Largest ever UK industry study of 2,005 UK organisations reveals 65% of respondents are targeting net zero by 2050, with 48% setting targets within the next decade.
Net Zero
The 2024 UK Net Zero Business Census was released on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, by UK Business Climate Hub, in partnership with Planet Mark. Climate Action is one of the census partners, alongside more than 50 of the largest business associations, banks and corporates, including CBI, Make UK, Institute of Directors and the British Chambers of Commerce.
It reports 2,005 organisations across all sizes and sectors and finds net zero is recognised as essential, but high costs, policy uncertainty, and skills gaps are leaving many unsure about the path ahead.
The results explore the current priorities, plans, barriers, opportunities and actions to decarbonise being used by organisations on their journey to net zero.
With 73% of respondents reporting that net zero is a strategic priority in the next 12 months, the census provides recommendations for policymakers, organisations, industry bodies and researchers to help propel the UK economy towards its legal requirement of reaching net zero by 2050.
To support this commitment, 65% of respondents had set targets to reach net zero by 2050, with 48% aiming to achieve net zero within the next decade, before 2035.
Ed Lockhart, Convener of Broadway Initiative, who manage UK Business Climate Hub, said: “The leadership shown by many UK organisations in the census is deeply inspiring, helping accelerate our collective progress towards a more sustainable future. Despite these significant strides, substantial challenges remain, particularly for small and medium size enterprises who often lack the same access to resources available to larger organisations.
“To address these disparities and drive collective action for all, we recognise the need for greater partnership between government and business to develop sector-specific decarbonisation pathways and guidance, as well as enhanced financial mechanisms and expanding trusted information resources like the UK Business Climate Hub. Such measures are crucial for ensuring a smooth and effective transition towards a net zero economy.”
Andrew Griffiths, Director of Policy & Corporate Development at Planet Mark, said: “With 73% of respondents saying net zero is a priority for their business strategy within the next 12 months, UK businesses have made their intent clear. At Planet Mark we see this every day through our 800+ Member organisations who we support to measure and reduce their carbon emissions annually, so seeing this commitment reflected nationally is extremely positive.
“The findings also send a clear message that targeted support, and a stable policy environment is critical for them to implement effective net zero strategies, which the Labour government have a unique opportunity to deliver. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with UKBCH to make net zero accessible to all organisations.”
From January 1, 2025, street advertising for fossil fuels will be banned by law in The Hague, the Netherland’s third largest city. The Hague will become the first city in the world to do so.
The Hague
The Hague will ban street advertising for fossil fuels, according to a notice published on the Dutch city’s website on Friday, September 13, 2024, as a number of cities worldwide crack down on publicity for fossil fuels and high-emissions sectors.
Just as tobacco advertising has been widely banned due to its harmful effects on health, it is argued that advertisements for products or services that contribute significantly to climate change should be banned as they are also harmful to the planet.
The Hague’s Municipal Council voted on Thursday, September 12 to approve the new rules for outdoor advertising, which will apply from January to billboards and freestanding advertising screens. This ban is also expected to support The Hague’s goal of becoming a climate-neutral city by 2030.
“The city council of The Hague adopted two proposals to ban fossil advertising in outdoor spaces,” council spokesman Jordy Kruse told the AFP news agency on Friday.
“The first proposal informs advertising agencies that fossil fuel advertising is not permitted while the second bans all fossil fuel advertising in public spaces,” Kruse said.
Leonie Gerritsen, a Hague council member for the Party for Animals who initiated the proposal, told AFP:
“We believe that adopting binding laws to ban fossil fuel advertising through local legislation is a world first. We hope that this law will also give a signal to other cities to do the same to fight climate change.”
This step comes four months after UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, called on every country in the world to institute a ban on advertising from fossil fuel companies, which he referred to as “the godfathers of climate chaos”.
President Bola Tinubu on Monday, September 16, 2024, said the Federal Government would create a disaster relief fund to assist Nigerian citizens impacted by floods and other disasters.
President Bola Tinubu during a visit to an Internally Displaced Persons camp at Government Secondary School in Maiduguri on Monday
The President made the announcement when he visited Borno State to sympathise with the government and people over the flooding in some parts of the state occasioned by the Alau Dam collapse.
