The chairman of the House Committee on Renewable Energy, Hon. Afam Ogene, has called on Nigeria to take bold steps towards investing in the renewable energy sector and technologies. Speaking during the inauguration of the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy in Abuja, Hon. Ogene emphasized the critical importance of prioritizing renewable energy in the country’s overall energy strategy.
According to Hon. Ogene, the establishment of the Committee underscores the recognition of the vital role that renewable energy and technology play in sustainable development across all sectors. He stated that Nigeria must shift its focus from traditional reliance on oil wealth and outdated technology powered by environmentally harmful fossil fuels. Instead, the country should harness its natural mineral deposits and resources, utilizing its intellect and ingenuity to protect both its citizens and the environment from the adverse impact of certain resources which, when misused, become detrimental to human life and the ecosystem.
The lawmaker highlighted the pressing need for Nigeria to align with global efforts towards a cleaner and more sustainable future, particularly in light of the detrimental effects of fossil fuels on the environment. He drew attention to the devastating experiences in the oil-rich Niger Delta region, citing oil spillages, gas flaring, and pollution as clear examples of the destructive impact of fossil energy. Hon. Ogene stressed that the global pursuit of renewable energy signifies a collective agreement on the necessity for a new approach to energy production and utilization, underscoring the growing discourse on sustainable development across various spheres of life and governance structures. This echoes the need for Nigeria to adopt alternative energy sources for sustainable growth and environmental protection.
Moreover, as the world faces a potential depletion of fossil fuel reserves within the next 50 years, Hon. Ogene emphasized the urgency for Nigeria to invest in renewable energy. With the global reserves dwindling and the escalating environmental risks associated with fossil fuels, he emphasized that renewable energy presents the most viable path to a sustainable future and urged Nigeria to take deliberate steps in this direction.
Hon. Afam Ogene’s impassioned call serves as a poignant reminder of the need for Nigeria to embrace renewable energy as a critical driver for economic growth, sustainability, and environmental preservation. As the global community pivots towards green and sustainable practices, Nigeria’s commitment to renewable energy will not only protect its environment but also ensure its rightful place in the emerging era of clean energy technologies and solutions.
