Access Bank is partnering with stakeholders in the energy sector for enhanced strategies to address climate change and air pollution to create a more affordable and resilient energy system.
The collaboration between the bank and the stakeholders is an offshoot of the two-day conference of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Association Alliance REEEA-A.
The theme of the conference was: “Road to Net Zero: Actionable Initiatives for Success.”
The Executive Director, of Risk Management, Access Bank, Dr Gregory Jobome, at the conference emphasised the need for universal access to modern energy.
Jobome noted that the mission of the bank evolved beyond conventional banking to sustainability.
“As a bank, our mission has evolved beyond conventional banking to embrace sustainability as a core business principle.
“This journey is not just about us funding individuals or organisations, it is about all of us working together, co-creating solutions, and scaling up sustainable initiatives across Nigeria and Africa.
“To further achieve this, we launched the Sustainable Finance Accelerator Programme, an initiative from the bank, to boost eco-friendly initiatives in Nigeria.
“The programme is structured collaborate and nurture innovative ideas within the sustainable development sector by offering comprehensive training, mentorship, and essential resources.
“The programme’s goal is to transform participants’ ideas into viable, impactful businesses that contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future,” Jobome said.
In his remarks, the President of the REEEA-A, Mr Magnus Onuoha, highlighted the achievements and vision of the association over the past five years.
Onuoha said the association had actively worked towards improving energy access and security in Nigeria and beyond.
He also noted that through its mission, the Alliance has enhanced the quality and standards of renewable energy technologies, research, and policy by fostering knowledge generation and dissemination for sustainable development.
Onuoha highlighted key milestones of the association such as the standardisation and validation of energy efficiency measures and the harmonisation of renewable energy policies between 2020 and 2021.
He added that the association had provided regulatory support to both public and private sector clients, focusing on network and information exchange, youth and gender empowerment, and research support services.
Onuoha acknowledged the contributions of partners such as the Nigeria Energy Support Programme, a joint initiative between the European Union, the German government, the Federal Ministry of Power, and GIZ.
He also commended Access Bank for its sponsorship, underscoring the significance of private-sector involvement in achieving net-zero targets.
Onuoha noted that the theme “Net Zero” centred around addressing climate change and air pollution while creating a more affordable and resilient energy system.
The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, represented by the Deputy Director of the Power and Energy Division, Mr Sunday Owolabi, acknowledged the pressing challenges posed by climate change.
The minister also stressed the need for Nigeria to transition from traditional energy sources to cleaner alternatives.
NAN
