33.8 C
Lagos
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Home Blog Page 10

Electricity: Foreign firm proposes to build 50-MW gas plant in Maiduguri 

Michael Simire
-
0
Electricity: Foreign firm proposes to build 50-MW gas plant in Maiduguri 

An international film has proposed to build a 50-MW new gas-power plant in Auno, a suburb of Maiduguri in Borno State, to improve electricity supply in the state.

Governor Babagana Zulum
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State

Mr. Shettima Bukar, the General Manager, Borno State Rural Electrification Board, who made this known in an interview on Sunday, February 23, 2025, in Maiduguri, said that the move was aimed at restoring electric services to communities in line with the state government’s ongoing recovery efforts.

Bukar, who could not immediately give the estimate of the proposed power plant that could produce up to 50-MW when completed, said the proposed plant was still at the drawing stage.

“This is a design of a proposal given to us by a foreign company to generate 50-MW of electricity.

“We have already located a site along Maiduguri-Auno. We have shown them (company) the place and they have selected the site.

“We will let you know the cost when all administrative formalities are finalised,” the general manager said.

He, however, said that the state government had in the last four years electrified Local Government Headquarters and some villages across the Senatorial Districts.

“In the Southern part of Borno State, in the last four years, we have electrified some local government headquarters and villages.

“For instance in Bayo Local Government, we provide electricity to Balbaya town. That is from Fikahel to Balbaya about 22km inter-town connections, and along the route we have some communities like Tsangayari, Chongom, Limanti and Kuba, we all provided electricity courtesy of Borno State government,” he said.

The general manager said that the rural electrification in the Southern Borno had extended from Tashan Itashe to Tashan Tsamiya all in Bayo local government.

“In some part of Northern Borno, we have electrified Mafa, the Headquarters of Mafa local government.

“And recently His Excellency graciously approved a lot of fund to electrify Dikwa town. And the project is currently ongoing, our engineers and technicians are on the site working,” Bukar said.

He also said that the board had sent an estimate proposal for the electrification of communities from Dikwa to Gamboru Ngala about two weeks ago.

“Maiduguri-Konduga, Konduga-Bama Inter-Town Connections (ITC), that is ITC, is already completed. As we speak our staff are currently working in Konduga township and Bama to restore electricity.

“As for Bama-Gwoza, we have started erecting poles because we are expanding to about 82km, and we are trying to meet up with our target before the rainy season.

“We have divided the work into phases and the 1st phase is to plant the poles, if the poles are well erected, the overhead materials will come later.

“So the poles erection has commenced from  Bama-Gwoza up to Limankara,” he explained.

Bukar also announced that the board had also forwarded a proposal for the electrification of communities of Yara and Gora towns, among others in Southern Borno.

“From Maiduguri to Gajiram, the headquarters of Nganzai local government, we are now mobilising to start work. Fund had been released.

“We have submitted our proposal for the electrification of communities from Gajiram to Monguno to electrify Monguno and the proposal is receiving attention now,” the general manager said.

He, however, said that there was no light at the moment in Malam Fatori because of insurgency related issues; saying “the area is not accessible for now.

“Guzamala, Kukawa and Mobbar too don’t have light presently.”

Bukar said that the board had succeeded in restoring light from Magumeri to Gubio in 2021 but they were unable to restored light in Kala-Balge, in Ngala Balge local government area.

“Marte no light but we have put its estimates in our 2025 budget proposal but as you know we cannot embrace all the projects at a time. They are capital intensive and equally we cannot start a project that we cannot complete.

“We are doing them (projects) in phases. If we finish with two, three local governments,
then we go to another local government.

“Marte is there in our proposal, Guzamala is there in our proposal, Kukawa, Baga and Damasak towns are all there in our proposal.

“In Southern part there is no local government that doesn’t have light with the exception of Damboa because of insurgency.

“But recently we have rehabilitated Uba to Askira and we have restored light to Askira that was between November and December 2024,” the general manager said.

According to him, light has also been restored from Askira to Chibok, adding that only Damboa remains in dark, though its rehabilitation work was also captured in 2025 budget.

“North Central are all electrified. In Kaga local government area, the transmission line was vandalised and His Excellency has asked us to bring estimate and the matter is receiving attention,” the general manager said.

Bukar also announced that Gov. Babagan Zulum has released more than N300 million recently for a company to refurbish all the transformers that needed to be refurbished and other substations that required certain maintenance.

The 52-MW Maiduguri Emergency Power Project (MEPP) which was built by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in form of intervention to provide reliable and sustainable electricity to Maiduguri is generating 32-MW with a daily average capacity of 14.20MW as of December 2024.

