Just Energy Transition In Nigeria Launched In Abuja

By Dr. Godwin Uyi Ojo

In conjunction with ERA/FoEN-led Coalition for Just Energy Transition this historic event launch the Nigeria’s Just Energy Transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. It is also to pursue the effort to provide a legislative backing by an act of parliament for improved renewable energy access. To this end, a civil society bill on Renewable Energy framework to coordinate the development and penetration of renewable energy in Nigeria is being championed by to the distinguished Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim, Chair Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The climate is changing. As a result of carbon emissions released into the atmosphere, there is rising earth’s temperature leading to extreme weather conditions that is resulting in catastrophic events. This initiative is a call to action to all for a just energy transition in Nigeria that is in line with meeting also the Sustainable Development Goal 7 on energy access for all. A global response to climate change culminated in the Paris Agreement in 2015 to reduce carbon and situate development to 1.5degress and well below 2degrees development pathway to reduce and avoid catastrophic events. Africa’s response to climate change has been a robust African Renewable Energy Initiative (AREI) to leapfrog the continent away from fossil fuel carbon economy to renewable energy sources. Given the level of support from the industrialised countries, AREI plans to generate 10GW of renewable energy by 2020 and 30GW by 2030 if the finance and technology that is required is provided by the rich countries.

At least, on paper, Nigeria has shown some ambitions to reduce its carbon emissions by 20% unconditionally and 45% 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 recognising that oil economy needs to end and to orient the economy by envisioning a post petroleum economy in its natural resource management.
This manifesto launches Nigeria forward on the pathway to Just Energy Transition. This understanding is currently lacking in government operations and citizen sensitization in this regard has been lacking.

The future we want is energy access that is clean, reliable and affordable, a healthy environment and decent green jobs. Hence, there is need for divestment from fossil fuel development to pave the way for decentralized energy systems in mini-grids, off-grids and non-grid systems in ways that individuals and communities participate as Prosumers (producers and consumers) in the energy production, and supply chain as well as share in the benefits. A Just Energy Transition in which climate and energy solutions become available to everyone, in which climate costs and benefits are shared in a fair way, between rich and poor, citizens and firms. For Nigeria, some thousands of jobs to be affected should be replaced by at least two green jobs generated. Nigerians need to engage and discuss issues such as who will pay for the just transition and how will it be paid for? This manifesto innovatively kick-start the debate towards the elements of the transition as a process and the need to engage with citizens on the subject.
Just Energy Transition Principles:
The Nigeria government needs to urgently:· Put in place a renewable energy policy framework backed by an Act of Parliament that recognises the state and non-state actors’ roles and responsibilities in renewable energy development.

· Divest investment from fossil fuels such as public finance, loans and subsidies and invest in renewable energy development to immediately prioritize efforts and financing to scale and accelerate clean energy solutions for energy access to all;
· Set policy targets for national energy access and decentralized renewable energy and task the federal, state, and local governments with responsibility and annual budgetary allocations.
· Proactively engage stakeholders from government, private sector and civil society organisations in decentralized renewable energy policy design.
· Provide zero percent tariffs and VAT on a full range of decentralized renewable energy products and components.

Strategies

· Stop any new fossil fuel extraction and reducing current activities at the rates required to meet the ‘Paris’ climate targets.
· Democratize energy solutions by the use of people power, citizens and villagers, to shape local renewable energy solutions.
· Support local communities and workers in the transition from fossil fuels to green economy using grants, loans and subsidies beyond the enterprise models.
Conclusion
It is time to leave the oil in the soil. It is time to envisage a post petroleum economy. Nigeria can transit to become the hub of renewable energy development for Africa but it cannot do this unless urgent concerted actions are taken. We call on civil society groups, policy makers, academics, state and non state actors to embrace renewable energy. A just energy transition is expedient: the need for climate solutions, equality and decent jobs for all in NOW.

What do you want? Climate Justice. When do you want it? Now!!!
Dr. Godwin Uyi Ojo is the Executive Director, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria and Just Energy Transition in Nigeria.

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