Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mustapha Abdullahi, led a Nigerian delegation at the just-concluded meeting of the G20 Energy Transition Working Group, ETWG, held in Brazil. Speaking, he appreciated the G20 Presidency for the invitation extended to Nigeria to be part of such an important global event.
Abdullahi said in his address that energy transition was one of the key platforms towards ensuring clean, accessible, and affordable energy for all. He extended kudos for Nigeria’s ambitious Energy Transition Plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, noting that the plan, which was the first in Africa with a detailed approach toward addressing energy transition challenges, had launched into 2021 to ensure universal access to affordable energy by 2030 and attain net-zero carbon emissions by 2060.Abdullahi also spoke to the greater international context, adding that Nigeria’s goals align with commitments made at COP28 to transition away from fossil fuels toward renewable energy by 2050. He added that in terms of the energy transition, there are some financial challenges for Nigeria. It is estimated that the country will need roughly $410 billion to meet all its goals.
The DG urged the latest imperative to make climate finance available, especially more so for developing countries like Nigeria. He said that climate financing remains a very critical enabler toward a just energy transition but which, even as of now, remains out of reach for many countries.
Abdullahi concluded by reiterating that a transition to just and equitable energy for all is so crucial. “Energy access is more about a basic right for everyone, rather than a necessity”, he averred. He called for global collaboration in unlocking Africa’s vast renewable energy potential, so that the future may be sustainable and bright enough for the continent and its people.