Energy transition: Yar’Adua Foundation calls for community input in decision making
A Civil Society Organisation, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation has called on the Government to involve stakeholders in the plan for energy transition in the country.
The foundation criticised the Energy Transition Plan (ETP) for failing to inculcate concerns and input from impacted communities particularly in Niger Delta before its implementation.
The Director, Partnership and Development, Yar’adua Foundation, Mr Amara Nwankpa, said this during a one-day workshop on shaping an inclusive energy future in the Niger Delta on Sunday in Uyo.
Nwankpa said that the global energy transition is underway, and the Niger Delta will be severely affected and it is not proper that their input was not considered.
“It is important that in planning for an energy transition, whether it is a global or national energy transition, the need and interest of the Niger Delta are considered.
“Niger Delta is an impacted community in the energy transition, so, it is important that the need and interest of the Niger Delta communities is considered.
“The only way that this can happened, is if there is an engagement with the Niger Delta communities,” Nwakpa said.
Nwankpa emphasised that considering the needs and interests of the Niger Delta communities is crucial.
He said that the current energy transition plan lacks sufficient consultation with impacted communities.
“We urge Energy Transition Planners to listen to the people of the Niger Delta and prioritise community concerns.
“Closing the affordability gap is essential to ensure access to modern energy,” he said.
Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, Executive Director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), also expressed concerns about Nigeria’s energy poverty.
Bassey said that the nation is blessed with energy resources, yet energy poverty pervades.
Bassey, a renowned Environmentalist , however, said that the nation’s problem is not lack of energy resource but production of the energy to meet the citizens need.
The environmentalist who hold a national honours of Member of the Order of Feral Republic advocated for decentralised energy systems, managed and maintained by communities, to meet their needs.
The expert emphasised the need for a just energy transition, considering the inevitable shift to renewable energy.
“Government should support community initiatives and prioritise the plight of the people,” he said.
The Nigerian Energy Transition Plan aims to promote a fair, inclusive, and equitable energy transition, with gas as a transitionary fuel.
The environmental activist, however, stressed the importance of community engagement and consultation to ensure a successful transition
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised by Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation in collaboration with Health of Mother Earth Foundation and Africa Policy Research Institute.
