News
Harnessing Wind Energy for Sustainable and Efficient Port Operations: Lessons for Nigeria
By Celeb Danladi
Ports are critical hubs of global trade, yet they remain significant contributors to carbon emissions due to their reliance on fossil fuels for energy and operations. As the global shipping industry moves towards decarbonization, wind energy presents an opportunity for ports to transition to sustainable power sources while improving efficiency. Many leading ports worldwide are integrating wind farms into their energy mix, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs. Nigeria, with its extensive coastline and growing port activities, can learn valuable lessons from these developments to create a more sustainable and competitive maritime sector.
Several ports in Europe and Asia have successfully leveraged offshore and onshore wind farms to meet energy demands. The Port of Rotterdam, for instance, has integrated wind power into its infrastructure, generating a substantial portion of its electricity needs through wind turbines. Similarly, the Port of Esbjerg in Denmark, a leader in wind energy deployment, has positioned itself as a hub for offshore wind energy projects, supplying power not only to port operations but also to surrounding industries. These examples demonstrate that wind farms can serve as a clean energy source, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering operational costs in the long term.
For Nigerian ports, adopting wind energy offers a dual advantage of reducing carbon emissions and enhancing operational efficiency. The country’s coastal regions experience strong and consistent wind patterns, making them ideal locations for offshore wind farms. By investing in wind energy infrastructure, Nigerian ports can generate renewable electricity to power cranes, lighting systems, and other essential port operations, minimizing dependence on diesel-powered generators that contribute to pollution and high operational costs.
Beyond environmental benefits, integrating wind energy can enhance efficiency by ensuring a more stable and cost-effective power supply. Energy shortages and grid unreliability are persistent challenges in Nigeria, often leading to downtime in port operations. Wind energy can serve as a reliable alternative, reducing delays and improving overall logistics performance. Furthermore, wind-powered ports can attract international shipping companies and investors seeking greener supply chain solutions, positioning Nigeria as a more attractive trade hub in West Africa.
Implementing wind energy solutions in Nigerian ports would require strategic planning and investment. Public-private partnerships can play a crucial role in funding and developing wind farm projects, with incentives such as tax benefits and subsidies encouraging private sector participation. Additionally, regulatory frameworks must be established to support the integration of renewable energy into port infrastructure, ensuring a smooth transition from conventional power sources.
Learning from global best practices, Nigeria can adopt a phased approach, beginning with pilot projects at major ports such as Lagos and Onne before expanding to other locations. Collaboration with international renewable energy firms and port authorities that have successfully deployed wind energy solutions can provide technical expertise and accelerate implementation. Moreover, capacity-building programs will be essential to equip port operators and engineers with the skills needed to manage and maintain wind energy systems effectively.
As the global shipping industry moves towards sustainability, Nigerian ports have a unique opportunity to position themselves at the forefront of green port development in Africa. Leveraging wind energy is not just an environmental necessity but also an economic strategy that can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and attract sustainable investment. By embracing renewable energy, Nigeria can modernize its ports, strengthen its role in regional trade, and contribute to the global fight against climate change.
By Our Reporter
The Management of Federal Housing Authority FHA, under the leadership of Hon Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo has asked residents of its estates in Abuja to provide approvals and approved documents and building plans for commercial purposes to the office of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Federal Housing Authority FHA, Abuja forthwith.
A Press statement issued by the management and signed by the Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Chigelu on behalf of the authority directed the submission to be carried out at the Authority’s Head office, Julius Nyerere Crescent, Asokoro , Abuja beginning from Wednesday , 3rd April , 2025.
The directives covers all buildings irrespective of the approval dates , that became expedient , following management discovery of sharp practices by commercial outlets ,as most of this buildings are built either without approval and or in contravention to the granted approval.
Chigelu stated that management discovered that some commercial buildings are in contravention of approval granted them, through alterations in total contravention to the development control regulations of the Authority.
