Special Report
FOR RECORDS : A BILL FOR AN ACT TO PROVIDE A POLICY FRAMEWORK FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF BIO-FUELS ENERGY INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA; ESTABLISH THE BIO-FUELS ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION; ESTABLISH THE BIO-FUELS RESEARCH AGENCY; AND FOR MATTERS CONNECTED THEREWITH
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…Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Hon. Khadija Bukar Ibrahim, Hon. Babajimi Benson
Mr. Speaker Honourable Colleagues BACKGROUND Hon. Tanko Yusuf Sununu Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah Hon. Julius Ihonvbere Hon. Leke Abejide Nigeria, in 2007 introduced and began the implementation of the bio-fuel policy anchored on the need to play her role in the global fight against climate change and the reduction of dependence on fossil fuels and the diversification of the domestic economy.
The bio-fuel policy was particularly structured to encourage the production of bio-ethanol and bio-diesel for the purposes of blending with fossil fuel. The policy provided several incentives for investors, aimed at creating conducive environment for bio-fuel production, intended to establish the Bio-fuel Regulatory Commission along with a dedicated Research Centre for the development of the sector. However, 16 years after, limited progress has been achieved, with only a few Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Nigerian states like Kebbi, Niger, Ondo, Kogi, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. 2. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the global demand for bio-fuels is expected to grow by 41 billion litres between 2021 and 2026. Also, the global bio-fuel market size was estimated at $140.43 billion in 2021. However, despite Nigeria’s potentials in bio-fuel and allied products and the target demand of about 5.14 billion litres per year, the industry is still at a nascent stage and the opportunities in the industry are not optimized. 3. In designing the policy, government took into consideration some of the major challenges of the bio-fuel sector globally which includes the expensive cost of production compared to the fossil-based fuels. For this reason, a range of incentives were offered including exemptions on Withholding Tax, waivers on Value Added Tax (VAT), waivers on Import and Customs Duties, etc. 4. One of the main challenges mitigating against the development of the biofuel industry in Nigeria is the lack of a regulatory framework for the industry. The legal framework to facilitate the development of the bio-fuel sector is lacking, even with the introduction and operationalization of a Bio-fuel Policy since 2007. The absence of a legal and institutional framework upon which the policy is based undermined the effectiveness of the policy. This bill is therefore structured to fill this gap.
BENEFITS OF DEVELOPMENT OF BIO-FUELS ENERGY SECTOR 5.
Mr. Speaker, Honourable Colleagues, the bio-fuel programme constitutes a major and unique attempt to integrate the agricultural sector of the economy with the downstream petroleum sector. The use of bio-fuels in Nigeria is anticipated to make significant impact on petroleum product quality enhancement in view of the current limitations of the fossil-based fuels which have not kept pace with the increasing demand for environmentally friendly fuel. Other anticipated benefits of bio-fuel programme include the following – additional tax revenue for the government from economic activities attributable to the industry; job creation, increased economic development and empowerment of rural communities; agricultural benefits – improved farming techniques, increased agricultural research, and increased crop demand resulting from activities in the industry; energy benefits – co-generation of electric power, etc.; and environmental benefits – reduction in tailpipe emissions and ozone pollution, reduction in particulate emission, and replacement of toxic octane enhancers in gasoline. THE BILL 6. The Bill comprises of fifty-six (56) clauses and one (1) schedule. It is divided into fourteen (14) parts. The Bill primarily seeks to provide a policy framework for the development of bio-fuel industry in Nigeria, to establish the Bio-fuels Energy Regulatory Commission and to establish the Bio-fuels Research Agency. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 7. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Colleagues, the contemplated legislation will require funds to set up the Bio-fuels Energy Regulatory Commission. It is also important to note that in the long run, as a regulator, the Commission will be selfsustaining. The benefits derivable from the implementation of the provisions of this Bill far outweigh the cost to be incurred. CONCLUSION 8. The development of bio-fuels industry in Nigeria will be of immense benefit to the society, economy, environment and government. Full implementation will definitely lead to huge demands for jathropha, castor and other oil bearing seeds as first-generation feedstock, while also leading to greater demands, as second generation feedstock, for cheaper and more abundant transgenic varieties of the feedstock, which includes waste lignocellulosic materials and under-utilised agricultural and forestry waste materials. In effect, the quest to develop the biofuels sector holds dual benefits of fostering economic growth and inclusivity for farmers while addressing the pressing issue of climate change. 9. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Colleagues, while thanking you for listening, I respectfully implore you to support that the Bill be read the second time and referred to the relevant committee for further legislative action.
