The Akwa Ibom State Government, despite being represented at the last COP, does not agree with climate change decisions around the world.
” “The state is not ready for energy transition.
“”Its MTEF and Umo Eno Arise Agenda do not talk about energy transition.” Akwa Ibom State has no energy transition in Nigeria. There are no financial documents in line with the conversion plan. Oil revenues will continue to decline due to the global trend to reduce the use of fossil fuels. The world is currently moving towards an energy transition, which is having a negative impact on Nigeria’s 13 oil-producing states.
Climate Change
The Executive Director Mfon Gabriel Well of Science Foundation, WOS made this known while speaking at a one-day capacity building workshop on the following topics: -National Level” was organized for selected journalists in Akwa Ibom State, moderated by Dune Newsletter and funded by Natural Resources Governance Institute (NRGI) and BudgetIT.
Mr. Gabriel analyzed the data and found that in 2012, the 13 percent inflow to Akwa Ibom State was 150.94 billion and further, the 13 outflow to Akwa Ibom decreased by 100.83% from 2012 to 2021.
He said that this will continue to decline as the energy transition progresses.
He said Governor Umo Eno’s A.R.I.S.E agenda does not include plans for energy transition or a renewable and clean economy.
The Director-General outlined the consequences of insufficient preparation for the energy transition: loss of income, inability to meet financial obligations to creditors, increased borrowing and debt, increased unemployment, and reduced investment in the country.
Losses, increased poverty and insecurity, loss of assets, communities.
“”If nothing is done to defuse or contain the situation, these serious consequences will lead to a very bleak future.’’ he said
He suggested that the state could have a vision of becoming the first and largest clean technology in Nigeria and Africa.
Mr.Gabriel said: “As journalists and civil society activists, we can lobby the Akwa Ibom State Government to: SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Develop strong and stable government policies in line with SDG 13 (Climate Action) Find Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan for Akwa Ibom State. Invest in clean and renewable energy research and development.
Also read: Dangers in Retaining Top Government Officials after Retirement in Akwa Ibom State
Although the Akwa Ibom State Government has made efforts to harness clean energy, he acknowledged that government does not have all the answers.
He advocated a change in citizen behavior and Called for independent advocacy and dissemination of indigenous energy transition solutions to address challenges.
He commended Unity Chapel Chairman, Comrade Abasifulek Effiong and other members for putting together such a noble capacity building program for journalists in a new field.
Tengi George Ikoli, a senior official and focal point of the Natural Resources Governance Institute (NRGI), emphasized that: Associated revenue sources such as the Niger Delta Development Commission and the Nigeria Content Monitoring and Development Commission.
“Furthermore, the environmental damage left by international oil companies as they divest from fossil fuels and switch to renewable energy sources will have significant impacts for generations to come unless oil-producing countries are properly prepared.
” Akwa Ibom trusted FAAC It is therefore important that the state government explores alternative sources of revenue other than oil revenue and holds the federal government accountable for cleaning up the environment.
He said that the State government also needs to plan for the inevitable future when oil dries up and makes budgets unviable. Also, if oil becomes less globally competitive, national interests will change. It is also important to note that Akwa Ibom may suffer from minimal benefits, environmental destruction and a population falling into poverty. he said
