Nigeria’s commitment to fossil fuels, particularly through initiatives like the Dangote Refinery, starkly contrasts its pledges made at the UN climate summit to embrace renewable energy. This contradiction poses existential threats to the country’s economic stability and environmental resilience as it faces the harsh realities of climate change. The ongoing reliance on oil and gas, coupled with inadequate strategies for disaster management, raises serious concerns about Nigeria’s preparedness for future energy transitions.
Nigeria is at a critical juncture as it continues to prioritize fossil fuel reliance, even amid the escalating climate crisis. The country’s enthusiasm for projects like the Dangote Refinery signifies a deepening commitment to oil and gas, contradicting its pledges made at the United Nations climate summit, COP28. Despite agreeing to transition away from fossil fuels and boost renewable energy capacity, Nigeria’s actions reveal a preference for continued hydrocarbon exploration and fossil fuel consumption. This dual strategy, described as ‘both-wayism’ by the Economist, threatens the country’s future stability in a world increasingly moving towards renewable energy. The consequences are severe, with Nigeria facing existential risks from climate change manifestations such as desertification, floods, and heatwaves. President Bola Tinubu’s contradictory statements regarding climate change further highlight the nation’s struggle between maintaining oil dependency and addressing climate realities. The ongoing willingness to build new refineries contrasts sharply with global trends, where developed nations are shutting down refineries in favor of green technology. Unless Nigeria pivots toward renewable energy solutions, it risks suffering economically as global crude oil demand declines, while simultaneously facing decreased investment as international markets shy away from countries not actively engaged in reducing carbon emissions. Thus, the future of Nigeria’s energy landscape remains uncertain, resting on whether the nation can embrace a genuine transition to sustainable energy practices.
The article discusses Nigeria’s paradoxical stance on energy policy amidst a growing climate crisis. As a country primarily reliant on oil exports, Nigeria is becoming increasingly entrenched in fossil fuel consumption while making public commitments to reduce its carbon emissions. This situation is particularly precarious considering the extensive climate impacts Nigeria is already experiencing, including severe flooding and desertification. The country’s recent policies and projects, such as the Dangote Refinery, indicate a focus on expanding its fossil fuel infrastructure rather than transitioning to greener energy sources. With many countries shifting towards renewable energy, Nigeria’s reluctance to embrace this change raises significant concerns about its economic future and climate resilience in a world moving away from oil dependency.
In summary, Nigeria finds itself at a crossroads between energy reliance on fossil fuels and the urgent need for climate action. Despite participating in international agreements to curb fossil fuel dependency, Nigeria continues to invest heavily in the oil sector, undermining its climate commitments. The country faces both economic challenges and environmental vulnerabilities due to climate change, with its future stability at stake. As global attitudes toward energy transition shift, Nigeria must critically assess its approach and expedite the move toward renewable alternatives to safeguard its long-term prosperity and environmental health.
Original Source: businessday.ng
