Global energy demand grew at a faster-than-average pace in 2024 as the consumption of electricity rose around the world – with increased supply of renewables and natural gas covering the majority of additional energy needs, according to a new IEA report.
Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA)
The latest edition of the IEA’s Global Energy Review, published on Monday, March 24, 2025, is the first global assessment of 2024 trends across the energy sector. Based on the most recent data, it covers energy demand, supply, the uptake of new energy technologies and energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
The report finds that global energy demand rose by 2.2% last year – lower than GDP growth of 3.2% but considerably faster than the average annual demand increase of 1.3% between 2013 and 2023. Emerging and developing economies accounted for over 80% of the increase in global energy demand in 2024.
This was despite slower growth in China, where energy consumption rose by less than 3%, half its 2023 rate and well below the country’s recent annual average. After several years of declines, advanced economies saw a return to growth, with their energy demand increasing by almost 1% in aggregate.
The acceleration in global energy demand growth in 2024 was led by the power sector, with global electricity consumption surging by nearly 1,100 terawatt-hours, or 4.3%. This was nearly double the annual average over the past decade. The sharp increase in the world’s electricity use last year was driven by record global temperatures, which boosted demand for cooling in many countries, as well as by rising consumption from industry, the electrification of transport, and the growth of data centres and artificial intelligence.
The expanding supply of low-emissions sources covered most of the increase in global electricity demand in 2024. The amount of new renewable power capacity installed worldwide rose to around 700 gigawatts, setting a new annual record for the 22nd consecutive year. Nuclear power capacity additions reached their fifth highest level in the past three decades.
As a result, 80% of the increase in global electricity generation in 2024 was provided by renewable sources and nuclear, which together contributed 40% of total generation for the first time. The supply of natural gas-fired generation also increased steadily to cover rising electricity demand.
“There are many uncertainties in the world today and different narratives about energy – but this new data-driven IEA report puts some clear facts on the table about what is happening globally,” said IEA Executive Director, Fatih Birol.
“What is certain is that electricity use is growing rapidly, pulling overall energy demand along with it to such an extent that it is enough to reverse years of declining energy consumption in advanced economies. The result is that demand for all major fuels and energy technologies increased in 2024, with renewables covering the largest share of the growth, followed by natural gas. And the strong expansion of solar, wind, nuclear power and EVs is increasingly loosening the links between economic growth and emissions,” added Birol.
As a result of higher power consumption, natural gas saw the strongest increase in demand among fossil fuels in 2024. Gas demand rose by 115 billion cubic metres (bcm), or 2.7%, compared with an average of around 75 bcm annually over the past decade.
Meanwhile, oil demand grew more slowly, rising by 0.8% in 2024. Oil’s share of total energy demand fell below 30% for the first time ever, 50 years after it peaked at 46%. Sales of electric cars rose by over 25% last year, with electric models accounting for one in five cars sold globally. This contributed considerably to the decline in oil demand for road transport, which offset a significant proportion of the rise in oil consumption for aviation and petrochemicals.
Global coal demand rose by 1% in 2024, half the rate of increase seen the previous year. According to the report, intense heatwaves in China and India – which pushed up cooling needs – contributed more than 90% of the total annual increase in coal consumption globally, highlighting the major impacts extreme weather can have on energy demand patterns.
The continued rapid adoption of clean energy technologies limited the annual rise in energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which are increasingly decoupling from economic growth, according to the report. Record temperatures contributed significantly to the annual 0.8% rise in global CO2 emissions to 37.8 billion tonnes. But the deployment of solar PV, wind, nuclear, electric cars and heat pumps since 2019 now prevents 2.6 billion tonnes of CO2 annually, the equivalent of 7% of global emissions.
CO2 emissions in advanced economies fell by 1.1% to 10.9 billion tonnes in 2024 – a level last seen 50 years ago, even though the cumulative GDP of these countries is now three times as large. The majority of emissions growth in 2024 came from emerging and developing economies other than China. Though emissions growth in China slowed in 2024, the country’s per-capita emissions are now 16% above those of advanced economies and nearly twice the global average.
“From slowing global oil demand growth and rising deployment of electric cars to the rapidly expanding role of electricity and the increasing decoupling of emissions from economic growth, many of the key trends the IEA has identified ahead of the curve are showing up clearly in the data for 2024,” Dr Birol said.
To achieve the global goal of tripling renewable power capacity by 2030, the world’s largest emitters of CO2 emissions in G20 and beyond would need to more than double their annually added installed renewable capacity by 2030.
