September 16, 2024

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1 Author advocates more attention to children’s development

2 Fuel hike: Abuja motorists opt for compact cars

3 Culture: China reaffirms commitment to strengthen ties with Nigeria

4 Nigeria’s road to vaccine self-sufficiency: The challenges, prospects

5 Foundation urges government to address hospital malnutrition

Economy/Business

AfDB invests $10.9bn in Nigeria – Official

AfDB invests $10.9 bn in Nigeria – Official

By Lucy Ogalue

The Director-General of West Africa Region, African Development Bank (AfDB), Lamin Barrow, says the banks’s cumulative financing approvals in Nigeria stands at 10.9 billion dollars.

Barrow said this at the Second Interactive Session and Workshop on Developing Bankable Business Proposals/Business Plans for Youths in Agriculture on Monday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event is being held as part of the activities to celebrate the Bank’s 60th Anniversary.

“Over the last 60 years, the Bank has grown into a trusted partner and the continent’s premier development financial institution.

“Our cooperation with Nigeria has expanded over the years, especially considering that Nigeria is the largest shareholder.

“Since it started operations in the country, cumulative financing approvals has reached 10.9 billion dollars and our portfolio currently stands at 4.9 billion dollars supporting projects in the public and private sectors,” he said.

Barrow said the AfDB’s President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, upon assumption of office eight years ago, prioritised the High 5–of Power, Feed, Industrialise, Integrate and Improve the quality of life for the people of Africa.

He said these were the accelerators for achieving the SDGs and the targets in the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

According to him, the projects and programmes supported during this period have impacted over 400 million people.

He said, “this Interactive Session provides an opportunity to discuss ways of addressing the many challenges faced by youths and women in agro-business, including access to finance.

“We applaud the Federal Government of Nigeria in spearheading various initiatives and programmes to increase production and productivity in the sector.

“And its efforts to create job opportunities for the youths and women, and combat food insecurity in the wake of the high food inflation currently witnessed in Nigeria.”

According to him, the workshop will enhance the knowledge and skills of participants in preparing bankable proposals to unlock financial support for their enterprises.

Meanwhile, Mrs Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, AfDB’s Vice-President, Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Complex, identified agriculture as a business.

“We are here to reimagine Africa’s future. A future powered by agriculture that backs the perception of agriculture as a low-income, low-status occupation that attracts only 21.5 per cent of youth.

“Where Women, comprising 50.8 per cent of Africa’s population, continue to face systemic challenges including gender-based discrimination, marginalisation, violence, and unequal access to education, land, resources, opportunity and a voice.

“Africa is home to 65 per cent of the world’s remaining arable land enough to feed 9.5 billion people in the world. Agriculture is a business,” she said.

According to the vice-president, growth in the agricultural sector is two to four times more effective in reducing poverty than growth in other sectors.

She said by 2030, Africa’s food and agriculture market is projected to be valued at 1 trillion dollars.

“These numbers alone demonstrate the central importance of agriculture as a cornerstone of Africa’s economy and a solution to the continent’s and the world’s food insecurity.

“The question, therefore, is not whether Africa can feed itself, it is how quickly we can make it happen,” she said.

While reiterating AfDB’s efforts towards food security, Akin-Olugbade said the bank was collaborating with partners to allow private agribusinesses to establish industries that processed and add value to agricultural commodities.

“So, to our policymakers, I say this: The time for bold action is now. Every policy should ask: Are we going beyond empowering to invest in our youths?

“How does this support our women farmers? How does this move us closer to food sovereignty?

“To the youths and women: You are not just the future of Africa’s agriculture. You are its present. Your innovation, resilience, determination are the seeds from which a new African agricultural revolution will grow,” she said.

The vice- president said that by working together and focusing on these transformative initiatives, we would unlock the full potential of Africa’s agriculture.

She then expressed AfDB’s commitment to nurture the growth, ensure that Africa’s future in agriculture is bright and prosperous for all.

