Under a new partnership agreement signed between TotalEnergies Lubrifiants and Mayer & Cie., the Tixo Stainless co-branded product range will be sold by Mayer & Cie.’s expert distributors worldwide to their customers
TotalEnergies and Mayer & Cie. sign the partnership agreement
Signed on February 6, 2025, the new agreement allows the two leaders to join forces to combine TotalEnergies’ Tixo Stainless oils, said to be one of the highest-performance knitting machine lubricants, with one of the best knitting machines available on the market.
TotalEnergies Lubrifiants is one of the world’s leading suppliers of oils for knitting machines. Its range of Tixo products, specially designed to meet the requirements of knitting machines and approved by key manufacturers, is considered one of the best oils available on the market for lubricating needles, needle beds, sinkers and knitting cams on knitting machines. They are also compatible with all types of yarn.
Tixo knitting oils is said to have been developed to offer the best washability at low, medium and high wash temperatures, without compromising mechanical performance. This ensures adequate lubrication of machine components, guaranteeing machine reliability and the quality of the knitted fabrics produced.
Mayer & Cie., a German company founded in 1905, is a long-established, premium manufacturer and supplier of large-diameter circular knitting machines. As a trailblazer in the sector, setting standards while developing new processes and approaches, the company is further distinguished by its strong expertise and market knowledge.
Benjamin Mayer, Managing Partner Mayer & Cie., said: “We are excited to offer our circular knitting machine customers a premium-quality machine and needle oil, adding yet another element to ensure exceptional performance.”
Founded on shared values and a common passion for innovation, this agreement reflects both partners’ commitment to meeting their customers’ specific needs with highly advanced, high-performance solutions. The partnership also embodies TotalEnergies Lubrifiants’ expertise in knitting machines lubrication as several world’s key knitting machine manufacturers place their trust in the Tixo range, which Mayer & Cie. has just joined.
Rainer Keiemburg, Vice President for Industrial Lubricants at TotalEnergies Lubrifiants, said: “It is an honour to welcome Mayer & Cie. as one of our key partners. Combining their circular knitting machines with our lubricants was an obvious choice for me, and I am delighted to collaborate together to fully satisfy their customers.”
Nigeria’s Country Director of the Social Good Fund (SGF), Joledo Oyewole, has described Hamzat Lawal, Chief Executive Officer of Connected Development (CODE), as a true champion whose selfless life of sacrifice, generosity, and influence has changed lives in Africa and beyond.
Mrs. Ijeoma Aladesaye, CEO of Servelead Group, poses with other dignitaries at Hamzat Lawal’s official induction as NASS global ambassador in Abuja
Oyewole’s portrayal was based on his first encounter with Lawal, particularly when he observed him opposing anti-people’s policies. Hamzat has also been seen in public, delving into a highly scary political arena in pursuit of social justice.
“Hamzat is not one to back down – oh no, elephants don’t back down – talk less of the White elephant!” he said in his speech during a roundtable social media impact programme organised by Servelead Humanitarian Initiative (SHI) in Abuja.
According to him, his story with the legendary human rights advocate is one characterised of impact, humility, brotherhood, trust, and support. To be frank, he continued, the story of Hamzat, if put in a book, locked in a chest, and brought out after many years and read, would still remain astonishing.
“Hamzy, as I like to call him, is the real deal,” he said, noting their working relationship as a blessing that has brought in millions of dollars and continues to provide leverage for a generation, a nation, and a continent to develop and thrive.
Follow the Money, a digital tool he developed to promote transparency and accountability in government and non-profit expenditure, has resulted in a more equitable distribution of development and resources across the continent.
Induction as NASS global ambassador
The space was crowded with almost 200 young-looking folks eager to learn and make sense of their surroundings. After several hours of waiting and a few background engagements, particularly a presentation by Pamela Williams, a brand and marketing specialist, Hamzat Lawal, the man of the moment, appeared.
“I am excited to be inducted by Servelead Humanitarian Initiative as NASS global ambassador,” he remarked, waving joyfully at the audience.
Given the global dwindling space, it is critical that Nigeria, at this point in its history, develops the resource management skills of its youth in order to support and empower them to reach out to and help underserved communities.
