September 9, 2024

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1 EFCC returns vehicles, money to Canadian Police

2 FG grants UTM Offshore licence for 2.8m tonnes floating LNG facility

3 Wike signs MoU with Chinese companies on electricity, water supply

4 FG conducts clearance operation on illegal mining site in Kogi

5 ECOWAS MPs propose laws to boost subregional healthcare, education

OPEC Secretary-General, Haitham Al-Ghais
Oil & Gas

We’re working on reducing carbon emissions – OPEC

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) said on Thursday that the outcome of the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) and its agreement, reflected OPEC advocacies on pathways towards reducing carbon emission.

The Secretary-General of OPEC, Haitham Al-Ghais, said this while speaking with newsmen on the side-line of the ongoing 7th Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 2024) in Abuja.

The summit which has as its theme: “Navigating the new energy world order: Security, Transition, and Finance” began on Feb. 26 and will end on March 1.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) between Nov. 30 and Dec. 13, 2023.

The OPEC Secretary-General lauded the effective participation of the oil gas stakeholders at the COP28 and the successful hosting by the UAE, an OPEC member.

Al-Ghais recalled that the first ever Global Decarbonisation Chatter was signed at the conference ,with over 50 oil and gas producing companies around the world participating.

He said the companies represented around 40 per cent of global production, while five of those companies were from the national oil companies of OPEC member countries.

They pledged to triple renewable energy, reduce methane emissions and double efficiency which had never been achieved in previous COPs.

“We are proud that our member country managed to bring about a successful outcome of the COP28 and the wording in the agreement reflects what OPEC has been advocating for so many years.

“OPEC has been calling for a series of multiple pathways to achieve the same objective.

“We believe that the transition that may happen in one part of the world may not necessarily be a transition suitable for Nigeria or for example, my own country Kuwait.

“The beauty of the outcome of the COP28 is that it laid out a whole range of options for countries to follow through its renewable energies, and the role of technology was emphasised.”

He said that technology and investment were encouraged by developing technology such as Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), to reduce emission.

He said there were many pathways in the agreement that would enable countries and continents to pursue their own pathway towards reducing the emission.

“The UAE presidency successfully managed to bring all stakeholders to the table, but in previous COPs, unfortunately, the oil and gas industry was excluded; we were not allowed to be at the table.

“COP27 in Egypt was the beginning of our participation in such meetings, while COP28 truly saw effective participation by the oil and gas industry stakeholders, along with others,’’ he said.

He further explained that OPEC had a special section that focuses on expanding dialogue and outreach to consumers.

According to him, OPEC believes that producing and consumer countries must have synergy together.

“We provide stability in the global energy market, through reliable supply; we ensure the market is always balanced and try to create a friendly business environment. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Environment

Climate Change: Onuigbo advocates accelerated renewable energy adoption

By Abigael Joshua

Mr Sam Onuigbo, Patron, Board of Trustees Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet), says it is crucial for Nigeria to accelerate its adoption of renewable energy to mitigate climate change.

Onuigbo communicated this on Wednesday in Abuja at the Multi Stakeholders National Consultative Dialogue with the theme ‘’Unpacking COP 28 Outcome: Accelerating Nigeria’s Climate Action.’’

He said that renewable energy could provide ready solutions, adding that Nigeria had reenacted the electricity act 2023.

“I will like those of you that are interested in renewable energy to study the electricity act 2023 and see the opportunities that abound.

“We can no longer discuss development without climate change the two are not in competition rather they are in complimentary.

“All stakeholders, private sectors, CSOs among others, should explore the opportunities in the meeting to mitigate climate change in Nigeria and in the world,’’ he said.

Earlier, in an address of welcome, Prof. Ibrahim Choji, Chairman Board of Trustee, CSDevNet, said that the historic agreement to transition away from fossil fuels represented a monumental step forward.

He said that livelihoods, ecosystems, and the very fabric of existence were under threat; yet, amidst the daunting reality, COP28 offered a glimmer of hope.

“The establishment of a Loss and Damage Fund acknowledges the injustices borne by vulnerable nations like ours.

