The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has revealed its plan to power every community in the Niger Delta with solar-powered electricity in tandem with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address climate change issues in the country.
The Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, made this known on Wednesday in Abuja, when a delegation from the Asteven International Company made a presentation on Renewable Energy and Carbon Credit at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, stressed that the innovation would also engender the agricultural value chain.
The NDDC Chief Executive Officer said: “Our target is that every community in the Niger Delta region will be powered by solar; which is renewable and a cheap form of energy.
“In addition to this, we shall create industrial clusters to be powered by solar which will help in improving the agricultural value chain.”
A statement by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni on Tuesday, quoted Ogbuku as stating that the Commission’s collaboration with a US-based firm and its compliance with the National Council of Climate Change, demonstrated its dedication to climate-related matters.
“Solar power has the dual benefit of helping people with projects and building carbon credits.
“We expect to recover the carbon credits we have garnered so far. Such recovered funds can be reinvested.
“NDDC should work towards getting a return on sustainable development. The Commission needs to unlock trapped values in its projects.”
Meanwhile, Asteven International Company, during their presentation, highlighted the global significance of NDDC’s green projects.
They assured the Commission of their assistance in monetizing carbon credits and unlocking a substantial $2 billion carbon investment potential in the Niger Delta region.
The Executive Director of Asteven Group, Prof. Magnus Onuoha, underscored the centrality of the Niger Delta in the international climate change discourse and urged NDDC to actively engage experts for climate finance and technology support.
He emphasized the importance of climate justice for sustainable development in the region.
“NDDC’s investments in solar power and carbon credits align with SDGs, particularly Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and Goal 13 (Climate Action).
“This forward-looking initiative reflects NDDC’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience in the Niger Delta region.”
