News Agency of Nigeria
Cholera: Children facing substantial health risks – UNICEF
Health

Cholera: Children facing substantial health risks – UNICEF

 

By Victor Adeoti

The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) says recurrent cholera outbreaks in the Nigeria are critically affecting children and the population at large.

Celine Lafoucrier, Chief of Lagos UNICEF Field Office, on Saturday reacted in a statement in response to cholera outbreak in Lagos and other parts of the country.

Lafoucrier said that children faced substantial health risks, particularly those under five who were prone to severe dehydration and higher mortality rate.

She urged government to focus on the provision of clean and risk-free water to prevent the spread of cholera in the country.

According to her, despite the state government’s efforts to provide water to its population, the current outbreak demonstrates the need for an urgent government focus on ensuring the water provided to the population is clean and risk-free.

“Addressing the challenges of cholera outbreaks requires a deliberate focus of state policies.

”And this include provision of high-standard water and sanitation facilities as well as strengthened healthcare systems capable of responding to the demand in times of outbreaks.

”There should be campaigns on cholera prevention to protect children and the population at large”, she said.

Lafoucrier said that good water and sanitation infrastructure play a crucial role in reducing disease outbreaks, such as cholera, which causes an estimated 100,000 deaths annually.

“Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions are fundamental in preventing and responding to cholera epidemics.

“Safe water supplies, hygienic sanitation, and effective water management are key elements in this effort.

“Ultimately, preventing cholera centers on good sanitation and hygiene practices.

“Key actions include proper disposal of faeces, eliminating open defecation, and ensuring access to potable water.

“Regular hand washing with clean, running water and soap is vital.

“Additionally, avoiding the consumption of uncooked vegetables, unwashed fruits, raw or undercooked seafood, and food from street vendors is important to reduce the risk of cholera infection”, she said.

According to her, safer water can annually prevent 1.4 million child deaths from diarrhoea, 500,000 deaths from malaria, and 860,000 child deaths from malnutrition.

She said that it could also protect 10 million people from serious illnesses like lymphatic filariasis and trachoma.

Lafoucrier, however, said that disease outbreaks ultimately hinder Nigeria’s progress in achieving health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all.

“These outbreaks strain Nigeria’s health system, diverting limited resources from essential services like routine immunizations and maternal and child care, undermining universal health coverage.

“However, outbreaks also present opportunities to strengthen Nigeria’s health system.

“Prevention is more cost-effective than cure; thus, communities should establish systems that promote key hygiene practices, transforming them into a cultural norm,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

Cholera: Improve nationwide access to WASH, gastroenterologist appeals to govts
General News , Health

Cholera: Improve nationwide access to WASH, gastroenterologist appeals to govts

By Oluwafunke Ishola

A Consultant Gastroenterologist, Dr Mbang Kooffreh-Ada, says adequate access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) remains the sustainable solution to reducing the transmission of cholera cases and deaths in the country.

Kooffreh-Ada, who works at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

A gastroenterologist is a medical practitioner, who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and related organs, NAN reports.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

Cholera can cause severe acute watery diarrhea and the severe forms of the disease can kill within hours if left untreated.

Kooffreh-Ada, however, warned that, “medical interventions alone won’t solve the underlying issues leading to cholera outbreaks”, stressing that cholera is an indicator of inequity and lack of social development.

She stressed the need for the government at all levels to prioritise access to potable water for citizens through the establishment of water boards to supply clean and hygiene pipe borne water to homes.

“We’re in the middle of the rainy season and you have a lot of runoff water from the heavy downpour, which can contaminate water sources, especially in communities where they practice is defecation.

“Many households do not have access to clean pipe borne public water supply from water boards in each of the states where water engineers chlorinate and purify the water.

“Creating a functioning water board in all states would be an avenue to nip this particular problem in the bud,” she said.

The gastroenterologist stressed that open defecation and indiscriminate sewage disposal should be discouraged and laws to punish defaulters put in place to serve as a deterrent to would-be offenders.

She noted that seepage could percolate down and contaminate underground water, thus appealing to borehole engineers to dig deep to prevent contamination of underground water sources.

