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Eco-friendly  Industrial Park To Takeoff in Lagos

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The federal government has conclude arrangements for the establishment of the first zero fossil energy emission-free trade zone in the country.

The industrial park being located at the Imoore, Amuwo-Odofin area of Lagos, would sit on 115,503 hectares of land.

The Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, disclosed this during the handing over ceremony of the park’s license, to the Managing Director/CEO of the Zone, Anita Omoile.

He said that the park is being developed in line with the federal government’s policy on promoting a green environment.

He said that after the completion of the project it will positions Nigeria as the leading continental hub for regional eco-friendly industrial activities and logistics services with free trade zone status.

” The new dispensation will still witness active manufacturing activities without the usual emission of destructive carbon energy into our space,” he said.

He added that the park is a manufacturing space that would promote food processing, textile and garment production, renewable energy and electric cars as well as research and development services with over 50 international enterprises ready to move to the site in earnest.

Anita Omoile, said that the industrial park would generate over 10,000 jobs and inject an estimated $100 million annually into the economy.

Omoile expressed satisfaction with the seamless and speedy manner the approval was given, adding that the authority had taken the ‘ease of doing business’ policy of the government to a new effective level.

“Our partners across the globe are enthused with the development and this shows that the country is beginning to create the right business environment to attract the needed Foreign Direct Investments,’’ Omoile said.

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Peter Obi : Why doesn’t Nigeria have oil reserve?

“Countries that plan build buffers against shocks, while those that fail to plan remain vulnerable,” Obi stated.

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Peter Obi said on Friday that Nigeria’s recurring vulnerability to global economic shocks, particularly in the energy sector, is a direct consequence of poor planning and the absence of strategic buffers.

Obi made the observation in a post on his official X while reacting to the recent increase in fuel prices in the country, following rising tensions involving Iran which pushed global crude oil prices upward.

According to him, petrol, which sold for less than ₦1,000 per litre only a few weeks ago, now costs over ₦1,200 per litre in many parts of the country.

Diesel prices have also surged from below ₦1,000 per litre to more than ₦1,500 per litre within the same isglobal developments can impact Nigeria’s economy.

Obi explained that many countries across the world, whether they are oil-producing nations or not, maintain strategic petroleum reserves to cushion the impact of supply disruptions or sudden price spikes in the global market.

Such reserves, he noted, allow governments to release stored fuel during crises in order to stabilise supply and moderate price increases.

However, he said Nigeria lacks such a buffer, leaving the country immediately exposed whenever global oil prices rise or geopolitical tensions disrupt supply chains.

According to the former Anambra State governor, the situation highlights a broader issue of inadequate long-term planning in the country’s economic management.

“Countries that plan build buffers against shocks, while those that fail to plan remain vulnerable,” Obi stated.

He added the recurring fuel price hikes affecting Nigerians underscore the need for more deliberate and strategic economic planning.

He reiterated his position that with prudent management of resources and proper planning, Nigeria can build stronger economic safeguards and reduce its exposure to external shocks

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Senate will pass 2026 budget after Sallah break, says Akpabio

Earlier, the Senate Committee on Appropriations had tentatively fixed Tuesday, March 17, for the final consideration and passage of the ₦58.47 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill.

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Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, said that the Senate will pass the 2026 Appropriation Bill on March 31.

Earlier, the Senate Committee on Appropriations had tentatively fixed Tuesday, March 17, for the final consideration and passage of the ₦58.47 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill.

Speaking before the Senate adjourned plenary for the Sallah break, Akpabio said that the standing committees would continue working during the recess, particularly on ongoing budget defence sessions and coordination with the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

He said: “I hope the Leader will put pressure on the Committee on Appropriations to harmonise the report of the 2026 Appropriation Bill by that date.

“This is so that when we resume, we can try our best to pass the budget without requiring further concurrence or harmonisation.

“Leadership must work together to ensure everything is in order. The House of Representatives has already adjourned to conclude budget processes and will also reconvene on March 31.

“On that day, we hope to pass the national budget in tandem with the Senate,” said Akpabio.

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Strait of Hormuz disruptions: Implications for global trade and development

The ongoing military escalation in the region has disrupted shipping flows through this narrow passage.

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The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, carrying around a quarter of global seaborne oil trade and significant volumes of liquefied natural gas and fertilizers. 

UNCTAD reports that the ongoing military escalation in the region has disrupted shipping flows through this narrow passage.

The resulting ripple effects go far beyond the region, affecting energy markets, maritime transport and global supply chains.

These developments raise concerns for global trade and development prospects. Oil markets have reacted quickly, with Brent crude prices now rising above $90 per barrel.

Higher energy, fertilizer and transport costs – including freight rates, bunker fuel prices and insurance premiums – may increase food costs and intensify cost-of-living pressures, particularly for the most vulnerable.

Similar repercussions were observed during recent global shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic and at the beginning of the war in Ukraine, which showed how disruptions in energy, transport and agricultural inputs can propagate across interconnected markets.

The current shock comes at a time when many developing economies struggle to service their debt, tightening fiscal space and limited capacity to absorb new price shocks.

While the overall global economic impacts will depend on the duration and scale of the disruption, the situation highlights the importance of continued monitoring, particularly implications for vulnerable economies.

Key implications and considerations

  • Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz underscore the vulnerability of critical maritime chokepoints to geopolitical tensions and their potential to transmit shocks across supply chains and commodity markets.
  • Reducing risks to global trade and development, including environmental risks, requires de-escalation and safeguarding maritime transport, ports and seafarers, and other civilian infrastructure, while maintaining secure trade corridors in line with international law and freedom of navigation
  • Economic impacts, both globally and for the region, will depend on the duration, intensity and geographic scope of the tensions. Continued monitoring is essential to assess evolving risks and their potential impacts.
  • Socio-economic implications for developing economies: Many developing countries already face high debt service burdens, limited fiscal space and constrained access to finance. In this context, rising energy, transport and food costs could strain public finances and increase pressure on household budgets, potentially heightening economic and social pressures and complicating progress toward sustainable development, particularly in economies heavily dependent on imported energy, fertilizers and staple foods.
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