By Abigael Joshua
Experts in the environment and energy sector gathered in Abuja to advance a “Just Transition” energy plan that will benefit communities, industries and vulnerable populations in the country.
NAN reports that the initiative focuses on inclusive growth, ensuring that the transition to low-carbon energy (targeting net-zero by 2060) protects vulnerable populations, supports local jobs, and addresses environmental degradation from fossil fuels.
The Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), Centre for Climate Change and Development and ODI Global United Kingdom (UK) collaborated at the Stakeholders Research Workshop on supporting Just Transition in Nigeria.
Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, the President and Chairman Board of Trustee (SPP), said that Energy Transition in Nigeria sits at the intersection of climate ambition and development necessity.
“Therefore, transition is not only a technical decarbonosation challenge but an economic, political and social one, which can have far-reaching implication for jobs, welfare, economic growth, revenue and political stability.
He added that the objective of the workshop would create a structured, inclusive, and intellectually rigorous space for key stakeholders to engage with the preliminary findings of the research.
“We are here to discuss, in my view, some of the most consequential issues facing Nigeria today, which is the trajectory of our development.
He said, “transitioning from oil will require careful planning, inclusive stakeholder engagement, and difficult policy decisions that balance economic stability with environmental sustainability.
“Nigeria’s dependence on fossil fuel has historically underwritten state capacity, public finance, and foreign exchange planning,” Okereke said.
Mr Uche Nnamani, a Researcher at SPP, said that evidence-based policymaking remains critical to ensure that Nigeria’s green transition supports national development priorities, strengthens energy access and positions the country for a sustainable low-carbon future.
He said the aim was to provide actionable insights to guide policymakers, stakeholders and investors towards building a resilient, low-carbon and economically viable energy future for Nigeria.
Dr Timothy Kelsall, a Senior Researcher fellow at ODI Global UK, said they were looking into different fuel subsidy scenarios in Nigeria, different energy transition scenarios.
This, he said, would focus on gas in the forefront and renewables through a hybrid strategy.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
