President Bola Tinubu has emphasized the importance of enhanced cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in the pursuit of renewable and clean energy sources.
During a meeting with United States Assistant Secretary of State, Ambassador Geoffrey Praytt, on Monday, at the State House in Abuja, President Tinubu presented his perspectives on Nigeria’s role as an oil-producing nation and the significance of revenue from fossil fuels for the country’s economic well-being.
Acknowledging Nigeria’s commitment to addressing climate change and pursuing clean energy, President Tinubu appealed to developed nations like the United States to recognize the poverty challenges faced by Nigeria and Africa.
He emphasized the need for a balanced approach that considers both fossil fuels and green energy, as Nigeria relies on fossil fuel revenue for its development as a developing economy.
“The new energy we are talking about represents just 5% of global energy requirements. We must find the right balance between new energy and fossil fuel because we have problem of poverty in Africa.” The president said.
President Tinubu also expressed concern about the nexus between poverty in Africa and the fragility of democracy on the continent.
He called on the United States to collaborate with Nigeria in protecting the government of the people.
Furthermore, he urged the Assistant Secretary of State to convey the urgency of responding to Nigeria’s needs to his home government, stressing the importance of funding support to drive and accelerate energy diversification.
Ambassador Praytt praised President Tinubu’s bold economic initiatives, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of multiple foreign exchange rates.
He informed the President that President Joe Biden supports Nigeria’s efforts to reduce the impact of fossil fuels and expressed the desire to open a new chapter in U.S.-Nigeria relations.
He noted that the United States recognizes Nigeria’s progress in renewable energy development and commended the work of the NNPC Limited and the Special Adviser on Energy.
Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director of NNPC Limited, informed the President that the Nigerian energy industry had been engaged with the U.S. Department of Energy regarding the energy transition.
Kyari also expressed gratitude for the support received from the U.S. Department of Energy in the development of the Petroleum Industry Act.
President Tinubu’s meeting with the U.S. delegation generally focused on the importance of cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in the pursuit of clean energy, addressing poverty challenges, and protecting democracy, while recognizing the need for balanced energy solutions that consider the unique circumstances of developing economies.
