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NNPC, partners launch five mini-LNG plants in Kogi

Michael Simire
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NNPC, partners launch five mini-LNG plants in Kogi

The Federal Government on Thursday, January 30, 2025, began the construction of five Mini Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.

NNPC
Malam Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd. (left), with Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State (left), at the groundbreaking ceremony

The plants are to facilitate rapid access to gas to deepen its utilisation among Nigerians.

The plants are being developed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) in partnership with PRIME LNG, NGML/Gasnexus LNG, BUA LNG, Highland LNG and LNG Arete.

The project will be constructed on 33,000 hectares of land, with combined capacity of 97.5 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, and a 500 million dollars investment.

The project is a multifaceted virtual pipeline development, in line with the “Decade of Gas” agenda.

They will produce Condensate, Liquified Natural Gas, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), and to increase gas availability.

At the groundbreaking of the plants, Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), said the project was to deepen the utilisation of Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources.

Ekpo said he was confident in the NNPC Ltd.’s promise to deliver the project on schedule.

He commended the state government for its pledge to provide adequate security to facilitate its execution.

He described the natural gas as a veritable vehicle for accelerating Nigeria’s industrialisation, economic prosperity, and working to achieve the Nation’s commitments to a just and equitable energy transition.

“I commend the outstanding efforts of the NNPC Ltd. and its partners, who worked round the clock to achieve this milestone, as we look forward to a smooth and safe project delivery of all five plants.

“The Ministry stands with the NNPC Ltd. and partners, to support initiatives that align with the goals of harnessing Nigeria’s abundant gas resources for economic development and reduction of carbon footprint,” he said.

In his address, Malam Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd., said the project has strategic location and proximity to the Northern market.

He said it would deliver a cost-effective, long-term and reliable natural gas solution to industrial and commercial customers.

Kyari said the NNPC Ltd. was committed to delivering the project, which would utilise domestic gas reserves and reduce reliance on polluting fuels.

In his remarks, Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi said the project was a collective commitment towards embracing cleaner energy in the country for economic prosperity.

Ododo said the project aligned with the global effort to combat climate change, carbon emissions and achieve energy security.

“Economic benefits of this project cannot be overemphasised as it is setting the state for brighter and more prosperous future, leveraging cleaner energy future.

“We will ensure that both the investments and the investors are safe,” he said.

The governor, while stating that Kogi is blessed with abundant mineral resources and open for investments, expressed the readiness of the host communities to safeguard the massive investment.

Also speaking, Sen. Natasha Uduaghan, Chairman, Senate Committee on Local Content, appreciated President Bola Tinubu for passing the executive order for establishing the plant.

“Gas is the future. It is a new paradigm shift for the country because the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project will be completed in the second quarter of 2025,” she said.

Uduaghan said that the project would spur economic activities and revenue generation.

She also expressed optimism that the Ajaokuta steel company would resume production soon for enhanced economic growth.

The gas liquefaction project will create opportunities for gas commercialisation and supports the Federal Government’s flare down initiative.

It will also provide a flexible solution to increase gas penetration in remote locations where pipeline infrastructure does not exist.

By Emmanuella Anokam

UK confirms 2035 emission targets in updated plan to UN climate body

Michael Simire
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UK confirms 2035 emission targets in updated plan to UN climate body

The UK Government on Thursday, January 30, 2025, announced their five-year UN mandated climate action plan (Nationally Determined Contribution) reaffirming the commitment of cutting emissions by 81% by 2035 – a pledge made by Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the UN climate negotiations in Azerbaijan (COP29) last year.

Keir Starmer
British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, at COP29

The submission to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), announced by Britain’s climate minister Ed Miliband in a written statement to parliament, is the formal paperwork required by the UN body which keeps track of each country’s targets.

The submission did not set out new policies or detailed sector-by-sector plans, but summarised the government’s work to date on reducing emissions. It promised more details further down the line.

“Looking ahead, we will deliver an updated cross-economy plan to meet our climate targets in due course, with full detail of policy packages for all sectors,” the document said.

Britain’s announcement of more ambitious targets was seen by many as one of the few bright spots at November’s COP29, which was overshadowed by concerns that Donald Trump’s election in the United States could damage the international push to halt a rise in global temperatures.

“The UK’s bold new climate plan means it is even better placed to cash in on the climate action boom,” UNFCCC chief, Simon Stiell, said in a statement reacting to the submission.

“Other countries, across the G20 and around the world, should follow suit. No one can afford to miss out.”

In another reaction, Matilda Borgström, UK campaigner at 350.org, said: “An ambitious climate target on paper is a useful signal to the rest of the world of the kind of ambition that is needed to tackle climate change and bring down energy bills due to high gas prices. More can be done, but this is indeed a significant step forward. Yet the climate goal explicitly excludes emissions from aviation which is a convenient miss given the government’s irresponsible plans for a third runway in Heathrow.”

WWF’s head of climate policy, Isabella O’Dowd, said: “The new UK climate plan is a step forward, and the Government is right to focus on restoring nature and cutting fossil fuels. But ambition alone won’t reduce emissions – we cannot afford major polluters like aviation to remain unchecked.

