A coalition of Nigerian and international non-governmental organisations has launched a solar energy initiative to tackle the severe environmental pollution caused by gas flaring, oil spills, and greenhouse gas emissions in the Niger Delta.
The initiative, led by the Network Advancement Program for Poverty and Disaster Risks Reduction (NAPPDRR), in partnership with Global Green Grants Fund (GGF) and OilWatch Africa (OA), was officially introduced during a clean energy awareness and sensitisation workshop at Edo Secondary School in Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking at the event, Executive Director of NAPPDRR, Emem Edoho, lamented the health and environmental consequences of fossil fuel pollution on rural communities.
She highlighted the urgent need for cleaner, more sustainable energy alternatives.
“As we gather here today, we are reminded of the urgent need to address the climate crisis and promote sustainable development in our communities.
“Nigeria, like many other countries, is facing the challenges of climate change, energy poverty, and environmental degradation.
“The federal government has made a significant commitment to address these challenges, including the energy transition plan, which aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the energy mix to 30 percent by 2050.
“This aligns with our mission at NAPPDRR, to promote clean energy, climate change resilience, and sustainable development in our communities.
“Our focus on solar energy is timely and critical. Solar energy is a clean, abundant, and renewable resource that can power our homes, schools, and healthcare centers, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating the impact of climate change,” Edoho stated.
Also speaking, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Environment, Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Nsikak Ekong, described the project as timely, given growing global attention to climate change and sustainable energy.
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Represented by the Director of Petroleum Resources, Anietie Emah, the commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s support for renewable energy development, in line with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda for sustainable energy and environmental protection.
“As a state endowed with renewable and non-renewable energy resources. We are fully aware of the urgent need to strike a balance between development and sustainability,” he noted.
We have continued to strengthen collaboration with local and international stakeholders to scale up renewable energy deployment, enhance public awareness, and support innovation in green technology.”
Participants at the workshop received hands-on training on solar systems and installation from experts, including Mr. Samuel Atara, Community Affairs Manager at Frontier Oil; Sampson Abia, Mr. Mfon Gabriel, Executive Director of Ibom Peers Foundation, and environmentalist, Fyneface Dumnamane.
They all emphasized the critical role of solar energy in reducing pollution and promoting sustainable development in oil-impacted communities.