He said the fund was expedient as the climate had become more unpredictable and many places in the country were vulnerable to its vagaries.
He said the Federal Government would collaborate with the private sector to establish the fund.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who accompanied the President on the visit, said the National Assembly would collaborate with the Executive to establish the Fund.
Tinubu also visited the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn El-Kanem palace, an Internally Displaced Persons camp at the Government Secondary School in Maiduguri and drove through the areas affected by the disaster.
“After my visit to the Shehu of Borno and the IDP camp, I have been reflecting on how to tackle this kind of disaster and the effects of climate change.
“There must be a disaster relief fund. I will invite the private sector to team up with us and help rebuild the affected areas.
“If we take a small percentage from FAAC and put it as disaster relief fund, which will include all of you, we will be activating and strengthening our sense of belonging,” he said.
The President thanked Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State; Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum and Gov. of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed; Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu; and Kogi State governor, Ahmed Ododo, who supported Borno.
President Tinubu commended all the ministries, agencies, and security outfits, particularly the military involved in evacuation of the victims and international organisations working in the state for their efforts.
President Bola Tinubu said the Federal Government would support the government and people of Borno following the floods that have ravaged parts of the state.
“I am here to sympathise with you. I heard the report, my Vice President gave details to me personally. I was going directly to America, but I had to call off the trip to be with you.
“I thank you very much for your leadership and your various prayers. This is one disaster that we must pay attention to, we will help Borno State,” Tinubu told the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn El-Kanemi, when he visited his palace.
He also acknowledged the commitment of Gov. Zulum in tackling the challenges brought by the flood.
“We as a government pledge that we will help you with the rehabilitation of the affected areas and rescue the victims.
“It is our problem not just your problem, we must share in each other’s pains.
“May Allah help us stop the tragedy; the situation that we find ourselves in, the environmental problem and climate change,” the President said.
The Shehu of Borno thanked the President for visiting the state to sympathise with the people over the unfortunate incident.
“We are grateful for your concern and may Almighty Allah reward you. We are grateful to the VP Kashim Shettima, as well as our governor Prof. Umara Zulum.
“My request to you is to find the root cause of this flooding to address it appropriately so as to avoid future occurrence as 80 per cent of the city have been affected by this disaster,” El-Kanemi said.
He said since Maiduguri was established sometime in 1907, it had never witnessed a disaster of such magnitude, even though there was a similar incident in 1994.
Governor Zulum also thanked Tinubu for visiting the state purposely to express his sympathy over the flood disaster that completely disrupted socio-economic activities in the state.
“It has gone beyond the disruption of socio-economic activities, but has claimed the lives of 37 people, with 1 million displaced in Maiduguri.
“I was told you came this morning, and you decided to proceed straight to Maiduguri to commiserate with the people of Maiduguri.
“Your Excellency, this shows your sense of humanity and the degree of fraternity you have with the people of Nigeria. We remain eternally grateful to you,” Zulum said.
Meanwhile, the UN humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Fall, has announced $6 million from the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund to support flood victims in Borno.
Alau Dam, located just over 10 miles to the south of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno, collapsed on Sept. 10, forcing hundreds of thousands from their homes.
UN spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, at a news conference on Monday in New York, said a joint mission made up of UN agencies and NGOs, together with the Nigeria Red Cross Society, visited the main city in the region Maiduguri over the weekend.
Dujarric said they met with people who had been impacted – many of them had already been displaced multiple times by conflict and insecurity in the area.
“We and our partners are providing them with hot meals, we are facilitating air drops of food in hard-to-reach areas cut off by flood waters, and we are also trucking in water.
“We are also providing water and sanitation hygiene services and water purification tablets to stem disease outbreaks.
“This is in addition to supplying hygiene and dignity kits to women and girls, as well as emergency health and shelter services.”
Dujarric said the staff of UN Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) were also working closely with donors to secure additional funding.
Across Nigeria, flooding has damaged more than 125,000 hectares of farmland and that was just before the harvests time, and at a time when 32 million people in the country are facing severe food insecurity.
Earlier, Emmanuel Bigenimana, the head of World Food Programme (WFP) office in Maiduguri, said that he managed to fly over the city in a UN humanitarian air service (UNHAS) helicopter dispatched by WFP, to conduct a rapid assessment of damage and needs.
