The Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit opened on Monday, January 27, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with a clarion call by Dr Doto Biteko, Tanzania’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, for more equitable and sustainable energy for the future.
Dr Doto Biteko
Biteko, who delivered the opening remark, said the summit was a catalyst to ongoing National Compact energy policy to promote energy sustainability, conservation and efficiency on the continent.
According to him, the National Compact policy, developed by 12 pilot countries, will provide a framework for coordinated action to unlock additional investments from government, private sector, development partners in achieving energy targets.
He added the National Compact policy focused on increasing access to modern energy services and the share of renewable energy, as well as security of supply.
“Together, we can drive a more equitable and sustainable energy for the future, and this summit will be part of the solution.
“Again, our objective will be to see what priorities we should set for the policy, solutions and commitments on how to implement the Mission 300 initiatives,” he said.
He said Mission 300 underscored the shared commitment of African countries on universal clean energy access, reducing carbon emission and supporting livelihood.
Biteko said the Dar es Salaam Energy Summit complemented Africa’s desire to power the continent in what he described as the spirit of lightening Africa as envisioned in the African Agenda 2063 goals.
He said after independence in the 1960s, many African countries made significant progress in generating and distributing electricity to their citizens.
He said Tanzania, which had only 21 megawatts during independence, had increased its capacity to 3,160 megawatts.
He said that, in spite of notable achievements in most African countries, the number of Africans who lacked access to electricity was estimated to be 571 million.
He added that the summit was convened with an ambitious but achievable target of increasing electricity access to at least 300 million people in Africa in the next five years.
“Let me express my gratitude to our co-organisers, the World Bank Group, African Development Bank, the Rockefeller Foundation, Sustainable Energy for All, the Energy Global Alliance for People and Planet.
“We salute you all for your valuable support and cooperation that made this summit a reality. We also welcome all of you to Dar es Salaam and this important event,” said Biteko.
He said he looked forward to enriching discussions at the summit: “As we work together to shape African energy future, there is no doubt that this summit will be a key milestone to a quest to achieve universal access to electricity.
“In our capacities as ministers responsible for energy, heads of international financial institutions, experts in civil society, we will have an opportunity to discuss a number of issues during this summit.”
In the heart of Benin City, the capital of Edo State, lies the Ikpoba Slope community, a neighourhood affected by environmental pollution.
Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo State
Once a thriving area, it has now become a breeding ground for infectious diseases.
This is largely due to the 23 abattoirs that operate unchecked, releasing a toxic mix of animal waste, blood, and other pollutants into the environment.
Recently, this once-thriving community has become a mere shadow of its former self.
It wasn’t just the choking stench of animal waste or the smoke from burning cow horns, but the grief of a couple burying their child.
10-year-old Samuel Osarion succumbed to typhoid fever.
Her parents, Ruth and Emmanuel Osarion, had spent their meagre savings on medication, but it was not enough.
“Samuel just got weaker and weaker. We took him to the hospital, but they told us it was typhoid from contaminated water. He didn’t even last two days,” her father said.
Over the past decade, Ikpoba Slope has become synonymous with environmental degradation, health crises, and neglect.
This situation is closely tied to the unregulated abattoirs, which slaughter nearly 200 cows daily and dump waste indiscriminately into the community.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), environmental pollution accounts for 26 per cent of all deaths in Nigeria, with children under the age of five being the most vulnerable.
Walking through Ikpoba Slope, it is impossible to ignore the evidence of this environmental calamity.
The streets are littered with heaps of animal dung, coagulated blood trickles into the Ikpoba River, and decomposing carcasses attract swarms of flies.
The air is thick with the smell of decay and burning cow horns, making breathing a labourious task.
Ken Omusi, a former youth leader and long-time resident, described the ordeal.
He estimated that 80 per cent of households in the community spend their income on medication.
