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‘100,000 Nigerians Die Of Firewood Smoke Inhalation Yearly’
The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) said it has generated about $108billion in revenue since it started operation about 21 years ago, while giving out about $35billion as dividends to shareholders.
This is even as the company quoted a World Bank data showing that about a 100,000 Nigerians die annually due to firewood smoke inhalation and related complications, with women and children mostly affected, while advising Nigerians to move up in the ranking of the use of cleaner energy (LPG) for domestic cooking.
The General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), Mrs Eyono Fatayi-Williams, who spoke on behalf of the managing director of the company while briefing members of the House of Representatives Committee on Gas, also said that Nigeria has the potential of becoming the 4th largest producer of proven gas, if the over 600 trillion cubic feet of unproven gas was monetised.
She described the use of firewood for cooking as a double-edge sword, adding that apart from death brought about by smoke from firewood, cutting down trees for firewood leads to deforestation, which was dangerous for the environment.
According to her, about 470,000 people died from smoke generated from firewood within five years, which gives an average of 100,000 people annually.
Fatayi-Williams, who said that the NLNG project remained in the mind of the founding fathers between 1960 when it was conceived and 1989, disclosed that it became a reality in 1989 when it was incorporated.
She added that while it has existed for 30 years, it has operated fully as a limited liability company with four shareholders for 21 years.
According to her, the NNPC, which represents the Federal Government on the board, controls 49 per cent shares of the company while Shell, Agip and Total control 51 per cent shares.
Fatayi-Williams said from 1999 when the first cargo sailed from Bonny Island in Rivers State to France, the NLNG has succeeded in putting Nigeria on the map as an operational company, stressing that since then, it has been safe, consistent and reliable production as an operating company.
“We buy gas, we liquefy it, we transport it, and sell it to the buyers, and get value for Nigeria LNG and for Nigeria. In the 21 years we have operated, we have delivered 5,000 LNG cargoes around the world, and we have 23 dedicated LNG ships to ensure our operation runs smoothly.
“On Bonny Island, we have six installed and operational LNG trains (the train is also known as LNG manufacturing line) of 22 million tonnes capacity.
“Our installed asset base is $11billion.
“We have generated $108billion in revenue since inception, and have delivered $35billion in dividends to the shareholders in the 21 years that we have operated, and have paid $8billion in taxes,” Fatayi-Williams said.
She explained further that in the early days of crude oil exploration in the country, 65 per cent of total gas produced in the country was flared, adding that as at today, less than 12 per cent of the gas, which is produced with crude is flared, an indication of where the country stands as at now.
Fatayi-Williams disclosed that Nigeria is currently rated 9th in the world with 200 Trillion Cubic Feet (TCF) of proven gas reserves, adding that Nigeria will be ranked 4th globally in gas production if the additional 600 TCF of unproven gas reserves is monetized.
She said this was a clear indication that there a great opportunity for Nigeria to move up in the ranking of the use of cleaner energy, stressing that over 470,000 persons die from firewood smoke in five years.
Quoting the World Bank data, she said about a 100,000 Nigerians die annually due to firewood smoke inhalation and related complications with women and children mostly affected, saying “compare this with the number of people who have died of Covid-19 complication which is less than 2,000 as reported by NCDC.
“The use of firewood is a double edge sword, it is not only leading to a significant number of death, we also know that cutting timber for firewood leads to deforestation, which later leads to desertification.”
“As the desert moves further down, livestock have to move to find water to drink and pasture and these have resulted to some of the security situation we have today. It, therefore, becomes very important that the LPG (cooking gas) agenda is supported to displace firewood and kerosine,” Fatayi-Williams said.
Fatayi-Williams said that as at 2007, the national consumption of LPG was 50 tonnes, adding that following the intervention of NLNG, about one million tonnes of cooking gas was consumed in Nigeria in 2019 alone.
She maintained that the current projection is that in another five years, about three million tonnes of cooking gas will be consumed in Nigeria, saying “as we displace firewood, we allow trees to grow; we allow the environment to be better, and hopefully a better future for our children.
“Cooking gas remains a cleaner alternative to firewood and kerosene,” Fatayi-Williams said.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of NLNG, Mr Tony Attah, told the lawmakers that it was time to unleash the nation’s potential in gas, adding that “there are many countries Nigeria can look up to in terms of what gas can do like in Qatar, Trinidad and Tobago, and in the Netherlands.
“We are ready to partner with your committee to bring about that progress that is required to unleash the potentials of gas. We have the potential to become number four in the world, we have 200 TCF proven, and we know of 600 TCF unproven; if we prove that, Nigeria will become fourth in the world.
“Because of the changing energy mix, the world is moving from dirty to clean energy and by 2050, there will be nine billion people in the world. Today, we have about seven billion; so, it is like adding one new India and China to the world: where will the energy come from?” Attah asked.
Responding, the Chairman of the House Committee on Gas, Hon. Nicholas Mutu, commended the NLNG for its pioneering status, and for putting Nigeria on the global map of major gas processing countries and significantly for making Nigeria one of the largest exporters of gas in the world.
Mutu also commended the management for the signing of Final Investment Decision (FID) for the establishment of Train 7 project, which would no doubt keep Nigeria at the top of LNG producers and exporters list.