“With COP30 on the horizon, the Government must prove it can turn promises into action. Rather than wasting money on costly white elephants, it should back lasting solutions at home and overseas – like insulating homes, investing in clean power, and keeping our precious forests standing.”

COP30 will take place in Brazil in November 2025.

Friends of the Earth’s head of policy, Mike Childs, said: “In a new era of Trumpian politics, having a strong 2035 target is an important show of global climate leadership.

“Unfortunately, Rachel Reeves has now left the Energy Secretary with the unenviable task of making the numbers add up in the climate plan he is legally obliged to publish this year.

“He will have to squeeze even greater emissions reductions from other parts of the economy – such as homes, industry and transport – and will need greater sums of money from the Spending Review to do so.”

The second coming of Trump: Serious implications for Nigeria

Michael Simire
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The second coming of Trump: Serious implications for Nigeria

Upon taking office as the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump demonstrated a clear alignment of his presidential agenda with his campaign promises. Whether one agrees with him or not, he showed he is in charge, intentional, and determined. The main thesis I present here is that the second coming of President Trump will likely have profound implications and consequences for Nigeria. I hope that the Nigerian government has individuals who are paying attention and working for the country, its government, and its people.

Donald Trump
Donald Trump being sworn in as the 47th President of the United States of America

Trump has a reputation for doing what he says he will do. He puts energy into being seen as someone who follows through on his promises. Hence, I take his inauguration speech very seriously, as he has already commenced action on several fronts, including withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement and sending troops to the US southern border. On day one, he signed a record number of Executive Orders, previously unseen.

What is the threat to Nigeria?

President Trump has pledged to bring down the cost of living in the United States. A key approach to achieving this, he says, will be to reduce energy costs. He reminded his listeners that the United States has the largest oil and gas resources in the world and will use them to bring down domestic energy costs. He further stated that he will return manufacturing to the United States by reducing production costs. Many heard him say, “Drill, baby drill.”

The risk to Nigeria is that whatever happens in the international oil and gas market has severe implications for the Nigerian economy. If we see a significant decline in oil and gas prices in the international market, it will have severe macroeconomic implications for Nigeria, given that these are the country’s main exports and sources of foreign exchange. This will translate to adverse public finance conditions, including further depreciation of the Naira against major global trading currencies. We know what this means for Nigeria, as we have been there before. The managers of our economy may desire this scenario to have more Naira for less USD to fund the government.

However, this will lead to increased hardship for the people and wider adverse social consequences. Even if there is a slim possibility that a significant decrease in crude oil costs could translate to lower domestic petrol prices, the government, desperate to fund budgets, may not encourage that. Any reduction in domestic petrol costs will not compensate for the adverse changes in the exchange rate.

Another likely effect will be increased smuggling of petrol from Nigeria to its neighbors. One argument for raising domestic petrol costs in Nigeria was to reduce smuggling. However, despite increasing petrol costs threefold last year, smuggling continued. This is because the value of the Naira was reduced by a similar proportion, canceling out the effect of the petrol price increase. This is a classic case of policy myopia or a lack of holistic and dynamic understanding of the market. Partial analysis is often limited. As writers in the literary world would say, it’s the danger of a single story. What we achieved was to sustain the real market conditions for petrol with our neighbours while Nigerians suffer.

The gainers are the governments who now have more Naira, which, due to inflationary consequences, commands fewer goods and services. Wage earners, especially in the public sector, and most SMEs, whose wage increases are less than the rate of inflation, bear the brunt, along with those who depend on them. Governments (federal and states) also suffer, as anyone paying attention would have seen that most government employees exhibit very low productivity. When considering the entirety of these consequences, central to this is a reduction in the quotient of national sovereignty.

I also see a return to the Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher era during our second republic under President Shehu Shagari. Some may remember that around 1981, there was a crash in crude oil prices in the international market, coupled with a rise in interest rates on foreign loans. Nigeria may not have seen that coming. The effect of that preceded the first General Buhari government and the austerity measures before the coming of General Babangida and the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP).

Today, Nigeria is exposed yet again, courtesy of huge exposure to debts, both foreign and domestic. What will happen in the coming months if we see a significant decline in the cost of crude oil (and natural gas) in the international market? I see this happening as a result of actions that Donald Trump will take. I also foresee a rise in interest rates on loans in the international market due to international geopolitics and competing efforts to dominate. Clearly, the world is on the verge of an economic “war,” as informed listeners would have heard in President Trump’s inaugural speech. It was a speech like no other in the history of presidential inaugurations, and the speaker means it.

Let us not imagine that what Trump has declared for the United States’ economy is not wanted by the rest of the G7. One example is Germany. The German economy, strong on exports, has been in difficulty for some time now. A key challenge to that economy is the cost of energy, especially since the Russia-Ukraine war. Germany and the rest of Europe will be keen on reducing energy costs. Please bear in mind that in this subject, there is no morality.