IRENA Director-General, Francesco La Camera
Yet, progress falls short and is unevenly spread in a few economies, according to data published by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in its capacity as Custodian Agency tasked with monitoring progress towards the UAE Consensus reached at the Climate Summit COP28 in Dubai. The 2030 target is crucial to limiting global temperature rise to below 1.5°C.
Released at the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue (BETD) on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, the Agency’s new data collection and policy recommendations look at key performance indicators for the 2030 milestone and assess progress against 1.5°C-aligned transitions pathways in the G20 including the European Union. G20 nations represent 80% of global energy consumption and contribute to over 80% of global energy-related CO2 emissions worldwide.
The new dataset also assesses the deployment of renewable power capacities and the gap to reach the global tripling target not only in the G20 but in 15 additional countries from Asia and Central America. These G20+ countries would have to provide as much as 80% of total installed renewable power capacity by 2030.
Data shows that, under IRENA’s 1.5°C Scenario, installed renewable power capacity would need to grow current levels from 3.4 TW to 9.4 TW across G20 and from 3.5 TW to 9.7 TW across G20+ by 2030, the bulk of installed renewable power needed to meet the global goal of 11.2 TW by 2030.
“It all hinges on progress in G20 and beyond”, said IRENA Director-General, Francesco La Camera. “The largest economies in the world hold the key to tripling renewables by 2030 globally. IRENA’s data clearly shows that renewables represented almost 90% of the world’s total power capacity additions, a veritable historic milestone for renewables. But to implement the global goal, progress must be balanced across multiple countries and regions. 1.5°C calls for more ambition and more action in G20+ countries.”
La Camera added: “It is time to systematically integrate renewables into the next round of national climate plans. By enhancing their NDCs 3.0 and accelerating action in 2025, G20+ can assume responsibility and achieve the critically needed CO2 emission cuts through renewables.
“Yet, among the 13 submitted NDCs so far, only five have renewable capacity targets for 2030. IRENA’s Regional Energy Transition Outlooks currently in progress will help to improve the NDC target setting. I strongly encourage countries to develop clear renewable energy roadmaps that align with the 1.5°C goal and that encompass solid investment plans to attract and mobilise financing at scale.”
Indeed, in 2023, the annual renewable power generation capacity investment reached $547 billion for G20, marking a significant step forward. However, to triple global renewable power by 2030, average annual investment between 2024 and 2030 in G20+ countries must double to over $1080 billion, calling for close collaboration among governments, private sector players, multilateral organisations, countries, and regions.
Today, IRENA also outlines additional recommendations on priority actions for 2025. Selected indicators and their targeted global values for 2030 reflect a combination of implementing factors in support of the global tripling goal:
Electrification of key end-use sectors such as mobility, heating and cooling requires the development of grids, digitalisation, and flexibility solutions.
Direct use of renewables in end-use sectors such as increased use of sustainable biofuels in shipping and aviation requires targeted investments and policy interventions.
Energy efficiency must double and clean hydrogen and its derivatives as well as other clean technologies will require further technological advancement.
President of the Pan African Vision for the Environment (PAVE), Mr. Anthony Akpan, has said that the Ocean Decade in Africa along with the Science and Knowledge for a Resilient and Sustainable Ocean Economy in Africa (SEAWARD Africa) programme will provide a coordinated framework for implementing the Ocean Decade Africa Roadmap, uniting diverse stakeholders around a common set of priorities for the region.
President of the Pan African Vision for the Environment (PAVE), Mr. Anthony Akpan
Akpan made that submission in a technical presentation on the UN Ocean Decade, Sea Level Rise and the Blue Economy as the guest speaker during the Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency (OSEPA) Stakeholders’ Forum on the United Nations Ocean Decade and Environmental Pollution held at the State Information Technology Hall, (SITA) Alagbaka, Akure, on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
Mr. Akpan also informed the gathering that, ahead of the United Nations Conference on the Oceans (UNOC-3) to be held in Nice in June 2025, organised by France and Costa Rica, the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, has entrusted the Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, with the task of building the “Ocean Rise & Resilience Coalition – Adapting Coastal Cities & Regions to Ocean Hazards “.
This Coalition, he added, would bring together 1,000 representatives of the one billion people around the world who will be affected by rising sea levels by 2050. The Coalition was announced at the One Planet – Polar Summit in November 2023. At the same time, policy recommendations for adapting coastal cities to sea-level rise were published by the Ocean & Climate Platform, on which the Coalition will be based.