MEPP is operating at unsuitable tariff of 6.2USc/kWh paid by NBET vs. Cost tariff of 15.88USc/kWh for an average of 41MW CCPP as of Sept. 2024.

The initiative behind the construction of MEPP by Buhari’s administration in 2021 was aimed at bringing lasting solution to extended power outages caused by vandalism and insurgency attacks on power supply infrastructure.

Based on that Buhari directed the Management of NNPC Ltd then to restore power supply to Maiduguri and its environs but Borno is still experiencing serious power outage hence the need for required additional power generating plants to meet its population needs.

By Hamza Suleiman

Togo, Serbia in focus as GCF bolsters climate action with $686m investment

Michael Simire
-
0
Togo, Serbia in focus as GCF bolsters climate action with $686m investment

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) at its Board meeting held from February 17 to 20, 2025, appeared to have provided further evidence that it is increasing access to and support for national and regional partners operating on the frontlines of the climate crisis.

GCF
GCF Board Meeting

The Fund’s Board approved $686.8 million ($1.5 billion with co-financing) in GCF investment for 11 projects in 42 countries that are expected to provide direct support to 115.5 million people and mitigate the equivalent of 45.3 million metric tonnes of CO₂.

The new projects include first-time single-country investments in Serbia to enhance forest resilience and in Togo to strengthen the climate resilience of vulnerable communities.

During the same meeting, the Board decided that the Fund, which is headquartered in the Republic of Korea, will establish a regional presence to bring it closer to the developing countries it serves. A regional presence will enhance access to the Fund and increase the climate impact of its projects.

The Board meeting was presided by Co-chairs Seyni Nafo and Leif Holmberg, who were elected to chair proceedings during 2025.

Co-chair Seyni Nafo from Mali said: “The 11 new projects agreed at this Board will bring urgently needed climate finance to support developing countries. It is particularly gratifying to see that we are broadening our impact, by bringing first-time projects to Togo and Serbia. I am also encouraged to see that we have approved five new direct access entities, reinforcing GCF’s commitment to country ownership and delivering effective climate action at the local level. Six of the approved Funding Proposals will move straight to implementation with immediate project agreement signings, showing that the GCF is responding to the urgent need for action on the ground.”

Board Co-chair Leif Holmberg from Sweden said: “During these challenging times, GCF is showing how countries are able to reaffirm their individual and collective commitment to accelerating support to climate-vulnerable communities. It demonstrates that increasing access to vital finance on the frontlines of the climate crisis remains a top priority for the Board. In addition, the Fund’s partnerships with the private sector continue to mobilise critical additional resources, which further strengthens the GCF’s ability to deliver effective climate action at the local level.”

GCF Executive Director, Mafalda Duarte, said: “If climate action is local action—which it is—then the Green Climate Fund needs to be local too. Not only as a source of finance but as a partner working on the ground. I’m pleased that the Fund has taken a historic step in establishing a presence in key regions, bringing our world-class specialists closer to those who will benefit most from their support. This decision strengthens our ability to deliver on the more than $680 million in new climate action commitments announced at this Board meeting, pushing our total portfolio towards $17 billion across 133 countries.”

With the latest project approvals, the Fund’s overall portfolio comprises 297 projects, with a total GCF funding amount of $16.6 billion and $62.7 billion with co-financing. Investment is mostly via grants (74%), supplemented by loans (16%) and equity (10%).

The investment by region is as follows: Africa (38%), Latin America and the Caribbean (32%), Asia Pacific (27%), Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East (3%). Of the total adaptation envelope, 63% will go to Least Developed Countries (LDC), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and African countries.

GCF is mandated to support the needs of underserved countries and communities that are most vulnerable to climate change’s adverse effects.

Two of the approved projects illustrate GCF’s ability to leverage private sector investment. In partnership with La Banque Agricole – a first-time project for a national direct access entity – a Green Climate Finance Facility that fosters climate-smart agriculture will be established in Senegal.

The other private sector project establishes a sustainable land fund in partnership with Mirova to address deforestation for agriculture in several countries.

The Mirova project was approved under the Project-Specific Assessment Approach (PSAA) pilot initiative, which is part of GCF’s continued effort to streamline access and facilitate wider partnerships.

The pilot provides a one-step route to funding by assessing an entity’s capacity to meet GCF accreditation standards simultaneously with the project review.

The second PSAA project to be approved is the RE-GAIN initiative to scale solutions for food loss in Africa, in partnership with AGRA.

The United Nations Early Warning For All initiative was boosted with the approval of a major multi-country project that will protect lives and livelihoods in many at-risk countries.

GCF’s Project Preparation Facility supported the development of five of the projects.

