Energy Ministry hosts information session on energy efficiency

The Ministry of Energy held an information session dedicated to energy efficiency and energy auditing. The event brought together representatives from various organizations operating in the field of energy efficiency and audit services, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry.

According to information, the session aimed to raise awareness about the legal and practical aspects of energy audits, the main directions of state policy in this area, and mechanisms for their implementation.

During the session, detailed presentations were made on topics such as ‘What is an energy audit?’, ‘Who is an energy auditor?’, ‘Energy management systems,’ and ‘Organization and reporting of energy audits.’ Speakers also emphasized the importance of energy audits for energy consumers, the measures identified through audits to improve energy efficiency, and the economic and environmental benefits of resulting energy savings.

It was noted that, to promote the development of this field and support entities undergoing energy audits, the Energy Regulation Agency under the Ministry of Energy has established the Energy Efficiency Fund.

At the end of the event, participants’ questions were answered, discussions were held on relevant issues, and proposals for improving the energy auditing process were reviewed.

Proposals subbmitted to gradually tax wages in Azerbaijan’s non-oil and gas private sector

Proposals have been put forward to gradually introduce taxation on wages in Azerbaijan’s non-oil and gas private sector.

Azernews reports that Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy, Mikayil Jabbarov, made this statement during today’s meeting of the National Assembly’s Committee on Economic Policy, Industries, and Enterprising, while discussing the draft law on the 2026 state budget.

‘Starting from January 1, 2026, taking into account that the socio-economic objectives of the current exemptions have been achieved, as well as the progress made in formalizing the labor market, proposals have been submitted to gradually introduce taxation on wages in the non-oil and gas private sector. This approach aims to strengthen tax administration, maintain and enhance the achievements in labor market formalization, and create favorable conditions for the continued legalization of employment, including by setting lower tax rates for lower incomes,’ Jabbarov emphasized.

UNESCO honours Turkic Heritage with a Global Language Day

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 43rd General Conference was held in the historic city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

At the 43rd General Conference of UNESCO, the proposal by Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey and Uzbekistan to declare 15 December as ‘World Turkic Language Family Day’ was supported by 21 member states. As a result, 15 December was officially accepted as ‘World Turkic Language Family Day’.

The choice of 15 December has a special meaning. On 15 December 1893, Danish scientist Vilhelm Thomsen announced that he had succeeded in deciphering the alphabet of the Orkhon Inscriptions, one of the oldest written documents of the Turkic language. This date is regarded as a milestone pointing to the deep past of the Turkic language family and its shared cultural heritage.

The basis of this important development was laid during the 12th Summit of the Organisation of Turkic States (formerly ‘Turkic Council’) Heads of State Council on 7 October 2025 in Azerbaijan.

At the summit, the President of the Republic of Trkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, expressed the wish that 15 December be declared as ‘World Turkic Language Family Day’ at the UNESCO 43rd General Conference, which would begin in Uzbekistan on 30 October 2025. During his speech at the summit, Erdogan underlined that ‘the development of a Turkish Large Language Model should be accelerated in order to keep up with global advances in artificial intelligence and to preserve cultural richness.’ He also stated that Trkiye had taken the first step regarding a common alphabet among Turkic states, presenting to the leaders of the Turkic states a work about Chingiz Aitmatov and the Oghuznames, both printed in a common alphabet.

These developments are considered a very important step for the future of the Organisation of Turkic States. At the same time, they directly support the development of the Turkic language in line with the requirements of the digital age and its becoming a common means of communication over a large geography.

In conclusion, UNESCO’s declaration of 15 December as ‘World Turkic Language Family Day’ will increase the international visibility of the shared cultural and linguistic heritage of the Turkic world; it will contribute to the Turkic language reaching a broader sphere of influence as a cultural, scientific and digital force.