Empowering start-ups – especially non-profits – with the resources they require to oversee their internal operations and reduce expenses to maximise impact will benefit society by providing access to water, healthcare, and education for a large number of underprivileged people.
Data is an invaluable resource for advancing this process. As a result, fostering a generation of young Nigerian business entrepreneurs who understand how to collect feedback and use it to drive government policy is vital to the attainment of social rights and justice.
These are just a few of the challenges that the newly appointed NASS global ambassador will work with partners to overcome to ensure service delivery, especially in hard-to-reach locations. He will also have to apply his more than eighteen years of experience in the non-profit sector to determine how to expand the number of persons inducted to boost support for different government initiatives.
His awareness of these issues should help him concentrate on using his vast experience to reduce the running expenses that consume the budgets of young start-ups, save the money, and advise them on how to utilise it for charitable purposes.
According to the NASS global ambassador, this experience will be reflected in identifying struggling establishments and assist them in getting through these difficult times by sharing information, allowing them to create a community of organisations that can continue to learn and use the knowledge that is currently available to reach millions of Nigerians, particularly women and children in hard-to-reach communities.
“I’ve been here for almost 20 years, so I’m getting old,” he stated.
So, to him, it is about leaving a legacy, passing on knowledge, and ensuring that the future generation is prepared to serve humanity. It is also about encouraging patriotism in both the younger and older generations because “I believe in intergenerational dialogue and equity.”
Mrs. Ijeoma Aladesaye, CEO of Servelead Group, disclosed during the occasion that there is an ambition target to raise up to $5 billion over the next five years to support community development in Nigeria.
“One of our key initiatives is the development of an app, which we are launching today. While it is starting in Nigeria, the goal is for it to eventually facilitate global resource exchange,” she asserts.
Aladesaye highlighted that social impact requires a vast range of resources, both financial and non-financial. Although many people and organisations are willing to donate and help, connecting them to those in need remains a barrier.
Therefore, this platform will help close that gap and facilitate the flow of resources to support important areas like education, access to clean water, healthcare, and livelihood improvements for women and children, the Servelead CEO hinted. “We are not merely seeking financial donations; we’re enabling a system where individuals and organisations can connect and exchange resources to drive social change.”
Conclusion
To be honest, the NAAS initiative is one that all non-profits, social entrepreneurs, philanthropists, businesses with CSRs, and governments should quickly identify and engage with in order to reduce spending while increasing impact, which is why their decision to select a worthy advocate like Hamzat to help send the message to Nigeria and the rest of the world is commendable.
Some civil society organisations (CSOs) have alleged that powerful elites are sponsoring illegal mining to strip Nigeria of its mineral wealth.
Dr Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development
The stakeholders, who said this in an interview on Sunday, February 9, 2025, in Abuja, warned that the situation could undermine President Bola Tinubu’s economic diversification policy, aimed at enhancing the solid minerals sector to contribute significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, had alleged that retired military officers were involved in illegal mining, using sophisticated machinery and procuring arms for the activity.
He said that they use choppers to transport minerals out of the country, making billions of dollars in the process.
He added that the arms procured to secure illegal mining sites were also used for banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.
The Executive Director of Renevyln Development Initiative (RDI), Philip Dakpor, stated that powerful interests were behind illegal mining, depriving Nigeria of revenue from the sector, which required deliberate action to address the menace.
“There is no doubt that powerful interests are behind illegal mining across the country, so Comrade Adams Oshiomhole may be right in pointing fingers. However, his allegations lack the political will needed to address the issue.
“This is because he said the perpetrators are known yet no names were mentioned, and no one has been arrested. If those behind the menace are known and can’t be named and arrested, then it shows something even deeper.
“It is either collusion at certain quarters in government or total negligence, but I suspect it is collusion. Some people in government are benefiting maximally from illegal mining and so choose not to halt the practice,” he said.
An activist, Dr Abdullahi Jabi, alleged that traditional rulers were conniving with illegal miners, mostly expatriates, to cart away Nigeria’s mineral wealth.
Jabi, the Chairman, North Central Zone, Campaign for Democracy, Human Rights Advocacy, Civil Society of Nigeria, said that locals in mining communities aid illegal miners in perpetrating the act.
“These activities have been on over the years and government did not pay attention to it, until it got escalated with illegal expatriates coming to the country with machineries.