Another distraction is the significant share of Nigeria’s petroleum that is stolen and sold on the international market. The process of stealing crude oil is not by hiding it in pockets; it is stolen in huge vessels. Who does the stealing, buying, and transporting? Where are the markets, and how are these sold? Are the buyers unknown? If a country exhibits the characteristics of the tragedy of the commons, the communal goat who is owned by no one and goes hungry, who cares? A key factor is the want for cheaper energy. Nigeria should take note of this, as the leader of the global economy declares reducing energy costs as a principal interest to boost domestic production and reduce the cost of living for its citizens.

If we see a drastic reduction in the price of crude oil and natural gas in the coming months, the implications for Nigeria are not only well known but will be very serious. If this comes with a rise in the cost of servicing foreign debts, it does not look good at all.

What should Nigeria be doing now?

There are urgent actions that the Nigerian Federal and state governments should be taking now. I believe there are individuals in the government, advising the government, consulting for the government, or think-tanking for the government, who should be having sleepless nights right now. Maybe we should borrow from President Trump’s declaration of emergency on the southern border and declare a national emergency on the economy.

For the ordinary, struggling Nigerians who have been in severe difficulties for some time now, I will end with a common Igbo saying suitable for this time: “Ihe anuru na okwukwu, adighi nma” – what we heard at the funeral is no good story.

In this era of the second coming of President Trump, I say, God please save your people, as in God we trust.

By Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, chnwajiuba@yahoo.de

How Mission 300 can become a catalyst for transformative change, by African civil society

Michael Simire
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How Mission 300 can become a catalyst for transformative change, by African civil society

The African Civil Society convened at the sidelines of the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit to deliberate on reforms, investments, and innovations necessary to achieve universal access to sustainable energy by 2030. This dialogue, which focused on aligning the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration with the principles of justice, equity, and sustainability, was co-hosted by, among others, the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), African Coalition for Sustainable Energy and Access (ACSEA), Shine Collab, and Forum CC.

African Civil Society
Representatives of African Civil Society at the Africa Energy Summit in Tanzania

The Summit headlined “Mission 300”, a World Bank and African Development Bank initiative to provide electricity to 300 million people in Africa by 2030 through a combination of grid extension, off- and mini-grid solutions, and innovative financing. Both the Summit and Mission 300 aim to address a stark energy reality in Africa: 630 million people remain without electricity, and 800 million rely on traditional biomass for cooking, exacerbating health risks, environmental degradation, and gender inequities.

Participants expressed diverse views regarding the first Summit of the Initiative, among them the role of the last-mile communities, as well as the civil society traditional role of monitoring commitments and holding governments and Private Sector accountable.

There was consensus that in its current form, the Mission 300 lacks inclusivity, and may fall in the trap of other exciting energy initiatives which came with lofty promises but ended in the catalogue of “promising but failed Projects”.

They particularly underscored the important role of the civil society, and urged the African Development Bank, which feels closer to the African people, to ensure that the World Bank opens up for broader stakeholder engagement in the Mission 300 architecture.

Participants also took cognisance of the Six30 Campaign launched in April 2024, which, like Mission 300, offers a Pan-African Framework for addressing Africa’s energy access deficit. The Campaign is a rallying cry for global solidarity, urging public and private donors to

substantially increase funding and investments in renewable energy projects across the continent to $630 billion and prioritise access for 630 million people by 2030.

The Six30 Campaign frames energy access as an issue of justice, recognising that systemic inequities in governance and global financial flows, rather than technical or financial limitations, are the primary barriers. By prioritising renewable energy, decentralisation, and community ownership, the Six30 Campaign provides a clear framework for Mission 300 to align its objectives with Africa’s broader socio-economic and climate resilience goals.

While Mission 300’s ambition is laudable, its success hinges on addressing systemic challenges that have long hindered Africa’s access to energy. Consequently, African civil society organisations offer the following recommendations to ensure Mission 300 becomes a catalyst for equitable, sustainable, and transformative change:

Ensure Transparency, Accountability, and Debt Sustainability

African governments must secure financing for energy projects through transparent and accountable processes. The World Bank and African Development Bank must prioritise debt sustainability and adopt safeguards to prevent odious debt and corruption. Energy financing should serve long-term development rather than saddling countries with unsustainable financial burdens.

Leverage Africa’s Critical Minerals for Value Addition

Investments must prioritise value-addition within Africa’s critical minerals sector. The continent’s vast cobalt, lithium, coltan, and rare earth metals reserves, among other critical minerals, should drive local manufacturing of renewable energy technologies, enabling Africa to capture greater economic and social value. Strengthening local supply chains will also reduce dependence on imported technologies.

Adopt Decentralized, Community-Cantered Energy Solutions

Mission 300 must prioritise off-grid and decentralised renewable energy systems. Such models are faster to deploy and empower local communities to control and benefit from energy projects. Adequate funding must be allocated to decentralised solutions to avoid tokenistic support.

