Patron, Board of Trustees, Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet), Mr Sam Onuigbo, says it is crucial for Nigeria to accelerate its adoption of renewable energy to mitigate climate change.
Onuigbo communicated this on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, in Abuja at the Multi Stakeholders National Consultative Dialogue and Post-COP28 workshop of the CSDevNet with the theme “Unpacking COP28 Outcome: Accelerating Nigeria’s Climate Action.’’
He said that renewable energy could provide ready solutions, adding that Nigeria had reenacted the electricity act 2023.
“I will like those of you that are interested in renewable energy to study the electricity act 2023 and see the opportunities that abound.
“We can no longer discuss development without climate change the two are not in competition rather they are in complimentary.
“All stakeholders, private sectors, CSOs among others, should explore the opportunities in the meeting to mitigate climate change in Nigeria and in the world,’’ he said.
Earlier, in a address of welcome, Prof. Ibrahim Choji, Chairman Board of Trustees, CSDevNet, said that the historic agreement to transition away from fossil fuels represented a monumental step forward.
He said that livelihoods, ecosystems, and the very fabric of existence were under threat; yet, amidst the daunting reality, COP28 offered a glimmer of hope.
“The establishment of a Loss and Damage Fund acknowledges the injustices borne by vulnerable nations like ours.
“Unpacking the COP28 outcome is not merely an academic exercise; it is a vital exercise in introspection and strategic planning.”
He assured that the workshop would explore the intricacies of COP28 decisions, analyse their impact on national priorities, and brainstorm innovative approaches to tackle the challenges.
“We will identify the gaps in funding, technology, and capacity that hinder our progress and devise strategies to bridge them.
“Together, we can build a nation that thrives in harmony with nature; a nation that serves as a beacon of hope for other vulnerable nations; a nation that leaves behind a legacy of environmental responsibility and sustainable progress,” he said.
On his part, Dr Sam Ogallah, Senior Climate Change Advisor, African Union, said that African continent held more than half of the critical minerals globally.
“Africa holds the solution to the climate crisis in the world; we need to change the narrative, we need to value what we have.
“If you want us to switch the renewables electric vehicles and all the things you want us to do, where do you want us to get the minerals from? It is on our soil,” Ogallah said.
Similarly, Mr Kenneth Akpan, Project Coordinator for Oxfam Nigeria, said that climate change, poverty and insecurity were related, hence the need to fight them.
“We are fighting poverty all over the world; there is no way we can separate poverty and climate change,’’ he said.
Highlights of the event was the conferment of patron on Onuigbo, presentation of awards of recognition on some persons and the unveiling of the new CSDevNet building in Abuja.
By Abigael Joshua
