General
Energy Stakeholders Urge Nigeria, Others to Reject Anti-Fossil Fuel Policies
By Adedapo Adesanya
Energy stakeholders have urged African countries, including Nigeria, the continent’s largest crude producer, to reject all anti-fossil fuel policies that may arise at discussions at the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
They called on African countries to fiercely defend the role oil and gas play across the continent, adding that it has become clear that developed nations seem committed to phasing out fossil fuels, advocating for an anti-fossil fuel energy transition that does not take into account the needs of the developing world.
For instance, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) warned that if endorsed, this approach would cause detrimental impacts on Africa’s economies as the continent has not only contributed the least to global greenhouse gas emissions – less than 2 per cent – but faces the worst impacts from climate change, owing largely to the actions taken by developed countries for centuries.
The Chamber said, “Phasing out fossil fuels and opting for a ‘Western approach’ to the energy transition is simply not an option for Africa.”
By phasing out fossil fuels, Africa will not only reduce its inconsequential emissions but essentially phase out energy in almost its entirety. The main sources of energy in Africa are oil (42 per cent), gas (28 per cent) and coal (22 per cent), it said in a statement.
“If Africa were to phase out these resources, it would be transitioning from dawn to darkness,” it added.
On his part, Mr Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), issued a similar remark, urging member countries to reject any agreements that target fossil fuels during the climate negotiations.
He, instead, advocated for focus to be placed on reducing emissions rather than reducing energy.
“It seems that the undue and disproportionate pressure against fossil fuels may reach a tipping point with irreversible consequences, as the draft decision still contains options on fossil fuels phase out,” Mr Al Ghais noted.
“What we will continue to advocate for is reducing emissions, not choosing energy sources. The world requires major investments in all energies, including hydrocarbons, all technologies, and an understanding of the energy needs of all people. Energy transitions must be just, fair and inclusive,” he added.
This was echoed by Mr NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC, who noted that at COP27 which was held in Egypt in 2022, he advocated that Africa is trying to take the same path as wealthy countries that have used these resources to develop and position themselves financially and infrastructurally ready to transition away from fossil fuels.
“Last year, I wrote that I was going to COP 27 because I believe that if Africa is not on the table, it will be on the menu. It is unfortunate that a year on, we have seen little to no progress by Western nations to take into account the developmental needs of Africa. A year on, we are faced with the same threat: developed nations telling the world to abandon fossil fuels, thereby abandoning any chances of economic growth.
“Africa cannot afford to adopt the western-centric energy transition. Doing so would eliminate any chance of making energy poverty history, of industrializing economies and improving the lives of millions of people,” he stated.
“The green agenda promoted by the wealthy nations continues to ignore how instrumental oil and gas are in Africa. Climate panic and fear-mongering continue to be alive and well, and Africa should remain strong in its commitment to utilizing oil and gas for the betterment of its people,” Mr Ayuk added.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has pledged its commitment to provide the regulatory leadership, technical coordination, and stakeholder engagement required to successfully develop and implement a robust National Action Plan on maritime decarbonization in Nigeria.
The Director General of the agency, Mr Dayo Mobereola, made this known during the National Stakeholders’ workshop on the development of a National Maritime Decarbonization Action Plan, further describing the workshop as a critical step in actualising the Federal Government’s blue economy and climate objectives.
Represented by the Executive Director, Operations, Mr Fatai Taiye Adeyemi, the NIMASA DG underscored the significance of the IMO GreenVoyage2050 Project, a technical cooperation initiative /designed to support developing countries in implementing the IMO GHG Strategy.
According to him, the National Action Plan being developed will reflect national realities, leverage existing capacities, address identified gaps, and align with broader economic and environmental priorities of the federal government.
Mr Mobereola stressed that “this transition is not merely about compliance with international obligations, it is about safeguarding our marine environment, protecting public health, strengthening the blue economy, and ensuring that our maritime industry remains competitive and future-ready”, the DG said.
Also speaking at the event was the Technical Manager of the IMO GreenVoyage2050 Project, Ms Astrid Dispert, who highlighted that the overarching objective of the initiative is to advance a coherent and globally aligned regulatory framework to accelerate maritime decarbonization.
She also emphasised that NIMASA plays a pivotal role in driving the project at the national level.
The IMO GreenVoyage2050 Project provides technical expertise and institutional support to assist countries in developing and implementing National Action Plans that promote sustainable shipping practices, encourage investment in clean technologies, and strengthen capacity for long-term emissions reduction.
Through this collaboration, the federal government is advancing deliberate steps towards maritime decarbonization, reinforcing its commitment to global climate goals and ensuring a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for the sector.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to comply with its digital submission process effective March 1.
The directive was contained in a circular signed by the Director-General of the Bureau, Mr Adebowale Adedokun, noting that the move was part of the bureau’s commitment to digital transformation and paperless governance.
It explained that the transition followed an earlier circular of Aug. 4, 2025, which introduced electronic submission procedures.
According to the bureau, it has successfully moved from physical filings to a dedicated e-mail service for document submissions and is now advancing to a more robust and integrated system.
The circular announced the inauguration of the BPP Digital Submission Portal, a web-based platform designed to enable MDAs submit procurement-related documents directly to the Bureau.
It stated that the automated platform would streamline the submission process, enhance transparency and ensure accelerated tracking of procurement-related documents and petitions.
“With effect from March 1, all MDAs will be required to use the portal to submit requests for ‘No Objection’ Certificates, approvals for ‘No Objection’ for special procurements, clarifications and status updates on submissions,” the bureau said.
It added that the portal would be hosted on the Bureau’s official website and would become fully operational from the effective date.
The bureau warned that physical submissions or manual hand-deliveries would no longer be prioritised and would eventually be rejected following the full transition to the digital platform.
It urged accounting officers to brief their procurement departments and ICT units on the development to ensure seamless processing of procurement activities from March 1.
It further advised MDAs to contact the Bureau via its official email for information on the onboarding process and integration into the portal.
The bureau emphasised that full compliance by all MDAs was required to ensure a smooth transition and avoid delays in the implementation of the 2026 fiscal year procurement processes.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Senate has asked President Bola Tinubu to remove the Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Mr Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, from office.
The Senate Committee on Finance, while passing a resolution in Abuja on Thursday, accused Mr Magaji, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), of failing to honour the Senate’s invitations to account for the finances of his agency.
“He refused on so many occasions to honour our invitation to appear before this committee.
“We have issues with the reconciliation of the revenue of CAC.
“Each time we invite him, he gives us excuses,” the Chairman of the committee, Mr Sani Musa, said as the committee passed the resolution.
CAC was part of a group of agencies that the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) recommended zero allocation for the year 2026, for allegedly failing to account for public funds appropriated to them.
The committee, at an investigative hearing held two weeks ago, accused CAC and some other ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of shunning invitations to respond to audit queries contained in the Auditor-General for the Federation’s annual reports for 2020, 2021 and 2022.
The PAC chairman, Mr Bamidele Salam, stated that the National Assembly should not continue to appropriate public funds to institutions that disregard accountability mechanisms, saying this will create fiscal discipline and strengthen transparency across federal institutions and conform with extant financial regulations and the oversight powers of the parliament.
“Public funds are held in trust for the Nigerian people. Any agency that fails to account for previous allocations, refuses to submit audited accounts, or ignores legislative summons cannot, in good conscience, expect fresh budgetary provisions. Accountability is not optional; it is a constitutional obligation,” he said.
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