Stakeholders in the energy sector have called for an integrated emphasis and focus on Nigeria’s sustainable energy security.
This was the outcome of day one of a two day conference convened by the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Associations Alliance (REEEA-A) titled “Road to Net Zero: Actionable Initiatives for Success,”.
There was insistence on calling for robust strategies to combat climate change and air pollution while fostering an affordable, resilient energy system that enhances economic growth and quality of life.
Prof. Magnus Onuoha, President of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Association (REEEA-A) in his opening remarks shared insights on the Alliance’s progress over the past five years. He emphasized collaborative efforts with seven organizations to improve energy access and security, enhancing the quality of renewable energy technologies through research and policy advocacy.
Onuoha highlighted significant milestones, including the standardization of energy efficiency measures and the harmonization of renewable energy policies from 2020 to 2021. He also acknowledged the support of partners like the Nigeria Energy Support Program (NESP) and Access Bank, underlining the importance of private-sector engagement in achieving net-zero goals.
The conference set the stage for Nigeria’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly focusing on renewable energy access by 2030.
Declaring the conference open, Prof. Abubakar Sani Sambo, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (REEEA-A), warned of the dire consequences of inaction on climate change and called for increased efforts to reach Nigeria’s target of 30% renewable energy by 2030.
Prof.Sambo, who is Nigeria Country Chair of World Energy Congress, also informed the audience about the $7 billion Climate Change Action Plan Hub (CLASH) project, which is aimed at driving net-zero initiatives across Africa.
Sambo framed the conference as a critical preparatory step for COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where Nigeria’s energy and climate positions will be solidified.
The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, represented by Dr Owolabi Sunday, a Director in the Ministry, emphasized Nigeria’s wealth of renewable resources and the urgent need to transition from traditional energy sources.
In his keynote Speech, Prof. Barth Nnaji, CEO of Geometric Power, recalled the resuscitation of coal based energy by the global south at the outbreak of the Russo -Ukraine war and reiterated that it was a wake up call for Africa, emphasizing that the focus of most developed nations is actually on energy security; despite the global drive for Renewable energy.
Prof. Nnaji stated that it was important that the Nigeria focuses on an integrated energy mix and develop sustainable solutions that are implementable.
In his presentation, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, the DG of Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), who spoke from the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) insisted on the need for integrating CNG and upholding Natural Gas as a major Transition fuel for Nigeria.
The day’s deliberations ended with a call for actionable strategies to achieve net-zero emissions; integrating the various energy transition and development strategies into one whole; which will be a pivotal moment for sustainable development in Nigeria.