“They are using residents and citizens within those communities, who show them the way, and then connive with traditional rulers to perpetrate these wounds against the states,” he said.
He described the situation as complex, resulting from factors such as the negligence of constitutional duties by political leaders and public office holders.
“It is a network that is critical to destroy. It’s not as easy as you see it, because the high and the mighty are behind it.
“This is because a poor man, who cannot feed, who has no energy, cannot go to exploration of minerals resources that is almost 200 or 500 miles into the mother earth.
“Who will give him the equipment? Who will provide him with security to do that,” he said.
The activist listed poor governance, weak leadership, and a deteriorating economic situation as factors further making the sector vulnerable to expatriates, whom he alleged were supported by some leaders.
According to him, to address the situation, a holistic legal framework must be established to ensure that the solid minerals sector received the required attention.
He emphasised the need for adequate logistics to enable the government to implement strict measures for the benefit of the people, rather than a few individuals who were exploiting the nation’s resources.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, during the Ministry’s budget defence in 2023, had also alleged that illegal miners were sponsoring banditry in the affected states.
He said that efforts were ongoing to identify the perpetrators, adding that various strategies, including both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches were being deployed to address the situation.
The Federal Government on Friday, February 7, 2025, says it is working toward transiting one million households from firewood-based cooking to clean and sustainable energy solutions.
Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim
Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, made this known during a citizen’s engagement news conference in commemoration of her 100 days in office in Abuja.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said that this was part of efforts to promote gender-responsive climate action.
She said that Nigeria’s participation at COP29 in Azerbaijan provided a platform to engage with international community on gender-responsive climate action.
According to her, women are at the frontline of climate change impacts, and are ensuring that their voices, solutions, and leadership are integrated into climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
“In this regard, we are working to transition one million households from firewood-based cooking to clean and sustainable energy solutions,” she said.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said that the initiative was part of strategies to drive impactful reforms that would empower, protect and uplift the lives of women, girls and vulnerable populations.
She said that the ministry would empower 10 million women economically by 2027, ensuring that they played vital roles in Nigeria’s economic transformation.
“This aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of a $1 trillion economy, where women are key contributors to national productivity,” the minister said.
She said that steps had been taken to achieve it by the commencement of the implementation of the World Bank supported “Nigeria for Women Scale-Up Project”, targeting 4.5 million women across the 36 states and the FCT.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said that through financial literacy, business development, and cooperative structures, women would be equipped with tools to build sustainable enterprises and contribute meaningfully to economic growth.
She said that through the MOWA-SARA Accelerated Skills Acquisition Programme in collaboration with WEMA Bank, 500,000 women would be trained in vocational skills, business entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, among others.
“The first phase of the programme is currently underway in Kano State with 2,500 women being trained at the Ministry of Women Affairs Centre in Dederi and the Kano Hospitality & Tourism Institute in Gyadi-Gyadi.
“Also, to further strengthen access to finance, the ministry is working on setting up a National Microfinance Framework for Women Entrepreneurs.
“This initiative aims to bridge the financing gap for women, ensuring they have affordable credit, investment opportunities, and gender-responsive financial services.
“This will help them to grow their businesses and contribute more effectively to national development,” the minister said.
She said that food intervention programme for women and vulnerable groups had been unveiled for financial empowerment amidst economic hardships facing many families.
“By providing direct food assistance and supporting women-led agricultural initiatives, we are ensuring that no woman or child is left behind in our collective journey toward prosperity,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim said.
She said that the ministry also unveiled a nationwide campaign to provide menstrual hygiene kits to 10,000 young girls, thereby ensuring that they stay in school and maintain their dignity to end period poverty.
“My first 100 days in office have been marked by bold decisions, strategic partnerships and measurable impact.
“However, the work ahead is even greater and our commitment to transforming the lives of women and children remains resolute,” the minister said.
On her part, the Minister of State for Education, Dr Suwaiba Sa’id-Ahmad, said that there was the need for women to seize the opportunities available to empower themselves and contribute to national development.
Said-Ahmad said that the Minister of Women Affairs had attained a great milage in meeting the aspirations of Nigerian women in just 100 days of her being in office.
“We have a lot of our girls that have not been opportuned to attend school for one reason or another, so we want to increase access to education by going to those communities that don’t have access.