“In addition to the foregoing the huge contributions of the NLNG to the Nigerian economy in revenue contribution, research, technology, manpower, community development and the promotion of literature and the Arts, to mention a few, cannot be over emphasized.
“We are thus looking forward to working with your team and other stakeholders to use the business model and the wealth of experience of NLNG to formulate new legislation and incentives that will assist to efficiently harness the gas resources in Nigeria for the all-round development of the nation’s economy,” Mutu added.
The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has assured the commitment of Rivers State government to workers’s welfare and industrial harmony in Rivers State.
The Sole Administrator gave the assurance after meeting with leadership of organized labour unions at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Ibas reaffirmed government’s policy of prompt payment of salaries and pensions to workers and retirees, stating that all local government employees are not receiving the approved minimum wage.
He disclosed that approval has been given for payment of newly employed staff at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Judiciary, while medical workers in Local Government Areas will now receive correct wages.
Ibas explained that, Government is reviewing implementation challenges of the Contributory Pension Scheme ahead of the July 2025 deadline, adding that Intervention buses have been reintroduced to ease workers’ transportation ,with plans to expand the fleet.
He said specialized leadership training for top civil servants will commence within two weeks, while due consideration is being given to implementing the N32,000 consequential adjustment for pensioners and clearing outstanding gratuities.
Ibas commended Rivers State workers for their dedication to service and called for sustained partnership with labour unions to maintain industrial peace.
“This administration recognizes workers as critical partners in development. We remain committed to addressing your legitimate concerns within available resources,” he stated.
The State NLC Chairman, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, thanked the Administrator for the steps taken so far with regard to workers welfare while appreciating his disposition towards alleviating the transportation problem faced by workers.
He also expressed appreciation for the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged continued cooperation towards achieving mutual goals.
The Rivers State Government assured all workers of its unwavering commitment to their welfare and called for continued dedication to service delivery for the collective progress of our dear State.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers Council, has called for policies that will improve the economic situation of the country in order to ensure enhanced living standard for workers.
The State Chairman, Mr Alex Agwanwor, made the remark on behalf of the unions affiliated to Labour Congress during the 2025 workers day celebration in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Agwanwor highlighted the demands of the Unions which included the immediate payment of pension arrears, implementation of the N32,000 minimum wage for pensioners, and payment of gratuities and death benefits without further delay.
“We are calling for the regulation and protection of e-hailing drivers, implementation of increments and promotions, and resolution of long-standing issues in the polytechnic sector,” he said.
Agwanwor on behalf of the unions appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reinstate the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
He stressed the importance of democratic governance and good working relationship with elected representatives.
According to him, the unions expressed disappointment over the imposition of taxes, increase in electricity tariff, and high cost of goods and services, which have further worsened the plight of workers.
“We urge the federal government to take measures to alleviate the suffering of citizens,” he said.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu is committed to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential and position the country as a leading force on the African continent.
Shettima stated this when he hosted a delegation from the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, led by its Senior Fellow, Dr Rolf Alter, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last Wednesday.
He said Nigeria was actively seeking expertise from the global best institutions to enhance policy formulation and implementation, particularly in human capital development.
The Vice-President noted that President Tinubu was determined to elevate Nigeria to its rightful position as a leading force in Africa.
“The current crop of leadership in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ready and willing to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian nation on the African continent.
” We are laying the groundwork through strategic reforms, and at the heart of it, is human capital development.”
He described the Hertie School as a valuable partner in the journey.
According to him, Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, has track record and institutional knowledge to add value to our policy formulation and delivery, especially in this disruptive age.
Shettima reiterated the government’s priority on upskilling Nigerians, saying ” skills are very important, and with our Human Capital Development (HCD) 2.0 programme.
“We are in a position to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian people by enhancing their capital skills.”
The Vice-President acknowledged the vital support of international development partners in that effort.
” I want to thank the World Bank, the European Union, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and all our partners in that drive to add value to the Nigerian nation,” he maintained.
The Vice-President said human capital development was both an economic imperative and a social necessity.
Shettima assured the delegation of the government’s readiness to deepen cooperation.
” We need the skills and the capacity from your school. The world is now knowledge-driven.
“I wish to implore you to have a very warm and robust partnership with the government and people of Nigeria.”
Shettima further explained recent economic decisions of the government, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms.
“The removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the exchange rate regime and the revolution in the energy sector are all painful processes, but at the end of the day, the Nigerian people will laugh last.
“President Tinubu is a very modern leader who is willing to take far-reaching, courageous decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy,” he added.
Earlier, Alter, congratulated the Tinubu administration for the successful launch and implementation of the Human Capital Development (HCD) strategy.
The group leader described the development as ambitious and targeted towards the improvement of the lives of the citizens.
He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his engagements since arriving in the country.
He applauded the zeal, commitment, energy and goodwill observed among stakeholders in the implementation of Nigeria’s HCD programme.
Alter said the Hertie School of Governance would work closely with authorities in Nigeria across different levels to deliver programmes specifically designed to address the unique needs of the country.
He, however, stressed the need for government officials at different levels to be agile and amenable to the dynamics of the evolving world, particularly as Nigeria attempted to successfully accelerate its human capital development aspirations.
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