Kooffreh-Ada noted that fecal-oral transmission was the main driving force behind cholera in most communities, advising the public to boil water to boiling points to kill the pathogens before drinking or cooking with it.

“Some people actually use human waste as manure; so, I always tell my patients that if you are going to prepare meals, especially with vegetables or fruits, make sure you wash them very well under running water.

“If you’re cooking them, you cook to the point where the organism can possibly be killed,” she advised.

The gastroenterologist emphasised that cholera could be easily treated through prompt administration of oral rehydration solution (ORS) or preparing the salt and sugar solution to help the person.

She said that the WHO/UNICEF’s ORS standard sachet should be dissolved in one litre of clean water for children, while adult patients might require up to six litres of ORS to treat moderate dehydration on the first day.

Kooffreh-Ada noted that severely dehydrated patients were required to take the rapid administration of intravenous fluids and appropriate antibiotics under the supervision of healthcare professionals to reduce diarrhea duration and dehydration.

She advised the public to promptly report all cholera cases at nearby health facilities for proper supervision and management to improve patient’s survival.

The gastroenterologist stressed that primary healthcare centres should be adequately equipped, especially with IV infusions, antibiotics and medical personnel to cater for patients with cholera.

She stressed the need for citizens to embrace frequent handwashing, improve hygiene in their homes, and environment to prevent infection with cholera.

NAN reports that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), on June 12, hinted of increasing cholera cases nationwide, with recorded 30 deaths and 65 confirmed cases of cholera.

NCDC said the cases were reported from 96 local government areas(LGAs) in 30 states between January and June 11, 2024.

The agency disclosed that 10 states contributed 90 per cent to the burden of cholera listing the states to include Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa and Lagos.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, on June 11, alerted residents of the state of cholera outbreak resulting in five fatalities and 60 hospitalisation in four LGAs of the state.

Abayomi disclosed that fatalities recorded were from patients with severe gastroenteritis presented late at health facilities with extreme dehydration.

He called for heightened vigilance and adoption of precautionary measures, disclosing that the state had activated a statewide heightened surveillance and response to check the transmission of the disease. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Vivian Ihechu

2024 LIMCAF: Access Bank board chairman tasks youths on creativity
Entertainment

2024 LIMCAF: Access Bank board chairman tasks youths on creativity

By Taiye Olayemi
Mr Paul Usoro, Chairman, Board of Directors, Access Bank Plc, has advised Nigerian youths to focus on creativity and skills acquisition rather than seeking shortcuts to wealth creation.
Usoro gave the advice during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Life In My City Art Festival (LIMCAF), held in Lagos on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme featured exhibition of  about 106 artworks by up-and-coming artists from across the nation.
The festival has the theme “Humanism”, which the artists depicted in their works.
Usoro, who was the special guest of honour, said knowledge and skills acquired could be easily converted to wealth by being hardworking.
He urged the youth not to lose hope in spite the economic hardship but remain hardworking and creative.
He advised them to be committed to utilising their brains positively.
“I will like to advise Nigerian youths not to lose hope; don’t look for shortcuts; all you really need to do is to use your brains.
“Even as artists, you can be successful. Make yourselves knowledgeable and skillful.
“I am impressed with the works these young people have created here.
”I wish the organisers can project it to a larger audience so that it can inspire our leaders to formulate policies that will make life much better and give the young people hope,” he said.
Also, Kelvin Ejiofor, Executive Director, LIMCAF, said that at the end of the programme on June 22, the exhibitor of the best artwork would win N1 million.
Ejiofor said that LIMCAF aimed at encouraging creativity and empowering aspiring young artists , including those with disabilities.
“LIMCAF, in its 17th edition recorded remarkable impact of convincing people that arts was no longer an occupation not to be proud of.
“It is my main source of joy helping the young people to find their feet in their chosen profession, giving them opportunity to showcase their works,” he said.
For Jekami Adetiloye, one of the Jury, said the exhibition is  a clarion call to every Nigerian to be humane, regardless of the happenings in the society.
“There seems to be the absence of humanity in the society because of the current economic hardship in the country, hence the choice of the theme.
“The artists who have exhibited their works are suggesting ways government can solve problems as well as sensitising Nigerians on the need to show kindness and compassion to others.
“This exhibition has seen our youths solving the problem of unemployment as they become relentless, hardworking and creative to have come up with unique perspectives to things happening in the society.
“The youths are also now interested in documentation which has been a great challenge,” he said.
One of the artists, Praise Edward, who described herself as a digital artist and and a graphic designer, said her work titled “Strong Together” exposed the chaotic experience of women who have been marginalised.
“So, I tried to picture these women coming together to build hope by way of uniting, sharing their experiences and creating better lives for themselves,” she said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
Edited by Folasade Adeniran
Empowered youths driving force behind emergent global Africa- Afreximbank
General News