“Unpacking the COP28 outcome is not merely an academic exercise; it is a vital exercise in introspection and strategic planning.”

He assured that the workshop would explore the intricacies of COP28 decisions, analyse their impact on national priorities, and brainstorm innovative approaches to tackle the challenges.

“We will identify the gaps in funding, technology, and capacity that hinder our progress and devise strategies to bridge them.

“Together, we can build a nation that thrives in harmony with nature; a nation that serves as a beacon of hope for other vulnerable nations; a nation that leaves behind a legacy of environmental responsibility and sustainable progress,” he said.

On his part, Dr Sam Ogallah, Senior Climate Change Advisor, African Union, said that African continent held more than half of the critical minerals globally.

“Africa holds the solution to the climate crisis in the world; we need to change the narrative, we need to value what we have.

“If you want us to switch the renewables electric vehicles and all the things you want us to do, where do you want us to get the minerals from? It is on our soil,” Ogallah said.

Similarly, Mr Kenneth Akpan, Project Coordinator for OXFAM Nigeria, said that climate change, poverty and insecurity were related; hence the need to fight them.

“We are fighting poverty all over the world; there is no way we can separate poverty and climate change,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that highlights of the event was the conferment of patron on  Onuigbo, presentation of awards of recognition on some persons and the presentation of the CSDevNet. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Environment

AMCOW wants CSOs to support Nigeria’s climate action initiatives

By Tosin Kolade

The African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) has called on Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to rally behind Nigeria in implementing climate action strategies.

The call was made by Dr Tanko Azzika, Senior Policy Officer at AMCOW, during a post-COP28 multistakeholder national consultative dialogue in Abuja on Wednesday.

Representing the Executive Secretary of AMCOW, Dr Rashid Mbaziira, Azzika highlighted the significance of collaboration between CSOs and the government to enhance policy environments for resilient Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services delivery.

Azzika noted that AMCOW, established in response to the 2002 Abuja Ministerial Declaration on water, plays a pivotal role in water and sanitation delivery under the African Union (AU).

According to him, the council’s vision is to achieve equitable and sustainable use of water resources for poverty alleviation, socio-economic development, and environmental preservation.

Azzika commended the organisers for the timely discussion amid the climate challenges facing the continent.

Highlighting the role of water, sanitation, and hygiene as both catalysts and solutions to climate change, he emphasised the urgent need to revitalise efforts to combat climate change’s impact on water resources.

He said the 2023 report revealed that the continent is off-track in achieving water and sanitation goals due to climate change, prompting the need for accelerated action.

He, however, urged stakeholders to strengthen the policy enabling environment for climate-resilient water management, advocating the use of African Sanitation Policy Guidelines (ASPGs).

He also called for collaboration to place water at the forefront of the fight against climate change and urged the Nigerian government to prioritise climate-resilient financing.

Furthermore, Azzika emphasised the importance of enhancing national-level data systems through AMCOW’s Africa Water and Sanitation sector reporting system (WASSMO).

He stressed the need for the support of Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet) and Pan Africa Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) in strengthening data reporting systems in Nigeria and other Member States.

“AMCOW anticipates an action-oriented outcome document that will expedite continental and global goals on climate-resilient water and sanitation”.

In an opening address, Prof. Ibrahim Choji, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at CSDevNet, emphasised that the historic decision to move away from fossil fuels marks a significant stride forward.

 He acknowledged the looming threats to livelihoods, ecosystems, and the very essence of existence.

”Yet amidst this daunting reality, COP28 presents a beacon of hope.”

Also, Dr Sam Ogallah, Senior Climate Change Advisor at the African Union, highlighted that the African continent possesses more than half of the world’s critical minerals.

Ogallah stressed that Africa holds the key to resolving the global climate crisis, urging a shift in the narrative and a greater appreciation for the continent’s resources.

“If we are to transition to renewables, electric vehicles, and other initiatives, where do you propose we obtain the essential minerals? They lie beneath our soil,” Ogallah said.

