The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has called for inclusive energy transmission in Africa to support the social and economic prosperity of African nations.
The minister made the call at the virtual meeting organised by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), saying Africa accounts for 2 to 3 percent of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions and has enormous energy resources which include natural gas, hydro-power, biomass, nuclear power and coal.
Onu further added that the enormous advantage to be derived from the energy system can be effectively processed into final energies in the areas of abundance and transported through inter-regional electric-grid connections, pipelines and roads/infrastructure to regions of resources deficiency.
He also said that the negative effects of global warming are real in the country, as shown by the drying up of Lake Chad, desertification and coastal flooding affecting many parts of the nation.
Onu, therefore, reiterated the Federal Government commitment in providing the enabling environment for private sector participation in the energy sector, adding that the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021, signed by President Muhammadu Buhari among other things, seeks to promote investment in natural gas, Nigeria’s transition fuel for electricity, fuel and non-energy usage.
A statement by the ministry’s deputy director of press, Afonja Ajibola, said Onu, therefore, commended IRENA for its role in promoting renewable energy globally and for organising the ministerial meeting on just and inclusive energy transition in Africa.