“Every day, we battle flies, mosquitoes, and rats. The stench makes it hard to sleep. Children fall sick almost weekly with malaria, typhoid, and diarrhoea. Our people are dying, and no one seems to care.
“We are always treating the same illnesses. Women and children suffer the most. Often, we bury someone.
“It’s either a child who didn’t survive diarrhoea or an elderly person who couldn’t fight off malaria anymore,” he lamented.
Clearly, the once-thriving residential community is now dominated by abattoirs and non-resident labourers.
Many of the original inhabitants have fled, unable to bear the health hazards and deteriorating living conditions.
“Out of desperation, people sold their homes and moved out. Now, those houses are occupied by wheelbarrow pushers, scrap metal collectors, and other labourers, mostly from Northern Nigeria,” Omusi said.
Residents who remain must endure the daily horror of their environment.
Justin Isaac, who lives with his wife and two children, described the ordeal of simply existing in the area.
“We spray air fresheners all the time, but it doesn’t help. The stench is unbearable, and the flies are relentless. We fear an outbreak of cholera or something worse,” he said.
Another horrifying sight in the community is the Ikpoba River, which used to be a pristine waterway but has now turned into a sludge of coagulated blood, animal waste, and chemical runoff.
Children who play near its banks are at risk of skin infections and other waterborne diseases.
Dr Obinna Magnus Onuoha, a public health expert and veterinarian, warned about the river’s contamination.
According to him, if nothing is done, the situation will only worsen, leading to a progressive increase in illnesses affecting residents around the river and its environs.
“The worst-case scenario is the resultant deaths of people. You can see the example of the cholera outbreak that we have been experiencing in many states, with Lagos particularly hit hardest.
“It is very disheartening to know that these harmful actions;the dumping of cow dung/wastes are happening year after year, and we can see their debilitating effects on people.
“There is nothing healthy or beneficial in dumping cow dung/waste or any animal waste for that matter into water sources that may feed back to our communities.
“Water is life and we depend on it for all our domestic needs. We depend on water for sustenance.
“The least we can do is ensure that such water sources are safe for people to consume without fear of sickness or injury.
“Children, pregnant women, and the elderly or those with underlying health issues are those most at risk of being severely affected by the contamination of the Ikpoba River,” he pointed out.
The Abuja-based public health specialist called on the state government to exhibit political will and allocate resources to address the issue.
“The State Government is only as strong as its indigenes are able to contribute to its economic activities and growth. A healthy youthful population is a blessing, and it will benefit the State to reap the demographic dividends,” he said.
Onuoha also called for the establishment of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives in the state.
He further urged that all abattoirs operating around the Ikpoba River be required to safely dispose of all animal waste, away from potential water sources and residential areas.
“Designate animal waste dump sites that are beyond living areas to avoid contamination with residents. Resources need to be deployed to transport these wastes under the strictest hygienic conditions as much as possible.
“All biosecurity measures in and around abattoirs or animal farms must be adhered to. The Veterinary Service of the State must be empowered to enforce these regulations and policies,” he proposed.
The residents insist that they have taken their plight to the government, the courts, and regulatory agencies, but all to no avail.
Omusi explained the community’s frustration, saying, “We have written countless letters to the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Environment.
“We even sued the abattoir owners, but they hired Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) to quash the case. Money rules the judiciary here”.
The residents also accused the government of prioritising revenue collection over public health.
“They collect N10,000 per cow slaughtered, yet they do nothing about the waste,” said Osagieduwa Imafidon, the acting community leader.
Imafidon alleged that the government was more concerned with money than their lives.
Sunny Omokaro, the newly elected National President of the Butchers Employee Union of Nigeria, acknowledged the dire state of the abattoirs in Ikpoba Slope.
“What I saw there shocked me. It’s unacceptable,” he said.
Omokaro, however, criticised both the community and the local government for their roles in creating this crisis.
“The land for these abattoirs was sold by the community, and the councils issued permits without proper site analysis.