The Board approved six new GCF project implementing partners, including five national and regional partners, to support GCF’s commitment to direct access in developing countries. Burkina Faso has its first direct access entity, while Armenia has its first private sector direct access entity.

The 42nd meeting of the GCF Board will be held from June 30 to July 3, 2025, in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

The 11 projects approved at the 41st meeting of the GCF Board are as follows:

  • SAP048: Strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities within high climatic and disaster risk areas in Togo, with Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement (BOAD)
  • SAP049: Sustainable Communities for Climate Action in the Yucátan Peninsula (ACCIÓN) Country: Mexico, with Fondo Mexicano para la Conservación de la Naturaleza A.C. (FMCN)
  • FP255: Transforming Livelihoods through Climate Resilient, Low Carbon, Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains in the Lake Region Economic Bloc, Kenya, with Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO)
  • FP256: Intensification of Agriculture and Agroforestry Techniques (IAAT) for climate resilient food and nutrition security: Tombouctou, Gao, Mopti, Koulikoro and Segou regions of Mali, with Save the Children Australia
  • FP257: RE-GAIN: Scaling solutions for food loss in Africa, with AGRA
  • FP258: Multi-country Project Advancing Early Warnings for All (EW4All), with UNDP
  • FP259: Adapting tuna-dependent Pacific Island communities and economies to climate change, with Conservation International
  • FP260: Enhancing the resilience of Serbian forests to ensure energy security of the most vulnerable while contributing to their livelihoods and carbon sequestration (FOREST Invest), with FAO
  • FP261: Improving Climate Resilience by Increasing Water Security in the Amazon Basin Countries: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Suriname, with IDB
  • FP262: Green Climate Finance Facility for Fostering Climate-Smart Agriculture in Senegal, with Le Banque d’Agricole
  • FP263: Mirova Sustainable Land Fund 2 (MSLF2), with Mirova.

The six newly accredited organisations are:

  • “ARMSWISSBANK” Closed Joint Stock Company (ArmSwissBank), based in Armenia
  • Development Bank of Rwanda (B.R.D) Plc (DBR), based in Rwanda
  • Fonds d’Intervention pour l’Environnement (FIE), based in Burkina Faso
  • Trade and Development Bank Group (TDB), based in Burundi and Mauritius
  • ECOWAS Bank of Investment and Development (EBID), based in Togo
  • ACTED, based in France.

NCDC reports 80 deaths from Lassa fever in 11 states

Michael Simire
-
0
NCDC reports 80 deaths from Lassa fever in 11 states

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 80 deaths from 413 confirmed Lassa fever cases across 11 states during Epidemiological Week 6 (Feb. 3–9, 2025).

Dr Jide Idris
Director-General of NCDC, Dr Jide Idris

The NCDC disclosed this information on its official website, noting that the case fatality rate (CFR) had risen to 19.4 per cent, up from 17.5 per cent in the same period in 2024.

The latest Lassa Fever Situation Report revealed that 73 per cent of confirmed cases came from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states, with Ondo leading at 34 per cent, followed by Edo 21 per cent and Bauchi 18 per cent.

It said a total of 63 local government areas in these 11 states had recorded confirmed cases.

“In spite of a drop in new cases from 68 in Week 5 to 54 in Week 6, the agency remains concerned about the high fatality rate.

“The affected age group is primarily 21 to 30 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.”

The NCDC said while no new healthcare worker infections were reported this week, delayed case presentations had contributed to the rising fatality rate.

The NCDC pointed to poor health-seeking behaviour, high treatment costs, and limited awareness in high-burden communities as major challenges.

To address the outbreak, the NCDC had activated the National Lassa Fever Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) to coordinate efforts.

“The key interventions include deployment of National Rapid Response Teams (NRRT) to Gombe, Nasarawa, and Benue.

“The interventions also involve training healthcare workers in Lassa fever case management in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue, enhanced surveillance, and contact tracing in affected states.

“Additionally, there will be distribution of response commodities such as personal protective equipment (PPEs), Ribavirin, thermometers, and body bags, along with community sensitization and risk communication campaigns in hotspot areas.”

The NCDC stated that it was also collaborating with the World Health Organisation (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the International Research Centre of Excellence (IRCE) to improve diagnosis, treatment, and outbreak response.

The agency urged Nigerians to take preventive measures, including maintaining proper hygiene, avoiding contact with rodent droppings, and seeking medical attention early if symptoms like fever, sore throat, and unexplained bleeding occur.

“As the Lassa fever season peaks, the NCDC is intensifying case management training, rapid response coordination, and infection prevention measures to curb the outbreak’s spread.

“A nationwide rodent control and community awareness campaign is being planned in collaboration with Breakthrough Action Nigeria (BA-N) and other stakeholders.