NAN reports that the event was attended by government officials, partners, women and youths in agriculture and stakeholders in the agric value chain. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama and Abiemwense Moru

General News

Investments must follow timelines, impact citizens – Tinubu

By Salif Atojoko
President Bola Tinubu on Friday said the Federal Government would ensure that investments in key sectors of the economy followed clear timelines and must impact the lives of citizens.

President Tinubu, who received the management of the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON), led by the Chairman, Mr Alexey Arnautov, at the State House, said the government was keen on reviving the smelter company in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom.

“It is good to have you at this meeting. Smelter is necessary for the development of the country,” the President stated.

Tinubu emphasised the need for clear vision and detailed plans in the steel and energy sector, adding that “there must be timelines.”

He directed the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, and the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Ms Olu Verheijen, to review and provide an update on the status of ALSCON.

In his remarks, the Chairman of ALSCON assured the President of the preparedness of the management to turn around the fortunes of the company within a given period by injecting $500 million.

Arnautov said the management was aware of the centrality of aluminium in modern development, particularly for Nigeria, and would continue to support the growth of the country. (NAN)
Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Economy/Business

Nigeria attracts $2bn investment in renewable energy sector – Tinubu

By Salisu Sani-Idris

President Bola Tinubu has said that Nigeria attracted over $2 billion investment in the renewable energy sector, making it a fast-growing sector in the economy.

Tinubu stated this on Wednesday during the inauguration of the 2024 African Natural Resources & Energy Investment Summit, held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

Represented by the Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu reiterated the commitment of his administration to continue to attract more private sector involvement in the renewable energy space.

He said that: “In leveraging opportunities in the renewable energy space, Nigeria has attracted over $2 billion in investment in the renewable energy sector, making it a fast-growing sector in the economy.

”Our commitment is to continue this trajectory and attract more private sector involvement in the renewable energy space, including manufacturing locally produced solar panels and batteries.”

He, however, emphasised that discussions on the energy transition must also include the significance of the petroleum industry as a cornerstone of the nation’s economy.

“While we strive to embrace renewable and cleaner energy sources, we acknowledge that oil and gas continue to play a vital role in our energy and economic landscape,” he stated.

He highlighted strategic priorities in the sector to include the goal to attract more investment in the oil and gas industry; grow oil production to 2.1 million barrels per day by December 2024.

”This is with a view to improving investment in midstream and downstream infrastructure; tackle theft; and hold developers accountable for the highest environmental standards,” the president said.

Tinubu further restated the administration’s commitment to manage resources responsibly, minimising their ecological footprint and maximising their benefits for the nation.

Earlier, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake said the government was implementing some reforms to create a more attractive environment for investors with a focus on enhancing transparency, regulatory clarity and investor confidence.

Accircing to Alake, the plan encompasses several key areas including policy reforms, sustainable practices, infrastructure development, and human capital enhancement.

”These initiatives are designed to address longstanding challenges in the sector and unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s vast mineral resources.

”This summit represents a significant milestone in our collective journey toward addressing Africa’s vast natural resources and sustainable economic development,” he said.

Dignitaries at the summit included Sen. Mohammed Sani (APC – Niger East), the Minister of State for Environment, Dr Ishaq Salako; Minister of State for Steel Development, Mr Uba Ahmadu, and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Mary Ogbe. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Agriculture , Economy/Business

EU unveils digital platform to boost Nigeria’s agribusiness

By Angela Atabo

The European Union (EU) has unveiled a digital platform to boost investment in Nigeria’s agribusiness sector.

Ms Myriam Ferran, EU’s Deputy Director-General, Directorate of International Partnerships (INTPA), said this at the 9th edition of the Nigeria-EU Business Forum in Abuja.

Ferran said the platform was aimed at increasing private investments in the country’s agribusiness sector.

She said the initiative would contribute to the reduction of food insecurity and poverty as well as the attainment of sustainable economic development in Nigeria.

“The EU-Nigeria Agribusiness Platform will contribute to boosting the exploration and exploitation of agribusiness opportunities between Nigeria and the EU.

“This is through the establishment and maintenance of a network of active members of agribusinesses across Nigeria and the EU.