“What I have seen is really heartbreaking,” he said, describing homes, infrastructure, roads, schools, hospitals submerged by water.
“Many, many people – I’m talking about over 200,000 – 300,000 displaced people – are overcrowded in several IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camps and also on the streets.”
WFP reported that the dam collapse saw river water overrunning 50 per cent of Maiduguri and state authorities issued evacuation orders to residents in the affected areas, appealing for humanitarian support.
Speaking from the centre of one of the IDP camps, Bigenimana said that WFP had managed to open soup kitchens to provide hot meals to the affected people and was scaling up its response together with the authorities and partners.
The soup kitchens located in three camps – Teachers’ Village, Asheikh and Yerwa – aim to provide nutritious hot meals to “50,000 of the worst affected children, women, and men who have lost their homes,” WFP said, but more assistance is needed.
“This is really an additional burden to already existing crises,” Bigenimana stressed. “This region has been facing conflict for a decade.”
Borno State was one of the areas worst affected by the Boko Haram insurgency which, the UN said earlier this year, has been controlled to some extent.
“More recently, we have seen food inflation, food prices have been skyrocketing, really affecting millions of people who are facing food insecurity,” Bigenimana added.
The impacts of extreme weather are being felt severely across the country.
Some 800,000 people in 29 states in Nigeria have been affected by floods as of September 2024, WFP said, and over 550,000 hectares of cropland have been flooded.
As of March, some 32 million people in the country were already facing acute hunger.
The UN’s food agency said that it needs 147.9 million dollars to support food insecure people in Nigeria’s northeast over the coming six months.
For the flood-affected populations in Maiduguri, “recovery will take long,” Bigenimana said.
“We need more resources to save lives and to put together efforts to respond to the crises – and also think of longer-term recovery and solutions.”
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thundery and rainy weather conditions from Tuesday, September 17 to Thursday, September 19, 2024, across the country.
Thundery weather
NiMet’s weather outlook released on Monday, September 16 in Abuja forecasts thunderstorms over parts of Bauchi, Kebbi, Taraba, Kano, Katsina, Adamawa and Kaduna states during the morning hours on Tuesday.
According to the agency, thunderstorms are expected over the entire region later in the day.
“In the North Central region, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Kogi, Benue, Plateau, Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa and Niger states during the morning hours.
“Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa states.
“In the southern region, there are prospects of moderate rains over parts of Ebonyi, Imo, Enugu, Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers and Bayelsa states during the morning hours.
“Later in the day, intermittent rains are expected over the entire region,” it said.
The agency envisaged thunderstorms over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano and Kaduna states in the Wednesday’s morning hours.
According to NiMet, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Borno, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, Kano, Katsina and Kebbi states later in the day.
“In the North Central region, there are prospects of thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Niger and Kwara states during the morning hours.
“While in the afternoon into evening hours, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Nasarawa, Kogi, Federal Capital Territory, Kwara and Niger states.
“In the southern region, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Edo, Cross River, Delta, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states during the morning hours.
“Progressing into the afternoon and evening hours, thunderstorms are envisaged over the entire region,” it said.
NiMet anticipated thunderstorms over parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Taraba and Adamawa States in the Thursday’s morning period.
The agency predicted thunderstorms over parts of Borno, Bauchi, Kaduna, Taraba and Adamawa states later in the day while thunderstorms are expected over parts of Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory.
“In the southern region, isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of Osun, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, Delta, Lagos, Rivers and Bayelsa states in the morning hours,” it said.
NiMet urged residents to avoid flood-prone areas as high likelihood of urban flooding in major cities due to heavy downpours.
It advised public to take adequate precautions as strong winds might precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur.
“Adhere to safety advisories issued by relevant authorities. Public and Airline operators are advised to get updated weather reports and forecast from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.
“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website,” it said.
The Adamawa State House of Assembly on August 29, 2024, held a public hearing on the State Climate Change Policy Bill. The bill, titled “A law to establish the Adamawa State Climate Change Commission to provide for the mainstreaming of climate change actions and for other matters incidental thereto”, passed the first and second readings in the State House of Assembly. It is sponsored by Yohanna Sahabo Jauro, representing Mubi South Constituency, and he doubles as the House Committee Chairman on Environment.
