will be channeled in West and Central Africa, the Sahel, the Lake Chad basin, North-West Nigeria, the Central Africa, the Great Lakes region and the Greater Horn of Africa.

For Latin American and the Caribbean, an initial €113 million will be directed at addressing the domestic and regional impact of the crisis in Venezuela, the needs of the most vulnerable people affected by the armed conflicts in Colombia.

Others are the complex crisis in Haiti and the violence in Central America, Mexico and Ecuador.

Around €182 million in Asia and the Pacific will be allocated to humanitarian assistance, in particular for the Myanmar crisis and its impact in Bangladesh, as well as for the crisis in Afghanistan.

Moreover, €35 million are allocated to the Southern Africa and Indian Ocean region as well as €5 million in the southern Caucasus and Central Asia.

Additional emergency funding of more than €295 million are reserved for worldwide actions, responding to sudden-onset emergencies and unforeseen humanitarian crises that may arise throughout the year.

Over €110 million will be committed to horizontal activities, including innovative projects and policy initiatives, for example, the multi-year programmatic partnerships, and the enhanced response capacity.

By Maureen Okon

Lokpobiri offers condolences to Niger over tanker explosion tragedy

Michael Simire
-
0
Lokpobiri offers condolences to Niger over tanker explosion tragedy

Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, has extended condolences to the government and people of Niger State following the tragic explosion of a petrol-laden tanker at Dikko Junction, along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway.

Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri
Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), briefing newsmen on Friday in Abuja

In a statement on Saturday, January 18, 2025, the minister described the incident, which resulted in the loss of lives and left several others injured, as a heartbreaking tragedy.

Scores of residents were burned to death, with many others sustaining varying degrees of injuries from the tanker explosion in Dikko Junction, Suleja LGA.

Lokpobiri expressed his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims, stating, “I am deeply saddened by this tragic event, and my thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families.

“May the souls of the departed find eternal rest, and may God grant their families the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

He also wished for a swift and complete recovery for those injured.

The minister emphasised the need for enhanced safety measures to minimise such incidents and urged the public to exercise caution around petrol-laden tankers during emergencies.

“The risks are enormous, and lives are too precious to be lost unnecessarily,” he said.

Lokpobiri announced that he had directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to investigate the incident and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring safe petroleum transportation across the country.

He called for ongoing collaboration among relevant stakeholders to prevent similar tragedies, stressing the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring safety in petroleum distribution.

“This tragedy reminds us of the importance of collective responsibility.

“We must all work together, government, transport operators, and citizens to ensure that safety remains paramount in all aspects of petroleum distribution,” Lokpobiri said.

The minister assured the people of Niger State of his ministry’s support during this difficult time.

By Emmanuella Anokam

NOSDRA D-G urges immediate repair of NNPCL well-head leak in Rivers

Michael Simire
-
0
NOSDRA D-G urges immediate repair of NNPCL well-head leak in Rivers

The Director-General, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Chief Chukwuemeka Woke, has called for immediate repair of a leaking well-head at Bukuma in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.

NOSDRA
NOSDRA D-G, Chief Chukwuemeka Woke, leads a technical team on an evaluation tour of well-head leak in Bukuma, Rivers State

Woke made the call during a tour to evaluate the extent of the spill which occured on a facility operated by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

He also called for a continuous surveillance of the operational areas by the NNPCL in order to prevent future incidents.

“On January 12, NOSDRA received reports of a fire outbreak at the well-head, which was attributed to excessive gas release.

“We are actively coordinating with the operator, and relevant stakeholders to extinguish the fire, and to mitigate its effects on the community.

The D-G further said that the agency was working with other stakeholders to provide relief materials to residents of the affected community.

Woke said that NOSDRA would thoroughly analyse the data collected during the tour and collaborate with stakeholders to bring the situation under control.

He reiterated the commitment of the agency towards ensuring that the welfare of the affected communities was promoted.

The spill, which was reported on Jan 1, involved a gas leak from the OML Well 8, operated by NNPCL.

Local security sources told newsmen that the spill was likely instigated by the actions of suspected pipeline vandals who attempted to illegally tap into the well-head.

Before the D-G’s visit, residents of Bukuma had raised an alarm over the gas leak and the resultant inferno that had affected their environment.

Analysts say that the NOSDRA D-G’s visit and promises of immediate action will provide some relief to the people of the community.

