Multi-faith leaders in Nigeria have called on the government to ensure justice and equality in implementing the nation’s energy transition programme to protect the environmental and health rights of people living in areas contaminated by fossil fuels.
The representatives, who made the call at the end of a two-day Multi-Faith Leaders National Consultative Dialogue on Medium and Long-term Climate Goals organised by GreenFaith Nigeria in partnership with Eco Steward and Humanitarian Foundation (EHF), GreenFaith Africa, The Kukah Centre and Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, also want Shell, ENI, TotalEnergies, CNOOC, and other extractive corporations to clean up their mess, pay, and cease their operations due to the negative impact of their activities on the residents.
“We, multi-faith leaders from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, coming from different faith communities – Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and traditional communities – speak with one voice on the urgent need for a just transition from fossil fuels to a renewable, sustainable future for all Nigerians,” the group said in a statement it issued after the meeting.
Historical Context of Fossil Fuel Exploration in Africa
This irresponsible environmental activity typically exacerbates climate change and causes social disparities such as land grabs, rapid biodiversity loss, and visible large-scale environmental contamination across borders. Other areas where the effects of this ecological disaster can be felt are the increasing number of displaced people and their livelihoods, communal conflicts, and violations of human rights.
Since the discovery of fossil fuel and its exploration, it has never been on record that Nigeria or other African countries where this natural resource is endowed have potentially benefitted from it because of overbearing influences by European, North American, and Chinese extractive firms, financial institutions, and national governments combined with weak regulatory, legal, and financial systems that promote corruption. To make matters worse, it is also believed that more than 85% of the fossil fuels produced by African projects are exported, which has a significant impact on the continent’s energy development.
Ecological conservation and spiritual obligation
Every faith teaches and mandates its believers to safeguard the environment and promote equality and social justice, especially among those who are vulnerable in society. This belief is not just taught to enhance public good; rather, it is because these morals are deeply encoded in their holy books. They require every devotee who is guided by scripture to have faith in the sanctity of the Earth and the responsibility to protect its resources for present and future generations.
Consequently, prioritising these obligations by the government and international development collaborators when executing the energy transition strategy is very important to safeguard a future that promises the well-being of every Nigerian. To encourage the promotion of this divine mandate, the spiritual authorities summed their plea into a nine-point agenda plan.
Demand and Call to Action
First, in order to promote equality and justice, they want local communities to be consulted and faith leaders to be fully included in the decision-making process about the energy transition.
The religious body is also urging for the promotion of equal access to renewables to alleviate energy poverty in communities impacted by fossil fuel exploitation. Community awareness is another vital issue they desire to rapidly address because effective climate action and contributing to a greener future necessitate strong public education.
How to support fossil fuel workers and affected communities, conserve the ecosystem, and end new projects also topped their list of what they are seeking because they believe that continuing fossil fuel exploration is incompatible with the country’s commitment to climate justice and its adverse consequences on the global call to limit warming to 1.5°C. Financial and policy support, global solidarity, collaboration with the media, and the national orientation agency are other aspects that are craving attention because of the role they play in ensuring that the transition targets are successfully met.
“Today, we are not only envisioning a better future but are committed to taking bold steps to bring that vision to life,” Pius Oko, the Programme Manager, GreenFaith Africa, said in his remarks at the parley. His organisation and collaborators put the event together to use it as a powerful platform to unite these faith leaders and strengthen their capacity to mobilise followers to chart a fair path that is devoid of fossil fuels to an equitable, renewable future across regions.
Mr. Oko, in his message of appreciation, commended the faith leaders for standing with courage and conviction and for their dedication to a Nigeria where every community can thrive in harmony with nature.
Fossil fuels exploration and its aftermath impact on the ecosystem, according to Rev. Fr. Atta Barkindo, Executive Director, The Kukah Centre (TKC), comes at a profound cost.
“Our land, once abundant and fertile, bears the scars of exploitation – oil spills have poisoned our waters, gas flares have darkened our skies, and communities have been torn apart by environmental degradation and economic disparity,” he lamented in a faith statement titled Nigeria’s Fossil Fuel Legacy and Our Moral Imperative for a Just Energy Transition.
It is no secret; the cleric goes on to explain that the Niger Delta, where much of the country’s oil is extracted, continues to suffer under the weight of these injustices, underscoring the fact that the impacts of this extractive industry are not limited to the physical environment but have socially displaced several communities, deeper inequality, and the erosion of livelihoods.
Nigeria’s dependence on fossil fuels for economic growth, he added, has stunted diversification and innovation, while politically expanding the corrupting power of the fossil fuel industry at every level of government, expressed not infrequently through violence against those who oppose further destructive development.
“And spiritually, we are reminded that this unsustainable path contradicts our sacred duty as stewards of God’s creation,” Rev. Fr. Barkindo stated, asserting that, “as people of faith, we must be at the forefront of this transition. Our voices carry the weight of moral authority, and our actions can inspire hope and change. We must remind our leaders that economic growth should not come at the expense of human life or the health of our planet.”
In the same vein, Imam Faud Adeyemi, the Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, acknowledged that the role of faith leaders in advocating for equity and justice has always held a unique position of influence in the country.
Imam Faud, who was represented at the occasion by Idris Ibrahim, Director of Finance, Business, and Human Development, described faith leaders as trusted voices and often serving as pillars of strength and guidance in our communities. This role, he elaborated, places a profound responsibility upon them to not only raise awareness but to lead the way in advocating for a transition to a clean energy future that leaves no one behind.
“We are at a crossroads, and as faith leaders, we have the opportunity – and the responsibility – to guide our communities towards a path of hope and transformation. Our role is not only to preach about a clean energy future but to work actively to bring it about. This is a journey that requires courage, compassion, and the collective effort of every individual in this hall,” he noted.
Meryne Warah, Green-faith Global Director of Programmes, wants faith leaders to use their platforms to raise awareness on issues happening in their communities. This, according to her, is because movement and community building is not just about protests alone; it is also about how to talk to people and letting them know what is going on around them.
“It is not only about going to the street; it is also about how you use the platform that you have to raise issues that are happening in the community,” she said. It is very important because these communities in need do not have the kind of access the faith leaders have to intervene whenever any problem occurs.
Conclusion
To achieve Nigeria’s energy transition goal, faith leaders must serve as stewards and educators within their congregations and communities and promote values of environmental responsibility and sustainable practices. They have to advocate for justice, protect the weak, speak up for the voiceless, and defend the cause of the poor.
This dialogue has reinforced the belief that an inclusive energy transition could be accomplished and needs to represent Nigerians’ values and their faith. Additionally, it has demonstrated that a fair and just renewable future is achievable and that, with cooperation, compassion, and trust, this vision can be realised for Nigeria and the rest of the globe.
By Etta Michael Bisong, Abuja
