SIR: Nigeria needs a new political reality on energy. This involves stability and consistency on energy policies and discourse from one administration to another if we are to turn around as an energy producing nation. From 2007, the constant surge in crude oil trade and hike in prices was greeted by the usual excessive spending of government and increase in recurrent expenditures, a move that was not supported by the energy elite. This unscrupulous spending mindset has its deep root dating back to the early 1980s when we first experienced these increase in crude oil trade in the military era and little or nothing was done about energy investments and upgrade to meet the inevitable future energy demands because the political will was absent. Since the free fall in crude oil price started in late 2013, and decline in export has seen no limit with former major buyers like America turn producer and exporter in the same vein, the question now is at what rate will exported crude continue to fall and whether that rate will be increased is still a question begging for answers.
Domestic demand for natural gas can make the huge unexpected difference despite the external challenges posed by shale gas and shale oil internationally. But the sad question is how much has been done to make this a reality, how much of this is reflected in our political decisions and moves. This unexplored economic abundance has ignited a fresh political debate about natural gas- not about how much we can export but rather how much should be domestically consumed to develop our economy before exporting the remnant.
Our natural gas story is being rewritten with gas flaring decreasing from 540 billion cubic feet in 2010 to 428 billion cubic feet in 2013 and still decreasing plus the increase in natural gas production and the constant increase in domestic consumption to the proposed utilization of gas for power production to the about 100 million Nigerians lacking power supply daily. These are huge opportunities waiting for the political will of government to continually drive its progress.
The hope of reaching the world’s top 20 economies by the year 2020 all has a strong bearing on our energy policy. It is indeed sad to say but worthy of note that politically wise countries like America, Russia and even South Africa may have change in government from time to time but their energy policies are strictly followed despite political divide because these nations thrive on strong policies and political will that is driven by institutions and not individuals.
If we must achieve our dreams, visions and ambition for the future as a nation, this present administration must as a matter of urgency set up energy credible institutions, support existing viable energy policies despite the political titles of the creators and use reliable energy experts in spite of their political nomenclatures.
Our institutions fighting oil bunkering, abolishing fuel subsidy, stopping pipeline vandalism, oil and gas corrupt deals, oil theft, energy investment embezzlement and the likes should be strengthened and empowered to fight even the strongest of cabals with technological equipments from marking and surveillance of oil pipeline, to host communities having a stake in what is produced in their respective areas. This government should ensure that this things happen and should also enforce laws on erring exploration companies to do the needful in times of spill while also making sure all developmental projects and employment promises are fulfilled in due time.
Remember, the great Martin Luther King Jr. once said “our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter”. Let’s not become passive and quiet about our energy future. Our political class should be reminded that if a country like Brazil with similar challenges and resources could get it right, why not Nigeria. The clock is ticking.
- Martins Omogbai,
Lagos.