By Ikuru Lizzy

Why we prefer cart pushers to LAWMA PSP – Lagos residents

Michael Simire
-
0
Why we prefer cart pushers to LAWMA PSP – Lagos residents

Some Lagos residents have attributed their preference for cart pushers to the ineffectiveness of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) Private Sector Partnership (PSP) operators in ensuring prompt refuse evacuation.

Cart pushers
Cart pushers

They, however, urged LAWMA to ensure effective waste evacuation in 2025 to prevent the spread of dirts and health hazards.

The residents disclosed this in separate interviews on Sunday, January 19, 2025, in Lagos.

They tasked LAWMA to spread their waste evacuation net to accommodate more residents as cart pushers cash in on the gap to make brisk business.

Mrs Joan Obasi, a FESTAC resident, said LAWMA had not been visible in their area, making many residents to prefer cart pushers.

“The LAWMA thing has not really worked for us, it works for the traders at the market because they force them. LAWMA tried forcing it on us, the residents, several times in FESTAC but it didn’t work.

“When we were using LAWMA, we expected them  to come every Tuesday but they never showed up.

“You can keep your waste outside for more than two days and they won’t come.

“We prefer to use the cart pushers because they are readily available.

“I would have preferred that LAWMA comes because of all the benefits, but the truth is that it doesn’t really work for us here.

“Another challenge is that LAWMA PSP will not come to carry your wastes if you are not at home,” Obasi said.

Also speaking, Mercy Ogunjobi, a Dopemu resident, said that LAWMA had not been consistent in the area.

Ogunjobi said that LAWMA had the practice of evacuating their waste once in a month, “but  barely showed up.”

“We complained but there has been no change. They usually complain about the cost of diesel to power their vehicles.

“I don’t think that is an excuse because the LAWMA rate keeps increasing.

“I think they can do better,” Ogunjobi said.

For Dorcas Ikechukwu, a resident of Shasha, a suburb of Lagos, said that LAWMA had the practice of coming once in two or three months to evacuate their wastes.

“We hardly see them. So, we rely on the cart pushers to evacuate our wastes.

“We appeal to LAWMA to up their game because littering the environment comes with lots of health hazards,” Ikechukwu said.

Akunne Obiora, who resides along the Ago Palace Way, Okota, said majority of streets in the area make use of the cart pushers because they are readily available and efficient.

“LAWMA do not carry our refuse. We make use of the cart pushers that passes our streets everyday.

“Where we usually see LAWMA is the major road, that is, Ago Palace Way and they usually evacute waste that has been pilled up along that road.

“Sometimes, they delay in coming to evacuate the refuse, but they do come.

“LAWMA come when people are not around and it is not convenient for us,” she said.

For Lilian Agunbiade, a resident of Aboru, LAWMA has remained averagely consistent.

“They come every week, but sometimes we don’t see them.

There are a few places where refuse litter the environment because of the population density of the area.

Rosemary Ani, a resident of Bucknor, along Jakande Estate/Ijegun corridor, said “I don’t use LAWMA because I have not really seen them.”

“Though my landlord told me that they come every Saturday,” Ani said.

She said that majority of the residents in the neighbourhood have their waste bins outside their compounds.

“Sometimes, it will be full to the brim before LAWMA will come to evacuate them

Mr Benjamin Mordi, a resident of Jakande Estate, said that  LAWMA PSP’s have been regular at the estate.

A resident of Lekki Phase One said that LAWMA had been very effective.

She attributed their effectiveness to the nature of the neighbourhood highbrow area.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Affairs, LAWMA, Mrs Folashade Kadiri, disclosed that LAWMA is dedicated to ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment by improving waste management practices and encouraging collaboration between citizens and the government.

Kadiri described proper waste disposal as a shared responsibility.

She condemned the use of illegal cart pushers who contribute to indiscriminate dumping of refuse, causing environmental damage and flooding.

She noted that as part of effort to address waste challenges, LAWMA would enforce environmental laws through a robust monitoring team and as well strengthen the operations of PSPs to ensure timely waste collection.

“The agency also promotes the Adopt-a-Bin initiative, encouraging households and businesses to use smart waste bins to reduce illegal dumping and pollution.

“LAWMA remains proactive in adapting strategies to meet the city’s growing waste management needs and urges residents to report waste-related issues through its toll-free lines.

“By working together, Lagosians can foster a cleaner and more sustainable city,” Kadiri said.

By Fabian Ekeruche

Why we issued oil import licences to NNPCL, marketers, by NMDPRA

Michael Simire
-
0
Why we issued oil import licences to NNPCL, marketers, by NMDPRA

The Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has told a Federal High Court in Abuja why it issued oil import licences to oil marketing companies in the country.