The Coalition will be officially launched at UNOC-3, on the occasion of the “Ocean Rise & Resilience Forum – for Adapting Coastal Cities & Region to Ocean Hazards”, the first summit (Special Event) dedicated to sea level rise and the resilience of coastal cities and regions, in Nice on June 7, 2025. He also said invitation has been sent to Governors of the Niger Delta states, including Lagos State, to attend the summit.
The purpose of the Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency Stakeholder’s Forum on United Nations Ocean Decade and Environmental Pollution was to address the challenges of environmental pollution ongoing on the state’s water courses at the coastal areas of Ondo State. It was also to link the state up with the Ocean Decade Mandate and Policy Framework of the United Nations.
About 250 people registered for the Stakeholder’s Forum, including the State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by the Chairman of Ondo State Waste Management Authority, Mrs. Yinka Alabi; Prof. Asiwaju Bello, Department of Geology, Federal University of Technology Akure; Dr Olusegun Dada, Head of Department of Marine Science, Federal University of Technology, Akure; Dr. Adeyemi Olayemi, former Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Academia; Professional Bodies; Principal and Students of Secondary Schools in the State; Private Organisation; Environmental Health Officers; Permanent Secretaries; Administrative secretaries; General Managers; non-government organisations (NGOs), and all lovers of environment.
The Governor’s representative gave the keynote address at the forum, while Administrative Secretary of OSEPA, Mrs. Funke Adeoye, gave the welcome address. Accordingly, representative of National Environmental Society, Mrs. Akinyanmi B. O; Dr. Olayemi Adeyemi; Coordinator NESREA, Mr. Kehinde Mafimisebi TANTITA security and representative of the Head of Service gave goodwill messages.
The Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev Nigeria) has partnered Oko Oba GRA Scheme 1 Housing Estate, Agege, Lagos, to launch the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) Facility to promote effective waste management in the state.
Participants at the SRADev Nigeria unveiling in Lagos
The event is part of a broader project by SRADev titled: “Advancing Capacity and Strengthening National Advocacy towards Implementing a Zero Waste Initiative in Plastic Waste Management in Nigeria.”
The unveiling is also part of activities lined up for the celebration of the 2025 International Day of Zero Waste, which is observed on Sunday, March 30.
This year’s theme: “Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textiles,” focuses on the urgent need to take action to reduce the waste impact from the fashion and textile sector and promote sustainability and circularity.
During the launch on Saturday, March 29, 2025, Dr. Leslie Adogame, Executive Director SRADev Nigeria, noted that the zero waste project is aimed at commemorating the International Day of Zero Waste which is a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) programme.
Dr. Adogame said segregation of waste at source is the very first doorstep to waste management.
His words: “If you look at the waste management hierarchy, the best point of intervention is minimisation of waste, before the waste even gets to the dump site, it has to be properly managed. So, we are supporting the Lagos State Government, and by extension the Federal Government to entrench what we call a zero waste initiative in our waste management system.”
“We are piloting this project in schools and communities in Lagos, to demonstrate that it is actually easier and better to segregate waste at source, since we already have what we call burgeoning disposal sites. Lagos state government is closing up all its three disposal sites.
“Why? Because there’s too much waste coming into those sites, and we are saying that it is just not enough for you to think of disposal waste management by looking at options like incinerations and all that. If you can reduce waste at source, then you don’t even need large volumes of waste to get to the disposal site, this is what the zero waste initiative.”
On the role the facility will play on waste management, the Executive Director of SRADev Nigeria opined that the BSF Facility would help to manage the organic waste in such a way that organic waste within Oko-Oba GRA Scheme 1 Housing Estate will not go outside the estate, it will all be managed here.
Speaking on the theme of the event which is “Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textile”, Dr. Adogame stated that the awareness is on how to reduce the enormous clothing materials that gets to the waste site: “Now, the question is what do we do with legacy textiles? We call them legacy textiles because these are clothing materials that are already in dump sites and all that. And we are saying that there are different waste management techniques that can be used to manage them.
“For example, those textiles that are biodegradable, you could also deploy BSF technology in such, because if they are organic in nature, if they can decompose, different technologies exist that can be used to manage such.
