The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, has assured Nigerians that the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan (ETP) of 2021 would lift millions out of poverty and bring modern renewable energy services to all.
Lawal made the assurance during the maiden conference in honour of Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, an agriculturist, at 60 held at the Coal City University (CCU), Enugu on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.
The plan is aimed at reducing Nigeria’s dependence on fossil fuels and for net-zero emissions by 2060.
ETP also proposes gas commercialization until 2030, then a gradual fossil fuel phase-out.
The event had as its theme: “Climate Justice and Just Energy Transition in Developing Countries”.
The event was organised by the Students of Nwajiuba, CCU and Centre for Climate Change and Development, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (AEFUNAI), Ebonyi State.
Nwajiuba is former Vice Chancellor of AEFUNAI and a Professor of Agriculture.
Lawal, represented by the Director, Department of Climate Change, Abuja, noted that Nigeria’s commitment to net zero by 2060 towards the transition would not happen spontaneously.
According to him, it would evolve gradually over time, taking into consideration the specific national circumstances.
“Nigeria, in her quest to match its climate commitments with action, is the first African country to design an energy transition plan (ETP) in 2021 with natural gas and renewables being the transition fuels.”
This, he said, would be defined by technologies, market incentives, policy shifts, and consumer behaviour.
“In a quest to ensure a just and equitable energy transition, the ministry during the 17th Session of the National Council of Environment, launched the National Clean Cooking policy approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in March.
“It has the overall goal of providing sustainable adaptable forms of clean energy and low-carbon energy access to all Nigerians.
“The policy recognises the role of states and local governments in achieving its key objectives and will be implemented by the relevant Federal MDAs and transmitted to the 36 states and FCT, for buy-in and domestication,” he said.
Congratulating Nwajiuba, Lawal commended his contributions towards global and nation building.
In a keynote address on “Climate Change Act: Implications For Climate Action in Nigeria”, a former lawmaker, Mr Sam Onuigbo, said the act provided a framework for achieving low Greenhouse Gas (GHG), inclusive growth and sustainable economic development.
Onuigbo, who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency from 2015 to 2023, lauded President Bola Tinubu for driving actions towards climate change since his assumption of office through positive pronouncements.
In a topic “The Role of National University Commission (NUC), in Mainstreaming Climate Change Mitigation and Justice in University Education in Nigeria”, Dr Noel Saliu, the Deputy Executive Secretary, NUC, said the commission had a critical role towards climate change.
He said NUC should ensure Nigerian universities produced graduates equipped to address the challenges of climate change by including climate change in their curricular.
Welcoming the participants earlier, Prof. Afam Ituma, the Vice Chancellor, CCU commended Nwajiuba’ s various actions on climate change, describing him as globally recognised champion on climate change.
According to him, the celebrator has demonstrated to the academic community and society admirable services and impacted lives.
While commending him for choosing the university to celebrate his 60th birthday, Ituma urged participants to develop policies and action plans towards tackling climate change in Nigeria.
By Alex Enebeli