“An agribusiness platform is a form of a digital agricultural platform that provides digital marketing, trading or investment space for commercial and/or transactional activities.

“It also aids interactions, communications, integrations and cooperation in the agri-food system and agro-industry between Nigerian and European SMEs.”

According to Ferran, the EU-Nigeria Agribusiness Platform’s primary focus is to create linkages and interactions between Nigeria and EU agribusiness stakeholders, especially among SMEs.

She said it would also promote trade and investment between both sides.

“The idea for an agribusiness platform stems from the commitments of the November 2020 EU-Nigeria Ministerial Dialogue.

“In consultation with the government of Nigeria, it was decided to launch an EU-Nigeria Agri-business Platform as a structured dialogue between Nigerian and EU farming and agri-food communities agricultural and agro-industrial sectors.

“This is to promote trade and attract responsible investment, and to foster business linkages, particularly for SMEs,’’she said.

Ferran said that Agribusiness Register Limited, a private sector entity conversant with the agribusiness ecosystem would manage the EU-Nigeria Agribusiness Platform.

She said the idea of handing over the platform to a private sector-led entity working in partnership with public and private sector stakeholders was birthed from a stakeholders’ consultative meeting.

She added that the firm would work and engage with selected agribusinesses, farmer groups, aggregators and other critical stakeholders.

She said that it would also nurture partnership and collaboration with EU implementing partners in the relevant space of agriculture, digital and entrepreneurship with relevant agencies of the government of Nigeria.

“In particular, it will work with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment, Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) building in Abuja.
Business

Stakeholders say collaboration key to boosting investment, Nigeria’s growth

By Lucy Ogalue

Stakeholders say collaboration is important in boosting investments and ensuring Nigeria’s growth.

They spoke at a Stakeholders ‘Engagement with Investment Promotion Agencies (SIPAs), organised by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) in Abuja.

The Executive Secretary of NIPC, Aisha Rimi, emphasised the Importance of strengthening relationship between the commission and the state investment agencies.

“So the objectives today are to strengthen this relationship between NIPC and the State Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs).

“To ensure a seamless coordination and alignment of efforts to attract investments across the country.

“We want to strengthen and build the technical and institutional capacity of the IPAs to enable them to achieve set goals and objectives.

“We want to be able to disseminate information about investment opportunities across the states, leveraging local knowledge to attract investors,’’ she said.

Rimi expressed the commission’s desire to address challenges and bottlenecks that hinder investment activities and find practical solutions to enhance the investment climate.

She said the meeting also aimed to foster strong relationships with stakeholders, including Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), some of which were represented at the event.

To achieve these goals, Rimi said the commission designed the Nigerian Investment Certification Programme for States (NICPS) to ensure an efficient system in the states.

The executive secretary reiterated the importance of working to ensure we retained the investors already in Nigeria, especially considering the harsh business environment in the country.

Rimi urged the participants to use the opportunity to interact, network, listen to the various speakers, and find ways to drive investment in the country.

Also speaking, the Director, Infrastructure and Public Private Partnership (PPP), Bureau of Public Procurement (BPE), Dr Micheal Magaji, reiterated the importance of collaboration to boost investment.

According to Magaji, reform is also critical to ensuring investment promotion in the country.

He said: “our engagement today underscores our commitment to fostering strong partnerships between the federal and state levels and between the public and private sectors.

“We are here to listen, learn, and share our expertise, with the ultimate goal of driving sustainable development and economic growth across Nigeria.

“Additionally, we use this opportunity to urge all states present at this engagement to take full advantage of this collaboration.”

According to the director, the benefits outlined above represent a glimpse of what can be achieved through our joint efforts.

“We encourage you to engage with the Bureau. Leverage our expertise and unlock the full potential of your state’s assets.

“Our doors are always open, and we are committed to supporting you in every step of this journey.

“I look forward to our discussions and the innovative solutions emerging from this engagement.

“Together, we can continue to transform our states and, by extension, our nation into hubs of prosperity and progress,’’ he said.