“For real-time updates and safety guidelines, the NCDC advises Nigerians to visit www.ncdc.gov.ng or call the toll-free line: 6232.”

The NCDC further urged Nigerians to reduce their risk of infection by following these measures: store food properly in sealed containers to prevent rat contamination.

“Keep homes clean and eliminate rodent hiding places.

“Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands regularly with soap and water.

“Avoid bush burning, which drives rats into homes, increasing the risk of infection.

“Seek medical help early if experiencing fever, weakness, or bleeding, and visit a health facility immediately.”

The NCDC stated that Lassa fever is preventable and encouraged Nigerians to stay informed and take action to protect themselves and their loved ones.

By Abujah Racheal

Why community-centred approach is key to scale up renewables-based adaptation efforts in agriculture

Michael Simire
-
0
Why community-centred approach is key to scale up renewables-based adaptation efforts in agriculture

At least a billion people living in rural areas worldwide rely on agriculture: a livelihood that is critically vulnerable to the effects of changing weather patterns and rising temperatures caused by climate change. Many of these people must now rapidly adapt with new livelihood strategies to survive. These strategies will vary by locale, as climate change impacts different people and value chains in differing ways – depending on social norms, ecosystems, economic conditions and other characteristics that present both opportunities and constraints.

IIED and IRENA
IRENA and IIED have developed a practical framework to guide stakeholders in incorporating renewable energy, climate action and agriculture into their investment projects

Products powered by renewable energy – for example, solar-powered irrigation pumps and refrigerators for storing produce – can be incorporated as part of these wider strategies, while fulfilling many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as affordable and clean energy (SDG 7) and climate action (SDG 13).

Despite this, households and livelihoods energy deficit around the world remains enormous. And while finance for climate adaptation strategies reached $32.4 billion in 2022, the energy sector represented a sliver at only 3%. There is an enormous opportunity to bring together finance for adaptation and energy access investments. But the evidence is limited for what works for whom, where, under what circumstances, and why, as IIED’s recent paper highlights. Building the evidence base can guide more efficient use of scarce funding and finance.

To respond to this need, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) have developed a practical framework to guide stakeholders in incorporating renewable energy, climate action and agriculture into their investment projects, under the frame of the IRENA Empowering Lives and Livelihoods Initiative. As part of this initiative, IRENA has established an adaptation working group with over 20 development organisations to foster institutional collaboration and knowledge sharing.

A consolidated framework for energy access, climate action and agriculture

The IRENA-IIED framework builds on IIED’s earlier work, which emphasised that technologies alone are unlikely to be transformational when it comes to coupling energy access with climate adaptation. This is particularly true in rural areas that are usually characterised by a deficit of public and private goods and services. To fill the gaps in these places, people often need packages of support to buy and use technological tools – support like asset financing and subsidies, or extension services and advice – provided by institutions, governments, and companies.

To help navigate this complexity, the IRENA-IIED framework features six practical steps to improve the design, implementation and evaluation of investments in agriculture, which is adaptable and aligns with established indicators from the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) and the Green Climate Fund. The proposed framework integrates best practices, approaches and sector-specific expertise across the climate adaptation, energy access and agriculture sectors. It provides a foundation to guide investors, project implementers, companies and donors on how to measure changes – and for whom.

To address contextual norms that often dictate different people’s needs and strategies, as well as opportunities and constraints through gender, age, social groups among others, the framework also provides non-prescriptive guidance that aims to help diverse stakeholders with different needs and contexts, in terms of tracking adaptation benefits and building the evidence base on how renewable-powered energy access (e.g. solar-powered irrigation, processing and cold storage) supports climate adaptation in agriculture.

Six steps to building climate resilience in rural communities

The first step in the framework involves project implementers working with households or communities to establish the socioeconomic dynamics of their community and understand the climate risks and impacts. They identify what they need to thrive. Next, they design ‘bundles’ together – the energy technology with financing, training, extension support, or supportive policies, etc. – to address these needs (step two).

The third step involves deploying the bundles, gathering feedback and adjusting as necessary. The fourth step focuses on observing what works, for whom, and why, to build the evidence base. Outcomes related to climate adaptation and resilience are then evaluated, employing the ‘Three As’ framework: adaptive, absorptive and anticipatory capacity (step five). Finally, the sixth step constructs a narrative around ‘general resilience’, focusing on flexibility, coordination, participation and learning.

The framework emphasises adaptive management (where actions incorporate ongoing learning) and vigilance against maladaptation throughout the process. It recognises that climate risks and sector interactions evolve, making it necessary to continuously monitor, learn, and manage changes. In short, it’s essential to engage diverse groups of stakeholders early on in project design; making it possible to identify synergies, manage expectations, optimise resources and improve outcomes for the targeted communities.