He emphasised the critical role of Africa in the sustainable transformation required to address climate challenges.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dialogue, organised by CSDevNet and PACJA, addresses the outcomes of COP28, focusing on accelerating Nigeria’s climate action. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Participants at the COP28 in Dubai, UAE
Environment

Nigerian environmentalist reacts to ‘draft deal’ of COP28

By Usman Aliyu

A renowned Nigerian environmentalist, Nnimmo Bassey, has condemned the draft Global Stocktake (GST) of COP28 for refusing to phase out production of fossil fuels as an urgent climate action.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that parties at the global climate conference known as (COP28) in Dubai on Monday released the draft deal, a document that would form the final agreement of the summit.

But as against the demand for a total halt to the production of fossil fuels in the world by many countries, scientists and activists, the deal replaced the word ‘phase out’ with ‘reduce’.

Reacting to the development, Bassey, who is a member of the Oilwatch International, said the draft text was filled with nothing, but platitudes that nonetheless stayed away from the real needs of climate action.

The environmentalist, who is the Executive Director, Home of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), said the document was stuck with carbon removals systems which could promote risky, unproven technologies as well as severe impacts on communities.

“It (the document) speaks of substitution or reduction of production and consumption of fossil fuels.

“It is also stuck with carbon removals systems which could promote risky, unproven, technologies as well as severe impacts on communities; big shame that the fossil fingers are bent on setting the world on fire.

“The UNEP Emissions Gap Report clearly showed that the voluntary emissions reduction pathway set by the Paris Agreement is simply incinerating the planet.”

According to him, the document reaffirms the nationally determined nature of nationally determined contributions.

“This emphasises that national interest trumps global needs is a hard-nosed refusal of the parties to adhere to the principle of CBDR-RC (Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities) and unambiguously call for an urgent phase out of fossil fuels,” he said.

According to Bassey, the COP (Conference of Parties) needs to believe the evidence in the Sixth Assessment Report of the Inter-Governmental Panel Climate Change (IPCC).

The panel, he said, mentioned it repeatedly in the text, and accepted that the world needed concrete steps such as a measurable and binding emissions reduction regime based on historical and current responsibilities.

The activist concludes that the draft deal has only done the bidding of the fossil lobby. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Environment

CSOs seek more efforts on renewable energy devt. in Africa

By Usman Aliyu

The African Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) at COP28 have called for the tripling of renewable energy in Africa, more focus on adaptation and increased adaptation finance to the continent.

The organisations made the call at its meeting at the ongoing climate change conference known as COP28 in Dubai.

The CSOs, joined by representatives from affected communities, were led by 350.org, Power Shift Africa and ACCESS Coalition.

The African organisations demanded stronger language on commitments on fossil fuels, adaptation at COP28, as climate negotiations enters the homestretch.

The organisations urged the negotiators to push for an outcome that would yield a fast, fair and fully-funded transition from fossil fuels.

“The current fossil fuel-based energy system in Africa has failed to deliver energy access to the continent while leaving more than half a billion Africans energy-poor.

“The ongoing negotiations are happening against the background of crippling climate change events, including the historic floods currently being experienced in East Africa that have claimed more than 350 lives and displaced a million people in Kenya and Tanzania.

“The Horn of Africa region has been recovering from a drought that ended in April, billed by climate experts as the longest and most devastating in four decades,” the group said in a statement released on Sunday.

In their arguments, the civil society groups labelled the two per cent of about $60 billion investment received by the continent in the last decade for renewable energy development as unfair, unjust and unacceptable.

They called for a scale up to more than 15,000 GW by 2030 or an average of 1500 GW annually to keep the 1.5°C temperature target within reach.

To achieve this, they called for more political support and a shift in policy and investment. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh/Ephraims Sheyin

R-L: Executive Vice President, Gas, Power & New Energy, NNPC Ltd, Mr Olalekan Ogunleye; Managing Director, NNPC Trading Ltd., Mr Lawal Sade and Managing Director, SDP Services Ltd Mr Abhinav Modi, Mr Roy Assaf is 1st from left. All displaying the signed agreement for the Supply, Installation and Commissioning of a Small-Scale LNG (SSLNG) Project in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, on the sidelines of the on-going United Nation’s Climate Change Conference (also known as COP28), in Dubai, UAE, on Wednesday
Oil & Gas

COP28: NNPC Ltd seals LNG deals for domestic, international markets

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has signed two major agreements to deliver Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to the domestic gas market and the international LNG market.