Similarly, the Director, Investment Promotion, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Gertrude Orji, said the ministry was committed to keeping up with the NIPC’s mandate.

Orji, represented by an Assistant Director in the ministry, Amina Mohammed, said the event was critical to investment and pivotal to the country’s development.

Also, a representative of GIZ-SEDIN Programme, Abuja, Mr Akinropo Omaware, commended NIPC’s efforts in attracting and retaining investment in the country.

Omaware said collaboration was key to strengthening the country’s investment climate.

He expressed the commitment of the organisation to support and drive investments in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that key stakeholders, government officials, and experts in the sub-sector attended the event. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

=============
Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, with Amb. Salem Al-Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to Nigeria during the courtesy visit
Oil & Gas

FG committed to deepening ties, investment opportunities with UAE

By Emmanuella Anokam

Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), says the Federal Government is committed to deepening bilateral ties and investment opportunities with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Lokpobiri said this on Monday when he received Mr Salem Al Shamsi, the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, and his delegation in his office.

The minister said the visit and was expected to further strengthen the ties between Nigeria and the UAE, fostering greater cooperation and mutual benefits in the energy sector.

He described the visit as a demonstration of the enduring diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and the UAE, adding that he has been interfacing with his counterpart in the UAE to boost the relationship.

He commended the recent bilateral agreement to restore visa issuance for Nigerians, which had been on hold.

He attributed this achievement to the dedication of President Bola Tinubu, whose efforts were pivotal in reinstating this important service.

He acknowledged that the restoration of visa services was significant given the high volume of travel between Nigeria and the UAE.

He emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to increasing oil production, stating that while Nigeria was not in a rush to transition from oil, the country was actively seeking to enhance its production capabilities.

“We are focused on ramping up our oil production; at the same time, we are inviting UAE investors to look at Nigeria as a prime destination. Our business environment is friendly, and our crude deposits are vast.

“We need to create more opportunities for investments to come in so that we can create the requisite funding for us to be able to finance our transition,” he said.

The Minister highlighted the benefits of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which provides a robust legal framework that guarantees returns on investments and has significantly reshaped the oil and gas sector.

Lokpobiri said the PIA ensured a secure and profitable investment climate, making Nigeria an attractive location for investors.

“Nigeria has enormous investment opportunities. Our pipelines need renewal. The pipelines have been there for over 50 years. Nigeria found oil in commercial quantity in 1956/58.

“From then till now, it’s almost 70 years and most of those pipelines were built around that time, so they have already outlived their lifespan.

“Even if you have the capacity to produce, you need to evacuate to the terminals where you could do export.

“So, it’s an opportunity we are actually looking up to for potential investors from the UAE to come and invest and recover their money through those investments,” he said.

He said Nigeria should be doing more 37 billion barrel of crude, stating that the current administration had emphasised the need to resume drilling campaigns to ensure more discoveries.

Responding, Al Shamsi said he could see great potential in Nigeria’s energy sector and appreciated the steps being taken to create a conducive investment environment.

He said the technical teams from the Ministry and the UAE Embassy would need to interface and explore areas of collaboration and partnership between the two countries.

“Our countries have much to gain from continued collaboration,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

==========
Edited by Salif Atojoko

Features

Takeaways from Tinubu’s trip to Riyadh, Hague

Takeaways from Tinubu’s trip to Riyadh, Hague

By Temitope Ajayi
Since his first trip abroad as President of Nigeria to Paris in June last year, where he joined other world leaders at the New Global Financial Pact Summit convened by President Emmanuel Macron, President Bola Tinubu has undertaken many other important trips where he has drawn global attention to the new realities in Nigeria and indeed Africa.

On those trips, he emerged as the chief salesman of Nigeria and Africa.

Like his previous travels where he had forcefully spoken, with admiration, on behalf of Nigeria or for West Africa as Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Head of States and Government and at the United Nations General Assembly and COP28 in Dubai, President Tinubu has not failed to use the available opportunity to send the right message to the world of the immense possibilities to do great things when the developed nations and global business leaders partner Africa, and Nigeria, in particular in a mutually-beneficial way.

