Legislators Advocate National Strategy for Nigeria's Transition to a Low-Carbon Economy

The House of Representatives is taking steps to pass legislation that would create a national framework to advance Nigeria’s decarbonisation agenda and assist the nation in transitioning to a low-carbon economy.

The forthcoming National Decarbonisation Bill, which is currently under consideration in the House, aims to lay down legal guidelines to unify climate strategies, initiatives for emissions reduction, and energy transition schemes across different economic sectors.

Sesi Whingan, the Chairman of the House Committee on Mandatory National Decarbonisation, made this announcement on Thursday during a media briefing following a technical roundtable on Nigeria’s decarbonisation efforts held in Abuja.

Whingan indicated that the bill has successfully completed its first and second readings and is projected to move to public hearing by the end of this month, as legislators ramp up their consultations on the proposed bill.

He stated that this initiative aims to enhance the provisions outlined in the Climate Change Act of 2021 by establishing a more cohesive legislative structure for Nigeria's decarbonisation initiatives.

The proposed legislation is expected to fortify the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) and synchronize various government programs focused on curtailing carbon emissions and promoting the adoption of clean energy technologies.

"This bill is intended to supplement the ongoing efforts by the National Council on Climate Change. It has progressed through the first and second readings in the House, and we anticipate moving towards public hearing before the month concludes," Whingan noted.

The roundtable was organized to collect insights from vital stakeholders whose perspectives could influence the proposed legal framework.

Participants included representatives from the organized private sector, oil and gas industries, climate advocacy groups, energy specialists, and officials engaged in climate governance at both federal and state levels.

Whingan emphasized that clarity in policy and sustainable funding mechanisms are critical to ensuring the success of Nigeria’s decarbonisation initiatives, particularly in attracting investments in renewable energy and low-carbon technologies.

He highlighted the necessity for tighter cooperation between the executive and legislative branches to foster the certainty needed by both local and international investors.

"We have all concurred on the need for solid collaboration between the executive and the legislature so that investors—both domestic and foreign—can have a clear understanding of Nigeria's direction regarding its decarbonisation goals," he stated.

Furthermore, the lawmaker underscored the importance of extending climate action beyond federal policies by actively engaging state governments and local communities.

In a bid to enhance nationwide involvement, Whingan revealed plans for a National Carbon Summit in June, aimed at convening representatives from all 36 states and the 774 local government areas.

He explained that this summit would act as a forum for broader discussions concerning the effective implementation of Nigeria’s decarbonisation strategy, harmonizing environmental sustainability with economic advancement.

"Significant progress cannot be made without local community involvement. We need to progress beyond discussions at the top levels and ensure grassroots participation in the programme," he asserted.

Whingan also mentioned that the committee for Mandatory National Decarbonisation was created to evaluate the existing climate laws and policies in Nigeria, assess the nation’s emissions profile across key sectors, and delineate the institutional, financial, and technological needs for a comprehensive decarbonisation strategy.

He added that the committee is engaging with government ministries, regulatory bodies, state authorities, industry leaders, civil society groups, and international partners to ensure the proposed framework aligns with global climate governance standards.

The panel is also assessing the economic and social ramifications of implementing a national decarbonisation policy to guarantee that the transition is inclusive and sustainable.

Whingan confirmed that the ongoing consultations, paired with the forthcoming public hearing, are focused on crafting a solid legislative framework that would dictate Nigeria’s lengthy transition to a low-carbon economy.

Earlier during the discussion, Wangari Muchiri, Director for Africa at the Global Wind Energy Council, emphasized the economic prospects stemming from Nigeria’s decarbonisation pursuit, characterizing it as a pathway for economic diversity, job creation, and heightened investment in clean energy technologies.

Muchiri asserted that the urgency for transitioning to a low-carbon economy is amplified by the carbon-intensive nature of essential sectors such as oil and gas, power generation, and agriculture. She remarked that the global shift toward more sustainable energy systems presents a unique opportunity for Nigeria to economically reposition itself by leveraging what she described as the “rapidly expanding carbon economy.”

"The decarbonisation agenda for Nigeria is critically important. Many sectors within Nigeria, including oil and gas and agriculture, are significantly carbon-heavy. This presents a tremendous opportunity for Nigeria to capitalize on the carbon economy, generate employment, and enhance income within these sectors," she stated.

Muchiri referred to Nigeria’s evolving policy commitments as a sign of readiness, pointing to statements made by President Bola Tinubu at international climate forums, including the United Nations Climate Change Conference, which indicate Nigeria’s readiness to pursue a structured transition toward low-carbon development.

"The president has reiterated multiple times, especially at last year's COP, that Nigeria is prepared for a decarbonisation agenda. We are pleased to see numerous partners eager to collaborate with the nation in this journey," she stated.

She urged development partners, investors, and technical experts to deepen their involvement with Nigeria through financing, knowledge transfer, and capacity building, all of which she deemed crucial for propelling the nation’s shift to a sustainable low-carbon economy.