Empowered youths driving force behind emergent global Africa- Afreximbank

 

By Okeoghene Akubuike

Mrs Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice-President, Intra-African Trade Bank, Afreximbank, says empowering the youths will be the driving force behind the emergent global Africa.

Awanu said this at the ongoing 31st Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM2024) in Nassau, The Bahamas.

The meetings are being monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

She said the youths, creatives and innovation were three powerful catalysts of Africa’s successful economic development.

Awani said a common feature of the demographic structure of the African and Caribbean regions was the dominance of youths who represented 70 per cent of the combined population of the two regions estimated at 1.4 billion.

She said the youths, when well harnessed and empowered, hold the key to a shared aspiration of economic transformation.

“Their creativity and innovation can reshape our economies and drive us towards a prosperous future.

“At this significant juncture in our collective journey, we must recognise that we need an empowered youth, fed with sufficient capital, and given the right tools, education and training.

“Also, giving them unfettered access to affordable modern technology and capacity for innovation, enabling market access, will constitute the driving force behind the emergent global Africa.

“This emergent global Africa envisions a unified and prosperous Africa and the Caribbean leveraging our shared resources, talent and innovation for economic growth and development.”

Awani said it was the duty of policymakers and agents of development to create a conducive environment and install supporting systems for the youths. .

She said Afreximbank had continued to support African youths through several initiatives like the Youth Alliance for Leadership and Development in Africa.

“We renewed our partnership with the Grand Africa initiative as well, aiming to train 300 young entrepreneurs in intra African trade and entrepreneurship.

“ The bank’s SME development programme as well supports Small and Medium Scale businesses.”

Awani said Afreximbank, through its Creative African Nexus (CANEX) Programme, was supporting creative and cultural industries, which helped African and Caribbean brands to reach international markets.

She said yearly, the bank supported the Portugal and Paris fashion shows, which gave the designers in Africa and the Caribbean a platform to expose them to global brands.

NAN reports that the 31st AAM2024 is being held in Nassau, The Bahamas from June 12 to June 15.

It has the theme: “Owning our Destiny: Economic Prosperity on the Platform of Global Africa’’(NAN)(www.nanews.ng).

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Sallah: FRSC deploys 654 personnel in Delta
Defence/Security

Sallah: FRSC deploys 654 personnel in Delta

By Clara Egbogota

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Delta Command, has deployed 654 personnel including regular and special marshals to various locations in the state to ensure safety during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Mr Muftau Irekeola, Sector Commander, FRSC, said this on Friday in Asaba while addressing personnel of the command in preparation for the Eid-el-Kabir special patrol.

Irekeola said that a total of 654 personnel, 19 operational vehicle, one ambulance, one power bike, and others would be deployed in the state.

The sector commander, however, said that the command was partnering with private tow truck owners, saying that the command’s tow truck was not in good condition.

“If it is more than 30 tons truck, we will call FRSC Onitsha command for towing because Onitsha is less than four kilometers away from Asaba,” he said.

He urged motorist to drive with caution, and pay attention to other road users.

“During rainy season, the grip of their tyres on the road is reduced because of the rain, they need to speed less, in fact they are supposed to go on a reasonable speed.