R-L: The sponsor of the bill, Yohanna Sahabo Jauro, representing Mubi South Constituency and doubles as the House Committee Chairman on Environment; representative of the Speaker, Umar Ismaila Daware of Fufore/Gurin Constituency; and Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Kelvin Peter, during the public hearing
The public hearing is the last step in the process before the bill is passed into law and sent to the state governor for assent. The bill represents a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to address to build climate resilience and address the impact of climate change in the state especially the annual flooding and excessive heat wave the state is known for.
This achievement so far was made possible by several advocacy visits and lobby meetings by climate advocates in the state under the Adamawa Activist for Climate justice, Vote for Climate Ambassadors and CCI Volunteers using the Citizens Climate International lobby principles of building the political will for climate action.
The progress made so far underscores the belief that when ordinary citizens respectfully engage and build relationship with policy makers, progress will occur to build liveable future.
Dr Michael Terungwa David, the Executive Director GIFSEP and the Africa Regional Coordinator Citizens Climate International who made a presentation during the public hearing held in the Adamawa State House of Assembly in Yola, commended the State House of Assembly for the bold and giant steps and urged other state governments without a subnational policy on climate change to take a que from Adamawa State.
Dr Michael David of GIFSEP making a presentation at the public hearing. On his right is Ibrahim Bello, a representative of the civil society
He further explained that climate policies at the sub-national level are essential because they allow for tailored, responsive, and community-driven approaches to tackling climate change. By addressing local needs, engaging citizens, and leveraging regional strengths, sub-national policies contribute significantly to achieving climate resilience, sustainable development, and the broader goals of national and global climate action.
Dr David further explained that subnational policies help in achieving localised solutions for specific climate impacts.
He said: “Different regions experience climate change in unique ways, whether it’s coastal areas dealing with sea-level rise, urban centres facing heatwaves, or rural areas experiencing droughts. Sub-national policies allow for tailored solutions that address specific climate vulnerabilities and environmental needs of each area. Sub-national climate policies help to implement and operationalise national and international climate commitments (such as those from the Paris Agreement) at the local level. They make high-level goals actionable and achievable on the ground.”
According to him, another advantage is Community Engagement and Participation as, he added, involving local communities provides opportunities for communities to have a direct say in climate action. Engaging citizens in decision-making increases public awareness, builds local ownership of climate initiatives, and ensures that policies reflect the community’s priorities and needs, he noted.
He added that climate policies at the sub-national level can promote green industries, create local jobs in renewable energy, agriculture, and sustainable infrastructure, and drive regional economic development.
Inputs were made by the Ministry of Environment, the state Coordinator of ACRESAL, as well as other government agencies and civil societies.
At the end of the public hearing, the speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Wesley Bathiya, who was represented by Umar Ismaila Daware from Fufore/Gurin Constituency, thanked all those present and reiterated the commitment of the House to get the bill passed.
The sponsor of the bill assured that all inputs, both oral and written submissions, would be considered.
The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Effurun in Warri, Delta State, Professor Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, says the university will set up a Post Graduate Diploma Programme in zero waste management technology to bridge the knowledge gap that has truncated waste management and zero waste policies in the state and the country.
Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE)
The Vice Chancellor stated this at the launching of the “Zero Waste Campus Project” in FUPRE, organised by Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF), as part of the first phase of the “End Single Use Plastics Campaign in Campus”, aimed at fostering zero-waste governance in Nigerian universities by launching a “plastic-free campus” initiative, and reinforcing the broader campaign to prohibit single-use plastics in Delta State.
The event, which took place at the New Auditorium of FUPRE on September 10, 2024, had several persons in attendance, including the Vice Chancellor of the university, the Deputy Vice Chancellors of Academics, and Administration, other key administrative staff of the university, students, representatives of the Delta State Waste Management Board, environmental officers and the media.
The Vice Chancellor stated that his duty as the VC includes looking into areas that will make the university relevant in the society and, as such, the Zero Waste Campus project has presented yet another opportunity as relates to the institution’s motor of excellence and relevance.
He added that the university prioritises waste management, hence the setting up of the Centre for Waste Management and Sustainable Resources in the university. The VC accented to welcoming any collaborative effort with CODAF, to further drive the Zero Waste Initiative, and to also look towards the establishment of a Post Graduate programme on Waste Management in the university’s 2025/2026 academic session, to teach the technological and management principles of Zero Waste.
