Mrs Tenioye Majekodunmi, Director-General, National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), says Nigeria will intensify efforts to advance the green economy toward mitigating climate change.

‎Majekodunmi said this on Monday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties in Belém, Brazil.

‎She said focus on overall environmental sustainability including renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and waste management would be maintained nationwide.

‎According to her, Nigeria has taken this charge to heart. Our commitment is not just an aspiration; it is a solemn national mandate to reach a 32 per cent emission reduction target by 2035.

‎”We have already submitted our comprehensive Third Nationally Determined Contribution; the first among West Africa, approved the National Carbon Market Framework, and operationalised our Climate Change Fund.

‎”These actions send a clear, powerful signal that Nigeria is ready for high-integrity and large-scale clean energy investment; yet, a gap remains between potential and proof.”

‎She disclosed that the Federal Government would  support private sectors that were ready to deploy scalable off-grid solutions toward ensuring diversification of nation`s energy sources to close persistent energy gaps in the hard-to-reach communities.

‎”This aligns with the Nigeria Just Transition Guideline and action plan we have recently validated.

‎”Such clean energy projects from the private sector will strengthen the NCCC’s efforts to advocate for and mandate the decarbonisation of energy production thereby ensuring Nigeria remains Paris aligned.

‎”Nigeria offers political stability, massive market demand, and a new, robust climate policy architecture designed to attract and protect investors’ capital,” she added.

‎The NCCC director general reiterated that the Nigerian government through the council supported the wind sector as a vital pillar in the Nigerian energy mix plan.

‎”Let the winds of change that sweep across Nigeria’s land be harnessed not just as potential, but as tangible power, driving our sustainable development and guaranteeing a greener, brighter future for every Nigerian,” she said.

‎In another development, Prof. Magnus Onuoha, Executive Director, West Africa Green Economic Development Institute (WAGEDI), said that driving wind energy in Nigeria would greatly boost energy supply.

‎NAN reports that WAGEDI is a pan-African research institute housed within Gregory University, a private tertiary institution located in Uturu, Nigeria.

‎Onuoha who spoke with NAN also on the sideline of the conference, said that government policies and incentives Nigeria had committed to global climate action were key drivers behind wind energy projects in the country.

‎According to him, the electric power sector reform Act of 2005 laid the groundwork for private sector participation in electricity generation; creating a regulatory framework that includes renewable energy.

‎”Additionally, Nigeria’s ratification of the Paris Agreement in 2016 and subsequent submission of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in 2017 underscored the country’s pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

‎”These commitments have spurred investment in low-carbon technologies, including wind energy as part of Nigeria’s strategy to meet its international obligations.”

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‎He added that domestically, policy initiatives such as the Renewable Energy Master Plan (REMP) and the Climate Change Act of 2021 have further accelerated the development of wind energy.

”The REMP outlines specific targets for renewable energy adoption, aiming to achieve a 23 per cent share by 2025, with wind power as a critical component.

”The government’s REMP that was inaugurated in 2011 aimed at increasing the share of renewable energy to at least 13 per cent by 2015, 23 per cent by 2025, and 36 per cent by 2030.

”Energy target will be comprised of renewable and carbon intensive sources as coal (2,200MW), the Nigerian National Integrated Power Project (NIPP)(1,896MW), Independent power projects (IPPs) (296MW) , Legacy assets (thermal) (5600MW), hydro (1300MW) and wind(10MW).

‎”The Climate Change Act institutionalises climate governance, requiring the government to develop pathways toward net-zero emissions by 2060.

‎”These frameworks provide a roadmap for renewable energy deployment and attract international support and funding, as demonstrated by partnerships with institutions like the African Development Bank and commitments from global entities such as the U.S.-EXIM Bank,” he explained.

‎According to him, Nigeria’s recent Energy Transition Plan (2022) and the passage of the Nigerian Electricity Act in 2023 mark significant milestones in advancing the renewable energy agenda.

‎He said the initiatives prioritised sustainable energy projects with wind energy recognised for its role in off-grid electrification and regional development particularly in the northern and coastal areas.

‎He further said that the country’s carbon neutrality goal by 2060 emphasised the need for scaling renewable technologies, making wind energy a viable solution to bridge Nigeria’s energy deficit while aligning with global sustainability goals.

‎”These drivers collectively signal a strong commitment to integrating wind energy into Nigeria’s energy future, leveraging policy, technology, and international collaboration,” he added.

(NAN)