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In a time when public service is often measured by visibility, Prince Abimbola Onabanjo represents a different model of leadership; one defined not by noise, but by results. Across Ijebu-Ode, his name is increasingly associated with tangible progress, steady compassion, and a form of service that places community needs above personal acclaim.
For years, Prince Onabanjo has worked largely outside the spotlight, supporting families, rehabilitating infrastructure, and strengthening educational institutions.
His impact is not announced with fanfare; it is felt in improved roads, better-equipped schools, and households that receive timely support when it matters most. Residents describe his approach as deliberate and sincere focused on outcomes rather than recognition. What distinguishes Prince Onabanjo’s humanitarian work is its inclusiveness.
His interventions cut across ethnic, cultural, and religious boundaries, reflecting a deep belief in shared humanity. From Yoruba to Hausa, Igbo, and others, beneficiaries speak of a man whose generosity is guided by need, not identity. In a diverse community, his actions quietly reinforce unity and mutual respect.
At the grassroots level, his support is both consistent and practical. Monthly food relief, cash assistance, and the distribution of school supplies reach families who are often overlooked. Rather than symbolic gestures, these efforts are designed to preserve dignity and create sustainable relief, ensuring help reaches those who need it most.
Education stands at the centre of Prince Onabanjo’s vision for long-term development. In a landmark initiative, he committed N25 million to support 25 schools across Ijebu-Ode, allocating N1million to each institution.
The program spanned both primary and secondary education, with 15 primary schools and 10 secondary schools benefiting—an intentional strategy to support students at critical stages of learning.
Beyond financial contributions, the initiative delivered direct support to students. Each beneficiary school received 150 school bags fully equipped with essential writing materials, removing basic barriers to learning and reinforcing his hands-on approach to educational development.
Infrastructure improvement is another area where his impact is clearly visible. Prince Onabanjo personally funded and oversaw the rehabilitation of several key roads, including Borogun Court, Ojushagbola Avenue, Abusalawu Street, and sections of Taiwo Osipitan Road.
These projects have improved mobility, accessibility, and daily living conditions for residents, reinforcing the link between infrastructure and quality of life.
Taken together, these efforts paint the picture of a leader deeply rooted in service one who understands that lasting change is built through consistency, empathy, and action. In Ijebu-Ode, Prince Abimbola Onabanjo’s legacy is not written in speeches, but in the everyday lives quietly improved by his commitment to community and progress.
Special Report
Ogijo Lead Poison: Researchers offer solutions to Industrial Pollution Threatens Lives and Communities
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Barely two weeks after the Ogun government offered free lead tests for Ogijo residents over alleged lead poisoning caused by seven used lead-acid battery (ULAB) recycling industries, a team of Nigerian researchers, Olaniyi Popoola, Olusola Ogundele, Abayomi Ladapo, and Samson Senbor, made groundbreaking findings that have given a leadway on how heavy metal contamination disrupts soil microbial communities, offering urgent insight into the environmental and public-health dangers unfolding in Ogijo, Ogun State, where lead poisoning from industrial battery operations has triggered widespread concern.
Their research, published in the book, “Soil Microbiome in Green Technology for Sustainability”, provides one of the clearest scientific explanations yet for how heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium, zinc, and nickel affect both soil quality and human well-being.
