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UN Group Identifies $1.5trn Blue Opportunities In Niger Delta, Expert Raises Environmental Concerns
The United Nations Global Compact has called the attention of all and sundry to some blue investment opportunities that can be harnessed in Niger Delta, Nigeria that surpass $1.5 trillion in 2022.
This is said to come at a time the Nigeria Blue Economy Stakeholders step up engagements through the Niger Delta Blue Economy Investment Forum to change the dynamics of the crude oil-dependent region to a new future that is green and sustainable with practical projects.
In a statement on Thursday, signed by Segun Adeleye, President/CEO of World Stage Limited and Chairman/Founder, SAFFGLIA.
In his presentation at the Niger Delta Blue Economy Investment Forum held at Monty Suites and Golf Resort, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital from November 15-17, 2022, Mr. Erik Giercksky of the UN Global Compact Sustainable Ocean Business Action Platform said, while green bonds clearly address climate and environmental issues, the blue bond can relate to all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflecting the diversity of factors relevant for sustainable ocean business including fair labor conditions, climate change, waste reduction, and gender equity.
“Using a blue label can show stewardship, in terms of emission reduction in the ocean, but also in ways that may not be fully expressed in a green instrument,” he said.
At the three-day forum organized by Alfe City Institution in collaboration with the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Giercksky who addressed the forum virtually from newly York-listed benefits for a blue bond which can be issued by sovereign countries, multilateral development banks, banks, large and medium-size companies to include enhance the credibility of sustainability strategy; improve the diversity of investor base; create opportunities for larger and longer-term financing; potential improved financing costs; reputation benefits; and internal benefits.
The theme of the forum hosted by the Akwa Ibom State government and supported by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is ‘Preparing for a Future Less Reliant on Crude Oil’.
Giercksky said the United Nations Global Compact Ocean CFO Task Force in collaboration with ADB Blue Bond Incubator is available to support the private sector to issue blue bonds through the provision of thought leadership; share corporate learning to teach and inspire potential issuers; showcase corporate commitment to the blue economy on the global stage; technical assistance; understand blue bond options, challenges, and benefits; define company’s blue bond framework and secure external verification; Identify assets, projects & KPIs eligible for blue bond proceeds; and Assistance in de-risking, structuring, and issuing the blue bond.
In a presentation titled ‘The Niger Delta Endemic Environment: Challenges and the way forward, Mr. Hilary Efanga, a researcher and Senior Lecturer with the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron identified oil spillage/gas flaring and other forms of pollution as some of the major negative impacts on Niger Delta citizens, the environment and its economy, particularly the blue economy that must be urgently addressed for the blue economy to thrive.
“Central to the poor state of affairs is the largely obsolete laws and regulations in the Nigerian oil industry which have been outpaced by the prevailing technology for crude oil development and use,” he said.
“There is therefore an urgent need to review the existing oil industry laws and create new ones.
“The new laws to be promulgated must be relevant to the current state of affairs and strictly enforced to deal with every aspect of the industry, and very importantly, oil spillage and gas flaring.
“The communities in the Niger Delta region have become the recipient of environmental degradation. Government’s failure to implement appropriate policies to ameliorate the devastating region has exacerbated the phenomenon. Therefore a comprehensive or holistic approach is necessary to address the social and economic predicaments of the people living in the Niger Delta region.”
Calling on the Nigerian government to learn a lesson from how other countries effectively managed spill cases and adopt the same as in the case of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill and Prestige oil spill disasters, the researcher said, “The cause of oil spill can lead to a very disastrous situation as such should be treated as a national emergency by the Nigerian government whenever it occurs. Not just because this is the case in other regions, but because it is the responsibility of the government to protect its environment.
“The government needs to provide effective capacity building at all levels by training personnel and acquiring basic oil spill response assets and equipment so as to be able to manage and control oil spills.
“Nigeria seems to depend largely on foreign experts for spill management; this approach may not add local content value. Therefore, the country should embark on the expansion of local knowledge of spill management through technology knowledge transfer.
“The government should develop a comprehensive spill management program with the integration of a modern national spill contingency plan and provision of the modern response equipment in readiness to combat any spill.
“Effective public and private sector partnerships are crucial to deal with the occurrence of oil spills in Nigeria with the government playing a major role.”
As for the private companies, he said they are not blameless, as they had not demonstrated commendable corporate social responsibilities in either their operations or their relationship with host communities regarding the effects of their activities on the environment.
“For decades of operations in the Niger Delta, the oil companies have not been significantly involved in the development of the host communities which is the reason for the grievances between parties. Therefore, with the provision of the new PIA, the government should establish an effective monitoring mechanism to ensure that the host communities receive optimal benefits this time,” he said.