It was the same message of partnership, collaboration, investment opportunity, shared prosperity, and sustainability that he took to the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia.

Both at The Hague, where he met the Prime Minister, the Royal family and business leaders and in Riyadh, where he participated actively at the Special Meeting of the World Economic Forum, President Tinubu was regal in his carriage and convincing in appeal.

Here are the key takeaways from the trips:

1. Thursday, 25th of April, President Tinubu led the Nigerian delegation to the Nigeria-Netherlands Business and Investment Forum. He used the opportunity to reinforce the more robust economic and diplomatic ties between the two countries.

He used the occasion to sell his Renewed Hope Agenda, harping on the favourable investment climate now in Nigeria and the reforms he has undertaken to promote a stronger and more resilient economy where businesses can thrive.

In his call to action, he invited investors from the Netherlands to come and reap bountifully from any investment they make in Nigeria. During his bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Mark Rutte at his official residence, President Tinubu was at his best element as a salesman. He told the PM of the abundant human and natural resources available in Nigeria, especially the energetic, enterprising, and resourceful young people who are breaking barriers and excelling across the world in their various fields.

On his part, the Prime Minister said Dutch investors were ready for a fresh $250 million investment in Nigeria and another $100 million in a waste-to-wealth industrial facility in Lagos State.

2. At a high-level panel discussion at the World Economic Forum Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, President Tinubu held his audience spellbound.

On the same panel, with President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, and the Managing Director of International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Geogieva, President Tinubu spoke on the imperatives of building global collaboration and cooperation to deal with some of the problems confronting humanity.

He called on the global community and more prosperous nations to pay more attention to Africa and the Sahel region of West Africa.

He said: “I am glad the world is recognising the need for cooperation and that with the type of population growth that Africa is experiencing, the diversity of its resources must be married with economic opportunity. We must collaborate to achieve that.

“We are encouraging the entire world to pay attention to the Sahel and the other countries around us. As the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, I have wielded the big influence of Nigeria to discourage all unconstitutional changes of government.

”Equally, we have eased the sanctions. We need to trade with one another, not fight each other. It is very necessary and compulsory for us to engender growth, stability, and economic prosperity for our people in West Africa.

“The rest of the world needs to look at the fundamentals of the problem; not just geopolitically, but at the root. Has the world paid attention to the poverty level in the Sahel and the rest of ECOWAS? Have they facilitated the infusion of capital and paid adequate attention to ensuring the exploration of resources and the creation of opportunities presented by the mineral resources available?

“Are we going to play a big-brother role in a talk shop without taking necessary action? We just have to be involved in the promotion and prosperity of that region in order to see peace, stability, and economic growth.”

3. Engagement with Moller-Maersk Delegation: A key highlight of the President’s participation at the WEF in Riyadh was a sideline meeting with Robert Maersk Uggla, Chairman of the Danish shipping and logistics giant, and his team.

The meeting focused on the company’s existing business in Nigeria and the prospect of future new investment to expand port infrastructure in Nigeria to accommodate bigger ships.

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, recently announced a $ 1 billion ports expansion and modernisation programme to take care of dilapidated infrastructure at the Western and Eastern seaports.

President Tinubu welcomed the genuine interest of AP Moller-Maersk in Nigeria and the company’s willingness to make new investments.

He expressed his appreciation to the Chairman for his company’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy over time, assuring him that Nigeria and his government would not take the country’s partners for granted.

-Ajayi is Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Media and Publicity

Oil & Gas

FG attracts 50m dollars investment for conversion of commercial buses to CNG

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Federal Government through the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi) has attracted a 50 million dollar deal for the conversion of commercial vehicles to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

The P-CNGi Programme Director/Chief Executive, Mr Michael Oluwagbemi, said this on Saturday during a Live programme on television tagged ‘’Compressed Natural Gas Roll Out: Prospects for Economic Growth.”

Oluwagbemi said the deal, which was a private sector initiative, would enable the construction of CNG conversion workshop infrastructure across the country.