“The awareness raising is also against textiles that are not decomposable. Currently a lot of textiles these days are made with plastic materials and Nigeria being a major recipient of secondhand textiles or clothing, Gatankowa Market is not too far away from here and a lot of all these textiles have reached their end of life and by the time you wear it, a couple of things, they find their way into the dump site. So the solution we are proposing is that instead of federal government concentrate on looking at the potential of companies importing what we call Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDFs) from EU countries.
“We have a huge volume of locally refuse-derived fuel that can be harnessed in clothing in dump sites and can be used by those facilities. I mean, how do we want to import waste from other countries when the wastes are abundant here? All what these companies just need to do is by harnessing the waste that is in dump sites, into refuse-derived fuel that can be used in cement kilns,” maintained the Executive Director.
Considering the growing population of Lagos and SRADev Nigeria’s plan to extend the project to other parts of the state, Dr. Adogame hinted: “This is a pace setter and of course we can’t do it alone. We are doing this so that industrialists, investors, government policies and the likes can support it.
“Of course, the programme is not new, If you go to countries like Tanzania, it is already being embraced by the government of there, even in other countries like the Philippines, it’s already being embraced seriously. So, we’re just trying to popularise this in Nigeria. We are just advocating to ensure that investors can engage with waste pickers and people can set up these kinds of facilities in all industrial estates because all industrial estates in Lagos produce organic waste and also produce all kinds of recyclable waste, and the dump sites are filled already.
“So, we should have these pockets of programmes in different zones of Lagos, different local governments, that will help us manage waste so that what goes to the dump sites eventually is no waste,” he submitted.
In his keynote address, Dr Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), represented by Mrs. Oluwafunmike Adekoya, LASEPA’s Deputy Director, Environmental Sustainability, noted: “Plastic is a highly versatile, durable, and inexpensive synthetic polymer material derived from petrochemicals. Its characteristics versatility makes it ideal for packaging (commonly for food packaging), construction, textiles, electronics, and medical. The durability of plastic also means that it can persist in the environment for hundreds to thousands of years, accumulating in landfills, water bodies, polar regions and the deep sea.
“However, the widespread use and indiscriminate disposal of plastic have led to a global environmental crisis, with significant implications for human health and the environment. Plastic pollution, characterised by the accumulation of plastic (especially single-use plastics) waste in terrestrial and aquatic environments, poses multifaceted challenges that require urgent attention and concerted action.
“According to United Nations, over 32 million tonnes of wastes are generated yearly in Nigeria with plastic accounting for 2.5 million tonnes. However, less than 30% of this plastic waste is collected for recycling, and of that, only 10% is actually recycled. Nigeria was ranked among the top 20 countries that contribute up to 83% of the total amount of land-based plastic waste that ends up in rivers, seas, and oceans.
“Lagos being a megacity with approximately 26 million inhabitants produces the largest volume of plastic waste in Nigeria, generating about 870,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually thereby confronted with a pervasive problem of plastic pollution (especially the single-use plastics including bags, bottles, straws, and packaging materials).
“The launch of the Zero Waste Project marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos and Nigeria in general,” said the LASEPA General Manager.
In his submission, Mr. Richard Olawole, Chairman of Oko-Oba GRA Scheme 1 Housing Estate, appreciates Dr. Leslie Adogame and his team for selecting the estate as a beneficiary of the project.
“On behalf of my executives and entire residents of this estate, we are assuring SRADev Nigeria that we are going to do everything within our reach to ensure sustainability of the project in ensuring that the estate continues to be neat and tidy at all times,” he promised.
Dignitaries present at the unveiling of the BSF Facility include representative from Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA); Mr. Friday Okuh, President, Association of Waste Pickets of Lagos (ASWOL); and Mr. Anthony Akpan, President, Pan African Vision for the Environment (PAVE), among others.
Key stakeholders in Northern-Eastern states in Nigeria have said that the withdrawal of USAID’s humanitarian aid to Nigeria will disrupt the delivery of essential service to their states.
Women and children in a IDPs camp. The displacement was informed by the Boko Haram insurgency. Photo credit: channelstv.com
The stakeholders, mostly in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states, made their views known while responding to a survey on the development.
The President Donald Trump’s administration has reviewed the United States’ foreign policies one of which is a halt in the powerful country’s assistance to other nations.
To effect this stance, the government has stopped funding international aid projects.
Most of this support is usually channelled through USAID, with crises-ridden states in Nigeria’s north-eastern as major beneficiaries.
With the withdrawal of the support, Dr Jalo Muhammed, the Director of Rescue Operations at the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), says it may not be possible for the agency to carry out its functions effectively.