“Even the passengers should not board overloaded vehicle, they should talk to the driver and if he is not listening they should drop at the next available bus stop.

“They can alert any FRSC officials or security agency on the road,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Tayo Ikujuni

ARSO 30th General Assembly to advance Africa’s standardisation – SON
General News

ARSO 30th General Assembly to advance Africa’s standardisation – SON

By Rukayat Moisemhe
The 30th General Assembly of the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) would converge on Abuja to advance the cause of standardisation across the continent.
Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), said this at a news conference on Thursday in Lagos to give details of the forthcoming ARSO trade exhibition.
Okeke said that manufacturers, producers and vendors across  the commanding heights of the economy across the continent would go through the rudiments of standardisation excellence.
The SON director-general said that the exhibition and general assembly would catalyse transformation, propelling Nigeria and the entire Africa toward a future of sustainable growth and prosperity.
He said that the trade exhibition would strategically present innovations to a diverse audience of industry experts, policymakers and potential investors by highlighting the quality, diversity and competitiveness of Nigerian goods and services.
According to him,  top tier manufacturers, including the Dangote Group, Innoson Motors, AIG Rite Foods Ltd., Nasco Foods, Ajinomoto and others in the fast-moving consumer goods segments, allied sectors, and small businesses, have keyed into the programme.
He said that the events would take place from June 17 to June 22,  at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
“Besides, it will offer a firsthand experience of the vibrant Nigerian market, with an array of local manufacturers and producers slated to participate.
“The exhibition promises to be a catalyst for economic growth, both for domestic stakeholders and international visitors.
“From traditional crafts to cutting-edge technologies, the exhibition will showcase the breadth and depth of Nigeria’s economic landscape, providing valuable insights into emerging trends and investment opportunities.
“Of course, it offers a chance to gain exposure to international markets, as the general assembly attracts delegates from across Africa and beyond, opening doors for export opportunities.
“By showcasing the best of Nigerian innovations and enterprises, the exhibition will underscore the importance of standardisation in driving economic development and fostering regional integration,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Ijeoma Popoola
African Caribbean free trade agreement requires multi-faceted approach- Minister Uzoka-Anite
Business

African Caribbean free trade agreement requires multi-faceted approach- Minister Uzoka-Anite

By Okeoghene Akubuike

Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment (FMITI), Nigeria, says developing the African Caribbean Free Trade Agreement will require a multi-faceted approach.

Uzoka-Anite said this at a Plenary Session: “Towards An Afri-Caribbean Free Trade Agreement: The Pathway to Self-Determination” at the ongoing 31st Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM2024) in Nassau, The Bahamas.

The meetings are being monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Uzoka-Anite said the agreement would involve multi-stakeholders whose roles would need to be clearly defined.

“ The role of government, the private sector, international development communities, and civil society have to be defined. There has to be a multi-stakeholder engagement to address all the issues.

“When we have a focused and inclusive discussion, listening to diverse opinions and considering them in negotiations, we take the first step in breaking down barriers, because we are going to see a lot of barriers.

Uzoka-Anite said strong political will from the political leaders was also needed to achieve the development of the African-Caribbean Free Trade Agreement.

She mentioned that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was successful because the African Union leaders backed it with their political will.

“We need to see the same thing happen between the African and Caribbean countries.”

The minister also said there was a need to clarify how the two regions would develop communication and infrastructure, citing no direct flights, and visa restrictions between the regions as a challenge.

She, however, said the partnership between the regions was supposed to address those challenges.

“Opening the trading routes and developing market access so that there is a free flow of goods either through the sea are things we should be looking at.

“So, we need to do seaports, airports, road networks infrastructure, and digital network infrastructure for communication to happen. All that infrastructure has to be developed.”

Uzoka-Anite said a strong policy framework needed to be in place by harmonising them to ensure their alignment, including the different agreements the two regions already had in place.

She emphasised the need to create incentives for private sector involvement in the agreement, as the sector would be the major driver of the agreement.

Uzoka-Anite said there was also the need to ensure the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade, however, not at the detriment of each country’s nationalistic objectives.

