By Tony Abah
The Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Michael ‘Leke Banjo, has called for a people-centred and morally guided energy transition in Nigeria, warning that development must not continue to benefit a privileged few while leaving vulnerable communities behind.
Speaking at the GreenFaith Nigeria Multifaith and Multisectoral Forum on Nigeria’s Just Energy Transition Plan held on May 7, Fr. Banjo said energy should not be seen merely as an economic issue but as a matter tied to “life, health, education, work, food security, industrial growth, national stability and human dignity.”
Addressing participants at the forum themed, “Faith, Justice, and Power: Advancing an Inclusive Just Energy Transition in Nigeria,” the Catholic priest welcomed members of GreenFaith Africa and other stakeholders, describing the gathering as a shared effort to defend creation and promote justice.
“We gather today not merely as advocates, policy actors or religious leaders, but as stewards,” he said. “We gather to ask a deeper question: what kind of future do we want to leave behind, and who will be allowed to share in it?”
Fr. Banjo stressed that true development should not be measured only by “megawatts, investment figures or economic indicators,” but also by how society treats “those on the margins of energy poverty” and communities already suffering the effects of climate change.
Drawing from Scripture and the 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’, he described creation as “God’s gift entrusted to our responsible care,” insisting that environmental stewardship must go hand in hand with development and innovation.
The cleric lamented the environmental degradation affecting different parts of Nigeria, citing oil pollution and gas flaring in the Niger Delta, desertification in the North, gully erosion in the South-East, and flooding in parts of Kogi State and Benue State.
“In our cities, plastic waste and poor sanitation have turned public spaces into sources of disease and avoidable hardship,” he said. “When we fail to keep the earth, the earth becomes wounded; and when the earth is wounded, human dignity is also wounded.”
Fr. Banjo called on governments at all levels to develop “clear, consistent and just policies” that would protect affected communities, expand access to affordable clean energy, support small businesses and create decent jobs.
He also urged investors and development partners to ensure that renewable energy investments are guided by conscience and accountability.
“The new energy economy must not reproduce old injustices in cleaner language,” he warned, adding that policies should encourage local capacity, community ownership, skill development and transparency.
Beyond government and institutions, Fr. Banjo challenged ordinary citizens to embrace environmentally responsible habits, including proper waste disposal, water conservation, tree planting and keeping public spaces clean.
“We must stop throwing refuse into gutters, streams and open spaces,” he said. “In these simple daily choices, we show whether we truly understand that creation is God’s gift and our common home.”
He commended GreenFaith Nigeria, GreenFaith Africa and The Kukah Centre for promoting climate justice and interfaith collaboration, assuring them of the continued support of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria.
“The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria stands ready to walk with you in this effort to protect creation, uplift the poor, and advance a truly just energy transition for our nation,” he said.