“I can’t say how much the USAID has expended over time, but its support has been very valuable. We can’t even quantify it,” he said.
He said that the U.S. “stop work order” had significantly disrupted the delivery of critical humanitarian services in Yobe.
“The suspension of funding has affected various sectors, including health, education, water, sanitation, hygiene, protection, nutrition, food security and livelihoods.
“Vulnerable populations such as children, women, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), and flood-affected communities have been left without essential support,” Muhammed said.
He listed service providers to include Federation of Muslim Women’s Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Hope for Street Children and Vulnerable People, Wadata Relief Care Initiative (WRCI) and Opportunity To Learn (OTL) Consortium, Plan International.
Other service providers include the Children International, World Food Programme (WFP), and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
These bodies provide humanitarian services in at least 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Yobe.
Muhammed said the affected organisations, which have been providing life-saving services in hundreds of communities, had either halted their operations or continued to function under constrained waivers.
The director said that the funding withdrawal had disrupted services for more than 200,000 individuals, particularly children, women, and other vulnerable groups.
He also listed polio eradication, HIV treatment, nutrition, gender-based violence (GBV) response, education, and food security among the humanitarian programmes severely affected by the withdrawal of USAID aid programmes.
Muhammed said that more than 13,200 out-of-school children, who are part of educational reintegration programmes, are facing uncertain future, while 13,308 orphans and vulnerable children, including those living with HIV, have lost access to vital healthcare services.
The director said that more than 65,000 food-insecure individuals, who were expecting assistance from the WFP, are facing a prolonged crisis.
“In addition, more than 1,900 humanitarian workers, including teachers, case managers, nutrition supervisors and community mobilisers, have either lost their jobs or are working under restricted conditions,” he added.
He said education programmes had also suffered setbacks.
“The OTL Consortium, which was working to integrate 13,200 out-of-school children into formal education, has been forced to halt its efforts.
“Community-based learning initiatives in Potiskum and support for children with disabilities have been suspended, increasing the risk of child labour and exploitation,” Muhammed said.
The director said that water, sanitation and hygiene projects meant to assist flood-affected households had been put on hold, exposing communities to waterborne diseases.
He said that protection programmes such as GBV survivors with the Women and Girls’ Safe Spaces, which provided support to 127 GBV survivors, including rape victims, had been shut down in many LGAs.
“Also disrupted is the food security and agricultural initiatives with the postponement of World Food Programme’s plan to assist 65,463 individuals across six LGAs,” he said.
The director said that farming programmes meant to support 900 local farmers have also been affected, thereby increasing economic hardship for rural communities.
Dr Lawan Cheri, Dean of the School of Management Sciences, Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, who acknowledged the challenges posed by the withdrawal of USAID’s support, said Nigeria should see it as an opportunity to become self-reliant.
Cheri, also the Head of the Public Administration Department, insisted that Nigeria must prioritise funding for critical sectors such as health, education and emergency response.
The don said that the country had the financial resources to sustain those services but must focus on better budgetary allocation and transparency in managing available funds.
Cheri said that addressing the root causes of insurgency, poverty, illiteracy, and marginalisation of rural areas, could reduce dependencies on foreign aid.
He said that skill acquisition programmes would also help young men and women transition to sustainable livelihoods.
Without such interventions, Cheri said, the abrupt loss of aid could push many into crime or other desperate situations.
The don also highlighted the importance of preparing NGOs for an eventual exit strategy.
He argued that communities that had been relying on humanitarian assistance must prepare for gradual transition to self-sufficiency through proper planning and economic empowerment initiatives.
The don warned that without a well-structured phase-out plan, the sudden cut in aid could create economic and social instability, particularly for young people who had grown up dependent on such services.
Cheri also stressed the need for Nigeria to rethink its approach to humanitarian and social services.
He said that the increased government investment, effective policy implementation, and greater transparency in fund management could help mitigate the impact of USAID’s withdrawal and ensure sustainable development in the affected regions.
Meanwhile, some of the stakeholders in Adamawa have advised that the state government should try and sustain various projects implemented by USAID to enhance the state’s development.
Rev. Shafa Salma, Secretary-General of the Basic Education Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), highlighted the positive impact of USAID projects in fostering collaboration between Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), CSOs, and local communities.
Salma said that such efforts had promoted transparency and accountability, which are crucial for good governance.
“We urge the government to sustain USAID projects as they enhance credibility, boost internally generated revenue (IGR), improve economic development, and attract international investors and donors to the state.