A critical next step of the framework is to validate it with different communities across the world, to ‘road test’ it in ongoing and new energy interventions and investments in agriculture. Ideally, this will reveal where investments can work for different kinds of people in different circumstances, which eventually gives agricultural households and communities a much stronger chance of not just surviving, but also thriving in the face of ever-changing climates.

The framework will be presented by IRENA and IIED at the upcoming 6th International Off-Grid Renewable Energy Conference and Exhibition (IOREC), taking place in Botswana in February 2025, followed by a joint publication in the coming months.

By Babucarr Bittaye (Associate Programme Officer – Energy Access and Cross Sectoral, IRENA) and Kevin Johnstone (Senior Researcher – Productive Uses of Energy and Energy Finance, IIED)

Stakeholders seek revamping of science education in Nigeria

Michael Simire
-
0
Stakeholders seek revamping of science education in Nigeria

Some stakeholders have advocated the revamping of science education in the country to accelerate national development.

Prof. Tahir Mamman
Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman

The stakeholders made the call on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the Golden Jubilee celebration of Government Science College Izom, near Suleija in Niger, State.

The jubilee was also celebrated with inauguration of projects executed by the Izom Old Boys Association (IZOBA), quiz competition, launching of a Magazine, dinner and award night.

Mr. Umar Shu’aib, an old student at the college, said it was high time that government at all levels pay due attention to the expansion and increase investment in science education.

Shu’aibu, a former Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, said that the college was established 50 years ago to encourage science education for national development.

According to him, no country in the world develops without science education.

He said that due to the training they had in the school, most of the old boys were professionals, occupying positions in the society.

“We have so many professors, generals in the military, medical doctors, and engineers, all of us products of this school.

“We now have a duty to return the college to its past glory,” he said.

He called on the Federal Government to use the college as a model of what Science Secondary School should like and be replicated in all parts of the country.

Another old boy of the school, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, the Registrar and Chief Executive of the National Examinations Council, also argued that promoting science education would move the country forward.

Wushishi urged schools to pay attention to quality education as against all forms of examination malpractices.

According to him, no nation will develop without quality education with due focus on science and technology.

He appealed to the government of Niger to return the Government Science College Izom to a boarding school to be able to make the desired impact.

Earlier, the National President of IZOBA, Prof. Abdulkadir Abubakar, also requested for the return of the college to a boarding institution.

Abubakar said that the old boys recognised the importance of giving back to their alma mater.

He identified some of the projects executed by the association in the college for inauguration as the construction of toilets, refurbishing and construction of classroom desks, and boreholes.

Other projects, he said, included the donation of textbooks to the library, and supplying chemicals and reagents for the chemistry, physics, and biology laboratories.

This, according to him, demonstrated the association’s commitment to improving the learning environment and enhancing the educational experience for the students of the school.

“We are proud of what we have achieved, and we believe that these projects will have a positive impact on the school community,” Abubakar said.

While inaugurating the projects, Gov. Mohammed Bago, commended the association for the laudable interventions.

Bago, who was represented by the Commissioner of Education in the state, Dr Hadiza Mohammed, said that the support would boost teaching and learning in the school.

He said that the request for the return of the school to science boarding school would be given due consideration.

By Philip Yatai

MEMAN advocates rail transport for safer fuel distribution

Michael Simire
-
0
MEMAN advocates rail transport for safer fuel distribution

The Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) has called for the reintroduction of rail transport for fuel distribution to help reduce the growing number of truck accidents on Nigerian roads.

Petrol tanker
Petrol tanker accident

Its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Clement Isong, gave the advice in an interview on Saturday, February 22, 2025, in Lagos.

On Feb. 19, the Federal Government announced a ban on fuel tankers exceeding 60,000 litres from operating on the country’s roads, citing safety concerns and the need to curb frequent accidents involving heavy-duty petroleum trucks.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) stated that the restriction would take effect from March 1.

Isong highlighted the frequent truck accidents in the country, emphasising that rail transport could offer significant advantages, particularly in terms of safety and efficiency.

He explained that rail transport would help reduce the number of fuel tankers on the road, thereby lowering the chances of accidents.

He said that although rail is better than trucks, but pipelines are the best, and therefore suggested improving it.

He added that rail could transport larger volumes of products more efficiently than trucks, potentially cutting long-term costs.

“To make this a reality, however, the government needs to invest in the necessary infrastructure and designate specific rail lines for petroleum product transportation.

“Though this will take time, it could significantly improve the safety and sustainability of the industry,” he said.

Isong also discussed the Federal Government’s decision to restrict fuel tankers exceeding 60,000 litres.

