The federal government of Nigeria has commenced discussions with global funding bodies to secure a $60 million in to build Green Energy Facilities in its drive to end reliance on diesel, reduce carbon emissions by deploying Integrated Hybrid Energy,
On Wednesday, July 2nd, while declaring open the Decarbonising Infrastructure in Nigeria Summit (DIN SUMMIT) at Abuja, Nigeria’s Vice president, Kashim Shettima cautioned that the country would face various challenges to compete or meet up with the world if Nigeria’’s climate dreams is not in consonance with its development realities.
The DIN SUMMIT was conceived by the awareness that Nigeria can no longer afford to treat sustainability and profitability as two different challenges. The DIN SUMMIT is a result of several months of consultations, regional dialogues, and technical deep dives. This is the reason it shows the nation’s belief that the path to net-zero by 2060 must be paved with actionable steps, not just rhetoric. Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan and Climate Change Act have together created a roadmap that is both visionary and pragmatic.
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The vice president stated that the truth about Nigeria’s climate realities is that the country can no longer sustain yesterday’s infrastructure for the future, climate action is now an economic necessity and not a luxury.
While assuring the audience on the phasing out of diesel and carbon dependency, Shettima revealed that:
“Onne Port, for instance, is already emerging as the template for our quest to breathe life into a robust green economy. Discussions are currently underway with private investors to commit nearly $60 million to electrify the port and transform it into Nigeria’s first green port.
“This is a strategic leap. Through an integrated hybrid energy system, we will phase out diesel dependency, slash carbon emissions, and provide 24/7 sustainable and affordable power to terminal operators and port users.”
VP Shettima was not alone in speaking about the need to cut carbon emission. The Director General and CEO of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe spoke before the vice president. She stated that the country must immediately transition to a low-carbon economy despite contributing minimally to global emissions because of its vulnerability to climate change impacts.
Dr Maduekwe affirmed:
“Although Nigeria’s contribution to the global carbon emission is very minimal, Nigeria is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change because of its location in the African continent and because of our low adaptive capacity.”
She added that the government should not be left alone in championing the project. Dr Maduekwe mentioned that the private sector must partner with the federal government to help in achieving the objectives of the project.
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Speaking in the same vein, the Personal Assistant to the President on Subnational Infrastructure (Office of the Vice President), Musaddiq Mustapha Adamu, posited that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu government commitment to subnational leadership in driving climate innovation is assured.
Adamu continued his speech, saying “Today’s summit is not just about emissions but about equity, economic survival and building a future where infrastructure does not bury the planet but restores hope and empowers society, especially the young, the poor and the marginalised.”
The DIN SUMMIT had government officials, industry actors, and other stakeholders in attendance.