“We appeal that the government, no matter how much it will cost, continue to sustain the ongoing projects for the development of the state,” he said.
Salma said that accountability was also essential to encourage investment, noting that “no one wants to invest in an environment where accountability is lacking”.
Mr. Musa Shalangwa, a lecturer in the Department of International Relations and Strategic Studies, Adamawa State Polytechnic, said that USAID’s interventions had significantly impacted various sectors, including Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), education, and healthcare.
The don said that USAID had strengthened the capacity of government officials, CSOs, and community leaders while promoting women’s inclusion in governance.
Shalangwa urged the state government to build on the foundations laid by USAID to further improve the quality of life for residents.
According to him, USAID’s initiatives have increased citizens participation in the budget process and enhanced revenue generation mechanisms in the state.
Meanwhile, the Borno government has assured residents that the withdrawal of USAID funding would not significantly disrupt essential service delivery in the state.
Though some humanitarian groups and affected beneficiaries have expressed concern over the worsening condition of the people in conflict communities, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, the state Commissioner for Budget and Planning, see it as positive.
He stated the state government’s position on the issue while reacting to the development during the 2025 budget breakdown recently.
“The state government has been proactive in ensuring that key humanitarian and development services continue despite USAID’s funding withdrawal,” Mallumbe said.
He said that many international grants, including those from UNICEF and the World Bank, required counterpart funding from the state, which meant that the government had been co-financing various programmes.
“For instance, if an organisation like UNICEF donates $100,000, we also contribute $100,000.
“If they don’t provide funding, we don’t either. This model ensures sustainability, and we are actively seeking new partners to fill any funding gaps,” Wakilbe added.
However, Mr. Ibrahim Balarabe, an aid worker, warned that the withdrawal could severely impact thousands of vulnerable people across health, education, and food security sectors in the North-East.
Balarabe said that USAID funding was instrumental in providing food assistance to IDPs, supporting malnutrition treatment centres, and financing safe drinking water projects.
“In some camps, food rations have already been reduced, and we are beginning to see signs of increased malnutrition, especially among children and nursing mothers,” he said.
Displaced persons in various camps across Borno have also expressed fear and frustration over the withdrawal of USAID support which has been a critical source of relief since the insurgency displaced millions.
Malam Ibrahim Musa, who has been living in Muna Garage IDP camp for over five years, said the withdrawal was already affecting their food supply.
“Before, we used to receive food distributions every month. Now, we are told that supplies will be delayed, and some households have not received food in weeks,” Musa said.
According to him, families have resorted to skipping meals, while others send their children to beg on the streets of Maiduguri metropolis.
“This is not the future we wanted. We depend on these aid programmes because there is still no security to return to our villages,” he added.
Fatima Ali, a local entrepreneur in Maiduguri, however, sees the withdrawal as an opportunity for Nigerians to find homegrown solutions.
“It is time for us to come together as a community and create our own solutions. We cannot rely on foreign aid forever,” she said.
“While the government remains optimistic about mitigating the impact of the withdrawal, the reality on the ground suggests that humanitarian needs in Borno remain high,” security analyst, Kachallah Ibrahim, who also reacted, said.
Ibrahim warned that reduced funding for counterterrorism initiatives could impact the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents.
He said that the state government has called on local and international partners to step in and provide alternative funding to sustain critical humanitarian services.
The humanitarian organisations and residents affected by the withdrawal of USAID’s $736 million funding in Nigeria say the situation is already taking a toll, particularly in insurgency-affected areas of Borno.
The humanitarian sector in Borno had been heavily reliant on international aid, especially for food distribution, healthcare, and security interventions.
The USAID funds supported programmes in IDP camps, healthcare centres, and counterterrorism initiatives.
Puma Energy unveiled its pan-African “Go Africa” brand campaign Tuesday, March 25, 2025, targeting seven countries including Malawi, Botswana, Congo, Ghana, Lesotho, Tanzania and South Africa.
Puma Energy service station
The initiative aims to reinforce the company’s commitment to delivering tailored energy solutions and empowering communities continent-wide.
Since entering Africa in 2010, Puma Energy has expanded to 676 retail sites, convenience stores and aviation hubs across 16 nations.
The campaign emphasises leveraging technology and partnerships to address regional challenges like fuel access and road safety while promoting clean energy transitions.
