Group demand legislative backing for improved renewable energy ‎

‎The Executive Director of Environmental Rights Action (ERA), Dr Godwin Uyi Ojo, has said that there is need for diversification from fossil fuel development in Nigeria, as this will pave way for decentralized energy systems in mini-grids, off-grids and non grid systems. 

Ojo stated this at a recent media briefing in Abuja, to sensitize members of the public on the dangers posed by gas flaring on the health of the nation, as well as create awareness on the Bill proposed by the organisation for deliberation at the National Assembly.‎

According to him, renewable energy should be done in ways that individuals and communities can participate as prosumers (producers and consumers), in the energy production and supply chain as well as share in the benefits. 

He further added that carbon emissions released into the atmosphere leads to extreme weather conditions, resulting in catastrophic events in the Niger Delta and other parts of the country, adding that the initiative of the organisation is a “call to action to all for a just energy transition in Nigeria that is in line with meeting the Millennium Development Goal 7 on energy access for all.”

He said: “On paper, Nigeria has shown some ambitions to reduce its carbon emissions by 20 percent unconditionally and 45 percent conditionally by 2030, given the needed finance and technology by rich countries. 
“However, one fundamental challenge facing the country is its oil-dependency, hence the country lacks a blueprint to transit from fossil fuel driven economy to renewable energy alternatives.”

” Therefore, it must start by recognizing that oil economy needs to end and to orient the economy by envisioning a post petroleum economy in its natural resource management.”

On his part, the former governor of Yobe State, Senator Buka Abba Ibrahim, who is also the Chairman Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, promised to present the demands of the organisation to members of the National Assembly, as well as make sure that a draft of the Bill by the organization receives accelerated hearing.

He said: “I will make sure that I follow this matter to a logical conclusion. Even though I am not from the Niger Delta, where gas emissions have caused a lot of harm to the citizens, I feel it is my duty to make sure that Nigerians are safe in their environment. Therefore, I will lead the battle to the National Assembly to make sure that the Bill can be passed and signed into law as soon as possible, so that renewable energy will have a legal backing.”

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