At the Symposium on Energy Transition, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Friday, May 24, 2024, experts from various fields gathered to discuss actionable solutions and strategic plans for Nigeria’s energy future. The event, themed “Energy Transition in an Oil-Dependent Economy,” aimed to address the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels and explore pathways to sustainable energy.
The keynote address, delivered by Professor Barth Nnaji, former Minister of Power, set the tone for the event by emphasizing the need for Nigeria to prioritize its own energy needs over external influences. “We should prioritize our energy needs, not what the Europeans are saying. We should protect ourselves,” Nnaji asserted. He further warned, “If we follow only the prescriptions of Western nations, we are doomed.”
Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, Sadiq Waka, the Special Adviser to the President on Power & Infrastructure, highlighted the current administration’s commitment to reversing the electricity deficit affecting 45% of Nigerians. He assured attendees that the Bola Tinubu administration’s initiatives would soon yield positive results.
During the panel sessions, experts offered diverse perspectives on Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plans. Dr. Salamatu Fada of the University of Jos underscored the socio-economic hurdles the nation faces on its path to sustainable energy. She called for more domestic-focused policies, stressing the importance of internal solutions to energy transitions.
Professor Uwaoma Kalu Uche of Gregory University, Uturu, addressed the rising costs of energy in Nigeria, advocating for the increased use of natural gas as a cheaper alternative energy source. “For us to transit, we have to look inwards,” Uche emphasized, noting Nigeria’s abundant natural gas reserves capable of meeting rising energy demands.
Former Secretary to the Imo State Government, Honourable Uche Onyeagocha, highlighted the dual impact of energy transition on employment, stating, “Energy Transition proper creates jobs; it also costs jobs.” He stressed the importance of optimizing domestic energy development to mitigate job losses while creating new opportunities.
Diran Onifade, a media practitioner, brought a sense of urgency to the discussions by describing the current situation as one of “energy desperation” rather than transition. He highlighted the immediate need for solutions to alleviate the current energy crisis.
Professor Chukwumerije Okereke of the University of Bristol added an environmental perspective, pointing out the critical intersection of climate change and energy transition challenges. He emphasized the need for comprehensive and well-planned energy transition strategies to avoid exacerbating the existing complications in Nigeria’s energy market.
The symposium concluded with a call for unified action and strategic planning to address Nigeria’s energy crisis. The insights provided by the experts highlighted the necessity of looking inward for solutions, leveraging domestic resources, and balancing economic, social, and environmental considerations to achieve a sustainable energy future for Nigeria.
The event, organized by Development Agenda Magazine, was designed to raise awareness among the public and government about the urgent need for energy transition and the importance of ensuring social equity in this process. Over the past three decades, the global energy transition has focused on shifting from fossil fuels like oil, natural gas, and coal to cleaner energy sources such as wind, solar power, and lithium-ion batteries. This shift is essential for reducing global temperatures and mitigating climate change. The symposium provided a platform for stakeholders to assess Nigeria’s role in this global effort and to explore ways to support government, corporate, and individual actions towards an equitable energy transition.
The discussions at the symposium emphasized the critical role that local policy and community engagement play in driving effective energy transition. By prioritizing domestic resources and capabilities, Nigeria can develop a robust framework for sustainable energy that not only meets its current needs but also positions the country as a leader in the global energy landscape.