“Most of these abattoirs don’t even meet the minimum land requirements, but they were approved anyway.
“Before abattoirs are licensed, local governments must inspect the locations to determine whether it is suitable or not, but they don’t do that,” he said.
He said that, according to the law, the minimum land space for an abattoir is 100 by 200 feet.
According to him, out of the more than 23 abattoirs in the area, only two or three meet the requirements, while many measuring 50 by 100 feet were approved by the government.
The union president called for immediate action, including relocating the abattoirs to non-residential areas, establishing proper waste disposal systems, and deploying veterinary doctors to ensure the safety of meat for consumption.
The residents of Ikpoba Slope are pinning their hopes on Gov. Monday Okpebholo, who promised during his campaign to address environmental health issues.
“We voted for him because he promised us change. Now we are waiting for him to act,” Imafidon said.
Omokaro suggested forming a government task force to regulate abattoir operations.
“We need security agents, health officials, and butchers on this task force. The government should also reduce the number of abattoirs and enforce strict hygiene standards,” he said.
As the sun sets over Ikpoba Slope, the cries of children mix with the hum of mosquitoes and the distant roar of generators.
For families like the Osarions, life here is a daily battle against sickness, despair, and neglect.
“We just want to live like humans again,” Ruth Osarion said, still grieving over the loss of her son.
She said, “We want our children to grow up healthy. We want the smell to go away. Is that too much to ask?”
Sadly, the Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018 reports that 34 per cent of children under the age of five in Edo suffer from diarrhoea, while 25 per cent are afflicted with malaria.
Nevertheless, Mr Jude Ekpu, Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Environment, in his reaction, said abattoirs in the state were being managed and supervised by the ministries of environment, agriculture, and local government councils.
According to him, the Ministry of Environment oversees sanitation at the abattoirs and their surroundings.
He assured that inspections are regularly carried out to ensure cleanliness.
“We have an enforcement department that ensures sanitation in the abattoir environment and other open and public spaces like markets to maintain a clean environment.
“We visit the abattoirs regularly, and where they fail to meet sanitation standards, we serve abatement notices.
“If they still don’t comply, we issue quick notices and take them to court to enforce compliance.
“We also expect that the communities housing these abattoirs report any irregularities to the ministry for immediate action, as we are concerned with the wholesomeness of the meat we consume,” Ekpu said.
He noted that the ministry also monitors the discharge from the abattoirs to prevent any health hazards.
Before any cow is slaughtered, Ekpu explained, it is inspected by the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure it is suitable for consumption.
“The Ministry of Environment, on the other hand, ensures that the environment is clean and that the by-products of the slaughter are disposed of properly”.
Ekpu, nonetheless, urged the community members to alert the ministry and the government promptly if they have concerns about abattoir activities.
All in all, stakeholders say time is running out for Ikpoba Slope, and without immediate intervention, the community faces not only an epidemic but also the loss of its very essence.
Will the government listen to their cries, or will they remain buried under the weight of waste, stench, and neglect?
Some residents of Igabi and Kaduna North Local Government Areas (LGAs) have decried the existence of multiple dump sites within their communities.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State
The residents bore their minds while speaking to journalists who were on an assessment tour of refuse dump sites with support from an NGO, Bridge that Gap Initiative, in Kaduna.
Speaking in separate interviews, some of the residents said the poor state of the refuse dump sites had exposed the community to a myriad of health and environmental hazards.
A resident of the community, who craved anonymity, described the dump sites as “nightmarish and horrific”.
She alleged that the smoke from the burning refuse was the cause of respiratory illnesses especially Asthma.
She lamented that whenever they take action towards stopping people from dumping refuse on the site, they sometimes threatened their lives.
“Some time ago, a young man brought out a knife and threatened to stab me because I stopped him from dumping refuse on the site because, according to him the site does not belong to my father.”