Following the danger posed , management will not allow such negative consequences that will pave way for indiscriminate building collapse, therefore, a controlled demolition was carried out by the authority, with a building with structural defects in March , 2025, on 5th Avenue, Gwarimpa Estate.
Consequently, owners of commercial apartments, which included Hotels , Supermarkets, Hospitals, Schools and Banks including shopping malls through this announcement are expected to submit their approved plans for revalidation.
Management expect strict compliance to this directive, as violators will attract heavy sanctions with authority’s non negotiable stance .
The release further said ..
SPECIAL PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
“The Management of Federal Housing Authority, FHA hereby calls on all owners of commercial properties in FHA Estates in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory to submit their approved building plans to the office of the Managing Director and Chief Executive, at the Authority’s head office, No 26 Julius Nyerere Crescent, Asokoro Abuja from Wednesday, April 3rd, 2025.
“This directive which covers all buildings irrespective of when the approval was given, has become expedient following Management’s discovery that most commercial outlets in these Estates are built without approvals, or developed outside the granted approval.”
” Management has also discovered that some commercial buildings are in contravention of the approval granted them for alteration, in total contravention and disregard to Development Control regulations. ”
“Following the dangers posed by this development, the Management of FHA would not fold its hand to allow this looming disaster to happen. It is to avert the ugly incidence of building collapse that the Authority carried out a controlled demolition exercise of one of its buildings with structural defect on Monday, 24th March. 2025 in 5th Avenue. Gwarinpa estate.”
“Consequently, all owners of commercial outlets: hotels, supermarkets, hospitals, schools, banks, shopping malls etc through this announcement are requested to submit their building approved plans for revalidation. All such buildings must undergo an integrity test.
Strict compliance to this directive is not negotiable as severe sanctions await defaulters. “
By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
The Taraba State Government, in partnership with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has successfully intercepted eight trafficked children who were en route to the South East and Cameroon.
In a statement to journalists in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State, Mrs. Mary Sinjen, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, revealed that the children had been deceived and transported to various southeastern states in Nigeria.
According to her, the children were trafficked to locations such as Aba, Onitsha, and Imo State under the false pretence that they were orphans.
The interception took place in Gembu, the headquarters of the Sardauna Local Government Area, where it was reported that the traffickers were seeking additional children to abduct.
Mrs. Sinjen affirmed, “Thanks to the prompt response from the Ministry and NAPTIP, eight of the children have been safely returned to Taraba State.
“The primary suspect, Mrs. Patience, along with several of her accomplices, has been apprehended and is currently in custody as legal proceedings commence.
“Search and rescue operations for other trafficked children are ongoing.”
She further emphasised that the state government will not tolerate any unscrupulous individuals who exploit children’s rights for illicit gain.
“This administration is wholly committed to ensuring justice, rehabilitating victims, and enhancing inter-agency collaboration to combat child trafficking,” she stated.
“We urge all residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities, as the welfare and protection of our children is a collective responsibility.”
In the meantime, authorities in Taraba have reiterated the importance of community vigilance and reporting any suspicious activities, stressing that safeguarding children requires a unified effort.
General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, has assured that all security challenges facing the nation will be effectively addressed by the year’s end.
This statement was made during the launch of attack drones and the demonstration of locally produced bombs, developed by a homegrown technology firm.
The event was attended by security specialists and senior government officials, as General Musa showcased the indigenous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to the audience.
Accompanied by Ajao Adewale, the Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, and Caleb Mutfwang, the Governor of Plateau State, General Musa emphasized the ongoing bureaucratic obstacles in acquiring military equipment from abroad.
Governor Mutfwang stressed the urgency for decisive measures against insecurity, calling on leaders to prevent any entity within the nation from possessing military capabilities.
The operational features of the UAVs were also demonstrated, with General Musa expressing satisfaction with this advancement, labeling it a pivotal step in combating insecurity in the country.