The Chairman of the North East Development Commission’s (NEDC) Security, Special Interventions, and Climate Change Governing Board, Mr Sam Onuigbo has lauded Nigeria’s strides in energy transition and climate legislation.
Onuigbo, a former lawmaker representing, Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South of Abia State in the House of Representatives, made this known on the sidelines of Africa Climate Forum Conference on Friday in Abuja.
The theme of the conference is: “Parliamentary Dialogue on Powering the Future: Financing Energy Transition for Sustainable Progress.”
Onuigbo emphasized the critical role of financing the energy transition to ensure sustainable progress within the current climate context.
The former lawmaker stressed the significance of shifting from traditional energy sources to renewables, such as wind, solar, and hydropower.
According to him, the transition is not only essential for economic growth but also imperative for productivity and achieving sustainable development goals.
He said: “The 9th National Assembly has made significant strides in climate-related legislation.
”These include amending the 1999 Constitution to move electricity from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent List and passing the Climate Change Act.
”The Climate Change Act, which became effective in 2021, provides a framework for mainstreaming climate change actions.”
According to him, the Act sets a target for achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions between 2050 and 2070 and establishes a Climate Change Fund.
Onuigbo emphasised the need to integrate climate change into Nigeria’s educational curriculum, adding that this forward-thinking provision aimed to raise awareness.
He added that it would also prepare future generations to address environmental challenges effectively.
The NEDC top shot noted that the electricity Act, has decentralised and de-monopolised the entire energy value chain, promoting competition, renewable energy utilization and state electricity markets.
He added that several states had already passed their own State Electricity Laws.
Onuibo also lauded President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving electricity accessibility and affordability, adding that this was evident through his quick assent to the Electricity Act.
“His goals include stimulating renewable energy development, improving rural access to electricity and establishing the Rural Electrification Fund,” he added.