P-CNGi is a component of President Bola Tinubu administration’s palliative directed at providing succour to the masses, following the removal of fuel subsidy.

To alleviate the burden of rising fuel prices, the Federal Government allocated N100 billion from the N500 billion palliative budget to buy 5,500 CNG vehicles (buses and tricycles), 100 electric buses, and over 20,000 CNG conversion kits.

“We will be announcing on May 29, targeted conversion incentive programme for the mass transit sector.

“We are working with our partners in the mass transit sector, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), to determine modalities for providing the equipment and incentive,” he said.

He said the first phase of the initiative would roll out 100 conversion workshops and 60 refuelling sites across 18 states in Nigeria before the end of 2024.

“We are very well on track to meet all our objectives this year with respect to conversion centres, we are beginning to see the private sector jump in; as at Friday 85, conversion centre bidders were about to be completed.

“We expect 15 more to get started before the end of May; we will hit 100 targets before the end of 2024. The private sector leads and the government supports, it is definitely a good news for Nigeria.

“CNG is much safer in natural condition than PMS and Diesel, with bullet-proof container and high auto ignition temperature, almost one thousand degrees safer in natural condition than petrol,” he said.

In terms of reliability, he said it had regulations and standard developed by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).

He said a Nigerian gas vehicle monitoring system was also being established to ensure safety of operation from the point of conversion to the point of refuelling.

He said the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and other agencies were also involved in promoting the initiative.

“Throughout the country we are rolling out conversion centres, we will be able to provide it at a subsidised cost and significant discount while allowing them to pay back slowly.

“For us as a government, it is not really subsidy, rather utilisation fund,” he said.

CNG Bus

 

Also speaking, Dr Mohammed Bawa, Group Managing Director, ABG Group, said the Group had a partnership with banks to assist anyone willing to convert his or her vehicle.

He said since the initial investment was on the high side, the group could recommend for the bank to pay on behalf of anyone interested, while the person would repay over a period of time without interest.

“Nigerians are entrepreneurial by nature and always want an enabling environment and support by government.

“This government has taken the bull by the horn by putting in place the P-CNGi, which is doing a great job; automatically the private sector is already keying in.

“Not less than 20 private sector players have keyed into the CNG space and value chain, from conversion to refuelling. Now that the atmosphere is inviting, you will see many Nigerians investing in it,” he said.

He further said that before the end of May 2024, based on reliable information from the private sector, there would be at least six CNG refuelling centres in Abuja, as against only two stations currently.

Fuel subsidy removal caused an increase in transport fare, but the deployment of CNG vehicles is expected to reduce reliance on petrol and diesel thereby making transportation affordable and mitigate air pollution which aligns with the Paris Climate Accord.

Conversion of vehicles costs between N700,000 and N800,000, and vehicles can also operate on the energy mix of petrol and CNG after conversion safely. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

Science & Tech

Nigeria invests €48m in phase 2 energy support programme – Official

By Jessica Dogo

Mr Joshua Yari, Component Lead of the Enabling Environment Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), said Nigeria had invested 48 million Euros in the second phase of its Energy Support Programme.

Yari said this during a one-day Energy Summit organised by the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) in collaboration with Abloom Trust Nigeria Ltd in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the summit was titled: “Prospects of Energy Transition Plan’’.

Yari explained that the programme was co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

He further stated that the Nigerian government would be investing about 19 million Euros in the third phase of the NESP.

“The World Bank, with the Nigerian Electrification Programme, is bringing in 750 million dollars to support the Nigerian government in terms of integration of renewable energy and energy efficiency, especially in rural areas,’’ he said.

Yari mentioned that the energy transition plan had five focal areas, adding that one of them was to create an enabling environment to support and foster investments within Nigeria.

“This means that one key aspect of improving investments is partnerships between governments, private sector, and the international development community.

“This administration has been clamoring for partnerships, especially the inclusion of the private sector in terms of investment.

“We hope to see the private sector come in to play a key role in implementing the focal areas of the Energy Transition Plan,’’ he said.

In his remarks, Director-General, ECN, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, said collaborating with stakeholders was crucial to achieving the goals of the energy transition in the country. 

