By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal has restated the federal governments commitment towards diversifying energy sources and enhancing energy mix of the country.
He stated this at the Stakeholders Engagement in Renewable Energy Investment Forum with theme “Supporting Nigeria’s Clean Energy Innovation. Ecosystem Strengthening and Connectivity” in Abuja on Thursday.
It was organised by the Department of Climate Change, DCC, Federal Ministry of Environment with the support of European Union, UNIDO, GCIP.
According to the Minister, “we are at a critical juncture in our national journey towards achieving energy security and environmental sustainability. The pressing challenges of climate change, energy poverty, and economic growth demand that we reconsider our approaches to energy production and consumption.
“Renewable energy presents us with an avenue to not only mitigate the adverse effects of climate change but also to drive economic growth and job creation across Nigeria.
“The Nigerian government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR in the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda is committed to diversifying our energy sources and enhancing our energy mix.
“Policy framework including the Renewable Energy Master Plan and the National Renewable Energy Policy, lays the foundation for developing a robust renewable energy sector. We are dedicated to increasing our renewable energy capacity to meet our targets under the Paris Agreement and to contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.
He recalled that the Ministry developed a policy document Renewable Energy Master Plan in 2006 with the support of UNDP which outline Nigeria’s commitment to increasing renewable energy generation and establishing a conducive environment for investment and development in the sector.
“The policy primarily addresses Nigeria’s need for increased electricity supply, improved grid reliability and security noting the role of renewable energy in achieving sustainable development.
“The Ministry through the implementation of its Federal Government Appropriation has installed about 2,000 nos of Solar-powered Streetlights and over 30 nos of Solar-powered Boreholes in communities and cities across the six-geo-political zones of Nigeria.
“These projects reduced the use of carbon intensive energy source to enhance greenhouse gas emission reduction and introduced clean energy source to power water supply enhancing lives and livelihoods, improved health and generate employment to the off-grid Communities.
“The Ministry earlier this year launched its FEC-approved National Clean Cooking Policy which tends to improve public health by reducing health risks associated with traditional cooking practices, enable environmental sustainability through the use of clean cooking technologies and solutions by reducing deforestation, GHG emissions etc, and enhance energy access and affordability whilst encouraging gender equality and empowerment for economic development.
He challenged all stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society, academia, and international partners to partner the government in this direction.
“Esteemed Partners, individual role in this transformation is paramount. The private sector has the expertise, technology, and investment capacity needed to drive renewable energy projects. We seek your partnership to develop innovative financing models, deploy cutting-edge technologies, and create pathways for local manufacturing and job creation in the renewable energy sector.
“To facilitate this, the government through the Ministry is focused on creating a favorable investment climate. Initiatives such as the Renewable Energy Investment Framework birthing the Network of Financial Institutions for Clean Energy Technology and Entrepreneurship (NFI-CETE) and incentives for green investments are designed to attract both domestic and foreign investments into the sector. We are also working to streamline regulatory processes and reduce bureaucratic hurdles to ensure that projects can advance swiftly and efficiently.
“We recognize that local communities and Subnational play a vital role in the successful implementation of renewable energy projects. Engaging communities and ensuring that they are beneficiaries of these initiatives will enhance their acceptance and sustainability.
“We must prioritize inclusive approaches that recognize the rights and needs of all citizens, especially those in rural and underserved areas.”
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mahmud Adam Kambari said the escalating impacts of climate change makes it urgent for sustainable energy solutions.
The Permanent Secretary represented by the Director, DCC, Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe called for collaboration and partnerships among stakeholders to develop actionable strategies to increase investment in renewable energy.