“Even though we are looking for global and economic integration within the regions, every country has their nationalistic objective and their duty to provide infrastructure, job creation and sustainable growth for their citizens.

“ Therefore, you do not want the free trade agreement to destroy what you are building. All this has to be considered,” she said

She said dispute resolution mechanisms have to be in place to ensure the agreement is enforced in an equitable, efficient, and transparent way “where everybody feels they are part of it.”

The minister said there was also the need to harmonise different standards even amongst the financial services.

“How do I bring the banking sector from Africa into the Caribbean? how do I ensure there is free movement of professionals with different licensing regimes, different qualifications, etc?

“ All these need to be considered in developing the free trade agreement itself.”

She said apart from the challenges, there were many opportunities to benefit from the economic, and regional integration that the African Caribbean free trade area would offer.

Uzoka-Anite said the creative sectors- fashion, music, film, technology, agriculture and tourism sectors; and cultural exchange, all had strong potential for growth.

“Even harvesting technology transfers between emerging areas like renewable energy and some industries. Now the Caribbean is discovering oil.

“We have a lot of skills and technology especially in Nigeria for example that we can transfer this knowledge, and lessons learnt between ourselves.

“When we put the opportunities and the benefits before our negotiating parties or before our countries and we understand that we are stronger together than separately, it begins to help us move in that direction.”

Albert Muchanga,  AU Commissioner for Economic Development,  Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals,  said it was necessary to build stakeholders ownership to achieve the trade agreement between the two regions.

Christopher Edordu,  Former President,  Afreximbank,  suggested going slow to achieve positive results on the trade agreement.

Mrs Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director, International Trade Centre,  said the political will was needed to achieve the trade agreement between the two regions.

“ Next is  to drill down to the specifics then get  the youths to feel it is worth it for them. If they don’t buy the idea there is no point.”

Albert Ramidin, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Suriname,  said the discussion on the agreement between the two regions would require political ownership and commitment.

“I believe we need as soon as possible a document outlining the scope of this endeavor,  present it to the African and Caribbean leaders, receive their mandate with a timeline and roadmap to execute and the rest will follow.”

Dr Didadus Jules,  Director-General,  Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, said all the sectors should be brought to the table, especially the private sector and the youth economy.

“The youths  have the greatest appetite for innovation.  Also Open up the means of communicating for  people, so that  exchange can happen.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Soludo partners NDLEA to eliminate drug abuse in Anambra
Health

Soludo partners NDLEA to eliminate drug abuse in Anambra

 

By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

The wife of  Anambra Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has urged youths in the state to shun drug use for the sake of their personal health, future and the society at large.

She gave the advice while flagging off Operation Clean Anambra of Substance Abuse Campaign, in Awka on Thursday.

According to her, drug abuse has resulted in increased violence and crimes, higher prevalence in Hepatitis B and C virus, HIV/AIDS, and collapse in the social structure.

“Our homes are losing the sacredness of culture and moral traditions.

“Our communities have become havens for drug peddlers and manufacturers who use the element of fear and intimidation to silence the people who are willing to assist local authorities with valid information.

“Healthy Living initiative is championing this fight in schools and communities to break the wall of illicit drugs economy which is booming at the detriment of our society.

“We have constituted Healthy Living Overwatch in the 179 communities to monitor illicit drug dealers and report same to security agencies.

“The target is to make everyone a driver of solution to rid Anambra state of this deadly disease called drug abuse and save the lives and future of our children,” Soludo said.

Mr Daniel Onyishi, Anambra Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), said that the agency was working with the Governor’s wife to address the growing drug abuse cases in Anambra.

According to him, one out of every four user of illicit drugs is a woman.

“According to recent statistics, Nigeria alone has 14.4 per cent drug abuse prevalence rate and it is projected that by 2030, it will rise to 40 per cent if nothing is done.

“The major concern is that women, especially young girl are embracing substance abuse. One out of every four drug abuser is a woman and one out of five will suffer substance abuse disorder.

“Women are key nurturers, moulders and caregivers in the society and should not be involved in illicit drug abuse,” he said.

