By Rita Okoye
Nigeria stands at a critical juncture, facing the intertwined challenges of widespread energy poverty and the escalating impacts of climate change.
Emmanuel Umoru Haruna, a development economist with deep expertise in policy formulation and international development, advocates for an integrated government strategy that addresses both issues simultaneously.
He argues that sustainable development can only be achieved by transitioning towards cleaner energy sources while ensuring equitable access for all Nigerians.
Mr. Haruna, whose doctoral research and professional interests encompass energy poverty, climate change, and environmental sustainability, brings over a decade of experience in designing and implementing socio-economic policies. “Energy poverty and climate vulnerability are two sides of the same coin for Nigeria,” he stated. “Addressing one without considering the other leads to incomplete solutions and missed opportunities for sustainable, long-term development.” His experience includes formulating plans addressing these specific concerns.
Having worked within Nigeria’s public sector and consulted for international organisations like the UNDP, Mr. Haruna possesses a pragmatic understanding of the policy landscape. He emphasises that enhancing energy access is crucial for economic growth, improving health outcomes, and boosting educational opportunities, particularly in rural areas. However, he warns against achieving this through environmentally damaging means. “Relying solely on fossil fuels to expand energy access would exacerbate our climate challenges and undermine global environmental goals,” he cautions.
Mr. Haruna advises the government to prioritise massive investment in renewable energy infrastructure. “Nigeria has abundant solar, hydro, and wind resources that remain largely untapped,” he points out. “A concerted national effort, supported by appropriate policies and incentives, is needed to scale up renewable energy generation significantly. This not only addresses energy poverty with clean sources but also creates green jobs and reduces carbon emissions.”
He suggests that policy reforms should focus on creating an enabling environment for private sector investment in renewables. “This includes streamlining regulatory processes, providing fiscal incentives, and potentially reforming energy subsidies to reflect environmental costs and encourage a shift away from fossil fuels,” Mr. Haruna recommends, drawing on his expertise in economic policy analysis. His work often involves developing theories concerning production and distribution to inform policy.
Furthermore, Mr. Haruna highlights the importance of energy efficiency measures. “Promoting energy-efficient appliances, building standards, and industrial processes can significantly reduce overall energy demand, making it easier and cheaper to meet the nation’s energy needs sustainably,” he explains. This requires public awareness campaigns alongside regulatory standards.
His international experience, including several fellowships and education abroad (YALI, Korea and Kobe Universities), informs his emphasis on leveraging international partnerships and climate finance. “Nigeria should actively pursue international collaborations and access global funds dedicated to climate mitigation and adaptation to support its transition towards a sustainable energy future,” Mr. Haruna advises. He notes his interest in international trade and investment as relevant here.
Addressing the specific needs of vulnerable communities is central to his recommendations. “Decentralised renewable energy solutions, like solar mini-grids and home systems, are often the most effective way to bring reliable power to remote and underserved areas,” he suggests. “Policy should support these community-based approaches to ensure equitable energy access.” This reflects his focus on development economics and socio-economic project design.
Mr. Haruna, whose skills include project management and policy implementation, stresses the need for strong institutional coordination. “Tackling energy poverty and climate change requires a whole-of-government approach, with effective collaboration between ministries responsible for energy, environment, finance, and planning,” he asserts. His public sector background gives him insight into these coordination challenges.
He also underscores the role of research and innovation. “Investing in local research and development for renewable energy technologies and climate adaptation strategies is crucial for building long-term capacity and tailoring solutions to Nigeria’s specific context,” Mr. Haruna notes, aligning with his own research background.
The energy and environmental economist warn that the costs of inaction on climate change – including desertification, flooding, and impacts on agriculture – far outweigh the investments needed for a sustainable energy transition. “Addressing climate change is not a burden, but an investment in our future resilience and prosperity,” he argues powerfully. His interest in environmental sustainability drives this perspective.
Mr. Haruna calls for greater public awareness and engagement. “Building broad public support for the energy transition and climate action is essential for successful policy implementation,” he states, reflecting his strong communication abilities.
He believes that integrating energy access goals with climate commitments can position Nigeria as a leader in sustainable development in Africa. “By pursuing a green growth pathway, Nigeria can enhance energy security, create economic opportunities, and contribute positively to global climate efforts,” Mr. Haruna concludes.
In essence, Emmanuel Umoru Haruna’s expert counsel presents a compelling case for the Nigerian government to adopt a forward-looking, integrated policy framework that tackles energy poverty and climate change in tandem, paving the way for a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future.