Speaker Tajudeen Champions Renewable Energy as Key to Nigeria’s Future at Legislative Conference

By Abdullahi Lukman

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Abbas Tajudeen, has stressed the pivotal role of renewable energy in global development and Nigeria’s energy future.

Speaking at the opening of the First Legislative Conference and Expo on Renewable Energy in Lagos on May 5, 2025, Tajudeen called renewable energy a cornerstone for global development policy and an essential factor for economic growth and environmental resilience.

The conference, organized by the House Committee on Renewable Energy in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, was a major step in Nigeria’s legislative journey toward transitioning to clean energy.

Tajudeen highlighted the significance of the conference, noting it underscored the country’s resolve to contribute meaningfully to global energy reform.

Tajudeen outlined key legislative actions aimed at advancing renewable energy, including the creation of a Standing Committee on Renewable Energy, and recent tax reforms that eliminated VAT on renewable energy and compressed natural gas.

He also noted that the House of Representatives’ Legislative Agenda emphasizes the transition to clean energy, public health reforms in cooking energy, and emissions reduction.

The Speaker pointed to global renewable energy growth as evidence of the sector’s importance, citing 585 gigawatts of renewable power added globally in 2024, which accounted for over 92% of new power capacity.

Tajudeen also praised the $1.7 trillion invested in clean energy technologies in 2023, emphasizing that renewable energy is now the backbone of global power development. He urged Nigeria to align with this trend to protect its economy and environment.

Tajudeen commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for enacting the Electricity Act of 2023, which granted sub-national entities authority over power generation, and for securing $1 billion in financing for rural solar expansion. This initiative, Tajudeen noted, has led to the deployment of 124 mini-grids and over 25,000 solar home systems, providing energy access to more than 200,000 people.

Additionally, Tajudeen referenced Nigeria’s participation in the Mission 300 Initiative with the World Bank and African Development Bank, which aims to provide electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.

The Speaker urged all stakeholders—government, private sector, and civil society—to work together to turn the resolutions of the conference into actionable policies and investments. “This is our moment to lead, innovate, and build a sustainable energy future for Africa,” Tajudeen said.

The conference, attended by state governors, environmental commissioners, and other stakeholders, is seen as an important platform for advancing Nigeria’s transition to clean and inclusive energy systems.