Nigeria’s Commitment to Energy Transition Emphasised by Federal Government
The Nigerian government has expressed its firm dedication to advancing the transition towards clean energy by taking proactive measures to explore alternative energy sources through economic diversification into solid minerals. Dr Mary Ogbe, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, conveyed this message during the opening ceremony of the fifth edition of the National Council on Mining and Minerals Resources Development (NCMMRD) held in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State. The theme of the event was “Minerals and metals sector: a panacea for economic growth and diversity.”
Dr Ogbe underscored the importance of the conference’s theme, highlighting the necessity for Nigeria to move beyond reliance on crude oil for revenue and focus on developing the solid minerals sector for a more sustainable source of government income. She drew attention to the increasing prevalence of electric cars in China, where 30% of vehicles are now electrically powered, suggesting that Nigeria may face challenges in finding buyers for its crude oil in the near future. This underscores the urgency for the development of the solid mineral sector to ensure the country’s economic prosperity.
Furthermore, Dr Ogbe emphasized the global trend towards green energy and the imperative for Nigeria to keep pace. She also highlighted Nigeria’s abundant resources of energy minerals and emphasized the need to exploit them sustainably and effectively, despite the challenges and opportunities they present.
The ongoing National Council on Mining and Mineral Resources Development was described as a crucial platform for discussing key issues affecting the sector and devising a way forward. Dr Ogbe urged all participants to share knowledge and experience towards solving industry problems, discussing policy reforms, investment opportunities, community engagement, environmental sustainability, and fostering innovation in the sector. She emphasized the need for collaboration between federal and state authorities in the mineral sector administration and clarified that conferences serve as sources for policy formulations that integrate the minerals and mines sector into the country’s energy mix.
The opening ceremony also featured a welcome speech by the permanent secretary of the Kwara State Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Mrs Funke Shokoya, who called for mutually beneficial collaboration between federal and state authorities in the mineral sector administration.
The steps being taken by the Nigerian government demonstrate a significant commitment to the global shift towards clean energy and economic diversification. By recognizing the need to develop alternative energy sources through solid minerals and actively participating in industry discussions, Nigeria is positioning itself to remain relevant and economically viable in the face of changing global energy trends.
