By Itoro Bassey
Leading civil society organizations (CSOs), including the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and the Ibom Peer Foundation have called on the Akwa Ibom State Government to align with Nigeria’s national decarbonization agenda and the Energy Transition Plan (ETP), which aims for net-zero emissions by 2060.
They made the advocacy on Friday during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources at the Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat in Uyo, where they were received by Dr. Ini Umoh, the Director of Climate Change in the ministry.
Speaking at the occasion, the Executive Director of the Ibom Peer Foundation, Mr Mfon Gabriel, emphasized in his advocacy note that Nigeria’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 is rooted in the Climate Change Act of 2021 and the ETP, which requires an estimated $1.9 trillion in investments.
Gabriel stated that Akwa Ibom, as a frontline coastal and industrial state, must engage with these national frameworks to drive sustainable economic growth while addressing environmental challenges.
Gabriel, whose organization serves as the focal point in Akwa Ibom for advocating a just energy transition on behalf of CISLAC, highlighted that aligning with national initiatives like the Green Investment could enable the state to access $3.1 billion allocated for ecosystem infrastructure and $50 billion in de-risked investments through the CIF-AfDB partnership.
“The transition is a driver for GDP growth. For example, the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialization Programme (NGFCP) is expected to create over 100,000 jobs and attract $2 billion in investments”, he stated.
He further noted that transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as solar mini-grids for agricultural and educational institutions, would reduce dependence on costly, high-emission fossil fuels.
Gabriel suggested that the state could engage with the national agenda by implementing state-level legislation in accordance with the Electricity Act of 2023, localizing the Energy Transition Plan (ETP), promoting the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EVs) in line with the Presidential Initiative (PiCNG & EV), and collaborating with the private sector to adopt low-carbon fuels and energy-efficient practices in key emitting sectors such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and construction.
He recommended the formation of a state Energy Transition Committee to align local policies with the national implementation framework, the development of a state decarbonization roadmap focusing on gas flare capture and renewable energy infrastructure expansion, and the initiation of technical assistance and reskilling programmes to prepare the local workforce for emerging green energy jobs.
Also addressing the gathering, Engr. Anietie, a staff member of the ministry, expressed gratitude to Gabriel and his team, highlighting the state government’s commitment to the energy transition plan. He described the construction of CNG bus terminals in the state and the expected fleet of vehicles to be powered by CNG as a strategic initiative by Governor Umo Eno to align with the plan.
In her response, Dr. Ini Umoh hailed the CSOs advocacy as a strategic approach to addressing Nigeria’s pressing energy and climate challenges. She assured the group that the ministry would explore the benefits associated with the $3.1 billion earmarked for ecosystem infrastructure and other advantages.