The agreements which were signed on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) saw NNPC Ltd. signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Wison Heavy Industry Co. Ltd., a Chinese company, for the development of floating LNG project and targeting the international market.

Also, NNPC Prime LNG Ltd., an arm of NNPC Trading Ltd., signed a Supply, Installation and Commissioning Agreement with SDP Services, an independent oil and gas company, for a 421 tonnes per day LNG project targeting the domestic LNG market.

The Floating LNG MoU was signed by the Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, Olalekan Ogunleye on behalf of NNPC Ltd., and Mr Kai Xu, Managing Director, Wison Ltd, on behalf of his company.

A statement on Wednesday by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., Olufemi Soneye, said the development would further boost natural gas utilisation in the country and enhance Nigeria’s gas revenue.

Speaking shortly after the signing ceremony, Ogunleye said NNPC Ltd. was committed to delivering gas to industries nationwide and accelerating the company’s gas commercialisation efforts through the floating LNG Project.

“We see both projects as having enormous impact all over Nigeria because they are central to the commercialisation of Nigeria’s abundant gas resources and ensuring that our country earns much-needed foreign revenue from its abundant gas assets.

“It is also consistent with NNPC Management’s drive to deliver on Mr President’s gas and power aspirations across the country,” Ogunleye said.

Similarly, the Small-Scale LNG (SSLNG) Project agreement was signed by the Managing Director, NNPC Trading Ltd., Mr Lawal Sade, on behalf of NNPC Prime LNG Ltd., while Mr Abhinav Modi, Managing Director, SDP Services Ltd., signed on behalf of his company.

The SSLNG Project, which would be located at Ajaokuta in Kogi State, would ensure the efficient supply of LNG to the Autogas/Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and industrial/commercial customers nationwide.

Also, in his address after the deal, Sade said the SSLNG Project would boost the domestication of LNG utilisation by supporting the growth of auto-gas initiatives across the country.

“We are looking at a timeframe of 12 months from execution to the commissioning of the project.

“The project will deliver about 420 tonnes of LNG per day into the domestic market, which will enhance efficient delivery of gas to the auto-gas/CNG and industrial customers in line with Presidential mandate,” Sade added.

While expressing their delight at signing the agreements, the partners pledged to work with NNPC Ltd. to deliver the projects within schedule and in the most cost-effective manner.

Both parties agreed to work together to chart a roadmap for the project development that will lead to an investment decision.

The LNG Project is expected to be operational by December 2024. (NAN)(www nannews.ng)

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Edited by Vincent Obi

Environment

COP28: CSOs advocate swift energy transition in Africa

By Usman Aliyu

A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Africa has called for a swift 100 per cent just energy transition in the continent.

The coalition made the appeal on Tuesday in Dubai during a side event at the ongoing climate change conference known as COP28.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the coalition comprised the Friends of the Earth Africa (FoEA), Climate Action Network Africa (CAN-Africa), Africa Coal Network (ACN), Hands of Mother Earth (HOME), Africa working group against Geoengineering and Environmental Rights Action (ERA).

Discussants at the event noted that energy transition from fossil fuels to the renewable was more than ever necessary in Africa due to the climate crisis that is hindering development of the region.

Leading the conversation, Marina Agortimevor, Coordinator of the ACN, said it was time to consider the huge renewable energy potential of Africa.

If there are barriers to a just transition, she said, it called for an opportunity to engage in other ways to overcome those barriers.

She regretted that about 600 million Africans lacked access to electricity.

“Some of the barriers that ACN has identified as possible hindrances to the desired transition to 100 per cent clean renewables is poor access to finance to speed up the transition.

“But with the operationalisation of Loss and Damage Funds here at COP28, and hopes that these funds will be easily accessible by those who need it, will help to reduce this identified gap,” Marina said.

She, however, stressed the need for technology and knowledge transfer to Africans to fill the observably gap on the transition plan.