“Early marriages, teenage pregnancy and emotional intelligence are some challenges facing the girl-child.
“We see the kind of passion the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs carries in her activities, so we know she is capable to tackle these challenges,” she said.
A researcher at the Bayelsa Government-owned University of Africa, Toru-Orua (UAT), Dr Faith Ogbole, has developed a plant for converting waste to methane gas or biogas which serves as cooking gas.
Dr Faith Ogbole, developer of the biogas plant, demonstrates the research findings
The feat followed Ogbole’s year-long research funded by the Bayelsa Government through the Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund (BYEDTF).
The breakthrough aids in waste management, job creation and provision of affordable cooking gas.
Ogbole demonstrated the research findings when officials of BYEDTF visited the University of Africa Toru-Orua in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa, on Friday, February 7, 2025.
She thanked BYEDTF for funding the project – production and purification of methane gas from sceptic tanks and other environmental wastes such as plantain peals, animal dung and grasses.
Ogbole said that the plant was locally fabricated.
She said that it would accept waste of all kinds, grind and pour them into a specially built air-tight tank to generate gas.
According to her, the gas is then passed through a purifier and ends as methane gas for cooking, among other uses.
She said that the high cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas and the need to create jobs and wealth for the university and the state, propelled her work.
She added that the the discovery would improve the environment.
The Vice-Chancellor of UAT and Acting Chairman of BYEDTF, Prof. Francis Sikoki, led other members of the state’s Scientific Research and Technology Development Committee to inspect the project.
Sikoki said that BYEDTF, in 2024, gave grants to some researchers in Bayelsa-owned tertiary institutions.
He described the biogas project as outstanding.
Sikoki said that BYEDTF was committed to supporting commercially viable and problem-solving research.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Scientific Research and Technology Development Committee, Chief Evelyn Adombazi, said the BYEDTF took a good decision in funding the research.
She encouraged the researcher to improve on the project to make the gas accessible by most homes.
The team also inspected the progress of other BYEDTF-funded projects such as the Bayelsa Larvae Project and the Separation of Cyanide from Environmental Waste project.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted haziness from Sunday, February 9 to Tuesday, February 11, 2025, across the country.
Hazy weather
NiMet’s Weather outlook released on Saturday, February 8 in Abuja, envisaged moderate dust haze on Sunday with horizontal visibility range of 2km to 5km over the northern and north central regions of the country.
“With localised visibilities of less than or equal to 1km expected over parts of Yobe, Kano, Katsina, Gombe, Bauchi, Kaduna, Jigawa and Niger.
“However, parts of Kogi, Kwara and Benue will experience a few clouds in a hazy atmosphere.
“In the southern parts of the country, cloudy skies with spells of sunshine are expected over the entire region with prospects of afternoon or evening,” it said.
According to NiMet, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Ondo, Edo and Delta.
The agency predicted moderate dust haze on Monday with a horizontal visibility range of 2km to 5km over the northern and North Central region of the country.
“However parts of Kogi, Kwara and Benue will experience a few clouds in a hazy atmosphere.
“In the southern region, cloudy skies with spells of sunshine are expected over entire region with prospects of afternoon or evening thunderstorms are expected over parts of Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta,” it said.
According to NiMet, moderate dust haze with horizontal visibility range of 2km to 5km is anticipated over the northern and North Central region of the country on Tuesday.
The agency forecast spells of sunshine over the entire region with prospects of afternoon or evening thunderstorms over parts of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Ondo, Edo and Delta.
“Dust particles are in suspension, the public should take necessary precaution. People with asthmatic health conditions and other respiratory issues should be cautious of the present weather condition.
”Strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur, public should take adequate precaution and adhere to safety advisories issued by relevant authorities.
“Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports from NiMet’s office for effective planning in their operations.
“Residents are also advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng,” it said.
The Ogoni people have expressed their support for ongoing discussions between Ogoni leaders and the Federal Government regarding the planned resumption of oil extraction in Ogoniland.
President Bola Tinubu shortly after a meeting with leaders of the Ogoni people at Aso Villa, as part of efforts to resume oil activities in Ogoniland, Rivers State
This endorsement was contained in a communique issued following a congress attended by Ogoni sons and daughters in Bori, the headquarters of Khana Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State.
