COP-30: FG Backs Gradual, Economy-Safe Transition to Clean Energy

COP-30: FG Backs Gradual, Economy-Safe Transition to Clean Energy
…Says renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are abundant, but the lack of supporting infrastructure remains a key challenge
Ayom described COP-30 as the “COP of truth”

The Federal Government has reaffirmed that Nigeria will transition to a low-carbon economy at a pace that reflects its economic realities and development needs, insisting that the country cannot abruptly abandon fossil fuels without jeopardising national stability.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that this position was restated by the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Omoteniyoye Majekodunmi, at a COP-30 Follow-Up Action Meeting in Abuja, where a new Climate-Smart Electric Vehicle (EV) Recharge Hub was also launched.

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The event, organised by BYD Nigeria and Haitong in collaboration with the Grassroots Centre for Rights and Civic Orientation, focused on converting global climate commitments into local, actionable solutions.

Majekodunmi, represented by Assistant Chief Chemical Engineer Jummai Vandu, said the NCCC established under the Climate Change Act 2021 was created to coordinate climate action across government institutions, private organisations, civil society, and other stakeholders.

She noted that the Council has become increasingly prominent due to the growing impact of climate change on livelihoods, health, and national development.

Majekodunmi explained that Nigeria’s Just Transition Guideline, released in 2023, offers a framework for shifting to a low-carbon economy without undermining jobs, incomes or revenue streams. She stressed that while global pressure continues to mount for fossil-fuel phase-outs, Nigeria must pursue a cautious transition because crude oil remains a major source of government revenue and foreign exchange.

“Transitioning to clean energy is not something we can rush into,” she said. “With a population of more than 230 million people and an economy still heavily dependent on fossil fuels, Nigeria must move at a pace aligned with its national circumstances and development priorities.”

She added that renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are abundant, but the lack of supporting infrastructure remains a key challenge. The launch of the BYD Nigeria EV Recharge Hub, she said, is an example of the kind of private-sector innovation the country urgently needs.

COP-30: FG Backs Gradual, Economy-Safe Transition to Clean Energy

Majekodunmi said the NCCC is ready to offer technical and institutional support to replicate similar EV hubs across states, emphasising that climate solutions must be locally driven and inclusive. She added that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises innovation, energy security and sustainable development.

Chief Moses Ayom, Chief Executive Officer of Haitong Nigeria Limited and Executive Vice-Chairman of BYD Nigeria, said the new EV recharge centre is a practical response to commitments made at the recent UN climate conference in Belém, Brazil. According to him, the fast-charging facility can fully power an electric vehicle in 40 minutes and will serve government institutions, businesses and private users.

He added that the project will support skills development, technology transfer and job creation for young Nigerians in EV maintenance and operations.

Ayom described COP-30 as the “COP of truth,” saying global climate commitments must now translate into visible action. He maintained that the new hub aligns with global expectations of a just transition that does not leave vulnerable communities behind.

The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, represented by Chief Route Commander Christopher Eya, commended the initiative, describing the hub as a clean-energy facility designed to reduce pollution and support Nigeria’s shift toward electric mobility.

“Electric vehicles eliminate pollution from exhaust emissions, and facilities like this help drive adoption,” he said.