“This campaign energises our mission to serve Malawi’s communities with safe, reliable solutions,” said Zwelithini Mlotshwa, Puma Energy Malawi’s general manager.
“We prioritise fueling progress, not just engines.”
Key initiatives include expanding liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) access to improve health outcomes through cleaner cooking fuels, youth skills programs and infrastructure investments.
The company also supports education and road safety projects, aligning with its goal to bridge energy gaps in underserved markets.
Puma Energy operates terminals, depots and quick-service restaurants in its African markets, serving airports and local businesses.
The “Go Africa” rollout underscores its focus on affordability and sustainability amid rising demand for energy access.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is facing a critical funding shortfall that could lead to the suspension of food aid for Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi by May 2025, leaving thousands of refugees at risk of hunger.
Dzaleka Camp
The camp, located in Dowa District, Central Malawi, has seen its population surge from its initial 12,000-person capacity to 57,312 refugees and asylum seekers due to continuous arrivals and births, with over 200 babies born monthly.
Speaking in Lilongwe on March 28, 2025, Simon Denhere, WFP’s Interim Country Director in Malawi, confirmed that due to reduced global donor funding, WFP had already cut refugee rations from 75% to 50% in February 2025.
“If we do not secure additional funding from our development partners, we may have to completely suspend cash assistance in May,” Denhere warned.
“We require about $10.7 million to restore full food rations through December 2025.”
Refugees Face Growing Hardship
The looming crisis has raised serious concerns among officials and refugee advocates.
Deputy Commissioner for Refugees, Ivy Chifundo Chihana, described the situation as dire.
“If funding is not secured, thousands of refugees will be left without food assistance, pushing families into severe hardship,” she said.
Camp Manager, Elton Phulusa, acknowledged that only 30% of refugees have managed to establish small businesses or engage in farming to sustain themselves.
“Hunger levels are worsening,” Phulusa said. “We are working with Plan International and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to train refugees in farming and business management, but we need urgent food support in the meantime.”
Community Leaders Call for Urgent Support
Joyce Wamuyu, a refugee community leader from Rwanda, urged WFP to explore alternative funding solutions.
“We cannot survive without this assistance,” she stressed.
“If WFP stops food aid, many of us will starve.”
The crisis is already forcing desperate survival measures, with reports of teenage girls engaging in survival sex for food and young boys resorting to theft to sustain themselves.
Currently, WFP provides cash assistance to every refugee, distributing MK15,000 per person monthly, covering only 50% of their food needs.
Struggling Infrastructure and Security Concerns
The crisis extends beyond hunger, affecting security, healthcare, and education.
Medical supplies are running low, worsening conditions for sick refugees.
Overcrowded schools lack sufficient resources to accommodate growing numbers.
Security concerns are escalating, with refugees increasingly vulnerable to exploitation and crime.
Dzaleka is home to asylum seekers and refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi, Rwanda, and Ethiopia, among other nations.
As WFP’s funding deadline approaches, the future of thousands remains uncertain. Without immediate intervention, Dzaleka Refugee Camp may soon face a humanitarian disaster.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC) and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd (SNEPCo) on Friday, March 28, 2025, donated vehicles including a specialised ambulance in support of security and health services in Lagos State. The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) received two vehicles while an intensive care unit ambulance was given to Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Metta.
L-R: Head, Social Investment and Performance,Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), Elohor Abu; SNEPCo’s ,Country Security Manager, Isaac Akinjogunla; Deputy Manager, External Relations, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Olubunmi Edith Lawson; Executive Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF),Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun; SNEPCo’s Safety & Environment Manager, David Aghaiyo and LSSTF Admin Director, Degbola Lewis during the donation at LSSTF office , Alausa, Ikeja
Speaking at the handover of the security vehicles, SNEPCo’s Country Security Manager Isaac Akinjogunla, who represented Managing Director Ronald Adams, said it “underscores our support for efforts by the Lagos State Government to ensure security in the state.” He called for the “careful usage and proper maintenance of the vehicles so that residents can benefit from the donation.”
The Chief Upstream Investment Officer of the NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Oluwaseyi Omotowa, said in an address read by Deputy Manager, External Relations, Mrs. Bunmi Lawson: “By enhancing the operational capacity of security agencies, these vehicles will contribute to a safer environment for all residents. This donation complements our ongoing support in education and healthcare sectors within the state, reflecting our holistic approach to social investment.”
Executive Secretary/CEO of LSSTF, Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun, thanked NNPC-SNEPCo for the gesture, saying: “Together, we can work towards a safer and more secure environment where our businesses continue to thrive,and our loved ones are safe.”