Another resident, Mustapha Almustapha, decried that the refuse dump has become a breeding ground for rodents, snakes, and other dangerous animals that have invaded homes in the community.
He said that the situation could lead to an outbreak of diseases in the area, as all the pleas with the relevant authorities to ensure its evacuation fell on deaf ears.
Almustapha urged the government to take immediate action to address the environmental hazard.
Similarly, Usaini Ahmad, a trader in the community, appealed to the government to provide alternative dumping sites and improve waste management in the community.
He said the community has suffered for too long due to the neglect of the refuse dump.sites, seeking theit prompt evacuation to prevent further environmental degradation and health hazards.
“The situation in Tudun Ilu community highlights the need for effective waste management and environmental protection in urban areas,” he said.
Bala Ilu, Head of Tudun Ilu community, said the refuse dump site was a disturbing environmental problem to their community, hence an urgent attention was needed to avoid the recurring environmental hazards.
Ilu added that, some weeks ago, some blocks of classrooms were burnt down by fire that was linked to the burning of the refuse close to the school.
He added that the Kaduna central market, which has some of its parts like the 69 drugs market and businesses along the railway track, also contributed heavily to the problem.
He said the community sometimes hired workers who would stop the people from dumping refuse in the site.
He urged the media to amplify the environmental challenge for the government to take decisive action to salvage the situation.
Earlier, the Team Lead and Executive Director of the NGO, Gloria Bulus, said the visits to the dump sites were to look at the burning issues affecting the area and how to address by getting first-hand information.
Bulus expressed optimism that the visits would help the NGO to make good suggestions on the required interventions to the government and the communities.
“We have interacted with some members of the communities and they told us their gory experiences, especially as regards to their health.
“We are all aware of the harmful impact of burning refuse in terms of contributing to the green house gas emissions which impacts climate change.
“This is happening right in the community, and it is very sad. Reflecting on it makes me feel what can be done immediately on the spot for them,” she added.
The tour was in partnership with the media and supported by Bridge That Gap Initiative and a Network of Civil Society Organisations.
The Yobe State Government has declared Machina, Bade and Fune local government areas as Open Defecation Free (ODF).
Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State
Alhaji Liman Baba, the General Manager, state Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), stated this at the opening of a one-day workshop in Potiskum on Monday, January 27, 2025.
The workshop, which was jointly organised by RUWASA and the UNICEF, had the theme “To Develop Comprehensive Roadmap Document Towards Achieving ODF Status in Yobe.”
According to Baba, the document will enable the remaining 14 local government areas of the state to also attain ODF status.
The general manager added that “the workshop is aimed at meeting the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.0 target of ensuring open defecation free by all nations by the year 2030.
“The workshop will make all stakeholders to be more responsible and come up with commitment to achieving the strategic objective to be developed at the end of it.
“Yobe will attain ODF status between 2025 and 2030 as agreed upon by all nations including Nigeria.”
He noted that “open defecation is a major cause of water-borne diseases, including cholera, diarrhoea and hepatitis.”
A facilitator, Mr. Abubakar Moi, urged participants to intensify campaign against open defecation in their localities.
Moi, who is also the UNICEF Desk Officer at RUWASA, said increased stakeholders’ engagement would minimise the rate of open defecation in the state.
Finance Minister and Coordinator of the Economy for Nigeria, Mr. Wale Edun, has highlighted the critical need of having energy access in achieving economic growth and sustainable development.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun
He said this during a panel discussion on “Policies and Reforms for Transforming African Energy”, at the ongoing Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit on Monday, January 27, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
According to Edun, Africa has to take congnisant of global risks such as state conflict, trade wars, and misinformation and its nations must take charge of their own energy future.
“It is so important that we are here. The President of Nigeria, the largest country in Africa, is here, as are other heads of state, committed to this cause,” Edun said.
Referring to statements made by prominent leaders, he echoed World Bank President Mr. Ajay Banga’s assertion that “electricity is a human right,” underscoring its vital role in dignity and quality of life.