President Bola Tinubu recently met with Ogoni leaders over the proposed resumption of oil activities, which had been suspended since 1993 due to unrest in the area.
The move is part of efforts to increase the nation’s oil production to over 2 million barrels per day before the end of 2025.
Prof. Don Baridam, Chairman of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee and signatory to the communique, welcomed the dialogue process.
He stated that residents across Ogoni local government areas, including Eleme, Gokana, Khana, and Tai, supported the dialogue process.
Ignatius Kattey, Archbishop of Niger Delta North, Anglican Church of Nigeria, and Co-Chairman of the committee, read the communique and described the discussions as a defining moment for the Ogoni people
According to the communique, the Congress of Ogoni People supports the dialogue between the Federal Government and Ogoni leaders and acknowledges the commencement of Ogoni-wide consultations.
“We believe that continued engagement and constructive discussions will lead to lasting solutions that benefit our people and future generations,” he stated.
The communique also recognised the efforts of the facilitators coordinating the process and expressed confidence in their ability to ensure fairness, inclusivity, and transparency throughout the dialogue.
It commended President Bola Tinubu for granting the Ogoni delegation the opportunity for dialogue, saying, it “marks a significant step towards addressing the concerns of the Ogoni people and fostering peace and development”.
It expressed gratitude to National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Governor of Rivers, Siminalayi Fubara, and other officials for their support.
It highlighted several confidence-building measures being implemented by the government.
“This includes the signing into law of the Federal University of Environmental Technology in Ogoniland, which is a landmark achievement for educational and environmental advancement in Ogoniland.
“The fast tracking of the completion of the critical East-West Road project from Eleme Junction to Onne Junction, which will enhance connectivity and economic development.
“The implementation of affirmative action to employ Ogoni sons and daughters in key federal institutions, ensuring greater inclusion and representation,” it stated.
The communique further acknowledged the ongoing interventions in infrastructure development, the inclusion of key Ogoni projects in the current national budget, and interventions by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
It noted that the steps demonstrated the government’s commitment to addressing developmental challenges in Ogoniland and Rivers State as a whole.
“The Congress remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice, development, and inclusivity.
“We stand in solidarity with the government in this dialogue process and urge all Ogoni people to embrace unity and cooperation for the greater good of our land,” the communique affirmed.
It, however, reaffirmed the commitment to peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement to realise the Ogoni people’s aspirations for development, environmental justice, and economic empowerment.
The Global President of the United Nations International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC), Amb. (Dr.) Jonathan Ojadah, has called on all professionals, high level dignitaries and well-meaning government representatives across Africa to pan together towards promoting sustainable development.
The Tana River County, Kenya Governor, Prof. Gaddae Godhana Dhadho, making a presentation to Chima Williams after his swearing in while the Global President of UNIPGC, Ambassador (Dr.) Jonathan Ojadah, looks on
Amb. Ojadah, who stated this at the dinner and award ceremony of the organisation in Nairobi, Kenya, disclosed that the UNIPGC is a diplomatic civil society organisation with the mandate of promoting sustainable development and advocacy for good governance across the globe, by bringing together professionals who are distinguished in their various fields and developing their capacity through peace building.
He pointed out that the African continent is at its vulnerable state, and needs the efforts of all and sundry in preaching the message of peace and imbibing it into the hearts of the common people across the African continent.
Also speaking at the award ceremony, the Tana River County of Kenya Governor, Prof. Gaddae Godhana Dhadho, stated that those picked to be awarded on the African platform were chosen for their duty and their impact in different communities to embrace the issues plaguing the African continent and proffer sustainable solutions.
While highlighting some of the issues in Africa which includes climate crisis and marginalisation, he admonished the awardees on their duty to engage with the people, communities, governments and organisations to restore the lost glory of Africa.
Executive Director of Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), Chima Williams, who was one of the awardees was honored as a distinguished Fellow and Member of the Board of Trustees of the Chartered Institute of Peace and Governance, (CIPG) Texas, USA, an institution set up by the UNIPGC to build the capacity of its members.
Receiving his award, Williams stressed the need for equality among all humans, and the need for a restoration of Africa as the cradle of civilisation by rewriting the history of the African people. He affirmed his commitment to serve the people in honesty, dedication and passion by pushing further in his duties of fighting for the rights of the common people.