NNPC-SNEPCo had donated 16 vehicles towards the strengthening of security in Lagos in 2020.
The specialised ambulance was given to Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Metta on behalf of the SNEPCo Managing Director by the Safety and Environment Manager David Aghaiyo.
He said: “The ambulance supports the broader healthcare infrastructure within the community by facilitating quick transportation and medical care.”
Also, in remarks delivered by Mrs. Lawson, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NUIMS, Oluwaseyi Omotowa, said: “We recognize the critical role that healthcare plays in the lives of Nigerians and are dedicated to supporting initiatives that improve access to quality healthcare services.”
The Medical Director/Chief Executive Officer of the medical centre, Dr. Adedamola Dada, described the donation of the ambulance as “answered prayer” as it will help the facility cope with the large number of patients who require such services.
The social investment portfolio of NNPC-SNEPCo supported by co-venturers, TotalEnergies, Exxon, and Nigerian Agip Exploration involves life-changing initiatives in scholarship awards, and construction of educational infrastructure including ICT centres and digital libraries, health projects as well as training and mentorship programme for self-employment under the Shell LiveWIRE scheme.
Experts in the environmental sector have called on Nigerians to plant more trees to mitigate the current heatwave caused by climate change.
Heatwave in South Asia
They made this call in separate interviews in Abuja on Friday, March 28, 2025.
Dr Michael David, Executive Director (ED) of the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), urged Nigerians to plant more trees and restore forest habitats in their homes to combat climate change.
He noted that heatwaves are causing streams and rivers to dry up, highlighting the urgent need to address the issue by restoring habitats across the country.
“To address the impact of heat wave and the drying of rivers and streams requires a more comprehensive strategy on climate adaptation process, water management and generally ecosystem restoration.”
The ED stated that these factors currently being experienced in the country are a result of climate change, which is characterised by the intensity and duration of extreme heat.
“Heatwave exposes to drought contributes to health problems in humans and wildlife leading to high break of diseases.
“Heatwave causes a lot of socio-economic impacts on communities, water scarcity, raises a lot of conflict in communities, livelihoods are affected animals and farmers, communities are displaced leading to migration of people.
“Hence the urgent need to safeguard our water resources for future generations,” David emphasised.
Similarly, Mr. Ene Owoh, the National Coordinator of Clean-up Nigeria (CUN), expressed concern over the current unpredictable rainfall patterns and the declining water levels in streams.
“The rising sea levels, the cases of flood, drought all of this boils down to the climate change the truth be told climate change has altered the availability of water thus making it less plentiful in the world.
“Climate change has caused water shortage, drought and the decrease of agricultural produce, Climate change also affects water supply in a number of ways.
“Consequently, any increase in temperature level will have consequence on water level as well as human beings,” Owoh said.
Nigerians have been advised to jettison the culture of African parents taking pride in giving birth to numerous children, as bloated family size continues to be a major cause of increasing poverty, hunger and conflicts in the home.
The Cartoon Africa International Biennial (CAIB) festival deploys cartoons and comedic art to foster public education
Reacting to some polemic messages gleaned from an ongoing traveling CartoonAfrica SDG Cartoon Campaigns and workshops which held on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Jatto Memorial Christian College, Benin City, Edo State, as a supporting event for the school’s Culture Day 2025, parents and students faulted the culture of over bloated family sizes in today’s society, arguing that if there were too many people in a family to share too little food and other resources, there would always be hunger and lack and conflicts in the family.
The youngsters also made their own artistic advocacy presentations using drawings, cartoons, poems/spoken word, short stories and articles addressing various important development issues in Nigeria. The students leveraged on the supporting event/exhibition for the Culture Day to lend their voices on development issues directly affecting them, such as the culture of sanitation and personal hygiene, environmental protection, climate resilience, health and wellness.
Now in its 7th edition, the Cartoon Africa International Biennial (CAIB) festival deploys cartoons and comedic art to foster public education, sensitise and broaden public thoughts and awareness and draw attention to vital development concerns not given the attention they deserve. At least 1,000 African youths are targeted to be engaged, trained and empowered with skills set to monetise their talents and fight youth unemployment while contributing to advancing the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The travelling cartoon campaigns and workshops are facilitated by the Beautiful Feet International (BFI) Ministry, in collaboration with African Press Cartoon, the Francodus Art Foundation, and other implementing partners.