In his welcome address, the Executive Director of CODAF, Benin Richard, stated that the zero waste campus project is a comprehensive strategy to build a sustainable waste management culture on campuses, not just aimed at reducing plastic waste, but to also establish an ecosystem where responsible consumption, waste reduction and recycling are given top priority.
According to him, it is the duty of thinkers and researchers to set an example by demonstrating values and principles of sustainability, by taking the decision as a group to bring meaningful change. He added the project is aimed towards encouraging higher institutions to take positive actions towards ending the scourge of plastic pollution in the environment.
Benin, who suggested the setting up of a Post Graduate Programme on Zero Waste Management in the university, stressed that such academic innovation would set FUPRE as the first university in Nigeria and in Africa with such initiative.
Clean Energy Campaigner for GAIA Africa, Weyinmi Okotie, while introducing the Zero Waste ideology at the launch, stated that Zero Waste promotes a circular economy that encourages a society to produce waste that can be reused.
He added that Zero Waste goals also look at responsible production and consumption of waste that goes beyond educating end users on waste management, into advocating for producers to be responsible for the waste they generate.
Weyinmi stressed that Zero Waste encourages environmental sustainability. He discouraged incineration as a means of disposing waste, as this further pollutes the environment and contributes to the climate crisis.
On her part, CODAF Project Manager on Environment, Melody Enyinnaya, stated that single-use plastic has become a major environmental issue in Nigeria and Africa, which has led to environmental damages, due to the lack of proper waste management systems.
She revealed that the aim of the project is to promote zero waste in university institutions in Nigeria, which will trickle down to households, communities and other parts of the society.
The programme also featured the presentation of Zero Waste Guidelines and Plastic-Free Campus Blueprint documents by the CODAF team to the Vice Chancellor and administration of the school, to further guide the Zero Waste initiative in the university. This was followed by the exhibition of items made from waste materials by the students of the university to showcase the institution’s readiness for the Zero Waste models.
The programme also featured a two-day training and inauguration of Plastic Free Ambassadors, consisting of students and lecturers, who will be pioneers of the “End Single Use Plastics Campaign in Campus” within and outside the school.
Director of the Centre for Waste Management and Sustainable Resources of FUPRE, Dr. Akinyemi Ogunkeyede, who will be heading the Plastic Free Ambassadors, appreciated CODAF for the initiative, stating that the group would develop and implement projects that will look towards the drastic reduction of plastic within the institution, and further expose the environmental and economic possibilities in Zero Waste.
Central European countries like Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary have all been hit with extreme rainfall as Storm Boris sweeps through the region, dumping well over a month’s worth of rain.
General view taken by drone of a flooded area by Nysa Klodzka River in Nysa, Poland September 16, 2024. Photo credit: Kacper Pempel/Reuters
No fewer than 10 people are reportedly killed in what has been described as the worst floods to hit central Europe in decades.
Indeed, people and communities across Central and Eastern Europe are suffering from the ongoing extreme rainfall and flooding caused by the Storm as five people have been killed and several unaccounted for due to flooding in Romania and the Czech Republic.
One person drowned in Poland and another, a firefighter, died during flood rescue in Austria.
Eight people were killed over the weekend, and two more died from flooding in Austria on Monday. The two men, aged 70 and 80, respectively were found dead by emergency services after being trapped in their homes.
In the Polish city of Nysa, patients from a local hospital, including pregnant women, had to be evacuated Monday after the city’s governor said the facility was no longer able to function properly.
The town of Klodzko is nearly entirely submerged under water with one of the town’s bridges entirely inaccessible. Floodwaters in the town are reaching as deep as 1.5 meters.
About 80% of buildings are submerged in the Czech town of Litovlje.
Poland’s Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, has declared a state of natural disaster.
Similarly, the province surrounding Vienna, Austria is declared a “disaster area” due to the “unprecedented extreme situation”.
This disaster is hitting Europeans as extreme climate impacts are devastating other regions around the world that include flooding in west and central Africa where more than 1000 people have died and many more had their homes destroyed.