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

NMDPRA told Justice Inyang Ekwo in a counter affidavit it filed and deposed to by Idris Musa, a Senior Regulatory Officer in the office, against a suit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE.

The regulatory authority, in the application dated and filed Dec. 13, 2024, said the current production of Dangote Refinery, the plaintiff in the suit, is yet to meet the national daily petroleum products sufficiency requirement.

“Consequently, and in compliance with Section 317 (9) of the PIA (Petroleum Industry Act), the 1st defendant (NMDPRA) issued licences to import petroleum products to bridge product shortfalls to companies with good track records of international products trading,” Musa said.

Dangote Refinery had sued NMDPRA and Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) as 1st and 2nd defendants.

Also joined as 3rd to 7th defendants respectively in the originating summons, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024 and dated Sept. 6, are AYM Shafa Limited, A. A. Rano Limited, T. Time Petroleum Limited, 2015 Petroleum Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited.

The oil company, through its lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, SAN, prayed the court to nullify import licences issued by NMDPRA to the NNPCL and the five other companies for the purpose of importing refined petroleum products.

The company (plaintiff) also prayed the court to declare that NMDPRA was in violation of Sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) by issuing licenses for the importation of petroleum products.

It stated that such licenses should only be issued in circumstances where there is a petroleum product shortfall.

It equally sought a N100 billion in damages against NMDPRA for allegedly continuing to issue import licences to NNPCL and the five companies for importing petroleum products, among other reliefs.

But the NMDPRA, through its officer, prayed the court to dismiss the suit as it is misconceived, unmeritorious and incompetent.

Musa argued that Dangote Refinery is not entitled to any of the reliefs sought.

He said the key functions of NMDPRA is to ensure a vibrant petroleum sector which will be operated in line with international best practice.

He said it also ensures national energy security through continuity of supply and the prevention of abuse of the market by any individual or group, dominance and unhealthy monopoly, wherein a single company or entity will control the supply chain and determine the fate of over 200 million Nigerians.

He said in furtherance of the above objectives, the regulatory agency had supported and continued to support all local refineries to enable their optimum capacity utilisation while ensuring that national energy security is maintained.

According to him, as at Jully, 18, 2024, there are four functional licenced modular refineries.

“There are also four other refineries owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) which are currently at different stages of maintenance.

“At the second quarter of 2024, the plaintiff and the four functional licensed modular refineries produced Automative Gas Oil (AGO) and Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK) in considerable volumes,” he said.

Musa, however, added that NMDPRA was closely monitoring the development to ascertain when the locally refined output would meet the country’s daily petroleum products sufficiency.

Besides, he said the agency is also mandated to promote competition and prevent abuse of dominant market positions and unhealthy monopoly in the oil and gas sector.

“The Import volume to be allocated between participants (that is licensed importers) by the 1st defendant is based on the criteria to be setout taking into account the respective refining output in the preceding quarter of the year, the share of active wholesale customers, competitive pricing and prudent supply, storage and distribution track records.”

The official said there had been palpable uncertainties and instability regarding activities and capacity of the Dangote Refinery to solely cater for the petroleum products supply needs of the entire Nigerian population both in short and long term.

He said the alleged production capacity of the refinery as regards AGO and Jet Oil (Jet A-1) were estimations not backed with scientific proof and the NMDPRA, as regulators, cannot depend on such data to allow the plaintiff own the sole right to cater for the market.

He said, having taken cognisance of the current state of affairs and in consideration of the oil production output at the preceding quarter before the filing of the suit, NMDPRA found that it would be premature and imprudent to suspend the importation of petroleum products for other entities and simply hand over the sole supply right to Dangote.

He said the present market structure of local refining would not only result in a monopoly with its pricing implications but also put at risk the nation’s energy security “which is best assured through multiple supply sources given the present market structure of local refining.”

“The 1st defendant is however optimistic that the anticipated operationalisation of NNPCL’s four refineries in addition to increased output from the four modular refineries will improve the much-required competition in local refining, thereby mitigating the overarching concern of the creation of monopoly and its implication on energy security and pricing.”

Musa said contrary to Dangote’s argument, NMDPRA’s demand of 0.5 per cent levy is justified.

He said the levy is prescribed by Sections 47 (2)(c) and 52(7) of the PIA and to be paid at wholesale points by the wholesale customer and not the producer and that this fact is well known to the plaintiff.