From Soil to People: The Hidden Path of Contamination
Heavy metals are persistent pollutants, primarily originating from industrial waste and poorly regulated recycling operations. In Ogijo, battery-smelting sites have released hazardous lead particles into the soil and the surrounding environment. While visible contamination has sparked local alarm, the researchers caution that the real danger runs much deeper.
According to them, the first victims of heavy metal pollution are the microbial communities that form the foundation of healthy soil.
These microorganisms drive nutrient cycling, break down organic matter, support crop growth, and maintain soil structure. When heavy metals accumulate, they interfere with microbial biological processes, reducing biomass, crippling enzyme activity, and destabilising metabolic functions.
“These disruptions are not isolated environmental events—they cascade into the human population,” the authors explain.
As soil loses its microbial integrity, crops absorb contaminants more easily, dust becomes more toxic, and exposure among residents—especially children and pregnant women—rises sharply.
Lead, in particular, is linked to neurological impairment, developmental delays, 88hypertension, kidney dysfunction, and long-term cognitive damage.
Human Health at the Forefront:
While much of this research initially examined microbial changes, the team emphasises that the most pressing concern is human health. Lead and other heavy metals persist in the environment, contaminating soil, water, and food. The contamination is insidious: metals accumulate gradually, entering the food chain through crops and livestock or via dust inhalation, making exposure difficult to detect until severe health effects appear. Chronic lead exposure can have lifelong consequences, affecting intelligence, behaviour, and cardiovascular health.
“Our work goes beyond the soil itself,” says Abayomi Ladapo. “It is a wake-up call for public health authorities. Protecting communities in Ogijo requires urgent interventions that address both environmental contamination and direct human exposure.”
Scientific Solutions and Policy Guidance
The research highlights advanced technologies and multidisciplinary approaches that allow scientists to detect, map, and monitor heavy metal contamination in real time. By tracking contamination and identifying early biological indicators, policymakers and health agencies can design targeted strategies to prevent further poisoning, improve food and water safety, and protect vulnerable populations.
Although soil microbial disruption was a primary focus, the study underscores a critical connection: the deterioration of soil ecosystems amplifies human exposure. Healthy microbial communities act as natural buffers, breaking down contaminants and preventing metals like lead from accumulating in the environment. Their loss increases human risk, linking environmental degradation directly to public health.
A Roadmap Forward
The work of Popoola, Ogundele, Ladapo, and Senbore provides critical guidance for both environmental management and public health interventions. By bridging scientific research and actionable solutions, the team illuminates a pathway to:
• Reduce heavy metal exposure in affected communities
• Protect vulnerable populations, particularly children and pregnant women
• Restore environmental health in Ogijo and similar industrial regions
• Inform policy and regulatory frameworks to prevent future contamination
As Ogijo continues to grapple with the aftermath of industrial pollution, this research stands out as a vital contribution, offering evidence-based solutions to a problem that is as much about human lives as it is about the environment.
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Food and agriculture stakeholders in Ogun, Oyo, and Kwara States have expressed delight at the drop in food prices, praising the Federal Government for its policies and interventions.
In Tuesday’s survey of the News Agency of Nigeria, the respondents, however, cautioned that some loose ends needed to be tidied up to sustain the price reductions across the board.
At the Lafenwa, Kuto, and Olomore markets in Abeokuta, the survey revealed a significant drop in the prices of rice, beans, garri, groundnut oil, and yams.
It also showed that the prices of perishable items like peppers, onions, and tomatoes had dropped.
According to the survey, a ‘kongo’ of garri now sells for N500 as against N1,800 in August, while a bag of the commodity now costs N28,000, compared to N40,000 in August.
A 50kg bag of rice now sells for N53,000 from N68,000, while ‘Oloyin’ beans dropped from N70,000 to N60,000.
A 5-litre gallon of groundnut oil, which was sold for N16,000, now costs N13,000, while a 25-litre keg of King’s oil reduced from N70,000 to N66,000.