This regulation, he explained, followed consultations with stakeholders in the petroleum downstream sector, as well as government agencies responsible for road infrastructure, safety, and security.

He said that the decision aligns with the United Nations’ Second Decade of Action for Road Safety and the five pillars of improving road safety: road management, vehicle safety, post-crash care, road user behaviour, and enforcement of traffic laws.

“This decision reflects a concerted effort to protect our roads and address the environmental and safety issues associated with overloaded trucks.

“The growing number of fuel tanker accidents has raised serious safety concerns, and this regulation aims to mitigate hazardous incidents,” the CEO said.

Isong also warned that overloaded trucks, especially those carrying petroleum products, are prone to brake failures, rollovers, and difficulty in control, all of which pose serious risks to road safety.

“While the new regulation is a positive step, the real challenge lies in enforcing it effectively across the country.

“The government must ensure that distribution channels are optimised to prevent supply chain disruptions, particularly when trucks are recalled,” he added.

Isong emphasised the need for strict enforcement of the new regulation, with clear penalties for non-compliance.

He also called for investments in technology to help ensure compliance and the prioritisation of repairs for tanker routes.

To ensure continued product supply and improve safety, Isong advocated the development of better transport alternatives, including rail networks and pipelines.

He urged the government to provide financial support to transporters for redesigning their tankers to meet the new regulations.

Isong also addressed truck drivers, urging them to adhere to the new regulations for the collective good, which would make roads safer for all.

He encouraged drivers to stay well-trained, remain updated on safe driving practices, and ensure their vehicles are in good working condition before each trip.

“Proper journey management is key. Avoid alcohol while driving, as it impairs your ability to control the vehicle.

“Regularly check your truck for any malfunctions and report them to your supervisors,” he stressed.

Isong also urged fuel marketers to invest in smaller, safer tankers to comply with the new regulations, conduct periodic integrity checks on trucks, and ensure that only trained drivers are responsible for transporting products.

Isong advised marketers to embrace technology to monitor operations and optimise safety measures, such as setting up control centers to track trucks in transit and ensure drivers adhere to safety procedures.

“Work closely with your logistics teams to optimise loading processes and ensure strict adherence to safety standards,” he noted.

Isong said that training and retraining of drivers cannot be overemphasised, adding that drivers should be trained at least once every year to emphasize good driving culture, product knowledge, and safety practices at the loading depots and on the road.

He said that all training is essential, adding that truck drivers should undergo defensive driving courses regularly. Unfortunately, there is no training school in Nigeria that has a driving track specifically for tanker drivers.

The MEMAN boss said that the government could collaborate with private investors or with TotalEnergies to complete the driving track for tankers under construction at Ibadan.

“This school, with an integrity check center for trucks and a driving track still under construction, could serve as a good school for tanker driver training.

“Only certified trained drivers should be allowed to drive petroleum tankers.

“Certification should be by FRSC, and the drivers should have passed through the training school,” he added.

Nigeria to witness first lunar crescent on Feb. 28 – NASRDA

Michael Simire
-
0
Nigeria to witness first lunar crescent on Feb. 28 – NASRDA

The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has said that Nigeria will likely witness its first astronomical lunar crescent on Feb. 28, 2025.

Lunar crescent
Lunar crescent

Dr Felix Ale, Director of Media and Corporate Communications of NASRDA, who said this in a statement on Saturday, Feb. 22, noted that the lunar crescent had been calculated to occur at 1:45 A.M. West African Time (WAT).

Ale said the predicted time of 1:45 A.M time, also known as the Crescent Zero hour, would be when the crescent could be seen under perfect atmospheric conditions with the aid of optical instruments like binoculars or telescopes.

“The crescent will become visible to the naked eye in the evening of Friday 28th 2025 between 6:17 PM and 7:35 PM across different locations in Nigeria.

“Maiduguri will be the first city to witness the young lunar crescent from 6:17 PM to 6:48 PM, followed by Yola, Adamawa State, from 6:21 PM to 6:51 PM.

“Damaturu, Yobe, will follow from 6:22 PM to 6:53 PM, Kano, Kastina, Jos and Kaduna will experience the first lunar crescent between 6:38pm and 7:12pm.

“The sunset and moon set will occur between 6:35pm and 7:12pm, 6:38pm and 7:15pm, 6:35pm and 7:11pm, 6:40pm and 7:17pm respectively.

“Enugu will experience the lunar crescent between 6:42pm and 7:32pm with sunset and moonset at about 6:42pm and 7:18pm,’’ he said.

He predicted that in the FCT, the first lunar crescent would appear between 6:44pm and 7:15 pm, with sunset and moonset at about 6:44pm and 7:20pm.