Similarly, the President of the African Development Bank has described energy as “blood in the body”, stating that, without it, much cannot be achieved.
The minister explained that access to reliable energy is essential for economic growth and poverty alleviation.
“Without high access to energy, we cannot achieve high incomes,” he added.
Edun also stressed the need to grow African economies rapidly and lift people out of poverty.
He said that Nigeria’s progress was also a key focus, noting the country’s leadership in driving the largest decentralised renewable energy (DRE) programme in Africa.
He highlighted Nigeria’s significant strides in reforming its energy sector, attracting private sector investment, and closing the electricity gap.
“We have partnered with the private sector, and since regulating the sector, we’ve set up 150 mini-grids and connected a million solar panels.
“What we are focused on is ensuring profitability in energy provision, as this is key to meeting the demand.”
Edun further emphasised that the private sector, in addition to multilateral development banks and philanthropy, plays a crucial role in the success of Africa’s energy transition.
He drew a parallel to the mobile telephony sector, once seen as a luxury, which is now accessible to nearly everyone.
“A similar revolution must and can take place in the energy sector.
“Nigeria’s goal for 2030 is universal energy access and clean cooking, and the country is leveraging cutting-edge technologies to maximise this opportunity.
“In Nigeria, energy is not only achievable but also profitable. Our ambition is clear, and we have the scale to make it work,” Edun said.
The summit will convene Heads of State, international organisations, energy experts, and private sector leaders to devise strategies for achieving universal energy access.
Key outcomes of the summit include: the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, a commitment to reforms and actions necessary for the success of Mission 300.
It includes 12 country energy compacts detailed, country-specific action plans, including least-cost power expansion models, renewable energy solutions, and private sector involvement.
The key objectives of Mission 300 are capacity building, which focuses on investments in generation capacity, transmission systems, and distribution grids to create affordable and sustainable electricity services.
It also involves deployment of mini-grids and solar home systems to reach underserved regions as well as enlisting new partners and mobilising financial resources to support the mission.
The Mission 300 will also allow leveraging renewable energy by harnessing Africa’s vast renewable energy resources amidst declining costs of renewable technologies.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating malaria, recognising the disease as a critical public health challenge.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako
With efforts focused on reducing the prevalence and impact of malaria, the government aims to strengthen strategies that will accelerate progress towards a malaria-free nation.
Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, said this on Sunday, January 26, 2025, in Abuja, in a statement signed by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations of the ministry.
Salako reaffirmed the government’s commitment to malaria elimination, adding that it remained a priority in President Bola Tinubu’s administration due to its socio-economic impact.
He spoke while receiving a delegation of the Malaria Consortium, led by Dr Nnenna Ogbulafor, National Coordinator of the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP).
The Minister highlighted the government’s progress in tackling malaria through its Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) initiative.
“This strategy fosters collaboration between the Federal Government and sub-national governments, enabling better tracking of annual operations and implementation plans at the state level under a unified healthcare policy,” he said
He also underscored the role of digital health initiatives in streamlining malaria interventions, describing the initiative as crucial for creating a centralised health data repository.
Commending the consortium for its independent assessments of government interventions, the minister pointed to the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) as a key driver in strengthening primary healthcare, including malaria management
“We have the Digital in Health initiative, a nationwide effort to digitalise healthcare at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
“The BHCPF covers malaria, and under this administration, its management has been reorganised to ensure more regular fund disbursement.
“I appreciate your feedback from field assessments, and I assure you that Nigeria will continue to value and support the Malaria Consortium in delivering on its mandate,” he said.
Recognising the malaria consortium as a critical global partner, Salako reiterated the ministry’s appreciation for its contributions to malaria eradication in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Dr Kolawole Maxwell, Director of Programmes at Malaria Consortium, briefed the Minister on the organisation’s research and assessment visits to northern and southern Nigeria.
