A two-time National Assembly member, Sam Onuigbo, has called for stronger efforts to address Nigeria’s energy access challenges through renewable energy sources, including solar power, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric vehicles.
Onuigbo said Nigeria had made significant progress in its energy transition but stressed the need for more deliberate and coordinated efforts to expand clean energy adoption and unlock opportunities in the carbon market.
He maintained that if state governments adopted coordinated strategies similar to those of the Federal Government, Nigeria could strengthen its position as a leading country in environmental sustainability.
Onuigbo, who sponsored Nigeria’s climate change legislation, made the remarks in Abuja on Sunday, urging stronger support for programmes aimed at expanding solar energy use, strengthening climate governance and maximising the environmental, economic and social benefits of the clean energy transition.
He emphasised the need to translate climate legislation into concrete action to accelerate Nigeria’s energy transition and advance its net-zero emissions targets.
Describing solar power as a cornerstone of the transition, Onuigbo said it could expand electricity access to underserved and unserved communities, promote green industrialisation, create jobs and reduce carbon emissions.
“The transition to clean energy should not be regarded solely as an environmental imperative, but equally as an economic prospect and an obligation to succeeding generations,” he said.
He added that solar energy remained essential to building a sustainable future because of its potential to improve electricity access, stimulate industrial growth, create employment opportunities and reduce emissions.
Onuigbo urged governments and relevant stakeholders to strengthen their commitment to clean energy initiatives to ensure that Nigeria’s energy transition delivers lasting economic and environmental benefits.