The last cities to experience the lunar crescent, he said would be Lagos and Abeokuta between the hours of 6:59pm to 7:30pm.

Ale said that other cities across the federation will experience the lunar crescent at different times within the estimated visibility window of 6:17pm and 7:35pm on same day.

He said: “For a clear sighting of the first lunar crescent, observers are to use optical aids where necessary, observe under clear atmospheric conditions.

“Observers are to position themselves in locations with an unobstructed view of the western horizon after sunset,’’

He added that the scientific report provided precise predictions on the lunar crescent across locations of the country.

According to him, the report  ensured accuracy for those who relied on lunar observations for religious, cultural, and scientific purposes.

The space agency encouraged researchers, scholars, and religious groups to utilise the findings, adding that anyone requiring additional data for further analyses could visit the official office website on www.nasrda.gov.ng.

Dr Bonaventure Okere, Director, Centre for Basic Space Science and Astronomy, (CBSSA), an activity centre of NASRDA, said it was regarded as the first stage of the moon, hence the new crescent.

Okere said the appearance of the new crescent was highly significant in the Islamic religion, because it was used to determine some rites and practices like the beginning of the Ramadan fast.

“The Islamic religion use moon phases for their Islamic rites but astronomers study the cycle of the rising and setting of the moon to determine moon days which is usually 28 days.

“Astronomers use the moon cycle to generate Lunar calendar, understand the part of the moon you can see daily,’’ he said.

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

Senate committee seeks sustainable policies to tackle climate change

Michael Simire
-
0
Senate committee seeks sustainable policies to tackle climate change

The Senate Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has urged the implementation of proactive and sustainable policies to address climate change in West Africa.

Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong
Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong

Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong, made the call when members of C7 West Africa Project Consortium paid him a visit in Abuja on Friday, February 21, 2025.

Asuquo noted that one of the most pressing challenges that must be addressed was the growing threat of climate change.

“To tackle it effectively, we need a comprehensive understanding of its impact on the Niger Delta.

“This will enable us to craft and implement policies that are not just reactive but proactive and sustainable.”

Asuquo lamented that decades of oil exploration had caused severe environmental damage to the region, with rising sea levels, flooding, and erratic weather patterns displacing communities and threatening livelihoods.

According to him, these challenges also contribute to the spread of diseases, further straining an already overstretched public health system.

“Moreover, the connection between environmental degradation and social unrest is undeniable.

“To achieve lasting peace, we must first address these root causes.

“However, our response must be guided by reliable data. Without it, our interventions risk being inadequate or misdirected,” Asuquo said.

In his remarks, the leader of the delegation, Air Commodore (Rtd) Darlington Abdullahi, said that the phenomenon of climate change was an existential reality and a threat to the global system.

He said this was evident in the growing crisis across the world, the Sahel region, Northern Nigeria through desertification and the South South of Nigeria as seasonal floods wreaked havoc in its trail.

“Climate change is therefore altering the security landscapes around the world.

“West Africa is experiencing climate change at rates faster than the global average, leading to violent conflicts and complex humanitarian emergencies.

“Nigeria is already having much more than its fair share of this global phenomenon due to its continued impact on natural resource availability, biodiversity and agricultural productivity among others.”

Abdullahi called for research, mitigation and adaptation efforts “we have had to embark on over the past three years to enhance resilience leading to our policy brief”.

By Naomi Sharang

Nigeria, Japan move to strengthen bilateral energy partnership

Michael Simire
-
0
Nigeria, Japan move to strengthen bilateral energy partnership

Nigeria and Japan have taken significant steps to strengthen their bilateral energy partnership following the visit of the Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, and a high-level delegation to Japan.

Adebayo Adelabu
Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu (right), with a Japanese official during the visit

Malam Mutari Ibrahim, Director of Promotion and Outreach (PIO) at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Saturday, February 22, 2025.

Ibrahim stated that the minister, along with a delegation of key stakeholders in Nigeria’s power sector, recently concluded a three-day strategic visit to Japan aimed at strengthening bilateral energy partnerships.

The visit was facilitated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

He said that the visit provided a platform for engaging with Japanese energy leaders, policymakers, and industry experts, with a focus on enhancing Nigeria’s power infrastructure, improving grid reliability, and exploring innovative energy solutions.

He highlighted key engagements and strategic learnings that took place during the visit.

“The minister and the Nigerian delegation engaged in high-level discussions and technical sessions, gaining insights into Japan’s energy market structure, policy frameworks, and operational models.

“The key area of focus includes policy and evolution of Japan’s power sector,” he said.

Ibrahim said that the delegation received a comprehensive briefing on the evolution of Japan’s power sector, its regulatory framework, “and how the sector efficiently manages electricity distribution and market operations.”