Cap Energy Tariffs and Address Connection Costs

Rising energy tariffs remain a barrier to access for many low-income households. Governments and financial institutions must establish tariff caps and subsidise connection costs to ensure electricity is both accessible and affordable. Electricity must be treated as a human right, not a commodity subject solely to market forces.

Place Communities at the Heart of Energy Projects

Structured community participation must guide all phases of energy project planning and implementation. This will ensure inclusive decision-making, reduce risks of human rights violations, and maximise local benefits. Platforms like the African Development Bank’s CSO Coalition on Energy and climate change should be leveraged to enhance civic engagement.

Commit to Renewable Energy and Youth Employment

Renewable energy must anchor Africa’s energy transition. By prioritising decentralisation and renewables, Mission 300 can create millions of jobs for Africa’s youth and foster a generation of clean energy entrepreneurs and professionals. Scaling solar, wind, and hydro projects will also ensure Africa aligns with global climate goals while meeting local energy needs.

Champion African Leadership and Ownership

African governments must assert leadership in the design and implementation of Mission 300. Greater local ownership, technical expertise, and governance structures ensure that energy initiatives reflect Africa’s priorities and serve its long-term development aspirations.

Safeguard Equity in Energy Access

Energy access initiatives must centre vulnerable populations, particularly women, pastoralists, and rural communities, who are disproportionately affected by energy poverty. Programmes must aim to close energy inequities rather than reinforce them.

Integrate Sustainable Development and Gender Principles

Mission 300 must prioritise energy access with other development sectors, such as gender, health, education, and agriculture. Electrifying health clinics, schools, and irrigation systems can catalyse broader socio-economic, gender-sensitive transformation.

The African civil society reaffirms its commitment to supporting African governments and international partners in achieving Mission 300’s goals. However, the initiative must be guided by equity, justice, and sustainability principles to truly transform Africa’s energy future. By aligning with frameworks like the Six30 Campaign, Mission 300 can become a cornerstone of Africa’s just transition, ensuring no community is left behind.

NCDMB, SPDC laud Brightwaters Energy for industry projects expertise

Michael Simire
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NCDMB, SPDC laud Brightwaters Energy for industry projects expertise

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Felix Omatsola Ogbe, in company with senior officials of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, undertook a tour of facilities at Brightwaters Energy Limited, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

NCDMB
Executive Secretary NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, leading top oil & gas stakeholders on a facility visit to Brightwaters Energy in Port Harcourt on January 29, 2025

The tour to the company’s facilities at Choba, Port Harcourt, and Emohua in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State was a follow up to the NCDMB’s boss earlier visit to the company and some pipe coating facilities in May 2024. At that visit he pledged the Board’s support for local service companies, giving them opportunities in the oil and gas industry and creating jobs in the economy.

The latest visit was to assess Brightwaters Energy’s upgrade of its technical capabilities, which would position them for upcoming industry projects.

Speaking ahead at the visit, Ogbe conveyed the Board’s determination to ensure that capabilities of local oil and gas service companies are known and adequately utilised by operating companies in the industry to boost local content and provide employment, in line with the economic aspirations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

He recalled that Brightwaters had performed well in the execution of projects in the exploration and production segment of the industry over the years with a clientele that included SPDC and Chevron Nigeria Limited, among other major oil and gas operators. He was convinced that the company has the capacity required for key scopes in upcoming industry projects.

He charged operating oil and gas companies to always support qualified service companies, while ensuring that the best quality service is delivered at all times and on schedule.

In opening remarks at the event, the Community and Corporate Affairs Manager of Brightwaters, Mr. Solomon Aluge, confirmed that the firm had been engaging the team from SPDC and was equipped to carry out heavy or light fabrication works. He indicated that Brightwaters has carried out many onshore and offshore pipeline engineering and installation works for various clients.

Elaborating on the scope of operations of his company in the oil and gas sector, he pointed out that Brightwaters is “mobilising for Chevron and Tulcan pipeline works” at the moment.

Earlier in welcome remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Brightwaters, Mr. Scott Gregory, expressed happiness at the presence of the Executive Secretary, Engr. Ogbe, and the representatives of SPDC at the meeting, assuring all that the company has enormous capabilities for services in the oil and gas industry.

He provided technical details of a number of projects executed by the company offshore and onshore in its many years of operation in Nigeria, noting that some of the upcoming field projects were well within the company’s competencies.

Among key facilities visited in the tour were a blast furnace, where the process of smelting was demonstrated with hot compressed air being blasted into a furnace from below, and a multipurpose offshore construction vessel known as Sea Horizon Derrick Lay Barge, with a heavy-lift capacity of 1,320 tons.

Marine construction activities performed by the vessel, according to the company, include “installation of rigid and flexible pipelines, risers and umbilicals [flexible hoses that connect surface equipment to subsea equipment].”

In his comments after the facility tour, the General Manager Local Content Shell, Mr. Lanre Olawuyi, conveyed the company’s good impressions with the facilities and capabilities of Brightwaters Energy. He affirmed that the technical teams would review their reports and take decisions how to engage the company in some of their upcoming projects. He expressed delight that the company had upgraded its facilities since the last visit in May 2024, and expressed hope that facility would attract more patronage from the oil industry so it would bounce back to its former glory.