“The oil organization should have free emergency national numbers in place this way the habitants in the region can call when there is an event of an oil spill and also when any individual is seen digging near a pipeline route.
“The Nigerian government must be proactive in both regards to controlling oil pollution, management, and biodiversity conservation by enforcing existing regulations, laws, and policies in place, this can be achieved by enormous political support – the determination to enforce the regulations and strengthening the judiciary system, especially in oil spill-related cases.”
Mr. Soji Adeleye, the Chief Executive of Alfe City Institution in his opening remarks listed the objectives of the Niger Delta Blue Economy Investment Forum to include Advanced the national discussion on the imperative of a Blue Economy in Nigeria through practical demonstration of actual projects at the state level; Provide the platform for an individual state to exhibit their Blue Economy projects for both local and international investors; Create a mechanism for peer review amongst the state to encourage open competition; Create a database for the states to serve as a repository of information about development in the blue economy sphere; Establish thriving open source information for investment information on the Blue Economy in the region; Above all, construct a demonstrable tapestry for the youth of the Niger Delta Region of a world of opportunities that would challenge their creativity, entrepreneurial skill in contrast to a culture of entitlement and deprivation.
Adeleye, a member of the Expanded Partnership Committee on Sustainable Blue Economy chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) said, “The Blue Economy solution calls for decongestion of Lagos; to reduce the pressure on the Apapa port by encouraging the construction of new sea ports along the coast that can serve the other parts of the country.
“There should be at least 27 functional ports of varying sizes serving a growing population that is rapidly approaching a quarter of a billion people. The case for the construction of new sets of seaports along the Nigeria Atlantic Coast which these littoral states are ready to undertake is overwhelming.”
The expectations of the investment forum include that the Niger Delta region should have a clearer understanding of its role in the success of a Nigerian Blue Economy; Each state should have a broader knowledge of its potential and comparative advantage in the facilitation of the Blue Economy; The youth and people of the Niger Delta Region, should after this forum be more optimistic about the future; Local and international investors should have a clear sight of the enormous investment opportunities available to them at the region; The development and outcome of the Niger Delta Investment Forum should accelerate the national discuss on this concept and help a quick articulation of the required policy formulation and legislation passage.
It will be recalled that major stakeholders in Nigeria’s blue economy had at a three-day ‘The Nigeria Blue Economy Stakeholders Conference’ in Lagos between February 15-17, 2022 made a case for the urgent formulation of National Policy on Blue Economy to harness the immense potential in the ocean ecosystem.
NEWS
Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Former Ooni’s Wife, Others Remanded Over Stampede
A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Iyaganku, Ibadan, has ordered the remand of Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, along with Oriyomi Hamzat, the CEO of Agidigbo FM, and Abdullahi Fasasi, the Principal of Islamic High School, at the Agodi Correctional Centre.
The trio was arraigned on Tuesday in connection with the recent tragic stampede that occurred during a Christmas funfair at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.
The incident, which claimed the lives of 35 children and injured six others, has drawn widespread public and legal attention.
Presiding over the case, Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi issued the remand order following charges brought against the defendants. The police prosecutor stated that their alleged offences contravened Section 324 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
READ MORE: States Tighten Measures To Prevent Stampedes At Events
The prosecution accused the defendants of being involved in the organization of the event, which turned disastrous, leading to the stampede. Pending legal advice from the Oyo State Director of Public Prosecutions, the court directed their detention at the correctional facility.
The court session, held amidst heavy security, attracted significant public interest. Law enforcement officers were seen providing tight security as the suspects were escorted to and from the courtroom.
Further updates on the legal proceedings are expected as investigations continue.
NEWS
Labour Kicks Against N935/Litre Petrol, Wants More
A cry has gone out for further reduction of the pump prices of premium motor spirit (PMS) in Nigeria to reflect local domestic production of refined products.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)has urged further reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise known as petrol, insisting that the recent drop in price to N935/litre was begging the situation.
Recall that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in partnership with MRS recently announced a reduction in petrol price to N935/litre.
Before the announcement, the commodity sold for over N1,030/litre in Lagos and environs, while it cost more than N1,060/litre in Abuja and Northern states.
ALSO READ: CSOs Urge Further Reduction Of Pump Prices Of Petrol
In a swift reaction, on Sunday, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) said its members would be selling petrol at N935/litre from Monday based on the latest arrangement with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
IPMAN’s National President, Maigandi Garima,, according The Punch, said the reduction in Dangote refinery’s ex-depot price for petrol and the uniform arrangement being put in place, would enable marketers to sell at N935 in their outlets nationwide.
