Nigeria remains committed to fossil fuels despite its obligations to transition to renewable energy, exacerbating its vulnerability to climate change and risking economic consequences as global energy norms shift. President Bola Tinubu’s vague commitments contrast starkly with ongoing investments in oil refining, underscoring the need for Nigeria to reevaluate its energy policies in the face of climate realities.
Nigeria’s commitment to fossil fuels significantly undermines its climate pledges and economic viability. The recent endorsement of the Dangote Refinery and the government’s continued licensing of private oil refineries underscore this contradiction. As a petrostate heavily reliant on oil and gas exports, Nigeria faces severe economic repercussions from global shifts towards renewable energy. At the COP28 climate summit held in Dubai, Nigeria joined over 200 nations in agreeing to transition away from fossil fuels by 2050 while also pledging to expand renewable energy capabilities. However, Nigeria exhibits a conflicting stance, maintaining a reliance on fossil fuel exploration and utilization. Notably, former President Buhari highlighted how climate change impacts, such as desertification and flooding, are already prevalent in Nigeria. In a revealing contradiction, President Bola Tinubu, who once dismissed climate change as “poisoned holy communion,” has made vague declarations about addressing climate-related disasters. Despite forming a climate action committee and appointing a climate envoy, tangible action has been lacking, leading critics to question the sincerity of Nigeria’s commitment to combating climate change. This troubling situation persists despite Nigeria’s significant vulnerability to climate change effects and the evident necessity for a transition. Countries like China and Brazil lead the way in reducing their dependence on fossil fuels, while Nigeria remains entrenched in outdated energy practices, further compounding its risks in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Nigeria’s energy policies are characterized by a deep-seated reliance on fossil fuels, posing both economic and environmental challenges. The government has been slow to embrace renewable energy and instead continues to promote oil refining and exploration, despite international consensus on the urgent need for energy transition. Climate change manifests distinctly in Nigeria through flooding, droughts, and other extreme weather events, making the call for action even more pressing. Yet, the Nigerian administration’s actions often contradict their public commitments to climate goals, complicating the country’s ability to navigate the global shift towards greener energy.
In summary, Nigeria’s ongoing investment in fossil fuels, exemplified by support for the Dangote Refinery and the licensing of additional refineries, contradicts its stated climate goals. As global energy consumption trends pivot towards renewables, Nigeria risks economic isolation and environmental degradation, requiring urgent reassessment of its energy strategies to align with sustainable practices.
Original Source: businessday.ng