He said that these insights provided valuable lessons for Nigeria’s evolving power market, electricity management and  system operations.

 Ibrahim said that the delegation also explored Japan’s advanced electricity load dispatching mechanisms, the operational framework for generation and distribution coordination.

 ””Grid optimisation strategies, which could inform best practices for Nigeria’s power sector reforms, energy trading and market operations.

 ”The Nigeria’s energy stakeholders examined Japan’s electricity supply system and power exchange market, analysing models that could improve Nigeria’s electricity market efficiency.

“Energy pricing mechanisms, and competitiveness and strategic bilateral meetings,” he said.

Ibrahim also said that the minister and the team further engaged in high-level technical discussions to deepen Nigeria-Japan energy sector cooperation, including a  bilateral meeting with the Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry.

He said that during the meeting, both parties explored opportunities to strengthen economic and energy sector collaborations.

According to him, they also held a strategic session with JICA leadership, where potential areas of support and collaboration were identified to accelerate power sector reforms and investment in Nigeria.

“As part, of the visit, the delegation conducted on-site technical assessments of key Japanese energy facilities: DAIKIN Solution Plaza and provided insights into energy-efficient and innovative cooling solutions.

”Emphasising the integration of energy efficiency strategies into Nigeria’s power development agenda.

“They also visited Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) and explored Japan’s grid management strategies, resilience planning, and sustainable power solutions.

“This is with a view to adopting best practices to enhance Nigeria’s national grid reliability, key outcomes and next steps,” he said.

Ibrahim said that the visit resulted in the identification and advancement of key initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s power sector: Short-Term Grid Reliability Measures.

He said the discussions focused on immediate steps that Nigeria could implement to enhance national grid stability and resilience, leveraging Japan’s expertise in grid operations and maintenance.

”The visit also advanced JICA’s potential co-financing support for the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) Project, implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

”This initiative is set to expand energy access in rural and underserved communities, stimulating economic growth and sustainable development.Long-Term Collaboration & Investment Opportunities.

 ”The engagements laid a strong foundation for future collaboration between Nigeria and Japan, unlocking opportunities for technology transfer, capacity building, and investments in Nigeria’s energy infrastructure.

“A Unified Approach to Power Sector Transformation,” he said.

The minister was accompanied on the visit by Mahmuda Mamman, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, and Mr. Sanusi Garba, Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC),

Also, on the delegation were Mr. Sule Abdulaziz, Managing Director, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), and Mr. Abba Aliyu, Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

By Constance Athekame

When Lagos town planners closed their eyes to broad-day illegality

Michael Simire
-
1
When Lagos town planners closed their eyes to broad-day illegality

On Friday, February 21, 2025, we were invited to one of our professional colleagues’ birthday anniversary thanksgiving service at Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral, Oba Akinjobi Road GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

Dr. Oluyinka Olumide
Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide

A lot of the invitees were physical planners practicing in Lagos State, including the Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON) national president, Nigeria Institute of Town Planners (NITP) Lagos State chapter current and past chairmen, serving and retired Directors in the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, some of whom were still practicing as consultants in the state.

It was a colourful and memorable occasion.

After the church birthday thanksgiving service, the town planners present from the NITP Lagos State Chapter filed out for a group photograph with the celebrants but came the moment of reality when the conspicuous infractions on the public open space and the only one left in GRA, Ikeja (the old Airways club playground) steered the cream of professionals on their faces. 

Out of professional instinct, the blatant abuse became a professional reality. This is just not right; it was on the lips of those present; some were indifferent, seeing the age-long conversion of public open spaces in Lagos State into other uses unhindered.

It became apparent that the accredited city managers and defenders of the environment became helpless and divided on the ugly but avoidable development.

As a concerned physical planner with zero tolerance for such infractions, I recorded that we saw a scene of a change of use site, and we decided not to look away.

In the spirit of “if you see something, say something”, we have seen something and decided to say it; needless to say, the LASPPA, LASBCA, AND LASURA headquarters are just a few meters away from the scene of the obnoxious development. Unfortunately, it seems that their hands were tight. 

This reminds me of Dele Farotimi’s lamentations about our judiciary system in Nigeria; I hope history is not repeating itself in physical planning.

If this ILLEGALITY stands, the physical planning in Lagos can be said to have attained the pick of environmental indifference by all concerned stakeholders.

Therefore, I pray that the issue at stake is given the deserved attention by the government and its agencies, bearing in mind the importance of public open space for the GRA residents and its adjoining neighborhoods, particularly the public and private schools.

By Tpl. Abimbola Peter Onaneye

1...91011...2,151Page 10 of 2,151

TV Report

Archives

2025 EnviroNews Nigeria. All Rights Reserved.

×