A medium basket of onions has dropped from N20,000 to N12,000, while a small basket of the same commodity has reduced from N10,000 to N5,000.
Similarly, a big bag of scotch bonnet pepper now goes for between N35,000 and N40,000, dropping from N60,000 and N65,000, respectively.
The small bucket of bonnet pepper, which previously sold for N15,000, now costs N6,000, just as a bag of tomatoes dropped from N70,000 to N50,000.
Meanwhile, six big tubers of yams, earlier sold between N17,000 and N20,000, now sell for N12,000, while medium sizes are sold between N4,000 and N6,000.
Some of the traders attributed the reduction to the recent decline in the exchange rate and reopening of land borders.
This, according to Sikirat Soyeye, a grain seller at Lafenwa market, has eased importation and improved the availability of food items, especially rice and groundnut oil.
“Our businesses have improved; since food items are now cheaper, people are now buying more.
“The reduction in the dollar rate and border reopening have really helped,” she said.
Soyeye, however, appealed to the government to sustain the stability of the naira, adding that traders now record higher sales and patronage.
At the Kuto Market, Tinuke Ayomide, a perishable goods seller, said the reduction in the prices of pepper and onions was due to the current harvest season of the items.
Ayomide, however, urged the government to strengthen security, particularly in the northern parts of the country where most food items originate, to ensure a steady reduction in commodity prices.
Similarly, a tomato seller at Olomore market, Mr Haruna Ibrahim, said the commodity recorded a slight price reduction, but compared with other items, it was still expensive.
Ibrahim also attributed the drop in perishable food prices to seasonal harvests.
A buyer, Ayomide Adedeji, expressed delight at the development, urging the government to sustain the trend through consistent policies.
“Food prices should not rise again, and the government must keep fuel prices stable.
When the dollar comes down, things become cheaper, so the government must ensure exchange rate stability and continue to support local farmers,” she said.
The Ogun Secretary, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Abiodun Ogunjimi, said the current price reduction reflected a mix of seasonal harvests, reduced transport costs, and improved supply from farms and borders.
Ogunjimi, however, warned that without deliberate government policies, the gains might be temporary.
“To sustain this positive trend, the government should invest in local food production, reduce import duties on essential goods, and provide incentives for farmers.
“Our government should also look into improved storage facilities, rural infrastructure, and price monitoring systems to prevent future inflation and ensure food affordability for Nigerians,” Ogunjimi said.
Meanwhile, the Ogun Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, said the reduction in food prices was due to effective government policies, even as the harvest season is ongoing.
According to Owotomo, the state government has intensified efforts to enhance food productivity and minimise post-harvest losses through various targeted initiatives and interventions.
He added that the state had done exceptionally well in the cassava industry and aquaculture sector, with thousands of farmers benefiting from capacity-building programmes.
The commissioner noted that the government had steadily expanded its input distribution to boost food productivity and was also still building processing facilities across the state.
“We’re not only stopping at providing processing centres, we are also linking our farmers to off-takers so that they won’t have to be the ones to be looking for markets themselves; we already have off-takers registered.
“It’s our joy that the government’s policies and interventions are having a positive impact on food prices in the state.
“Adequate state government interventions have really helped in the reduction of food prices,” said Owotomo.
In Ibadan, Alarudeen Aminu, a Reader in the Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, says the price reduction is largely driven by the nationwide harvest season.
He said food prices traditionally fall to their lowest during harvest periods across Nigeria’s agro-ecological zones.
“This year’s trend aligns with historical patterns, except in periods of drought, flood or other disruptions affecting food production,” he said.
He explained that increased local supply has forced imported food items to a downward readjustment.
“If there is excess supply, the price will fall to clear the market. That is what we are observing now,” he said.
The economist, however, stressed the need for coordinated government intervention to sustain the price reduction beyond the harvest period.
He said federal, state and local governments must invest more in domestic food production to stabilise prices.