Also, Typhoon Yagi is wreaking havoc in Asia with hundreds reported killed and Vietnam alone reporting damages of $1.6 billion; wildfires continuing to sweep across Brazil and the Amazon rainforest, as the region endures a record heatwave.
Nicolò Wojewoda, European Regional Director at 350.org, said: “This is yet another devastating wake-up call for world leaders and power brokers to take urgent and decisive action to tackle the climate crisis. We are witnessing ordinary people paying with their lives, right now, as decision-makers delay and obstruct climate action. How many more deadly disasters do they need to see in order to take necessary concrete steps to set policy and implement measures that end the suffering we are witnessing today?
“The people and communities suffering right now have been failed time and time again by ineffective leadership and a broken system that is rigged against them. This cannot and will not continue – because we won’t let it.
“Over the coming weeks the most powerful politicians and decision-makers will be gathering at a series of summits, conferences and negotiations to talk climate. We will be holding up this latest swathe of tragic and preventable disasters, as a measure to judge their actions not their words. And we will be organising to increase the pressure on them, to show them that half-measures and delaying tactics will not be enough to silence the growing call for climate justice”
As climate impacts hit and world leaders prepare for the UN climate negotiations (COP29), the G20 Summit and a round of important national budgets in countries like France, Germany and the UK, 350.org expresses the following measures for urgent implementation:
A global agreement on a wealth tax and the implementation of national wealth taxes in countries like France, Germany and the UK – to raise billions in additional revenue for financing domestic and international climate solutions.
Increased and permanent windfall taxes on fossil fuel companies.
At COP29, all countries, especially wealthy ones benefiting from the climate crisis, need to honour their pledges. There is need for commitments to redirect trillions from fossil fuels to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030, with projects that benefit communities everywhere.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has released estimated prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), known as fuel, obtained from the Dangote Refinery in its retail stations nationwide.
Dangote Refinery
According to NNPC Ltd., the prices are based on Sept. 2024 pricing.
The NNPC Ltd. said it bought fuel from the Dangote Refinery at N898 per litre for PMS offtake.
Mr Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., made this known on Monday, September 16, 2024.
This followed a denial by Dangote Refinery on Sunday after the NNPC Ltd.’s initial disclosure of N898 pump price obtained from the refinery.
Dangote Refinery commenced the first loading of PMS at its facility in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State on Sunday.
The Refinery had on Sunday described the disclosure made by the NNPC Ltd. as “misleading and mischievous” aimed at undermining the milestone achievement recorded by the refinery in addressing Nigeria’s energy insufficiency.
Dangote Refinery’s Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, had in a statement urged Nigerians to disregard NNPC Ltd.’s statement and await a formal announcement on the pricing by the Technical Sub-committee on Naira-based crude sales to local refineries on Oct. 1.
Chiejina, while failing to tell Nigerians the price at which the refinery sold its fuel to the NNPC Ltd., said its current stock of crude was procured in dollars and sold to the NNPC Ltd. in dollars with a lot of savings against current imports.
Reacting to this, the NNPC Ltd.’s Spokesperson said in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), PMS prices were not set by government but negotiated directly between parties on an arm’s length.
“The NNPC Ltd. can confirm that it is paying Dangote Refinery in United States Dollars (USD) for September 2024 PMS offtake, as Naira transactions will only commence on Oct. 1, 2024.
“The NNPC Ltd. assures that if the quoted pricing is disputed, it will be grateful for any discount from the Dangote Refinery, which will be passed on 100 per cent to the general public.
“Attached to this statement are the estimated pump prices of PMS obtained from the Dangote Refinery across NNPC Retail Stations in the country, based on Sept. 2024 pricing,” the spokesperson said.
Based on the estimated PMS pump prices document, N950.22 is showed as the estimated pump price in Lagos of fuel sources from the Dangote Refinery, indicating selling price at NNPC’s retail stations in other states to be higher as transport costs will be factored in.
The estimated price document also revealed that the NNPC Ltd. paid the refinery N898.78 per litre for PMS, while the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) fee is N8.99 and inspection fee is N0.97.
It also showed that Distribution cost (Lagos) is N15, while “Margin” is N26.48.
When President Bola Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, he promised to prioritise economic diversification.
Dr Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development
The target is to grow the economy of Nigeria to more than one trillion dollars by the end of its first term particularly through the non-oil sector.
