President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has pledged his government’s commitment to end gas-flaring in the country, in line with the global push to halt methane emissions. Speaking at the ongoing United Nations Climate Conference (COP28) summit in Dubai, President Tinubu also unveiled a bold agenda for a greener Nigeria, announcing the roll-out of a fleet of 100 electric buses.
During his address, President Tinubu emphasized the need for participants to make commitments to limit the earth’s temperature increase by the end of the century. He highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to reduce methane emissions by imposing heavy penalties on defaulters, while expressing appreciation for the leadership of the United Arab Emirates in driving greenhouse gas reduction.
“We are consolidating on gas export and usage domestically, as well as exporting to other countries. We are committed to achieving renewable energy and an energy mix. We will continue providing cooking gas for our large population,” President Tinubu stated. He also sought the support of leading nations, including the United States and China, in achieving Nigeria’s renewable energy goals.
President Tinubu’s declaration comes as the United States Special Envoy on Climate, John Kerry, announced over $1 billion in new grants mobilized since COP27 in Egypt. Kerry expressed satisfaction with the growing number of countries endorsing methane pledges and shared initiatives to reduce methane emissions globally.
In addition to his commitments at the COP28 summit, President Tinubu announced a groundbreaking initiative to deploy 100 electric buses in Nigeria. The move aims to significantly reduce the country’s carbon footprint and modernize its transportation systems. The President appointed Mr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, and Mr. Dahiru Salisu, Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change, to co-chair the Nigeria Carbon Market Activation Plan.
President Tinubu’s plan positions Nigeria and Africa as pioneers of green manufacturing and industrialization, with a focus on natural gas as a transition fuel along with other renewable energy sources. He challenged other nations to emulate Nigeria’s efforts in developing sustainable futures, emphasizing Africa’s potential to provide innovative solutions to climate-related challenges.
