Nigeria’s Contradictory Stance on Climate and Fossil Fuels: A Path to Self-Harm

Nigeria continues to deepen its reliance on fossil fuels, exemplified by the enthusiasm for the Dangote Refinery and the licensing of new oil refineries amidst a backdrop of climate change commitments. Despite pledging to transition to renewable energy and acknowledging the severe impacts of climate change, Nigeria’s actions reveal a contradictory position that risks both economic stability and environmental health. The necessity for Nigeria to embrace an energy transition is becoming increasingly critical, as global trends move away from hydrocarbons.

In recent discussions, the implications of Nigeria’s continued reliance on fossil fuels amidst a pressing climate crisis have garnered attention. The enthusiasm surrounding the Dangote Refinery exemplifies this commitment, as the Nigerian government seeks to license numerous private oil refineries while also exploring new hydrocarbon opportunities. Such actions significantly threaten the nation’s economic and environmental stability. Despite international agreements, including those at COP28, where Nigeria pledged to transition away from fossil fuels by 2050 and to enhance renewable energy production and efficiency, the reality reflects a stark contradiction. The country is engaged in what has been termed “both-wayism,” asserting a commitment to combatting climate change while simultaneously bolstering its fossil fuel activities. Nigeria’s vulnerability to climate change is stark, with the country already experiencing severe weather events that illustrate the crisis’s effects. Former President Buhari highlighted these issues by illustrating the destructive impacts of climate change, including desertification, floods, and pollution. More recently, catastrophic flooding in Maiduguri displaced hundreds of thousands, illustrating the urgency for effective disaster management systems. President Tinubu’s statements concerning climate responses reflect a complex stance. His previous dismissal of climate concerns as a ‘poisoned holy communion’ raises questions regarding consistency in policy and rhetoric. Despite establishing a committee to address climate issues, tangible actions have yet to materialize. This presents a paradox: it is implausible to honor climate commitments while promoting fossil fuel consumption and exploration. Legislation like the Petroleum Industry Act of 2018 mandates that significant profits from oil exploration be reinvested back into the fossil fuel sector, thus propagating emissions that contribute to global warming. The high number of petrol-powered vehicles on Nigerian roads—approximately 11.8 million—demonstrates the barrier to transitioning fully to electric alternatives, especially as developed nations are making strides toward cleaner energy. While countries such as China and the United States are leading global transitions to renewable energy, Nigeria is entrenched in its fossil fuel economy. For instance, countries are shutting down refineries while Nigeria celebrates the establishment of new ones, underscoring a critical misalignment with global energy trends. This reliance on hydrocarbon production is reflected in Nigeria’s continued export of crude oil while consuming vast amounts of refined products domestically. Looking ahead, Nigeria stands at a crossroads regarding its energy future. If it remains resistant to transition, it may face economic hardship as global demand for crude oil dwindles. Additionally, international investors are becoming increasingly cautious, conditioned by heightened environmental expectations. Should Nigeria eventually yield to pressure for cleaner energy practices, the future of facilities like the Dangote Refinery may pivot toward renewable energy sources or technologies.

Nigeria, as a significant petrostate, heavily relies on oil and gas exports for its economic stability. However, this dependence poses serious implications for both the economy and the environment, especially in the context of global climate change initiatives. The country’s commitments to transition towards renewable energy, as stipulated in various international agreements, clash with its ongoing investments in fossil fuel infrastructure. This contradictory stance has raised concerns about Nigeria’s long-term economic sustainability and environmental health, particularly given the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters that the nation faces. The dilemma is further complicated by the global shift towards renewable energy, leaving Nigeria at risk of being left behind in a rapidly changing energy landscape.

In conclusion, Nigeria’s current trajectory of promoting fossil fuel infrastructure contradicts its international commitments to transition to renewable energy. Despite acknowledging the devastating impacts of climate change, its actions suggest an entrenched dependency on oil. The potential consequences of this path include not only economic challenges as global energy consumption trends shift but also a lack of investment from abroad due to increasing environmental regulations. For Nigeria to thrive in the future energy landscape, it must align its policies and actions to prioritize sustainable energy solutions, potentially transforming its existing infrastructure towards green technologies.

Original Source: businessday.ng