By Obiabin Onukwugha
A civil society organisation (CSO), Network Advancement Program for Poverty and Disaster Risk Reduction (NAPPDRR), in Akwa Ibom State has launched a community-led energy transition initiative called Green The Future (GTF).
The project, aimed at promoting a sustainable environment amidst Nigeria’s energy transition, is supported by the Global Greengrants Fund and Oilwatch Africa.
It focuses on mitigating the impacts of methane emissions and other greenhouse emissions in oil and gas host communities.
Launching the scheme during a town hall meeting on community-led energy innovation at the Ntak Inyang Civic Centre, Esit Eket local government area of Akwa Ibom State, recently, NAPPDRR Executive Director, Emem Edoho, explained that the intervention became necessary to mitigate the negative multiplier effects of fossil fuels on humans and the environment.
He expressed concerns over widespread gas flaring, methane emissions, environmental degradation and carbon pollution in the Niger Delta region.
“Nigeria’s energy landscape is complex, with significant reliance on fossil fuels,” he said, adding, “However, with the launch of the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan (NETP) in 2022, our country has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2060.”
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Edoho said the plan aims to tackle energy poverty and the climate crisis simultaneously, promoting renewal energy, improving energy access and enhancing energy efficiency.
“Here in Akwa Ibom State, we are committed to aligning our efforts with the State climate action plan,” he assured, adding, “The NAPPDRR, is proud to contribute to this effort through our innovative climate action project, Green The Future (GTF).”
The executive director explained further that project made possible by the support of Global Greengrants Fund and Oilwatch Africa, focuses on mitigating the impacts of methane emissions and other greenhouse emissions in oil and gas host communities.
“The GTF project is a community-led initiative that empowers local communities to take ownership of their energy future,” he said, adding, “By promoting sustainable energy solutions, improving energy efficiency, and supporting climate-resilient development, we can reduce the environmental and heath impacts of fossil fuel extraction and promote more sustainable future for all.”
On her part, Programme Officer of NAPPDRR, Lady Helen Eyo, who spoke on; “Green the Future: Accelerating Decarbonisation and Community Resilience in the Hostcom Project”, explained that the initiative focuses on the oil and gas host communities of the state.
Eyo said: “This project aims to foster a sustainable future for these communities by addressing the challenges posed by climate change and the need for energy transition, adding that it would mitigate the effects of decarbonisation and methane emissions reduction in the oil and gas sector.
“The community-led energy transition is expected to move the communities towards clean energy sources, promotion of clean energy technologies and agroecology training for local farmers to encourage sustainable agricultural practices.
“In essence, the ‘Green The Future’ project aims to empower oil and gas host communities in Akwa Ibom State to transition towards a more sustainable and resilient future by mitigating the environmental impact of the oil industry, embracing clean energy, and fostering sustainable agricultural practices. This community-led approach seeks to ensure that the benefits of the energy transition are realized at the grassroots level, leading to improved livelihoods.”