Maxwell emphasised the importance of collaboration with stakeholders, particularly in Kano and Osun states, to enhance malaria case management.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to identify incentives and barriers affecting the use of mosquito nets.
“In the first phase, we are working with stakeholders to understand the factors influencing net usage.
“The second phase involves leveraging these findings to develop tailored solutions,” he said.
The announcement highlights the importance of sustained interventions, collaborations, and investments in health systems to achieve this vital goal.
On the 24th anniversary of Republic Act (RA) 9003, also known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, Filipino environmental justice group, BAN Toxics, has called for a comprehensive review of the law’s implementation and advocated for stronger enforcement measures.
Solid waste management in The Philippines
RA 9003 serves as the framework for establishing an integrated solid waste management programme focused on resource conservation and recovery. It aims to protect public health and the environment through effective waste reduction, segregation, collection, transport, storage, treatment, and disposal.
BAN Toxics laments that, more than two decades after its enactment on January 26, 2001, the impact of RA 9003 remains underwhelming. Challenges such as improper waste disposal, insufficient infrastructure, and gaps in public awareness persist, underscoring the need for stronger action to fully realise the law’s potential.
The 2023 Commission on Audit (COA) report highlights a concerning rise in solid waste, from 9.07 million metric tons in 2000 to 16.63 million in 2020, with projections reaching 24.5 million tons by 2045. The audit also found a significant lack of material recovery facilities (MRFs) and sanitary landfills (SLFs), with only 39% of barangays (16,418 out of 42,046) served by MRFs in 2021, and only 29.25% (478 of 1,634 LGUs) having access to SLFs.
Without proper MRFs for waste reduction, such as recycling and composting, most solid waste ends up in dumpsites or is openly burned, further worsening pollution, as noted in a 2020 study published by ScienceDirect.
The Philippine Centre for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) found that, from 2017 to 2020, LGUs in NCR spent an average of PHP 384 million annually on waste management, funded by the DENR, taxes, and other revenue streams. Quezon City had the highest expenditure, allocating PHP 2.13 billion in 2020.
While the government is increasing its budget to ecological solid waste management, as reflected in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for FY 2024 – allocating PHP 334,707,000 to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the implementation of waste management regulations, a slight increase from PHP 325,912,000 in 2023 – significant gaps remain in addressing the full scale of the waste crisis.
“RA 9003 is crucial but poorly implemented, and its shortcomings are evident, particularly during floods. There are also unseen effects, such as toxic waste contaminating the environment and posing long-term health risks to communities,” stated Thony Dizon, Campaign and Advocacy Officer of BAN Toxics.
Dizon emphasised that the country should adopt the principle of Zero Waste, which encourages reducing the production and consumption of goods that will eventually become waste. Zero waste also serves as a strategy for conserving natural resources and protecting ecosystems. He also highlighted plastic pollution as a critical issue that needs to be addressed.
The DENR reports that the Philippines generates 2.7 million tons of plastic waste annually, contributing to the 61,000 metric tons of solid waste produced daily – enough to fill 37 Olympic-sized pools. This includes 163 million plastic sachets, 48 million shopping bags, and 45 million thin-film bags. Alarmingly, only a third of this waste ends up in landfills, while 35% is discarded into the ocean. In response, BAN Toxics calls for a nationwide ban on single-use plastics.
One of the key responsibilities of LGUs, as mandated by RA 9003, is also to divert at least 25% of waste through practices like reuse, recycling, and composting. However, waste diversion is often handled through informal channels, such as recycling operations at junk shops.
In a discussion paper published in 2021, the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) highlighted the “prominent role” of the informal economy in the solid waste processing phase, noting that it “bridged the gaps across material collection, segregation, and recycling.” Junk shops served as pseudo-material recovery facilities, and scavengers and street collectors retrieved recyclables for their market value, the analysis stated.