They had set aside N36/litre as cost of logistics.
However, the announcement did not excite the NLC, which insisted on Monday that the cost of petrol should drop further.
A senior official of the NLC, Chris Onyeka, unequivocally rejected any commendation for the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) over the recent reduction in the pump price of petrol.
He argued that the current pricing mechanism does not reflect the true cost of the commodity, according to The Punch.
“Do you want us to clap for them? How can we be okay with a price of N935/litre of PMS? This is not the right price for PMS. You cannot base the price on imported products when we have refining capacity in Nigeria,” he said.
He argued that the costs embedded in the current pricing framework — including foreign labour, freight charges, insurance, logistics, and profits accrued abroad — unfairly burden Nigerians.
“Products are refined in Nigeria, yet the price you give Nigerians is based on imported products. Why should we applaud that? It is akin to someone stealing your money and returning only part of it, then expecting you to clap. We cannot applaud this,” he stated.
Onyeka stressed that the only way to ascertain the correct price of PMS is by determining the actual cost of refining it domestically.
“We need to know how much it costs the NNPC to refine a litre of PMS in our local refineries, such as the Port Harcourt refinery. That is the price Nigerians should be paying,” he emphasised.
He called on the government to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians by ensuring that fuel pricing aligns with local realities.
“This country belongs to all Nigerians. Let the government do the right thing that allows Nigerians to breathe. Let the poor breathe.
“The NLC’s position underscores growing discontent among Nigerians over the rising cost of living, with fuel prices being a major contributor to inflation and economic hardship,” he stated.
NEWS
No Regrets On Subsidy Removal, Tax Reforms To Continue – Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu, during his first Presidential Media Chat aired on the Nigerian Television Authority on Monday, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the ongoing tax reforms and subsidy removal, maintaining that the measures are essential to securing Nigeria’s economic future.
The tax reforms, designed to eliminate colonial-era practices and widen the tax net, have faced significant resistance from some quarters, particularly from northern lawmakers and governors. Despite this, Tinubu declared, “Tax reform is here to stay. We cannot just continue to do what we were doing yesteryears in today’s economy.”
The reforms, encapsulated in four bills transmitted to the National Assembly, aim to streamline taxation and revenue generation.
However, critics, including Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, have argued for caution. “The Petroleum Industry Bill took almost 20 years before it was finally passed. This tax reform bill is being transmitted and receiving legislative attention within a week. It should be treated carefully and with caution,” Zulum said in an interview with BBC.
Despite calls for broader consultations and delays, Tinubu emphasized the pro-poor nature of the reforms, noting that the vulnerable would not be taxed. “The essence of the tax reform is to eliminate colonial-based assumptions in our tax environment,” he stated.
READ MORE: President Tinubu Set For First Nationwide Media Chat Tonight
No Regrets Over Subsidy Removal
Addressing the economic hardship resulting from the removal of the petrol subsidy, Tinubu defended his decision as necessary to prevent Nigeria from “spending its future.” He dismissed the notion of a phased removal, stating, “Phased removal is part of unnecessary fear. No matter how you cut it, you still have to meet the bills.”
The President highlighted the benefits of subsidy removal, pointing out that the policy had curtailed smuggling and freed up resources for more productive uses. “There is no way that you give out fuel and allow all the neighbouring countries as Father Christmas. I don’t have any regret whatsoever in removing the subsidy,” he said.
Tackling Inflation and Corruption
Tinubu also discussed his administration’s strategies to reduce inflation, emphasizing local production and import reduction. “If one produces more for consumption locally, stop imports, give a reasonable level of funding and assistance… we have what it takes,” he explained.
On corruption, the President cited increased earnings for workers and stricter oversight by anti-corruption agencies as key measures. He pointed to the recent seizure of hundreds of properties reportedly owned by a former Central Bank Governor as evidence of his administration’s efforts. “Part of the anti-corruption is removal of subsidy. It is very difficult to eliminate but you reduce it to the barest minimum,” Tinubu stated.
Food Stampedes and Governance
The President expressed condolences over recent tragic stampedes during food distribution events, attributing the incidents to poor organization by event planners. “If you don’t have enough to give, don’t attempt to give or publicize it,” he warned.
Tinubu concluded by reaffirming his commitment to efficient governance and economic reforms, stating, “The hallmark of a good leader is the ability to do what you have to do at the time it has to be done.”
The reforms continue to spark nationwide debates, with stakeholders divided over their potential long-term impacts.