Tenioye Majekodunmi, the director-general of the National Council on Climate Change, says Nigeria will intensify efforts to advance the green economy and mitigate climate change.
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‎Ms Majekodunmi said this on Monday during an interview on the sidelines of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties in Belém, Brazil.‎

She said that focusing 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 achieve 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,” said Ms Majekodunmi. ‎

She disclosed that the federal government would support private sectors that were ready to deploy scalable off-grid solutions to ensure diversification of the nation’s energy sources and close persistent energy gaps in 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.
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‎”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, Magnus Onuoha, the executive director of the West Africa Green Economic Development Institute, stated that harnessing wind energy in Nigeria would significantly enhance the country’s energy supply. ‎

Mr Onuoha, who spoke on the sidelines of the conference, said that government policies and incentives Nigeria had committed to, as part of its 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 in 2017 underscored the country’s pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” stated Mr Onuoha. ”These commitments have spurred investment in low-carbon technologies, including wind energy, as part of Nigeria’s strategy to meet its international obligations.” ‎

He added that domestically, policy initiatives such as the Renewable Energy Master Plan 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, which 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, such as coal (2,200MW), the Nigerian National Integrated Power Project (1,896MW), Independent power projects (296MW), legacy assets (thermal) (5,600MW), hydro (1,300MW), and wind (10MW).

“The Climate Change Act institutionalised 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 recognized for its role in off-grid electrification and regional development, particularly in the northern and coastal areas.
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‎He further stated that the country’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 highlighted the need to scale up 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)