According to him, expanding dry-season farming is critical as many farmers have already cultivated vegetables, tomatoes and early yam seedlings using FADAMA.
He urged governments to provide quality seedlings and launch radio and community campaigns to boost participation in off-season farming.
He also urged the governments to identify and support genuine farmers, particularly small-scale holders who supply the bulk of food consumed locally.
Aminu called for stronger rural security to encourage farmers who have abandoned farmlands due to attacks.
He emphasised that rural infrastructure, such as roads, bridges and basic amenities, must be prioritised, noting that such investment is largely the responsibility of the state and local governments.
He, therefore, recommended the revival of a structure similar to the defunct Directorate of Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure and the Universal Basic Education model.
According to the economist, the structure is to be jointly funded by the federal and state governments.
However, a consumer, Taiwo Ajebamidele, urged the FG to provide more storage and preservation facilities to help control post-harvest surplus and wastage.
“The government can also buy off the surplus harvest from farmers to save their loss now, and resell it off-season.
Although foodstuffs, especially grains and cassava, are now surplus, the off-season time will come.
“However, with good storage and preservation, the preserved ones will be available for sale at cheap prices since they are from the government,” he said.
He also called on the government to reduce the pump price of petrol, which, in turn, would drop transportation costs.
The economy, he says, revolves around petrol.
A housewife, Mary Oguntade, said that while foodstuffs had become cheaper, people’s purchasing power was still weak.
According to Oguntade, though garri, beans, tomatoes and pepper are now selling at lower prices, they may still increase off-season.
She, however, said that the prices of fish, meat, eggs, chicken, palm oil and vegetable oil were still high.
Aduke Adebimpe, a rice merchant at Bodija market, affirmed that the price of rice had crashed.
According to her, a bag of 50kg, which sold between N60,000 and N64,000 in October, now sells between N54,000 and N56,000 across various markets in Ibadan.
“The Indian rice flooded the Nigerian markets from the Benin Republic, pushing prices of both imported and local rice down sharply.
“Another factor in price reduction is the strengthening of the Naira against the Dollar and CFA, thus making dollar‑priced imports cheaper,” she said.
She advised that the duty waiver on the importation of rice be sustained to make rice sell as low as N10,000.
A garri seller, Caroline Joseph, said the price of the commodity has dropped drastically as a bag of cassava, which sold between N10,000 and N15,000, now sells at N9,000.
Joseph said that a big bowl of garri, sold for N8,000, now sells at N4,000.
She, however, cautioned that the price reduction was seasonal, explaining that with the incoming dry season, the price of garri and cassava flour would increase again.
A consumer, Kabir Alebiosu, said that while the prices of rice, beans, and garri had reduced, there was no money to buy other necessary things to cook the foodstuffs.
Alebiosu said that the people’s purchasing power was still low; therefore, urging the government to do more to improve economic policies.
This, he said, would help the civil servants to, at least, feed their families.
In Ilorin, the Iyaloja-General of Kwara, Muhibat Olumon, while commending the government, pledged continuous support to the FG for stabilising the prices of food commodities.
She explained that, as the leader of marketers in Kwara, her team hold regular meetings with middlemen across the state to prevent the inflation of food commodities.
According to her, the market must be sanitised of traders who take advantage of people by inflating prices and coming around to blame the government.
She pledged, on behalf of other traders, to be faithful in their businesses and to remain their brothers’ keeper.
The Public Relations Officer, Tomatoes Dealers Association in Kwara, Nurudeen Alowonle, told NAN that a bag of tomatoes sells between N9,000 and N10,000.
According to him, a 25kg bag of bell pepper (atarodo) now sells between N7,000 and N10,000 in Ilorin.
The survey revealed that a bag of rice has dropped from N70,000 in October to N54,000.
A bag of Elubo (New), which sold for N140,000 in the last two months, now sells for N120,000, while the (Old) Elubo sells for N160,000.
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