Medium-term growth to be driven entirely by non-oil sector, Accounting Chamber reports

According to the base scenario of Azerbaijan’s macroeconomic framework, the country is expected to experience annual economic growth over the medium term, with analyses indicating that growth in 2026-2028 will be fully, and in 2029 primarily, supported by the non-oil and gas sector.

As reported by Azernews, these projections are included in the opinion of the Accounting Chamber of Azerbaijan on the draft 2026 State Budget, discussed today at a meeting of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) Committee for Economic Policy, Industries, and Enterprising.

The draft indicates that under the base scenario for 2026, the Azerbaijani economy is expected to operate in a favorable macroeconomic environment, characterized by real economic growth, moderate inflation, a current account surplus, and a stable exchange rate.

According to the budget framework, the main fiscal parameters for the medium term were prepared based on various crude oil price scenarios, with the base scenario assuming a price of 65 USD per barrel. Under this scenario, the economy is projected to grow by 2.9% in real terms next year, with GDP reaching 134.1 billion manats. Notably, only the non-oil and gas sector is expected to contribute to economic growth in the upcoming year.

World-class dancers takes center stage at Night of Dancing Diamonds [PHOTOS/VIDEO]

As part of the grand Azerbaijan Dance Festival, the unique and truly spectacular gala show “Night of the Dancing Diamonds” has been held at JW Marriott Absheron Baku, Azernews reports.

The event brought together the world’s top dance couples on a single stage. The highlight of the evening was the performance of the legendary dancer and choreographer, People’s Artist of Azerbaijan Tarana Muradova, to whom this luxurious celebration of dance was dedicated.

In her original choreography, Tarana Muradova presented contemporary ballroom dance, skillfully weaving in elements of national dance. This fusion of cultures and styles transformed the stage into a space where tradition meets modernity, strength meets tenderness, and East meets West.

The performance featured six-time world champion and honored master of sports, Eldar Jafarov and world and European champion, choreographer Denis Tagintsev.

Dressed in elegant black-and-white costumes, the artists performed to music by People’s Artist of Azerbaijan Emin Aghalarov, creating a perfect harmony of movement and rhythm.

For the audience, the evening was a revelation. Tarana Muradova, who has represented Azerbaijan on the world stage for many years with her national and folk dances, appeared in a completely new role, performing in a modern, dynamic rhythm, where every step was a declaration of love for the art of dance.

The spectacular performance of 60-year-old Tarana Muradova became a true symbol of inspiration, once again proving that age holds no limits for a creative person. She seemed to float across the stage – light, radiant, and filled with inner brilliance amid a storm of applause, flowers, and the audience’s heartfelt admiration. It was pure magic.

The festival was organized by the Azerbaijan Dance Council (AZDC), led by People’s Artist of Azerbaijan and Vice-Rector of the Baku Academy of Choreography, Tarana Muradova, together with Smooth and Rhythm Dance Style (SRDS), headed by its founder and president, Olga Krasnyanskaya.

Over several days, the festival hosted prestigious international competitions: WDC AL World Championships, WDC European Championships, and Pro-Am World Cups in Ballroom, Latin, and Smooth categories for solo performers and couples across all age groups, from children and juniors to adults, professionals, and Pro-Am participants.

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, and Milli.Az.

Justice Ministry and SMBDA hold meeting with business associations

A meeting was held between representatives of business associations operating in various sectors and officials of the Ministry of Justice and the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMBDA). Azernews reports that the event was jointly organized by the two institutions.

According to the Ministry’s press service, the event, titled ‘The Impact of Institutional and Legislative Reforms in the Justice Sector on Business Development, and the Role of the Rule of Law in Sustainable Development,’ brought together around 20 business associations and entrepreneurs.

The main goal of the meeting was to strengthen cooperation between the public and private sectors, enhance support for business activities, and contribute to further improving the business environment in the country.