The NDLEA Commandant urged community leaders to support the agency with information about drug dealers in their environment.

In his remarks, Mr Titus Akpudo, President-General, Anambra State Association of Town Union, promised to take the message against substance abuse to the nooks and crannies of the state.

“As community leaders, we must support the governor’s wife in the fight to eliminate substance abuse in our communities because if we do not act now, it will hunt us in future,” he said.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

General News

Development of renewable energy resources can diversify Africa’s economy – Executive

By Okeoghene Akubuike

Mr Osi Okonkwo, General Manager, FranzEnergy Ltd, says the development of renewable energy resources can significantly contribute to economic diversification in Africa, with specific policies needed for that transition.

Okonkwo spoke at a Panel Discussion on “Driving Economic Transformation in Global Africa: The Role of Emerging AfriCaribbean Giants’’, at the ongoing 31st Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM2024) in Nassau, The Bahamas on Thursday.

The meetings are being monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

According to him, with regards to the renewable energy storyline, if done properly, it should mean a cleaner, healthier, more financially prosperous Africa with lots of jobs.

Okonkwo said it would require going further down into the value chain, and not just pushing energy and commodities off the continent.

“This is because there are opportunities therein,’’ he said.

He said some strategies could be put in place to enable renewable energy to go much further down the value chain.

“There is a need to delve into the actual production of solar panels, inverters and batteries, on the continent.

“There is so much more that can be done. But to do this, when you talk about strategy, a few things need to be done.

Okonkwo cited the instance of China that just launched a five GigaWatts (GW) solar farm, saying that the five GW capacity was about all of the power connected at the moment in Nigeria.

“So, when you think about the Chinese story, and try to use that as a template, there are a few things we have to do.”

He said there was a need to lean into the transition fuels first and foremost, such as gas, then facility; and use that as a transition fuel, for a cleaner future.

According to him, coming into the renewable space, there is also a need to go a little bit deeper and depend more on the more consistent replenishable versions of renewables.

“So, we have to think of hydro dams, geothermal where it is applicable.

“ Lean into that first and foremost, because the run off the mill solar farms and wind are more inconsistent,” he said.

With regards to policy, Okonkwo said there should be fewer but clear policies which allow for meritocracy of access to resources, and funding, among others.

He also said that the platter of policies should not get to a point where they would interfere and impede private sector ventures.

Okonkwo said the private sector had a key role to play when it came to strengthening African Caribbean economies.

He, however, said there needs to be significant development, increased access to capital, steering up industrial capacity and reducing the overdependence of commodities.

Mr Jean Louis-Ekra, former President, of Afreximbank, said that it was necessary to change the structures of African economies’, shifting away from relying solely on exports.

He said basic infrastructure needed to be in place as many countries still lacked power adding that nothing much could be done on transformation without power.

“We need to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA), and the issues of moving money, among others.

“Once we have dealt with some of the basics, then we can move forward and very quickly, to exporting among ourselves and take advantage of opportunities in the Caribbean’’

Louis-Ekra said that Africans had not done enough to use their financial resources.

“ We need to generate resources before we talk about financing.

“ I believe we have not harnessed enough of our own resources in our continent, to make it available to financial institutions so they can finance the change,” he said.

Dr Kingsley Mordi, Director, Bono Energy, restated the importance of putting basic infrastructure in place, with particular emphasis on energy.

NAN reports that the 31st AAM2024 is being held in Nassau, The Bahamas from June 12 to June 15.

It has the theme: “Owning our Destiny: Economic Prosperity on the Platform of Global Africa’’.
The AAM is taking place alongside the 3rd edition of the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2024). (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

OKE/VIV

====

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Experts list ways to boost Nigeria’s natural gas production
Business , Oil & Gas

Experts list ways to boost Nigeria’s natural gas production

 

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Some experts have called for a well-articulated and sustainable programme to decentralise the power sector regulatory environment and incentivise investors to boost natural gas production in Nigeria.