One of such sectors is solid minerals which analysts say has been neglected over the years, which has caused its gross underdevelopment.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake, says the administration is putting in place policies and initiatives, aimed at diversifying the economy and ensuring that it generates more revenue than oil in the near future.
The solid mineral sector is expected to be one of the pillars of the initiative.
According to Alake the Federal Government is working towards ensuring that the solid minerals sector is able to contribute more to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) than the oil sector has done.
He said the move was necessary considering the global upsurge in energy transition which could reduce the demand for oil.
He also stated that Nigeria possesses critical minerals for the energy transition in commercial quantities across its states.
In addition, a German company, Geoscan, conducted a preliminary survey that estimates that Nigeria has $750 billion worth of solid minerals yet to be unearthed.
But while Nigeria has this vast potential, analysts argue that necessary steps need to be taken to harness it and ensure operators enjoy ease of doing business.
The sector has faced various challenges particularly in the area of illegal mining, poor infrastructure and insecurity.
These factors have combined to deprive the government of the royalties, levies and other deserved accruals.
In March, the Mining Marshals, a special security unit, was inaugurated by the solid minerals ministry to secure mining sites across the nation.
Additionally, efforts have been made to formalise mining operations in the sector, also aimed at combating banditry.
Alake has also embarked on a campaign to market Nigeria`s solid minerals globally with a view to attracting major players to the sector and generating Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for the country.
It was unveiled on May 14 to serve as a one-stop shop for investors seeking credible and decisive information on Nigeria’s mineral resources, facilities and infrastructure.
These efforts and many more are part of efforts to the sanitise the sector, which stakeholders say have started yielding results.
However, they observe that one growing concern is state governments` interferences with mining operations.
They continue to decry what they consider as the over regulation of the sector and the multiple taxation imposed by state governments, all in an attempt to control the mineral resources in their regions.
However, the exclusive ownership and control of mineral resources are vested in the Federal Government by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN) and the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act of 2007 (NMMA 2007).
Sections 1(2) and 22 of the mining act priortise mining operations over other land uses, classifying them as an overriding public interest in accordance with the Land Use Act.
While these regulations are clearly spelt out, analysts note that miners continue to face interference from state governments in their operations, which has become a burden on their operational costs.
The National President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Dele Ayankale, affirmed that the cost of doing business in the mining sector has increased due to state governments interference.
He said that the interpretation of the laws is creating challenges for mining title holders nationwide, which could hinder efforts to attract investors to the sector.
“We all know what the constitution says about mining; it is in the exclusive list, there are provisions between local and host communities but what we are experiencing now is deviation from the norms.
“The state governments are setting up their own regulatory framework and structure, and all these come with their own regulatory levies, and some conditions may be difficult for the titleholders to meet.
“It is also creating confusion in the sector and negating Federal Government`s dedication to attract investors.
“There is the need for government to re-enact its laws and be solely committed to address this situation and speak with one voice,” he said.
At a recent news conference, a group, the Forum of Concerned Stakeholders in the Nigerian Minerals and Mining sector decried shutdown of legal mining sites across states due to the constant interferences of state governments.
The president, Nigeria Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS), Prof. Akinade Olatunji, said state governments obviously want control over natural resources within their territories with such actions throwing the sector in to confusion.
“These actions from the sub-nationals do not only complicate the business environment for investors.
“They also introduce a huge level of unquantifiable risks capable of hindering and sabotaging the Federal Government`s vision for the accelerated investment flows in to the sector,” he said.
He listed the interferences to include the establishment of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) by state governments, and requesting that dully signed licensed operators should register with such state-run MDAs.
He alleged confiscation of lawfully mined products from operators without reason, brutalisation of personnel of operators and, in some instances, vandalism and setting on fire of hard-earned equipment.
He also alleged that the state governments also institute frivolous court cases against operators.
According to him, the conduct of the affected state governments can be partly traced to the lack of establishment or effectiveness of the States Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCOs).
He said that the forum wants an authoritative directive from the office of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development to address the situation at the sub-nationals.
He said that the directive should instruct all regulatory agencies and structures by subnational entities to be deemed illegal.
“As stakeholders, we believe that the state and the Federal Government should be on the same page to ensure the attainment of the aspirations of the governments at all levels for the sector.