On the entourage of the Executive Secretary were the Director, Project Certification and Authorisation Division (PCAD), Abayomi Bamidele; Deputy Manager, Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi;  a technical staff in the Executive Secretary’s office, Mr. Ilu Ozekhome.

Kyari calls for proactive measures to combat climate change, insecurity in Lake Chad

Michael Simire
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Kyari calls for proactive measures to combat climate change, insecurity in Lake Chad

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, has called for enhanced collaboration between government, banks and communities to combat the challenges of climate change, insecurity and poverty in the Lake Chad Basin.

Abubakar Kyari
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari (right)

Kyari made the call during a panelists’ session at the 5th Lake Chad Governors Forum on Thursday, January 30, 2025, in Maiduguri.

He stressed the need to address the barriers faced by smallholder farmers, particularly the lack of access to capital.

He disclosed that the Ministry of Agriculture was working with banks to assist farmers and
improve their livelihoods, being the key focus of government’s eight-point agenda.

Kyari added that “smallholder farmers lack access to capital and this is a major hurdle for them. We are actively engaging financial institutions to provide support because agriculture is the backbone of the region.”

He commended the proactive efforts of some states like Borno, noting that the leadership of Gov. Babagana Zulum had been instrumental to uplifting the livelihoods of the people, in spite of challenges in the region.

The minister emphasised the role of agriculture in poverty reduction and addressing broader socio-economic issues, including insecurity and corruption.

Kyari acknowledged that the region’s traditional farming methods were no longer sufficient to cope with, considering the changing weather conditions, particularly the unpredictable rainfall and desertification affecting local communities.

He added: “Climate change is real. The desert has moved south, and the pattern of rainfall has changed drastically. In the past, farmers relied on traditional knowledge, but today, this is no longer enough.

“We must adapt and innovate. Technology could play a role in predicting weather patterns and mitigating the effects of climate change.”

Kyari also pointed out the growing insecurity in the region, exacerbated by the shrinking of Lake Chad, which forced many communities to relocate.

He said that the lake, once a vital resource for agriculture and fishing, has now become a flashpoint for insecurity, affecting Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger.

By Hamza Suleiman

River blindness, sleeping sickness eliminated by Niger, Guinea 

Michael Simire
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River blindness, sleeping sickness eliminated by Niger, Guinea 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has congratulated Niger for having met the criteria for onchocerciasis elimination, making it the fifth country globally and the first country in Africa to be acknowledged by WHO for interrupting transmission of the parasite Onchocerca volvulus.

Abdourahamane Tchiani
Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, President of Niger

“Eliminating a disease is a significant achievement that requires tireless dedication,” stated Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “I congratulate Niger for its commitment to liberating its population from this blinding, stigmatising illness that causes so much human suffering among the poorest. This success is yet another testament to the remarkable strides we have made against neglected tropical diseases and offers hope to other nations still battling onchocerciasis, demonstrating that elimination is possible.”

Onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness, is a parasitic disease and is the second leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide, after trachoma. It is transmitted to humans through the bites of infective black flies, primarily found in riverine areas. The disease primarily affects rural populations in sub-Saharan Africa and Yemen, with smaller endemic areas found in parts of Latin America.

Effective country-led efforts and partnerships

Between 1976 and 1989, under the umbrella of the WHO Onchocerciasis Control Programme in West Africa (OCP), Niger undertook vector control measures by spraying insecticides that significantly decreased levels of onchocerciasis transmission. Following the donation of ivermectin by Merck, Sharpe & Dohme (MSD), areas still affected by lymphatic filariasis (LF) underwent mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin and albendazole from 2008 to 2019, followed by surveillance. Since ivermectin is effective against both diseases, and areas targeted for LF MDA were also endemic for onchocerciasis, this intervention also contributed to interrupting the transmission of the Onchocerca volvulus parasite.

Niger started preliminary assessments on interruption of onchocerciasis transmission in 2014 after stopping LF MDA in most areas. This was followed by entomological and epidemiological surveys which revealed that the combination of medicine and vector control had successfully eliminated transmission of onchocerciasis, as evidenced by the reduction in prevalence from approximately 60% to 0.02%.

In addition to the vector control interventions and the medicines donated by MSD, a key factor contributing to Niger’s success is the partnership between the Nigerien government, WHO and nongovernmental organisations, which has helped mobilise resources and technical support. Continuous monitoring of the disease’s prevalence and its impact has enabled timely adjustments in strategies and ensured the effectiveness of interventions.       

 “Onchocerciasis has long caused immense human suffering. It has also impeded the economic development of affected communities, driving people away from rivers, which are often lifelines for livelihoods,” says Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Niger’s success ends this burden for its people. It also positions Niger as a model for the elimination of neglected tropical diseases in Africa. The country previously demonstrated its leadership in public health, by eliminating Guinea-worm disease in 2013. Today, it takes another historic step forward.”

Global progress

Globally, 54 countries have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease.