Sharing a similar sentiment, Safiatou Nana, Regional Coordinator of CAN-Africa, canvassed decentralised off grid system for the transition.

This, according to her, will put management of the energy in the hands of the communities who need and use them.

“Collaborations by communities, civil society organisations and the government, and a good legal framework will be a boost to the move to 100 per cent renewables,” she said.

For Ubrei-Joe Maimoni, the Climate Justice and Energy Lead for FoEA, the event host, he called a clearly spelt out framework, whch goal is measureable, people centred and serve the purpose of the continent with the appropriate budgetary allocations and government support.

These support, he said, must include good political will and transfer of subsidies from the polluting fossil fuels industry to renewables.

Without these, Maimoni who doubles as the Programme Manager for ERA, said the process would still be a high hanging fruit process.

“We should not allow this transition to be a renewal of energy colonisation, and Africans must be at the centre of the pathways to 100 per cent renewables. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Mr Gbenga Komolafe, CCE, NUPRC
Oil & Gas

COP28: NUPRC unveils regulatory framework for energy transition, decarbonisation, others

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has unveiled the Regulatory Framework for Energy Transition, Decarbonisation and Carbon Monetisation for upstream operations in Nigeria.

The unveiling was at the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference 2023 (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The Commission’s Chief Executive (CCE), Mr Gbenga Komolafe, made the announcement in his keynote address at a roundtable discussion themed “Driving Sustainable Upstream Operations to Achieve Just and Equitable Energy Transition”.

Komolafe, in a statement on Monday said the commission was championing the decarbonisation of upstream operations.

This is to sustain investments for energy security and economic development in line with national aspirations and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The CCE said that the framework was hinged on seven pillars including; Natural Gas Shift, zero routine gas flaring and methane abatement.

Others are carbon market development, technology and innovation, upstream operations efficiency, incentive mechanism, collaboration and risk management.

“I urge all stakeholders, government agencies, operators, international development partners and multilateral agencies to join us as we progress the steady implementation of the Framework within the coming months, which will be underpinned by applicable Directives, Guidelines, and Regulations.

“Interestingly, the implementation of the Regulatory Framework has already commenced on the heels of the introduction of the Gas Flare, Venting and Methane, Prevention of Waste and Pollution Regulations 2023.

“This provides the renewed legislative basis to take firm actions on gas flaring, venting and fugitive emissions,” he said.

Similarly, the implementation of the 2022 Guidelines for Management of Fugitive Methane and Greenhouse Gases Emissions in the Upstream Oil and Gas Operations in Nigeria, which was inaugurated at COP27, is achieving commendable outcomes.

Furthermore, Komolafe highlighted the success of the ongoing execution of the Nigeria Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP) as a major climate action initiative for Nigeria in the nation’s energy transition pathway.

He said the NGFCP projects, when fully executed, would mop up 50 per cent of Nigeria’s flares accounting for an equivalent of 6-7 Million tonnes of CO2 emission per year, in addition to significant socio-economic impacts.

While acknowledging the considerable support of international development partners on the NGFCP, the NUPRC boss called for enhanced assistance from climate action stakeholders in technical areas, project financing/funding, carbon credit earning framework and capacity building.

During the ensuing discussion, the participants exchanged ideas on how Nigeria can attain climate neutrality through energy transition and the implementation of decarbonisation measures.

In attendance were Claire Wang, Office of the U.S Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Change, Martina Otto, Head of Climate and Clean Air Coalition, UN Environment Programme, Jonathan Banks, Global Director, Clean Air Task Force, and Mrs Funmi Ogbue, Managing Director, ZIGMA Oil and Gas, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Dr Mustapha Lamorde, Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community (HSEC), Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), at the UN Climate Change Conference 2023 (COP28) in Dubai, UAE
Environment , Oil & Gas

COP28: NMDPRA x-rays Nigeria’s decabonisation journey, targets $575bn investment opportunities

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) says the NMDPRA Industry Sustainability Initiative (NISI) will create over 575 billion dollars in capital investment opportunities for Nigeria, through decarbonisation of operations.

