By A civil society organization dedicated to alleviating poverty and environmental risks has voiced serious concerns about the widespread issue of gas flaring, the release of methane, environmental damage, and carbon pollution that continues to plague the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The group emphasized the urgent need for action to address these detrimental practices.
To tackle these pressing environmental challenges, the Network Advancement Program for Poverty and Disaster Risk Reduction (NAPPDRR) has joined forces with international entities such as the Global Greengrants Fund (GGF) and Oilwatch Africa (OA). Together, they have initiated a multi-million dollar project focused on energy innovation within oil-producing communities in Akwa Ibom State, aiming to foster a transition towards cleaner energy sources.
The launch of this significant initiative took place during a town hall meeting centered on community-led energy innovation. The event was held at the Ntak Inyang Civic Centre in the Esit Eket local government area of Akwa Ibom State over the weekend. Hon. Emem Edoho, the executive director of NAPPDRR, explained that this intervention is crucial to lessen the harmful effects of fossil fuels on both the local population and the surrounding environment.
Edoho highlighted Nigeria’s current energy situation, noting its significant dependence on fossil fuels. However, he also pointed to the launch of the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan (NETP) in 2022, which demonstrates the country’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. This national plan aims to simultaneously combat energy poverty and address the climate crisis by promoting renewable energy, improving access to energy, and increasing energy efficiency across the nation.
“Here in Akwa Ibom State, we are committed to aligning our efforts with the State climate action plan,” Edoho stated. “The NAPPDRR is proud to contribute to this effort through our innovative climate action project, Green The Future (GTF). This project, made possible with the generous 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.”
Lady Helen Eyo, the programme officer of NAPPDRR, further elaborated on the “Green the Future: Accelerating Decarbonisation and Community Resilience in the Hostcom Project.” She explained that the initiative specifically targets the oil and gas host communities within the state. “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,” she said, adding that it will work to reduce the effects of decarbonization and methane emissions in the oil and gas sector. The project envisions a community-led shift towards clean energy sources, the adoption of clean energy technologies, and agroecology training for local farmers to encourage sustainable agricultural practices.
