Nigeria’s deep reliance on fossil fuels, punctuated by commitments to climate action, showcases a contradictory approach that endangers both the economy and environment. The excitement surrounding new oil refineries, including the Dangote Refinery, contrasts with urgent global calls for renewable energy adoption. With severe climate impacts already observable, Nigeria must urgently address its energy strategy to prepare for an inevitable transition to greener technologies.
Nigeria’s persistent reliance on fossil fuels, coupled with its announced commitments to climate action, presents a perplexing paradox that threatens both the nation’s economy and environment. The recent hype surrounding the Dangote Refinery and the government’s plans to grant permits for additional private oil refineries only underlines this contradiction. As a nation deeply entrenched in the oil and gas sector, Nigeria faces staggering challenges from both an economic and climatic perspective. According to Nigeria’s pledges at the UN climate summit COP28, the country agreed to transition from fossil fuels and significantly increase renewable energy capacity by 2030. However, the practical implementation of these promises is conspicuously lacking. The commitment to fossil fuels continues unabated, a reality underscored by the pressures of climate change that Nigeria is experiencing firsthand, including severe floods and environmental devastation. President Bola Tinubu’s comments following the recent floods illustrate this tension between rhetoric and reality. While he acknowledges the dire impacts of climate change and seeks to address these disasters, previously describing climate change as a metaphorical “poisoned holy communion” suggests a fundamental misunderstanding of the urgency required for actual climate action. His administration has established committees to address climate issues, yet the real action necessary to shift Nigeria’s energy dependency remains elusive. In stark contrast, nations worldwide are accelerating their transitions away from fossil fuels in favor of renewable energy, with countries like China leading the charge. The global consensus is shifting towards greener energy solutions; meanwhile, Nigeria appears content to deepen its entrenchment in oil and gas, risking economic sustainability as global fossil fuel demand wanes. Without a strategic pivot towards renewable energy, Nigeria may find itself ill-prepared for a future where fossil fuel investments dwindle, and international support for such projects diminishes. Rather than celebrate new oil refineries, Nigeria must urgently contemplate a future energy strategy that seriously considers the needs and realities of a changing world.
Nigeria, as a petrostate, has built its economy primarily on oil and gas exports, making it heavily reliant on these fossil fuels. Despite global commitments to decarbonization and renewable energy, the Nigerian government’s actions suggest a different trajectory, as seen in its endorsement of new oil refineries and hydrocarbon exploration initiatives. At international climate forums, such as COP28, Nigeria pledged to significantly reduce its fossil fuel dependence, yet the reality of its policies indicates a contradictory stance. The impacts of climate change are already acutely felt in Nigeria, with extreme weather events and inadequate disaster response revealing vulnerabilities that could jeopardize both economic and social stability. The prevailing global trend towards clean energy emphasizes the urgency for Nigeria to reconsider its energy strategy.
In conclusion, Nigeria stands at a critical juncture, grappling with the dichotomy of its fossil fuel dependency and its commitments to climate action. The emphasis on new oil refining projects amidst growing global momentum for renewable energy poses significant risks to the country’s future. Without concrete measures to transition towards sustainable energy sources, Nigeria’s economic prospects could diminish, leaving the nation vulnerable as the global community shifts away from oil reliance. The government’s current path not only jeopardizes its climate commitments but also its long-term economic stability. Moving forward, a reassessment of energy policies is imperative for Nigeria to align with global trends and secure a sustainable future.
Original Source: businessday.ng