The NMDPRA, while hosting a session on “Nigeria’s Pathway to Energy Sustainability and NMDPRA’s Role” at the UN Climate Change Conference 2023 (COP28) in Dubai, UAE, x-rayed Nigeria’s journey towards reducing carbon emission and achieving Net Zero by 2060.

Speaking at the event, Dr Mustapha Lamorde, Authority’s Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community (HSEC), said investment would be created through infrastructure and technological development, green economy improvement, stakeholder management and human capital development.

Larmode, in a statement said NISI which was created in line with the Global Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs 3, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 16, 17) was geared towards achieving Nigeria’s 2060 Net Zero commitment in the midstream and downstream petroleum industry.

He gave a breakdown of the investment opportunities as highlighted sector by sector – $272 billion in power, $127 billion in infrastructure, $96 billion in oil and gas processing optimisation, $80 billion in industry and $2.8 billion in clean cooking.

Larmode said that achieving the target required strong government commitment and collaboration with the private sector using technological innovation.

Mr Anibor Kragha, Executive Secretary, African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARA), said the NMDPRA and the Nigerian Government should harness funding opportunities for Gas projects from international financiers dealing with agriculture.

This, Kragha said was necessary because of the key role being played by gas in the sector.

He urged the NMDPRA as the regulator of the Midstream and Downstream industry, to develop a decade-by-decade plan to decarbonise the mid/downstream with bankable projects that would elicit finance from foreign donor agencies.

He also emphasised the importance of developing and including young people in the decarbonisation drive, as they were expected to play a major role in implementing the initiatives in the future.

Mr Mansur Alkali, Authority’s Executive Director, Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF), explained that the MDGIF which was set-up in pursuant of section 52 of the Petroleum Industry Act, was pivotal towards accelerating investments along gas value chain.

Akali said that the MDGIF was neither a grant nor a loan, but rather an investment initiative designed to de-risk investments through partnerships with private sector players to build the necessary infrastructure to harness the country’s vast gas resources.

Similarly, Mr Abel Nsa, Senior Technical Adviser on Transition Energy to the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperipe Ekpo, said the Host Community Development Framework as inaugurated by the commission for upstream operations amongst other benefits would ensure oil and gas assets were adequately protected.

Nsa also said that the framework would ensure uninterrupted production and supply of petroleum product which were critical to midstream operations.

He added that the Decade of Gas initiative of the government would also guarantee availability of Gas for domestic utility.

According to him, discussions are currently ongoing with upstream gas producers to deliver on the mandate.

In the end, all the panelists agreed that Nigeria’s future lies in increasing its cleaner energy capacity and attracting the right global and domestic finance to critical energy projects.

The session was moderated by Mr Atebe Jerome, Technical Advisor on Health, Safety, Environment and Community, to the Authority Chief Executive. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

General News

COP28 Nigeria delegates list: Separating facts from fiction

COP28 Nigeria delegates list: Separating facts from fiction

By Temitope Ajayi

The number of delegates from Nigeria attending the ongoing Climate Summit in Dubai otherwise called COP28 has generated a lot of controversies and strong social media conversations in the last 24 hours. It is important to set the record straight and provide some clarity. To begin with, the Summit is tagged COP which means Convention of Parties. The ongoing Summit in Dubai with over 97,000 delegates from more than 100 countries around the world is the 28th in the series since the issue of climate change and action took preeminent stage in global affairs. COP27 took place at Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt last year.

When the world comes together to take actions on achieving a common goal and proffer collective solutions to a nagging global concern, there are parties involved from government, private sector, civil society, media and multilateral institutions. The people coming together to advance their different agenda and interests from governments, businesses and civil societies are the parties to the convention who represent various shades of opinions and pushing for various mitigating actions.

In Nigeria like so many other countries, interested parties comprising government officials from both the Federal and sub-national governments, business leaders, environmentalists, climate activists and journalists are present in Dubai. Also participating are agencies of government such as the NNPC and its subsidiaries, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, NIMASA, NDDC. Many youth organisations from Nigeria especially from the Northern and Niger-Delta regions whose lives and livelihoods are most impacted by desert encroachment and hydrocarbon activities are also represented. The President of Ijaw Youth Council, Jonathan Lokpobiri, leads a pan-Ijaw delegation of more than 15 people who registered as parties from Nigeria. Among delegates from Nigeria are also over 20 journalists from various media houses.