Abdullahi said collaboration would provide the avenue for robust discussions, knowledge sharing, and formulation of actionable policy recommendations to guide the country’s energy transition journey.

He said Nigeria must address challenges such as investment barriers, grid integration issues, robust policy frameworks, and some hurdles of energy transition goals.

The director-general added that some of the solutions included innovative policy measures, regulatory reforms, and investments in grid modernisation to address the challenges and pave the way for a sustainable energy transition.

“It is imperative that we come together to explore opportunities and address these challenges.

“Energy transition is not merely a buzzword. It is a fundamental shift in our approach to energy production and consumption.

“I am confident that your insights and contributions at this summit will inspire us to explore innovative solutions, a sustainable, and resilient energy future for our nation,” he said.

Also, Mr Ogbugo Ukoha, Executive-Director of the Nigerian Mainstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), said the impact of the environment was promising as Nigeria migrated from heavy consumption of petrol and optimised gas utilisation in the country.

“We extend our collaboration and hands of fellowship and look forward to paving a pathway to the development that we are all looking forward to,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Deji Abdulwahab

Environment

Investing in critical water infrastructure, crucial for national development- FG

By Tosin Kolade

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has pledged Federal Government’s commitment to investing in critical water infrastructure as a cornerstone for national development.

Utsev said this at the commemoration of the 2024 United Nations World Water Day (WWD) on Friday in Abuja.

The theme of this year’s World Water Day is, “Water for Peace” in Abuja.

According to him, the urgent need to prioritise water-related projects to address the country’s pressing challenges and propel sustainable growth cannot be over-emphasised.

He highlighted the threat of water scarcity to Nigeria’s sectors and communities, stressing the government’s imperative to improve water infrastructure for universal access to clean and safe water.

Utsev also highlighted alarming statistics from the United Nations, revealing that a significant percentage of people still relied on unsafe water sources, leading to health and environmental hazards.

He stressed the importance of implementing policies and programmes aimed at enhancing water supply, sanitation and hygiene services, along with increased investment in water infrastructure.

Utsev said the ministry had spearheaded several initiatives in collaboration with government stakeholders and partners in the water and sanitation sector.

He said they include: the Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (PEWASH), the Sustainable Urban-Rural Water Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) initiative, and the National WASH Action Plan.

He explained that the Clean Nigeria Campaign, initiated in 2019 to eradicate open defecation by 2025, had seen substantial advancements, resulting in numerous local government areas attaining Open Defecation Free (ODF) status.

Utsev, therefore, urged all to join the “Water for Peace” campaign, emphasising the need to address water and sanitation challenges in Nigeria and achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 by 2030.

He announced that as part of the 2024 World Water Day celebrations, a borehole donated by LG Electronics would be commissioned at Durumi-3, FCT, Abuja, highlighting efforts to enhance water access and sanitation.

Mr Abdourahammanne Diallo, the UNESCO Representative to Nigeria, who spoke on the recent inauguration of the 2024 UN World Water Development Report, highlighted its findings on the global impact of water scarcity.

He emphasised that water scarcity was increasingly fuelling conflicts worldwide.

Diallo stressed the importance of developing and maintaining a secure and equitable water future, stating that it was fundamental for prosperity and peace for all.

He added that poverty, inequality, social tensions, and conflict could exacerbate water insecurity, emphasising the intricate relationship between sustainable water management and prosperity and peace.

According to him, water scarcity goes beyond meeting basic needs, amplifying issues such as food insecurity, health risks, and social disparities.

He expressed concern over the disproportionate impact on girls and women, who often bear the brunt of water scarcity’s consequences.

The highlight of the day was a road walk aimed at raising awareness about the significance of World Water Day and emphasising the pivotal role of water in promoting peace and fostering a safe environment.

Additionally, awards and recognition were presented to schools that participated in competitions centered around the theme of the 2024 World Water Day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Water Day serves as a global platform for governments, organisations, and agencies to spotlight the importance of improving access to safe and clean water. (NAN) www.nannews.ng 

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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