“The plaintiff (Dangote) cannot claim not to be bound by local laws due to its being in a free zone, whilst seeking to take the benefits of the same local laws,” he said.

According to him, the levies are due immediately upon the sale of petroleum products or natural gas to a wholesale customer and shall be remitted by the plaintiff to the 1st defendant.

“The plaintiff is to remit such levies to the 1st defendant not later than 21 days following the month of the sale,” he said.

The official explained that Dangote Refinery was supposed to keep record and or particulars of the levies received from the wholesale customers..

“I know as a fact that it was when the plaintiff failed to communicate its record of sales of petroleum products or natural gas and remit the statutory levies of 0.5% amongst others that the 1st defendant was constrained to issue a letter dated 10th June, 2024 marked as ‘Exhibit C’ in paragraph 22 of the plaintiffs affidavit.”

He said the procedure for the payment of the levies agreed is contained in the Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Fees Regulations, 2024, gazetted Nov. 4, 2024.

He said contrary to the company’s submission, it was untrue that the Dangote Industries Free Zone Regulation 2020 was enacted for it to carry out operations in the free zone “devoid of payment of all levies, taxes and rates by the federal, state and local government in Nigeria.”

He said it was incorrect to suggest that the refined products from the refinery is to be sold only to Nigerians.

“Rather, the plaintiff has stated through its alter ego that it need not sell products to only Nigerians, but can sell to other customers globally where there is a demand for same.”

Musa disagreed that Dangote Refinery’s local production of petroleum products obviates the need to issue import licences to other entities with the capacity to meet the market demands of the Nigerian populace.

“I know as a fact that the plaintiff does not have the capacity yet, to meet the entire local demand of refined petroleum products based on the count and readiness of its licensed and commissioned production lines.

“To ensure availability of products to meet the market demand in Nigeria, it is therefore the responsibility of the 1st Defendant to license qualified entities to cater for any shortfall and meet domestic demand.

“The 1st defendant granted licences to the 2nd to 7th defendants as companies with proven track records of international crude oil and petroleum products trading in line with the provisions of Section 317(8) and (9) of the PIA 2021.

“It is to meet the shortfall in the domestic supply so as to avoid the hardship and sufferings which inadequate products availability often causes on Nigerians,’ he insisted.

He denied the allegation that NMDPRA is partaking in any purported “grand conspiracy and concerted efforts” against the refinery, describing it as “an allegation for which the plaintiff has provided no facts or evidence in support.”

The NNPCL, in its preliminary objection dated and filed Nov. 15, 2024, prayed the court to strike out the case for being incompetent.

Also, the oil marketers, in a joint counter affidavit filed on Nov. 5, 2024, told the court that granting Dangote’s application would spell doom for the country’s oil sector.

According to them, the plan to monopolise the oil sector is a recipe for disaster in the country.

The three marketers; AYM Shafa Limited, A. A. Rano Limited and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited, in their response, said the plaintiff did not produce adequate petroleum products for the daily consumption of Nigerians.

Besides, they argued that there was nothing placed before the court to prove the contrary.

Justice Ekwo had fixed Monday (Jan. 20) for report of settlement or service.

By Taiye Agbaje

The critical need for energy access in Africa: A roadmap to prosperity

Michael Simire
-
0
The critical need for energy access in Africa: A roadmap to prosperity

Across Africa, the sunlight shines bright and natural resources abound. Yet despite that lies a pressing issue that threatens to stifle the continent’s growth and prosperity: the lack of access to reliable and sustainable electricity.

Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, is hosting the Africa Energy Summit

As we prepare for the Africa Energy Summit (https://apo-opa.co/3PEPMUY), taking place from January 27 to 28, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the urgency of addressing Africa’s energy needs cannot be overstated. Without power, Africa cannot achieve its development aspirations and take its rightful place at the global first table. This summit is a critical step towards unlocking Africa’s vast potential and empowering its people.

The Stark Reality of Energy Poverty and Africa’s Power Sector 

Today, nearly 600 million Africans – approximately half the continent’s population – still live without access to electricity. For these individuals, daily life is a struggle illuminated by the dim glow of kerosene lamps or the intermittent hum of diesel generators. These stopgap solutions are not only expensive but also polluting, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and environmental degradation. At the current pace of electrification and with Africa’s rapid demographic growth, the number of people without electricity will remain largely unchanged unless we take bold and immediate action.