They said this at the American Business Council (ABC) Economic Update with theme: “Energising Nigeria: Navigating Challenges, Harnessing Opportunities,” on Thursday in Lagos.

Prof. Barth Nnaji, the Chairman, Geometric Power Ltd., said for almost three decades, the world had been possessed with finding a solution to climate change, having identified fossil fuel as the main culprit to global warming.

Nnaji noted that Nigeria had set a target of 2030  to achieve complete flare-out in its oil industry with various aspirations to pursue renewable energy options.

Nnaji noted that, unfortunately, the non-availability of adequate gas for power and industrial processes would afflict all the initiatives, in spite of the country’s proven natural gas reserves of over 206 trillion cubic feet.

He said that while government must be commended for exploring overseas markets for Nigeria’s natural gas for its benefit, they should bear in mind that ‘charity begins from home.

“It is not just local power producers that are currently bleeding owing to insufficient gas.

“There is no sufficient liquified petroleum gas for our kitchens and people are now resorting to firewood and coal for cooking, thus worsening the environmental crisis,” he said.

Nnaji, also former Minister of Power, stressed the need for a total overhaul of the transmission arm of power generation, saying that the current national grid is grossly inadequate for 200 million.

“Nigeria needs over 100,000 MW to meet its energy needs and we currently have just 13,000MW of installed capacity from which we are only able to put less than 5,000 MW on the grid due to reasons primarily of gas and transmission constraints.

“The Nigerian government at every level should employ already tested approaches to collaborate with competent private sector operators to quickly progress power availability to the level that matches our country’s sustainable economic growth desire,” he said.
Mrs Margaret Olele, Chief Executive Officer, American Business Council, noted that the theme of the event was a critical conversation on how government and private sector can best move forward to energise the country.

Olele noted that in spite of the economic reforms by the current administration and the implementation of the Petroleum Industrial Act, Nigeria was still unable to meet Organisations of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) production quota.

“Issues of theft, insecurity have impacted the country meeting its OPEC quota and it is important to address this because a major chunk of the country’s revenue is tied to the power, oil and gas sector.

“The gas we have is still underutilised and power generation issues is impacting manufacturers and everybody in general so we are here to unload and shift your mindsets from the status quo to innovation and progression amidst the challenges,” she said.

Mr Martins Arogie, Partner, Energy and Natural Resources Services, KPMG, said that Nigeria’s energy industry was considered one of the most inefficient in meeting the needs of its customers globally, in spite of the country’s enormous energy resources.

Arogie noted that underutilisation of these resources was rampant and exacerbated by a chronic imbalance in the electricity and petroleum products markets.

This situation, Arogie said, had threatened Nigeria’s energy security, harmed the economy, increased income inequality and energy poverty, weakened industrialisation processes, and the undermine efforts to achieve sustained economic growth.

“In a market where demand far outstrips the current supply, Nigeria’s energy sector presents attractive investment opportunities within its various subsectors including oil and gas, electricity and renewables.

“With an abundance of both renewable and non-renewable resources, Nigeria provides immense opportunities for sustainable solutions to address existing energy demand gap and contribute to government’s drive to improve the efficiency and contribution of the sector.

“Therefore, it has become imperative for all the stakeholders to collaborate to address the challenges hampering the development of energy sector and unlock the vast opportunities that it holds for the country, Africa and the world,” he said.

Mrs Eyono Fatayi-Williams, President, Women in Energy Network, noted that Nigeria, blessed with a lot of natural resources, has a 206 trillion feet of proven gas reserves, which means there’s so much that can be done to harness the country’s gas resources.

Fatayi-Williams noted that the country had a lot of room for growth, particularly as gas has been recognised globally as the transition fuel in energy transition.

“So, gas development is a good thing and gas development will help in closing the huge deficit we have seeing that what Nigeria produces and what it needs are at two different points apart.

“But I think our message is the government declared a decade of gas and we are still in that decade and that decade of gas is supposed to be the big ticket, and we look forward to that happening.

“I think the government can continue in that trajectory and we are bound to see positive changes and we look forward to when Nigeria can actually become a gas-powered economy in 2020,” she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

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