The Energy and Sustainability Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association Young Lawyers Forum has rallied stakeholders’ support to drive laws and policies that will transform Nigeria’s energy space.
A statement by the Committee, which is chaired by Toma Fortune, reads: “Support us to create a more inclusive, informed and forward-moving energy and sustainability ecosystem powered by law, driven by youths and anchored in partnerships.”
The Team Lead, Sustainability and Environment working group of the committee, Princess Omeyoma Eshemitan, emphasised the Committee’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s energy sector.
Eshemitan, who is also Legal Adviser, Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Youth-wing, said policies that will ensure sustainable human capital development among youths within the energy industry would translate to ensuring a sustainable future.
According to the lawyer, collaboration and support from other youth organisations and relevant stakeholders would enable the NBA-YLF succeed in the goal to ensure sustainable environment, as well as secure the future of young people in the sector.
“We have been obligated to drive policies as young lawyers to ensure the sustainability of youth-led businesses, sustainability of human capital development among youths within the energy sector, as well as sustainability of the environment because sustainability of the youth is sustainability of the future and the sector.
“As such, all youth-led organizations are encouraged to partner with the Nigerian Bar Young Lawyers Forum to drive transformational change through laws and policies within the energy space,” Eshemitan stressed.
The committee, which is poised to bring innovation to the sector, has already unveiled 17 Sustainable Energy Propositions (SEPs) that are expected to “bridge policy gaps, drive regulatory reforms and champion youths’ inclusiveness in governance of Nigeria’s energy and sustainability sectors.”
The SEPs which are inspired by the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), include “youth inclusion in policy making; compulsory professional development; sustainable local content; youth-led climate diplomacy and international engagement; sustainable industry financing; energy and sustainability literacy for young professionals; youth-led research and innovation; just and equitable energy transition; sustainable ecosystem reform; sustainable industry compliance; host community development; environmental and social governance (ESG) reporting; technology and digital transformation; industry startups’ support; climate justice and rights advocacy; resource leadership and partnerships for the propositions.”
“The SEPs represent more than a roadmap; they are a call to action-an invitation to young legal professionals, industry stakeholders, policymakers, and regulators to collaborate in building an energy ecosystem that is innovative, legally sound, sustainable and fundamental in anchoring our advocacy to these 17 propositions.
“We reaffirm our dedication to shaping a legal and regulatory environment that not only meets present needs but safeguards the energy future for generations to come,” the statement added.
In another development, the NBA-YLF Energy and Sustainability Committee has called on youth organisations, students, civil society teams and individuals across the country to partner with it to commemorate the World Earth Day, through a nationwide tree planting campaign.
The committee is marking this year’s Day, themed “Our Planet, Our Power”, with the planting of 1,000 trees nationwide by May 2025.