What makes this challenge significant in Africa is that, for many decades, the power sector has faced numerous interlocking challenges which include inter alia, low access rates, lack of maintenance, lack of investment, non-cost reflective tariffs, unaffordable subsidies, and lack of financial sustainability. Most of Africa’s public utilities are in financial distress – they struggle to cover their operating costs and cannot finance the required capital expenditure to maintain their operations, thus forcing them to rely on public subsidies.

At the same time, most of the financing available for energy projects today is in hard currency, which is not always sustainable because energy services are paid for by local populations in local currencies, thus resulting in a currency mismatch occasioned by the volatility of local currencies against international hard currencies. In addition, regulatory authorities are subject to political interference in most African countries, which affects their decision-making and ability to implement policies that support long-term sector development.

I believe passionately that without access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity, Africa will not achieve its development aspirations. Energy access is the cornerstone of economic transformation, unlocking opportunities for education, healthcare, gender equality, and income generation. It is a prerequisite for creating a green and resilient future, one where poverty is a relic of the past.

Mission 300: A Bold Vision for the Future

In response to this urgent need, the African Development Bank Group, the World Bank, and other partners have launched an ambitious initiative known as Mission 300 (https://apo-opa.co/3PEPMUY). This initiative aims to provide electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030. Mission 300 is not just a number; it represents lives transformed, economies revitalized, and communities empowered.

The plan focuses on accelerating electrification through a mix of grid extensions and distributed renewable energy solutions, such as mini-grids and stand-alone solar home systems. These solutions are particularly effective in reaching fragile and remote areas where traditional grid infrastructure is impractical. Complementing these efforts are investments in generation, transmission, regional interconnection, and sector reform to ensure that power supply is not only reliable but also affordable and sustainable.

Partnerships and Reforms: The Keys to Success

Mission 300 will only succeed with the collective efforts of governments, private sector stakeholders, and international partners. Governments must lead the charge by implementing critical reforms to make the energy sector more efficient and utilities more robust. Transparent and competitive tendering processes for new generation capacity, along with cost-recovery mechanisms for utilities, are essential. Regulators will have to respond with appropriate nimbleness and innovation to stay responsive to a fast changing technological and business environment.

Governments and development partners must amplify the call for regional electricity trade to facilitate a shift away from the single-buyer model as well as allow the sustainable integration of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) into weak grids to help shape the energy transition pathways of African countries.

Private sector participation is crucial for addressing Africa’s energy challenges, especially considering Africa’s rapidly growing population and the need for increased investment. The private sector is already playing a vital role in expanding renewable energy access, particularly through decentralised energy solutions, an area where traditional utility-scale projects face limitations due to infrastructure constraints. Meanwhile, multilateral development banks and philanthropic organisations must step up in unlocking private capital for the energy sector through targeted financing instruments, risk mitigation tools, technical assistance and policy advocacy.

The recently launched Technical Facility Accelerator Fund (https://apo-opa.co/3CaOjmm) is a promising step in this direction, providing technical assistance to governments and helping streamline processes to achieve Mission 300 targets.

A Defining Moment: The Africa Energy Summit

The upcoming Africa Energy Summit represents a pivotal moment for the continent. Hosted by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, the African Union, the African Development Bank Group, and the World Bank Group, this summit will bring together heads of state, energy experts, and private sector leaders to forge a path toward universal energy access.

At the summit, several African governments will present their national energy compacts, outlining their commitments to reforms and near-term actions to achieve their energy targets. These compacts will showcase the innovative strategies and partnerships being deployed to advance universal energy access in a reliable, affordable, and sustainable manner. The summit will also highlight the critical role of international partners such as the Rockefeller Foundation, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), who are mobilising resources and expertise to support this mission.

Significantly, the summit will unveil some new spending commitments and innovative initiatives designed to encourage African Countries to mobilise more of their domestic resources to finance the accelerated roll-out of green energy infrastructure across the continent.

Why Now?

The convergence of technological breakthroughs, digitisation, and innovative financing models makes this the most opportune time to tackle Africa’s energy challenges. Achieving Mission 300 will not only light up homes and businesses but also drive progress in education, healthcare, and gender equality. It will reduce emissions, enhance welfare, and boost income generation and financial inclusion across the continent. 

Let us make Mission 300 a turning point. Let us make sure the 13 landmark compact agreements (https://apo-opa.co/3C1OzUL) signed this week point the way to lighting up the rest of our continent.

By Wale Shonibare, African Development Bank’s Director of Energy Financial Solutions, Policy, and Regulation 

1...959697...2,206Page 96 of 2,206

TV Report

Archives

2025 EnviroNews Nigeria. All Rights Reserved.

×