Their participation is very important. It is not for jamboree as it is being mischievously represented on social media.

It is important to state here that delegates from all countries whether from government, private sector, media and civil society groups attend COP summits and conferences as parties and the number of attendees are registered against their countries of origin. This does not mean that they are sponsored or funded by the government. It must be said also that the fact that people registered to attend a conference does not mean everyone that registered is physically present.

As the biggest country in Africa, biggest economy and one with a bigger stake on climate action as a country with huge extractive economy, it is a no-brainer that delegates from Nigeria will be more than any other country in Africa.

Among the delegates from Nigeria are UBA Chairman, Tony Elumelu, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA group, and other billionaires whose businesses are promoting sustainability and climate actions through their philanthropies. These businessmen and women and their staff who came with them to promote their own business interests are part of the 1,411 delegates from Nigeria. Their trip to Dubai is not funded by the Federal Government.

United Nations Climate summit, by its very nature, commands attendance of big names from across the world – statesmen and women, politicians, lawmakers, corporate titans, journalists and activists, etc who promote big global agenda. So, people attend the summit for many reasons. And because climate issue is the biggest global issue of the moment, it is not surprising that over 97,000 people including Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, King Charles of United Kingdom, Prime Minister of Netherlands, Mark Rutte, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, US Special Envoy on Climate Change and former Secretary of State, John Kerry, President Bola Tinubu, United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, World Bank President, Ajay Banga, International Monetary Fund President, Kristalina Georgieva, World Trade Organisation Director General, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Africa Development Bank President, Akinwumi Adesina, former US Vice President and Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Al Gore and almost 100 Heads of States and Governments converged on Dubai for COP28. It is the first of its kind in the history of the summit because of the importance of climate change to global well-being.

After the opening and national statements by Heads of States which began from November 30 when the summit opened and up until Saturday December 2, 2023, the real work of COP28 which are the technical sessions and negotiations, financing, etc will begin from Monday, December 4 till December 12 where agreements will be reached on many proposals for consideration and ratification by the parties.

Those with sufficient understanding and knowledge on climate matters know that issues around the subject have layers and multiplicity of factors that require experts from various fields. There are lined-up technical sessions on financing climate actions at sub-national levels, regions and local governments. State Governors from Nigeria such as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Umo Eno of Akwa-Ibom have been really busy with their officials at COP28, making presentations, speaking at panel sessions and pitching some of their sustainability projects to development partners and investors.

Multifaceted stakeholders from different countries including Nigeria are on ground in Dubai because they don’t want decisions that will affect them to be taken without pushing their own agenda. It is the reason delegates from China and Brazil are over 3000 respectively. China is one of the world biggest polluters and Brazil is at the centre of global climate debate with her Amazon rainforest. These two countries know important decisions that will affect them will be taken and they have to move everything to be fully on ground and ensure they are fully represented by their best brains at every level of discussion and negotiation.

Like former President Muhammadu Buhari and other African leaders who demanded fair deal and climate justice for Africa at previous UN Climate summits, President Tinubu is leading the charge at COP28 on behalf of Nigeria and the rest of the continent, demanding from the West that any climate decision and action must be fair and just to Africa and Nigeria in particular, especially the debate around energy transition. President Tinubu has been unequivocal in his position that Africa that is battling problems of poverty, security and struggling to provide education and healthcare to her people can not be told to abandon its major source of income which is mostly from extractive industries without the West providing the funding and investment in alternative and clean energy sources. President Tinubu and other officials on the Federal government delegation are in Dubai for serious business not jamboree. Our President has been very busy representing our country well. Since Thursday morning when he arrived Dubai, President Tinubu has spent not less than 18hours daily in attending very important sessions, pushing our national agenda whilst holding bilateral and business meetings on the sidelines.

-Ajayi is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity

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