Niger joins four other countries that have been verified by WHO for eliminating onchocerciasis, all in the Region of the Americas: Colombia (2013), Ecuador (2014), Guatemala (2016) and Mexico (2015).

In the WHO African Region, 21 countries have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease. Onchocerciasis is the second neglected tropical disease eliminated in Niger: the country was certified free of dracunculiasis (Guinea-worm disease) transmission in 2013.

In a related development, the WHO has lauded Guinea for eliminating the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis as a public health problem. This form of human African trypanosomiasis, the only type transmitted in Guinea, is the first neglected tropical disease to be eliminated in the country. The news marks an important achievement in this public health field on the eve of the world Neglected Tropical Diseases Day, marked on January 30.

“Today’s announcement is both a testament to the global progress against neglected tropical diseases and a beacon of hope for nations still battling human African trypanosomiasis,” said Dr Ghebreyesus.

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), or sleeping sickness, is a vector-borne parasitic disease caused by infected tsetse flies. Symptoms include fever, headaches, joint pain and, in advanced stages, neurological symptoms like confusion, disrupted sleep patterns and behavioural changes.

Effective country investments and partnerships

In the 1990s, HAT resurged along Guinea’s coast due to increased human activity in mangroves, driven by Conakry’s economic and population growth. In response to the critical threat posed by HAT, Guinea’s Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene established the National Programme for the Control of HAT in 2002, with support from WHO and the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), and later from partners such as the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative and the Institut Pasteur de Guinée. The programme began with mass medical screenings to diagnose and treat cases effectively, marking a crucial step in controlling the disease.

The programme introduced vector control interventions in 2012 aiming to interrupt contact between people and tsetse flies. Initially implemented in the Boffa-East area, this strategy expanded nationwide by 2016, with nearly 15,000 impregnated mini-screens (with insecticides to attract and kill the tsetse flies) deployed annually.

However, Guinea faced significant challenges in its HAT elimination efforts during the Ebola outbreak and COVID-19. From 2013 to 2015, the Ebola epidemic caused a suspension of medical activities, leading to a resurgence in HAT cases. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic posed further disruptions, but the programme adapted by implementing door-to-door HAT screening to maintain control efforts.

Collaboration with local communities played a critical role throughout these years, ensuring that interventions were culturally acceptable and widely supported. Advances in diagnostic techniques, treatment delivery, and consistent financial and technical backing from WHO and other partners bolstered the programme’s impact. As a result, Guinea successfully reduced the number of HAT cases to below the WHO threshold of 1 case per 10 000 inhabitants in all endemic areas, achieving a major milestone in its fight against this neglected tropical disease.

“The elimination of sleeping sickness is the result of many years of effort by the Guinean government, its partners and communities in the overall context of the national policy to combat all neglected tropical diseases,” said Dr Oumar Diouhé BAH, Guinea’s Minister of Health and Public Hygiene.

“The elimination of human African trypanosomiasis by Guinea is a significant public health achievement. Vulnerable families and communities can now live free of the threat posed by this potentially fatal disease,” said Dr Moeti. “I congratulate the government, health workers, partners and communities for this crucial milestone. WHO remains committed to supporting countries to eliminate human African trypanosomiasis and other neglected tropical diseases in Africa.”

With Guinea, seven other countries have been validated by WHO for eliminating the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis: Togo (2020), Benin (2021), Côte d’Ivoire (2021), Uganda (2022), Equatorial Guinea (2022), Ghana (2023) and Chad (2024). The rhodesiense form of the disease has been eliminated as a public health problem in one country, Rwanda, as validated by WHO in 2022.

NUEE, AUPCTRE, CSOs petition Senate on electricity sector woes 

Michael Simire
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NUEE, AUPCTRE, CSOs petition Senate on electricity sector woes 

The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) and two civil society organisations – the Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) and the Citizens Free Service Forum (CFSF) – have decried the precarious electricity situation in the country, urging the Nigerian Senate to urgently convene a Public Hearing on the sector’s performance since 2013.

Godswill Akpabio
Godswill Akpabio, Senate President

The groups, in a letter to the Nigerian Senate dated January 27, 2025, said that the electricity sector privatisation has failed Nigeria’s over 230 million people with power generation still oscillating between 4,000 megawatts and 5,800 megawatts, in addition to incessant power grid collapse which is now a huge embarrassment to the nation.

The letter, addressed to the Senate President, Dr. Godswill Akpabio, was jointly signed by Comrades Adedeye Adebiyi and Dominic Igwebike, NUEE National President and General Secretary respectively, Comrades Benjamin Anthony and Sikiru Waheed, AUPCTRE National President and General Secretary respectively, Comrade Sani Baba, Executive Director of CFSF and Philip Jakpor, Executive Director, RDI.

The position of the groups is coming a month after they organised a one-day Symposium on the Socio-Economic and Political Implications of Privatisation of Public Assets and the Way Forward which was held in Lagos in December 2024, where they x-rayed the report of the Senate Committee on Power which investigated frequent national grid collapses and related issues, and came to the conclusion that the sector was in turmoil.