BAN Toxics highlights the vital role of informal waste collectors and junk shops in waste recovery and recycling efforts. The group calls for formalisation of their work through the provision of health benefits, training, support, and access to proper facilities and equipment. Empowering them would improve the effectiveness of waste minimisation programmes, increase waste diversion rates, and foster a more inclusive approach to environmental sustainability.
“On the 24th anniversary of RA 9003, BAN Toxics reaffirms its commitment to advancing environmental awareness and developing innovative, long-term solutions for more effective solid waste reduction,” Dizon concluded.
Nigeria’s power sector is a key component of the nation’s economy. However, it is grappling with challenges as it navigates to 2025.
Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu
From power shortages to outdated infrastructure and the inability to meet increasing energy demands, the sector’s inefficiencies continue to hinder economic growth.
With daily power outages, especially in rural areas, and frequent grid collapses, businesses and households face deepening frustrations.
In spite of these challenges, there is renewed optimism for reform.
Government actions, such as strategic investments in renewable energy and infrastructure improvements, are expected to pave the way for a more reliable, sustainable power future.
The push for renewable energy which include solar, wind and hydropower, represents a positive shift toward diversification.
This will potentially reduce the nation’s dependency on fossil fuels and addressing environmental concerns.
In an interview on Sunday, January 26, 2025, Dr. Olukayode Akinrolabu, Chairman of the Customer Consultative Forum for Festac/Satellite Town, Lagos, emphasised the need for proper oversight and infrastructure investment.
He said these would help to guarantee the sector’s long-term success.
“The progress of the power sector could be hindered by corruption, inadequate monitoring, and the involvement of inexperienced personnel,” he said.
Akinrolabu called for thorough evaluations of Nigeria’s power generation and transmission systems, ensuring that every part of the value chain is scrutinised for effectiveness.
He also suggested that DisCos be allowed to directly manage their electricity allocations, improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
“While some DisCos have made strides in customer service, others continue to face challenges with estimated billing and the need for infrastructure upgrades.
Akinrolabu advocated structural reforms that would empower DisCos to improve their service delivery, benefiting both businesses and consumers alike.
Also, Biodun Ogunleye, Lagos State Commissioner for Energy, underscored the importance of integrating renewable energy sources.
According to him, it is important to expand the nation’s transmission and distribution networks and invest in smart grid technologies to tackle grid collapses and inefficiencies.
Ogunleye also stressed the need for greater investment in gas infrastructure to provide a reliable power supply and reduce reliance on imports.
He noted a balanced energy mix, with solar, wind and hydropower prioritised alongside traditional energy sources to ensure a more sustainable and affordable energy future.
“The expansion of Nigeria’s transmission and distribution networks is another critical area for improvement.
“As demand for electricity grows, it is essential to invest in infrastructure and technology to enhance grid efficiency and minimise technical losses,” he added.
Ogunleye said that this expansion would require both public and private sector investments to succeed.
Meanwhile, Chinedu Bosah, National Coordinator, Coalition for Affordable and Regular Electricity (CARE), said that government’s focus on the privatisation of the sector had prioritised profit over long-term investment, leading to poor service delivery.
He said that, in spite of these hurdles, stakeholders in the industry remain hopeful that with the right investments and reforms.
According to him, the power sector can be transformed into a more reliable, affordable and sustainable system.
He said that, if successful, these reforms could lead to greater transparency, increased power generation capacity, and a reduction in grid collapses, ultimately supporting the country’s economic growth and development.
The Governing Board of the Specific International Programme (SIP) of the Minamata Convention on Mercury at its Tenth Meeting held in Geneva from January 22 to 24, 2025, approved 10 projects for funding in the Fourth Round, with a total funding of $2,061,813.
Members of the Governing Board of the Specific International Programme in Geneva
Thirty-six applications were submitted by Parties to the Fourth Round, of which 29 were deemed eligible for further consideration by the Board at the meeting.
