General
Natural Gas: Sustainability Driver for Energy Sector in Africa
For a liveable climate, Africa is finding its voice regarding conversations around sustainable energy. Experts in the energy sector are leveraging different speaking opportunities to lend their voices and join the United Nations’ noble cause of cutting greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible by 2050.
Nigeria is the giant of Africa, and one of its indigenous oil exploration and production companies, ND Western, is extending its frontiers of commitment to rally other energy sector players in the continent to join hands and chart a course for achieving the UNSDG #7 — affordable and clean energy.
ND Western as a testament to its policy to ensure a sustainable energy mix in Nigeria was a platinum sponsor for the recently held 2022 Africa Oil and Gas Week.
The conference, which was held in Cape Town, South Africa, saw industry experts converge to discuss pertinent matters affecting the industry, including sustainability and carbon emissions.
An integral part of the conference centred around tackling deficits in oil and gas production versus consumption. According to conversations in a panel discussion with Eberechukwu Oji, CEO of ND Western, on, “Natural Gas and the African Continent: Bridging Regional and Global Energy Deficit Using Natural Gas as a Transition Fuel,” it was posited that investments in natural and renewable energy coupled with support from policymakers are crucial to bridging the regional and global energy deficit.
“As the Nigerian government translates the new petroleum industry Act, it is creating more opportunities for tangible projects for gas development in Nigeria. This way we can promote the use of natural gas thereby reducing carbon emissions and air congestion in the country. Then, of course, there are businesses like ND Western, an independent producer of gas in Nigeria. With an installed capacity of 600 mmscfd, we currently produce about 350 million cubic feet of gas each day.
“We believe that maximizing gas production to suit the economy’s needs is crucial. With better infrastructure and more support from policymakers we’ll be able to provide Nigeria with alternative clean sources of energy, providing extra benefits to Nigeria and the region,” said Oji.
“Local communities must benefit from gas that’s produced from their environment, which is something our organization plans to address, including job creation.” He added.
The panel session led by Emmanuel Grand, Senior Managing Director, FTI Consulting, expounded on some global energy issues while also highlighting the need for a more secure and diverse energy supply all over the world.
ND Western is a major supplier of gas to the domestic market and the West African Sub-region which include Ghana, Lomé, and the Benin Republic via the West African Gas Pipeline. ND Western owns 45% of the OML 34 and is part of the Asset Management Team (AMT) charged with the responsibility of managing the asset’s operations. Its strategic positioning makes it instrumental to the development of Nigeria’s economic growth as they supply natural gas to multiple power plants for power generation to the grid as well as supports the growth of multiple industries through gas supply to distribution companies.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, has disclosed that the state government has not restricted the movement of people during the re-introduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
Responding to an enquiry by an X user, Faveo Autos, on Saturday, he said the exercise was not brought back to restrict the movement of residents, noting that arresting anyone during the sanitation was unlawful and not backed by law.
However, he encouraged Lagosians to use the period to keep their surroundings clean.
“What is the fine for movement during environmental [sanitation]?” Mr Wahab was asked by Faveo Autos today.
In his response, the Commissioner said, “For clarity, there is no restriction on movement during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. Consequently, arresting anyone on the basis of movement during the exercise is unlawful and does not represent the position or policy of the Lagos State Government.
“The monthly environmental sanitation exercise was reintroduced primarily to restore and strengthen the culture of environmental cleanliness across the state.
“The initiative is backed by the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017. However, the law does not provide for any restriction on movement during the exercise.
“Our focus is on encouraging Lagosians to embrace environmental sanitation as a civic responsibility and a shared commitment to maintaining a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos, rather than relying on enforcement measures.”
Life is full of unexpected moments that test our patience, strength, and perspective. Everyone experiences setbacks, disappointments, and periods of uncertainty. While these moments can feel overwhelming, they also provide opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
One of the most valuable lessons we learn is that difficult situations rarely last forever. Time, reflection, and a willingness to adapt often help us move beyond even the toughest circumstances. Maintaining a positive outlook and focusing on practical solutions can make a significant difference.
Relationships also play an important role in overcoming hardships. Support from family, friends, or mentors reminds us that we are not alone. At the same time, learning to let go of anger and resentment can free us from emotional burdens that prevent us from moving forward.
The only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is to forgive. It is nothing to die. It is frightful not to live. Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt.
Personal growth is not about avoiding challenges but about responding to them with resilience and wisdom. Every experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to the person we become. By embracing change and practicing gratitude, we can create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
In the end, moving forward requires courage, forgiveness, and hope. When we choose to focus on what we can control instead of dwelling on the past, we open ourselves to new opportunities and a brighter future.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The establishment of four new army divisions has been approved by President Bola Tinubu, bringing the total to 12.
In a statement on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, it was stated that the President also authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to strengthen national security.
The new divisions created include 5 Division, with the headquarters in Makurdi covering Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States; 9 Division, with the headquarters in Ilorin covering Kwara and Niger States; 10 Division, with the headquarters in Jalingo covering Taraba and Adamawa States; and 83 Division, with the headquarters in Benin City covering Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States.
It was disclosed that the establishment of the new Divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide.
Implementation of the new force structure will be done in two phases. The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5, 9, and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, will be completed by September 2026. The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation, is expected to be completed by December 2026.
The statement said the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to twelve divisions will improve the operational effectiveness of the security agency and strengthen national defence capabilities further.
Before now, the Nigerian Army operated 1 Division, with the headquarters in Kaduna covering Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States; 2 Division, with the headquarters in Ibadan covering Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States; 3 Division, with the headquarters in Jos covering Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States; 6 Division, with the headquarters in Port Harcourt covering Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States; 7 Division, with the headquarters in Maiduguri covering Borno and Yobe States; 8 Division, with the headquarters in Sokoto covering Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States; 81 Division, with the headquarters in Lagos covering Lagos and Ogun States; and 82 Division, with the headquarters in Enugu covering Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States.
Mr Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to continue investing in the Armed Forces, ensuring they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated, and fully capable of protecting the nation and guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians.
He lauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