In the letter, the groups noted also that the hike in electricity tariffs and the balkanization of Nigerians into electricity bands, suggesting who should get electricity the most, has equally created an unnecessary class system in the society. As a result of these, Nigerians are forced to depend on electric generators at huge financial, environmental and health costs.

They urged the Senate to immediately convene a Public Hearing and invite Nigerians to relate their experiences in the last 12 years of the electricity sector privatisation. Another key demand is a halt to World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) suggested initiatives on privatising Nigeria’s public assets under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) or any model that places profits over service delivery and human rights.

They want, instead, the adoption of the Public-Public-Partnership model which has proven to be successful as against privatisation which is inefficient and has become a conduit pipe to fleece the nation, as well as sustained investment in human capital development in the public sector to pave way for efficiency and transparency in their operations.

They also demanded an end to practices that unfairly target workers in exercises that are carried out to strengthen government institutions and advocated that workers should be regularly trained and rated based on performance. 

Robert Egbe: Tobacco industry’s deadly, discredited ‘Harm Reduction’ trick

Michael Simire
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Robert Egbe: Tobacco industry’s deadly, discredited ‘Harm Reduction’ trick

Despite the millions of people its products kill every year, and the thousands more whose health is destroyed, the tobacco industry is aggressively lobbying governments and the public to embrace newer kinds of harmful tobacco products that it presents as “less harmful” or “safer” than traditional tobacco use.

Tobacco Harm Reduction
Alternatives to cigarette smoking can create a big impact on health in society

According to the World Health Organisation, the industry is particularly bent on luring young people to use its so-called “smokeless” nicotine-filled tobacco products, so that it can create a new generation of addicts. The industry regards these novel products as its future, meaning it quietly hopes that these youth will replace those who die or whose health is destroyed from traditional tobacco use so that the industry can continue making huge profits at the expense of peoples’ lives.

Confronted with clear evidence of the deadly harm of tobacco use, the tobacco industry now claims that it wants people to stop smoking. However, it has refused to stop manufacturing cigarettes or other tobacco products – it makes over five trillion cigarettes every year. Rather, it is actively and hypocritically expanding its production in, and especially, lower-income countries.

In Africa, for instance, it is primarily targeting the huge youth populations in countries like Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa, among others, which it sees as untapped market potential for its products of death and disease. According to the WHO, between 2005 and 2020, tobacco leaf production decreased globally by 4.6 per cent, but in Africa – egged on by the tobacco industry – it increased by 35.7 per cent. The industry knows that many countries on the continent are wracked by political instability, social inequality, and a weak legislative environment, and it is exploiting this to produce and market its products with limited restrictions.

One of its tactics to hoodwink governments and regulators and ensnare new users to tobacco use – in whatever form – is to introduce fancy novel tobacco products. These alternative nicotine products include vapes, also known as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and other electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), heated tobacco products (HTPs), snus, and oral nicotine pouches, among others.

Of course, its claims that these novel products are “safer” are untrue: traditional tobacco products were never safe in the first place. More importantly, tobacco use is harmful in all forms, and there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco. Not even farmers who grow the tobacco plant are safe.

These novel products are part of what the industry calls its Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) strategies. This discredited tactic has its roots in the United States of America of the 1940s, and it has now been repackaged to impress unsuspecting, contemporary audiences across the world. For instance, almost 70 years ago, the industry introduced filtered cigarettes as part of its THR, falsely claiming that they were, yes, “safer” than other types of tobacco. However, the mass migration of tobacco users to filtered cigarettes did not prevent a rise in lung cancer.

Another failed THR strategy introduced by the industry in more recent years is the “reduced carcinogen” cigarettes and products which heated rather than burned tobacco, delivering a vapour into smokers’ lungs. Contrary to the industry’s claims, researchers found that these products were neither safe nor reduced user harm.

Vapes, HTPs, snus, oral nicotine pouches, etc, are the latest kids on the tobacco harm-reduction block, which the industry claims will help people who are unwilling or unable to quit smoking. What the industry is often silent on is that these products contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance from tobacco that can be as addictive as cocaine and heroin. Nicotine exposure during adolescence can harm the developing brain.

According to the European Respiratory Society (ERS), evidence is increasing that novel tobacco and nicotine products constitute gateways to nicotine addiction and the initiation of smoking among youth. A May 2024 ERS report referenced a recent review of 189 studies on vaping and e-cigarettes which concluded that non-smoking youths who use e-cigarettes have substantially higher likelihood of starting smoking.

Furthermore, and contrary to what the industry says, there are no safe nicotine products. For instance, Snus contains several harmful substances, including heavy metals, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, tobacco-specific nitrosamines and tobacco alkaloids, such as nicotine which can damage the cardiovascular system. A June 2023 study by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health showed that the risk of throat and pancreatic cancer was three and two times greater, respectively, among frequent snus users. Furthermore, snus use has a detrimental impact on oral health and is statistically significantly associated with gum bleeding.