“The present situation where states are competing among themselves to ban or regulate the minerals and mining space in their states will only destroy whatever gains the sector had made in recent years.
“The FG cannot be going round the world to seek for FDIs in the minerals and mining sector while the states are busy enacting and implementing measures that negate investment in the sector.
“We, as stakeholders are alarmed and worried that the huge investment made by operators in the sector are currently being endangered by the actions of the state governments and their agents,” he said.
According to Olatunji, if the situation is allowed to fester, the Seven-Point agenda for the sector as enunciated for the promotion of a resurgent minerals and mining sector will be undermined, compromised and unreaslised.
Similarly, Niran Ajibade, the President of the Gemstones Miners and Marketers Association of Nigeria (GMMA), also expressed concern on the over regulation of the sector, and state governments` interferences in mining operations.
Ajibade said states were establishing parallel agencies similar to those of the federal government in the mining sector which require prompt action to address the situation.
“As a result, the sector is now over-regulated, and we are reporting to too many government agencies.
“Some of them have imposed bans on mining and have set up task forces.
“They go to the mining sites and burn down equipment and infrastructure there,” he said.
But while these stakeholders frown at the situation, Civil Society Organisations have urged them to be patient as the sector was being sanitised and would require time to achieve the desired results.
Mr Philip Jakpor, Executive Director, Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), said the mining sector was `a jungle` and largely unregulated, but now receiving the attention needed to address the gaps between the federal and state government regulations.
Jakpor said various interventions at both the state and federal levels were part of efforts to regulate the sector.
He said the move was necessary following reports of some foreign nationals taking advantage of poor regulation to engage in illegal mining, thereby denying government the much-needed revenue.
“Chinese come here and mine nobody knows what they are doing.
“They are registered as an agro-commodity company only for them to be involved in lithium collection and they have been exporting this for long. Nobody is regulating what they are doing.
“There is nowhere this is done. There should be stiff regulations; it doesn’t stop those who are making money from the sector from doing so.
“However, let them pay the necessary dues they are supposed to pay to the government and royalties to communities and then everyone is happy,” he said.
According to the RDI official, multiple taxation can be addressed through advocacy.
Meanwhile, Alake has assured that discussions are ongoing with state governors and the Nigerian Governors Forum to address the situation.
He said the deliberations by a joint task force of the ministry and the NGF would be scaled up to resolve complex issues in the sector, including concerns raised by stakeholders on state governments interference.
The Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society has begun the planting of over 1,000 soursop trees across the country, as part of activities to mark this year’s Eid-el- Maulud (commemoration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad).
Shiek Fuad Adeyemi, National Chief Imam, Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society at the launch of the “Project Make it Green” in Abuja
National Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah, Shiek Fuad Adeyemi, disclosed that the Society had launched the “Project Make It Green” on Sunday, September 15, 2024, in Abuja.
He said the initiative aims at promoting a green friendly environment in line with the dictates of Prophet Muhammad, PBUH.
The cleric explained that 1,000 of the trees would be planted in Abuja and environs, the remaining would be planted in designated areas across the country.
“As we commemorate this year’s Maulud, we want the entire world to know what the Prophet Muhammad stood for, his missions and his messages.
“I think part of his greatest messages is the sustenance and conservation of the environment.
“The Prophet has given us lots of lessons and teachings as far as environment is concerned,” he said.
Adeyemi said that planting trees as encouraged by the Prophet would go a long way in addressing issues of climate change and other disasters like the recent floods in Maiduguri.
“The Prophet mentioned that we should plant trees and that animals that eat from it, humans that eat from it, people that stay under their shades would be counted as ‘Sadakat-ud-Jariyya’, for us, both here and in the hereafter.
“Also, if one look at the Maiduguri flood, it is 70% environmental related issue. Had it been we are proactive and listen to the messages of Prophet Muhammad I don’t believe this thing will have happened,” Adeyemi said.
He said that the choice of the soursop tree is due to the fact that medically the leaf cures so many sicknesses and the fruit is also very valuable.
The Imam admonished Nigerians to cultivate the habit of planting trees as encouraged by the Sunnah (tradition) of the Prophet to mitigate some of the environmental challenges facing the country.
