Tag: renewable energy

Nigeria must create a favorable business environment and attract the right mix of domestic and international investments to boost its renewable energy sector, experts have said.

This was made known during a a legal and policy workshop workshop organised by Natural Justice, the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REANO), and Just Energy Transition Africa (JETA).

Speaking, Country Manager of Natural Justice Nigeria, Micheal Karikpo, emphasised the need for strong policies that support local manufacturing of renewable energy components for Nigeria and the broader West African region. 

Karikpo noted that with the right regulatory frameworks, functional institutions, and stable policies, Nigeria could naturally mobilize investments for renewable energy.

 He described the country as being at an “energy crossroads,” pointing out that decades of energy crises have stifled businesses. 

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However, he highlighted recent policy reforms that, if well-implemented, could transform Nigeria’s energy security, drive economic growth, and expand access to electricity.

He also addressed the global shift in renewable energy commitments, mentioning that while OPEC has encouraged African nations to tap into their oil reserves, Nigeria must explore alternative economic pathways that generate comparable revenue without the environmental damage associated with fossil fuels.

Karikpo further urged civil society organisations to engage more actively with the government.

“There is a real possibility for positive collaboration between communities, civil society, and policymakers. My biggest takeaway from this meeting is that the government is open to dialogue, and civil society must seize the opportunity to engage on issues of sustainable energy,” he said.

Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, highlighted Lagos’ investments in renewable energy across sectors, including street lighting, tertiary institutions, and hospitals.

 He added that the state is actively supporting grid-connected renewable infrastructure to enhance grid stability and lower electricity costs.

Leaders from various faiths have called for a fair and just transition to renewable energy sources.

This demand was part of the outcomes of a two-day national dialogue titled Nigeria Multi-Faith Leaders National Consultative Dialogue on Medium and Long-term Climate Goals, held at the Barcelona Hotels in Abuja. 

The dialogue was organised by GreenFaith Nigeria in collaboration with Ecosteward and Humanitarian Foundation (ETF), The Kukah Centre (TKC), and Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society.

GreenFaith is an interfaith coalition for the environment founded in 1992. It works with places of worship, religious schools, and people of all faiths to help them become better environmental stewards. 

GreenFaith’s mission is to inspire, educate, and mobilise people of diverse religious backgrounds for environmental leadership.

The leaders, comprising Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and Traditionalists, held in-depth conversations on the role of religion in addressing climate change. 

They debated views and positions to produce a communique containing collective demands from the government, international oil companies, insurance companies, and others.

At the conclusion of the dialogue on Tuesday, leaders of the different faiths took turns reading the communique as a symbol of unity and determination to achieve the goals set for the country.

The leaders who read the communique included: Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa, Co-Executive Director, Interfaith Mediation Centre; His Grace Salika Dasa, Hare Krishna; Rev. Sis. Lilian Chibiko, GreenFaith Africa Women of Faith in Energy; Sheikh Khalid Muhammed Nuru, Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society; Pastor James Wuye, Interfaith Mediation Centre; and Chief St. Emma Pii, Bodo Council of Chiefs, Bodo Rivers State.

“We call for an immediate halt to all new fossil fuel exploration and extraction projects in Nigeria. Just as Proverbs 21:3 tells us, ‘To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice,’ we recognise that continuing fossil fuel exploration is incompatible with our commitment to climate justice due to its adverse effects on communities and the global need to limit warming to 1.5°C,” part of the demand reads.

In the communique, they described decades of oil exploration in Nigeria as largely exploitative, “due to exploitation by European, North American, and Chinese extractive firms—financial institutions and national governments—combined with weak regulatory, legal, and financial systems that promote corruption.”

They noted that “over 85% of fossil fuels produced by Africa-based projects are exported, thereby failing to increase the continent’s energy access rates. 

However, fossil fuel exploration often exacerbates climate change and social inequalities, leading to land grabs, biodiversity loss, environmental pollution, displacement, loss of livelihoods, conflicts, health complications, human rights violations, and abuse. Hence, we demand locally-owned, accessible, affordable, clean renewable energy initiatives.”

As a form of mitigation, the leaders called for global collaboration to support vulnerable communities in coping with the unintended consequences of the energy transition. They highlighted that industrialised nations built their economies on fossil fuels extracted from Nigeria and other developing countries.

They also pledged to work with media organisations and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to achieve the goals set forth.

“We call on the Global North, whose industrialisation has contributed the most to the climate crisis, to honour their commitments to climate finance. This support is critical for Nigeria and other developing nations to invest in green energy and climate resilience. Global North governments, corporations, and financial institutions have all invested heavily in extracting fossil fuel wealth from our country. They must now invest in empowering Nigeria to build its renewable energy future.

“We recognise the necessary role the media and the National Orientation Agency can play in this cause. We therefore passionately seek the support of the media and NOA in driving the just transition agenda in Nigeria,” they said.

At the conclusion of the event, Pius Oko, GreenFaith Africa’s Program Manager, said the gathering aligns with his organization’s mission of organizing and mobilizing grassroots communities to address social issues.

“The workshop brought together diverse faith communities, united in their commitment to amplify a shared call against fossil fuel and deforestation projects, as well as related financing, while supporting a just transition to renewable energy solutions. This aims to shape a sustainable future for Nigeria and Africa—one that respects human dignity, honors our communities, cares for our planet, and upholds justice.

“Today’s dialogue serves as a powerful moment to unite our diverse voices, strengthen our resolve, and chart a path toward a just transition from fossil fuels to an equitable, renewable future for our nation,” he said.