Vapes and other e-cigarettes are battery-powered and deliver nicotine through a liquid which turns into an aerosol. The e-liquids come in fruit flavours that appeal to youth. Cartridge-based and disposable e-cigarettes contain nicotine salts that do not produce vapour or visible emissions when the device is used and may make the product even more addictive. They almost always contain harmful ingredients, including nicotine. Acrolein, a known ingredient of many e-cigarettes, causes irreversible lung damage. No e-cigarette has been considered safe and effective by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in helping smokers quit.

These and more are why public health officials and tobacco control advocates have urged the government not to fall for the current phase of the tobacco harm reduction trick, which, is designed to keep the tobacco industry in its deadly business.

In Nigeria alone, tobacco use claims about 26,000 lives and inflicts debilitating conditions and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cancer, heart disease, and chronic respiratory diseases on thousands more. The solution to this man-made crisis is not THR, and it is certainly neither legalising nor making these deadly novel tobacco products available to the Nigerian public.

Rather several evidence-based methods have been scientifically proven safe and effective for quitting smoking. These include:

Counselling – Behavioural counselling by certified tobacco control and other medical experts increases the chances of quitting smoking successfully.

Medications – Several countries have approved some medications shown to be effective in helping people quit smoking. These medications include five forms of nicotine replacement therapy and two non-nicotine medications.

Combination of counselling and medication – Although counselling and medication are each proven treatments alone, using them in combination can more than double the chances of quitting smoking.

In addition, some popular policies to reduce tobacco use include Increasing tobacco taxes, adding graphic warning signs to tobacco product packaging, banning tobacco product advertisements, passing laws to discourage young people, and using peer-based approaches to help people quit tobacco.

Furthermore, Nigeria should emulate countries like Côte d’Ivoire, whose cabinet has just approved a decree that extends the country’s smoking ban to all forms of novel and emerging products. This will shield non-smokers from second-hand and third-hand smoke, which are proven causes of NCDs.

In summary, the government and public should reject the tobacco industry’s deadly THR claims because smokers who switch to these alternative products are still exposed to toxic and carcinogenic substances that can kill them or severely damage their health.

Egbe is a tobacco control advocate at Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA)

UN wildlife treaty releases new reports on importance of community-led conservation

Michael Simire
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UN wildlife treaty releases new reports on importance of community-led conservation

Community-led conservation strategies can be instrumental for the successful conservation of migratory species, according to two major reports released by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), a global wildlife treaty of the United Nations.

Amy Fraenkel
CMS Executive Secretary, Amy Fraenkel

The report, titled “Community Participation and Livelihoods”, focuses on 10 key guiding principles for community-led conservation strategies, while the study, “Potential for Community-Based Wildlife Management in Central Asia”, presents real-world insights into how community-led initiatives can achieve biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods.

Indigenous peoples and local communities are custodians of over a third of the world’s most important places for biodiversity and play a vital role in the conservation of migratory species and their habitats. Integrating their traditional knowledge and practices with modern wildlife management approaches can lead to successful management, conservation, and sustainable use of wildlife and their habitats.

“For many migratory species of wild animals, having the engagement and expertise of local communities and traditional knowledge is vital for effective conservation. We are very pleased to issue these two reports on the critical role that local communities can play in ensuring that migratory species will continue to thrive for generations to come,” said Amy Fraenkel, CMS Executive Secretary.

CMS is the only global UN convention that focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of migratory species of wild animals and their habitats. Sustainable use is allowed for species listed on the treaty’s Appendix II, and can include both extractive and non-extractive uses, such as tourism, use of fur, and others. Appendix I-listed species are considered in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their range and their use is prohibited.

Seasonal migrations and aggregations of wild animals affect local communities differently across regions and require international coordination, often beyond the immediate scope of local interactions.

Community-based wildlife management (CBWM) has gained significant attention in international policy from both human rights and biodiversity conservation perspectives. For example, several targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMFBG) are particularly relevant to CBWM, including Target 5 on ensuring sustainable, safe and legal use, harvesting and trade of wild species, and Target 9, which focuses on linking benefits from sustainable use to indigenous peoples and local communities.

To strengthen local engagement and maximise successful community participation in conservation, governments gathered at the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP14) to CMS adopted 10 key guiding principles on the involvement of communities in the conservation of migratory species. The Community Participation and Livelihoods study demonstrates how these principles are at play in real-world examples of CBWM experiences from around the world.

For instance, exemplifying land and user rights, local communities in Bolivia and Peru were granted sustainable use rights to shear live wild vicuña for high-value fibre. This has provided significant income ($3.72 million in Bolivia from 2007–2014), improved local tolerance for rising vicuña populations, and empowered communities with legal ownership and custodial rights.

Similarly, Vamizi Island, which harbours Mozambique’s most critical green turtle nesting site, has successfully implemented the Maluane Project since 2003, combining community-based conservation, sustainable development, and luxury tourism. This has resulted in reduced turtle bycatch and poaching, alternative livelihoods, empowered fisheries councils, and the establishment of a marine sanctuary.

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