The Country Project Lead at the African Coalition for Sustainable Energy & Access (ACSEA) and Executive Secretary Lift Humanity Foundation (LHF), Mr. Pius Oko, has called for an urgent action in addressing Nigeria’s energy access issues......CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE>>>>>
He noted that over 85 million Nigerians still lack access to reliable electricity, a challenge that hinders economic growth and exacerbates social inequalities.
He noted that over 70% of rural households rely on firewood for cooking, a practice that exposes women and children to significant health risks.
Oko made the call Friday in Abuja at a national consultative dialogue on Nigeria’s energy transition and renewable energy commitments held with theme “Assessment of Gaps, Responsiveness, and Strategic Actions in Nigeria’s Climate and Energy Policies”.
The dialogue, hosted by ACSEA in collaboration with the LHF and the EcoSteward and Humanitarian Foundation (EHF), brought together energy experts, policy-makers, environmental advocates, and community leaders to critically assess Nigeria’s progress on its energy transition goals and to call for urgent actions.
Oko noted that “In Nigeria, millions of people still lack access to clean and reliable energy, which significantly limits economic development, especially in rural areas.
“This is not just an energy crisis; it is a social injustice that needs to be addressed with urgency,” he stressed.
According to him, despite the country’s ambitious Energy Transition Plan (ETP) 2022, which aims for net-zero emissions by 2060, there are several gaps in the implementation of climate policies.
These, he added include weak enforcement of the Climate Change Act 2021, insufficient investments in renewable energy infrastructure, and the country’s continued reliance on fossil fuels for revenue generation.
He called for greater grassroots engagement and emphasized the importance of involving communities, particularly women and youth, in energy decision-making.
“An equitable energy transition is only possible when communities are actively involved and when decision-making processes are transparent and inclusive,” he said.
“We must ensure that the voices of women, youth, and marginalized communities are heard in shaping energy policies,” he added.
The dialogue also delved into the contradictions within Nigeria’s energy policies.
While the country aims for a low-carbon economy, the simultaneous promotion of fossil fuel expansion poses a significant challenge to achieving net-zero emissions. Mr. Oko pointed out the need for a more cohesive and forward-thinking approach to policy-making that aligns with both environmental and socio-economic goals.
“Nigeria’s energy policies must not only focus on achieving environmental targets but must also prioritize social equity and community participation,” he emphasized.
Following the opening remarks, the Program Director of EcoSteward and Humanitarian Foundation, Nweze Emmanuel, read the official press statement. The statement reiterated the need for urgent action to address the gaps in Nigeria’s climate and energy policies. It emphasized that while Nigeria has set ambitious targets for energy transition, there remains a lack of accountability, adequate funding, and public awareness to ensure these targets are met.
“Nigeria must move beyond policy rhetoric to tangible action,” said Nweze Emmanuel, quoting the key message from the dialogue. “For a truly sustainable and equitable energy future, we must close policy gaps, enhance accountability, and involve local communities, women, and youth in decision-making processes.”
The dialogue emphasized several core focus areas for achieving a successful energy transition in Nigeria. These included bridging the gaps in policy implementation, increasing investments in decentralized renewable energy solutions, and ensuring that energy policies are inclusive and accessible to all Nigerians, especially marginalized communities.