Williams was also awarded with the certificate of membership of the UNIPGC Committee on Judicial Corporation and Human Rights, and certificate of participation at the Future of leadership: Harnessing AI to Drive Business success Executive Master Class.
The award ceremony featured members of UNIPGC and Fellows of the CIPG from all around the globe.
Concerned stakeholders under the aegis of the Cross River South Consultation Forum (CRSCF) have described the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot-Ekpene Federal Highway as a national embarrassment, as they accused the federal government of refusing to honour the promise of the tripartite committee on the intervention on the road, which they claim has been in a deplorable state for decades.
Minister of Works, David Umahi
The group also called for immediate action and intervention to end the untold hardship on the people of Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, as it posed grave danger to motorists, commuters and businesses.
CRSCF however demanded for the termination or revocation of the contract with Julius Berger and re-award of same to a company willing to continue construction.
The group made the accusation and the demands on Friday, February 7, 2025, in a statement signed by the Chairman, Eyo Ekpo; Secretary, Sir Maurice Efiwatt; and 12 others during a press briefing at the NUJ Hall of Fame, Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre, Calabar.
CRSCF wondered why the Minister of Works, David Umahi, could not keep to his promise since December 2023 when the group visited him in his office in Abuja and he set up a tripartite committee to track the process of the road project.
The group further accused, “The Minister has failed to honour his commitment, raising serious questions about the sincerity of the Federal Government in resolving this issue. This pattern of empty promises must end.
“You can then imagine our utter consternation when, during his 2024 visit to Calabar for the town hall meeting to flag off the Calabar end of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Umahi brazenly accused the Forum of being sponsored to damage the reputation of Sermatech. This is a truly baffling accusation. How can one damage what never existed?”
They however demanded for urgent and full-scale rehabilitation of the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Federal Highway, adding that Federal Government must prioritise the road and take immediate steps to ensure its completion.
They also called for accountability of Julius Berger and Sermatech contractors, stating that they must provide clear explanations for the delays and take urgent steps to accelerate the job.
“Honouring the promise of the tripartite committee – Dave Umahi must fulfil his commitment to constituting the committee, allowing stakeholders to track progress and ensure accountability.
“Termination and/or revocation of the contract with Julius Berger and re-award of same to a company willing to continue construction.
“The Cross River South Consultative Forum (CRSCF) stands firm in its demand for action. The people of Cross River and Akwa Ibom states have suffered enough. We will not relent until this road is fixed,” the group maintained.
The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called on Nigerian governors to utilise the recent 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) to boost their states’ economic resilience and sustainability.
Dignitaries at the Public Presentation of the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) in Abuja
This appeal comes as NiMet unveils its 2025 SCP, providing valuable insights into expected weather and climate patterns that are critical for various sectors, including agriculture, water resources, disaster management, health, defense, maritime operations, transportation, aviation.
HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Sulaimon Arigbabu, emphasised the importance of the SCP in guiding policies and actions that help Nigeria adapt to climate realities. He noted that reliable and timely climate information is crucial for Nigeria’s agriculture, which is largely climate dependent.
In 2024, HEDA Resource Centre in partnership with NIMET and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agencies (NIHSA) trained 150 personnel from states ministries of agriculture and environment alongside some NGOs in this regard. This, however, is just a drop in the ocean compared to what is required.
Arigbabu called on the Nigerian Governors Forum, all 36 State governors, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), and the 774 local government Chairmen in their collective and respective capacities to take full advantage of the SCP and other climate information products from NiMet to fast-track the eradication of hunger and poverty, and usher in prosperity and sustainable development in their respective domains.
To achieve this, HEDA further recommends that state governments install more weather stations, work with NiMet to localise the SCP for their respective states, utilise their existing state-owned broadcast media, build local capacities for climate information understanding and utilising, as well as step up their collaboration and information sharing with NiMet in order to enhance the quality and relevance of agro-meteorology advisory services for their state. By taking these steps, Nigeria can strengthen its resilience to climate change, ensure food security, and promote sustainable development, according to HEDA.
In conclusion, HEDA highlighted the significance of the SCP as an early warning mechanism, enabling stakeholders to anticipate and adapt to climate vagaries. The group commended NiMet’s commitment to providing accurate and reliable climate information to support decision-making across various sectors.