In his remarks, Minister of Justice Farid Ahmadov spoke about legislative and institutional measures implemented in recent years to improve the functioning of the justice system, ensure transparency, and increase efficiency. He emphasized that public-private partnerships play a key role in the development of various sectors and that proposals and initiatives put forward by the private sector significantly contribute to the ministry’s ongoing reforms. The minister also underlined the importance of entrepreneurs’ active involvement in legal and institutional reforms to achieve the set objectives.

Chairman of the SMBDA Board, Orkhan Mammadov, noted that as entrepreneurship develops dynamically, new challenges and requirements must be adequately reflected in legislation. He stated that SMBDA closely monitors institutional reforms in this field and communicates the needs and concerns of SMEs regarding the legal environment to relevant state institutions. In addition, SMBDA organizes thematic meetings and training sessions to raise entrepreneurs’ legal awareness, cooperates with justice authorities to strengthen institutional dialogue, and submits proposals for improving legislation.

Mammadov also highlighted the importance of involving all stakeholders-particularly entrepreneurs and business associations-in the process of enhancing the business environment and improving business-related legislation. Since entrepreneurs’ proposals are based on practical experience, taking their opinions into account helps develop more flexible and effective regulatory approaches.

During the meeting, participants exchanged views and shared suggestions for expanding cooperation. It was agreed that the Ministry of Justice and SMBDA would jointly review and implement the proposals put forward by entrepreneurs, and designate responsible representatives from both institutions to oversee the process.

The silent war against Nigeria’s forests

Across Nigeria, a silent environmental war is unfolding – one that threatens not only the nation’s biodiversity but also the livelihood of millions. Illegal logging, deforestation for agriculture, and uncontrolled urban expansion are stripping the country of its green cover at an alarming rate. Forests that once served as sanctuaries for wildlife and carbon sinks for the atmosphere are disappearing before our eyes. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Nigeria loses about 350,000 to 400,000 hectares of forest annually – one of the highest deforestation rates in the world.

In states like Cross River, Ogun, and Taraba, trees fall daily to meet the insatiable demand for timber and farmland. The destruction goes beyond lost trees; it disrupts entire ecosystems, alters rainfall patterns, and accelerates desertification. Communities that once depended on forest resources for food, medicine, and shelter are now facing displacement and poverty. Environmentalists warn that if deforestation continues unchecked, the country could lose all its primary forests within a few decades.

One of the major drivers of this crisis is the dependence on wood as a source of energy. With over 70 percent of Nigerians relying on firewood and charcoal for cooking, deforestation has become both a survival strategy and a slow-motion disaster.

The implications are dire. Forests act as natural buffers against flooding, soil erosion, and climate extremes. Their destruction has made floods and droughts more frequent across the country. In 2022 alone, Nigeria witnessed devastating floods that displaced over 1.4 million people – a tragedy partly linked to poor land management and deforestation.

Beyond the environment, the economic impact is severe. Forest depletion undermines Nigeria’s potential to harness eco-tourism and sustainable timber industries. It also reduces agricultural productivity, as topsoil erosion leaves farmlands infertile. For a country battling food insecurity, losing its forests is equivalent to losing a lifeline.

Several non-governmental organizations and community-based groups have taken steps to restore lost forests through tree planting and conservation projects. However, these efforts face enormous challenges due to limited funding and lack of government enforcement. While policies like the National Forest Policy (2020) exist on paper, implementation remains weak.

Experts advocate for renewable energy adoption as a long-term solution. Expanding access to clean cooking technologies, such as biogas and solar stoves, could drastically reduce dependence on firewood. In addition, promoting reforestation through incentives and community participation can help reverse the damage.

Deforestation is not just an environmental issue-it’s a national emergency. Nigeria’s forests, once symbols of natural wealth, are vanishing rapidly. Unless urgent steps are taken to protect them, the country risks losing not only its ecological balance but also a vital part of its cultural and economic heritage.

Nerisa Naason is a 300-level student from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.

