Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Mr Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment, has assured Nigerians that the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan (ETP) of 2021 would lift millions of Nigerians 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.
The minister said that the plan was aimed at reducing Nigeria’s dependence on fossil fuels and for net-zero emissions by 2060.
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.
Nwajiuba was the 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,” he said.
This, he said, would be defined by technologies, market incentives, policy shifts, and consumer behaviour.
According to him, “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.”
Lawal commended Nwajiuba for 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 has a critical role towards climate change.
He said that NUC should ensure Nigerian universities produce 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 celebrant had demonstrated to the academic community and society admirable services, and impacted lives.