In a statement, Governing Board Co-Chairs, Mr. Obed Baloyi and Mr. Andrew Clark, disclosed that the Fourth Round resulted in the highest number of applications to the Programme to date, with 14 eligible applications from Africa, seven from Asia and the Pacific, three from Central and Eastern Europe, and five from Latin America and the Caribbean.
The large number of applications, they added, shows the strong commitment of the Parties to the full implementation of the Convention, and also shows the ongoing and growing need for support from the financial mechanism.
According to them, successful projects were submitted by Brazil, Chad, Djibouti, Eritrea, Georgia, Madagascar, Montenegro, Sri Lanka, United Republic of Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
Baloyi and Clark added: “On behalf of the Board, we would like to congratulate these applicants for developing strong proposals for capacity-building and technical assistance in support of the implementation of their obligations under the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
“The Board would like to commend all the applicants for their diligent work in preparing and submitting their applications. The quality of applications was outstanding, resulting in very challenging deliberations for the Board. The Board notes that, had the funding envelope been larger for this Round, it would have liked to approve more applications. The decisions we took in this meeting will be communicated to all applicants by the Secretariat in the coming days.
“The Board would like to thank Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States for their contributions to the Fourth Round of the Specific International Programme.
“The Board looks forward with anticipation to the Fifth Round of applications. Given the high interest shown in the Programme and the significant country needs expressed, we would like to strongly encourage those in a position to do so to contribute to a robust next round of the Programme.”
The Co-Chairs disclosed that the Board would present its full report to the Conference of the Parties at its sixth meeting, submitting: “As Co-Chairs, we would also like to thank our fellow Board members for their diligent and constructive work in preparation for and throughout the meeting. All the members of the Board join us in thanking the Secretariat of the Minamata Convention for its excellent work in support of the work of the Board and of the implementation of all the projects both underway and closed during the life of the Programme to date.”
The escalating impacts of climate-induced disasters are devastating vulnerable communities in East and Southern Africa. To protect people, livelihoods and economies, countries must prioritise the development and implementation of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), which serve as crucial roadmaps to build climate resilience.
The escalating impacts of climate-induced disasters are devastating vulnerable communities in East and Southern Africa. Photo credit: Thoko Chikondi/AP
In 2023, Cyclone Freddy wreaked havoc in Malawi and Mozambique, causing catastrophic flooding, displacement and loss of life. In 2024, Kenya and Ethiopia continued to suffer from recurring droughts that decimated crops, livelihood and ecosystems. In South Africa, extreme flooding highlighted the region’s increasing exposure to climate risks. Meanwhile, in Uganda, a deadly landslide claimed 28 lives, left over 100 missing and destroyed more than 40 households.
These disasters are not isolated incidents – they are part of a growing pattern linked to worsening climate change.
Despite the urgency, only seven countries in the region – Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, South Sudan, Zambia and Zimbabwe – have finalised and submitted their NAPs.
NAPs are vital tools for identifying vulnerabilities and integrating climate adaptation into national development strategies. They provide a roadmap for actionable solutions, including:
Strengthening Early Warning Systems: Investing in robust monitoring and communication systems to provide timely, actionable alerts to communities.
Promoting Sustainable Land Management: Addressing deforestation, soil erosion, and unsustainable agricultural practices to enhance resilience.
Implementing Relocation and Resettlement Plans: Developing inclusive strategies for moving communities out of high-risk areas to save lives and livelihoods.
Scaling Up Adaptation Finance: Mobilising resources through international mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund and leveraging opportunities from multilateral development banks, bilateral donors, the private sector and innovative financing approaches.
By prioritising climate adaptation through NAPs, countries in East and Southern Africa can break the cycle of recurring adversities, protect lives, restore ecosystems and build resilient communities.
As emphasised during UN Climate Change Conference COP29 held November 2024, enhanced collaboration between governments, development partners and local communities, alongside international technical and financial support, is vital for implementing these plans and fostering long-term climate resilience.