15% Petroleum Tax: Premature import restrictions may lead to supply shortages, higher pump prices, LCCI warns

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has expressed concerns over the decision by the Federal Government to impose a 15 per cent import tax on petrol and diesel, noting that such ‘premature restriction’ on imports, without sufficient domestic production, could lead to supply shortages, higher pump prices, and inflationary pressures across critical sectors.

The Chamber, in a statement signed by its Director-General, Dr. Chinyere Almona, on Monday, noted that, while the policy direction aligned with the nation’s long-term objective of achieving energy self-sufficiency and strengthening the naira, the rollout must, however, be measured and strategic to ensure a sustainable economic impact.

While calling for the suspension of the implementation of the policy, the group argued that with local capacity not yet established, the tax would increase the cost of fuels as long as imports continue.

It also called on the government to address the inhibiting factors against local production and refining, before imposing the levy to discourage imports and support local production.

‘The Federal Government must prioritise the full operationalization and optimization of local refineries, both public and private, including modular refineries and the recently revitalised major refining facilities.

‘A comprehensive framework for crude oil supply to these refineries in Naira rather than foreign exchange will significantly enhance cost efficiency, stabilize production, and strengthen the local value chain,’ it stated.

The Chamber added that, while it remained committed to a diversified downstream sector, where multiple refineries, modular plants, and logistics firms thrive, such should, however, be achieved through a level playing field and transparency.

‘Ensuring clarity, consistency, and transparency in the implementation of the new tax regime will be crucial in preventing market distortions and sustaining investor trust,’ it noted.

The Chamber stated further that while the reform would remain justified from an industrial policy standpoint, its success would however depend on practical implementation, robust safeguards, and parallel reforms to alleviate cost burdens on businesses and consumers.

The group would also want the government to address the inhibiting factors against local production and refining before imposing this levy to discourage imports and support local production.

‘We recommend that the implementation of this tax policy be postponed and that, during the transition period, the government demonstrate its commitment through action by empowering local refiners through an efficient crude-for-Naira supply chain that ensures sufficient crude,’ it added.

Drugs seized from BuCor man in NBP compound

A member of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) officer was caught with suspected ‘shabu’ (crystal meth) valued at over P131,000 inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) compound in Muntinlupa City on Sunday afternoon.

A police report obtained by the Inquirer identified the arrested BuCor officer only as ‘Paulo,’ with the rank of Correction Officer 1.

Based on the police report, Paulo was arrested in the NBP Reservation during an entrapment conducted by the Muntinlupa City Police Station and the Southern Police District Drug Enforcement Unit (SPD DEU) in coordination with the Philippine National Police Directorate for Intelligence and BuCor.

Authorities recovered four pieces of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing at least 19.4 grams of suspected drugs.

Also seized from him were his motorcycle and a 9mm firearm loaded with bullets.

According to the police report, the arrested BuCor officer was brought to the SPD DEU for investigation for the possible filing of a criminal complaint for violation of Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act.

Oil firms implement big-time price increase

Price increases on petroleum products ranging from P1.70 to P2.70 per liter will take effect starting on Nov. 4.

In separate advisories on Monday, Jetti Petroleum, Seaoil, Petron and Flying V announced an increase of P2.70 per liter in the price of diesel.

Gasoline and kerosene, on the other hand, will be more expensive by P1.70 and P2.10 per liter, respectively.

This marks the fifth week of consecutive hikes for gasoline, and the second for both diesel and kerosene.

The upward adjustment in diesel is also the sharpest since June. Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas earlier said the new sanctions against Russian oil producers Rosneft and Lukoil ‘have introduced significant compliance risks and uncertainty into the market.’

‘Growing concerns that refined products output will tighten globally due to the US sanctions on key Russian producers have resulted in strengthening diesel and gasoline prices outside of crude movements,’ he added.

This week’s price movements bring the year-to-date net increases per liter to P18 for gasoline, P21.85 for diesel and P8.65 for kerosene.