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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has advocated for a Pan-African position on the global Net-zero emissions target of 2050-2060, which has been articulated and promoted by African leaders, claiming that such a position would advance the quest for a just energy transition.
Osinbajo made the remarks during a meeting with diplomats from the G-7 countries, which include the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, France, Japan, and the Republic of Egypt. Other global organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund (IMF) were also present at the meeting at the Presidential Villa.
The Vice President, speaking after a presentation of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan and brief comments by diplomats and country representatives, stated that the plan is geared toward the realization of a Pan African initiative.
According to a statement issued by his spokesman, Mr Laolu Akande, Osinbajo said, “developing a common African narrative is absolutely important because it sets the stage in providing a clear vision and a clear objective to have a Pan African initiative.
“The broad-based coalition will ensure that the private sector and government work together in driving the processes and the nuances are adequately taken care of. It is important that we factor in all the nuances across the continent.”
Speaking specifically about the progress of Nigeria’s plan, the Vice President stated “there is a great deal of enthusiasm and support for the country’s energy transition plan.”
He stated that the Federal Government has taken deliberate steps to coordinate the processes, including the establishment of an Energy Transition Office, among others.
Speaking earlier, the Minister of Environment, Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, emphasized the need to have a Pan-African transition plan that will ensure a shared vision on the continent’s position at the forthcoming Climate Change conference.
He assured development partners and members of the G-7 countries of Nigeria’s firm commitments to the net-zero emission targets.
In the same vein, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed, said while authorities make effort to ensure stability in fiscal and monetary policies, stakeholders especially in Africa must “define our common interest and leverage existing opportunities to build new partnerships.”
In his remarks, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Matthias Schmale, commended the leadership of the Vice President in developing and implementing an energy transition plan, pledging the UN’s support towards its actualization.
In the same vein, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard said the United States would support initiatives aimed at creating conducive environment for investments in the sector.
She recognized the emergence of a movement advocating for a common initiative for Africa’s energy transition, describing Nigeria’s plan as a manifestation of the country’s position on energy transition.
The UK High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, said in addition to what her country planned to do in the area of off-grid solutions, more UK investors have indicated interest in the country’s renewable energy sector.
Also, the World Bank Country Director in Nigeria, Mr Shubaham Chaudhuri commended ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s energy sector, and called for more investments in off-grid solutions while pledging the support of the bank for initiatives adopted by government.
In separate remarks, the representatives of the European Union, Republics of France, Germany, Japan, Canada, and Egypt, the IMF and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), all commended Nigeria’s leadership towards the actualization of an African initiative for energy transition.
Top Federal Government officials present at the meeting included the Minister of Power, Mr Abubakar Aliyu; Minister of State for Power, Mr Goddy Jedy Agba; the Group Managing Director of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr Mele Kyari; and the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Mr Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, among others.
