The Nigerian government has called on developed nations to assist Nigeria with technology transfer to help the country tackle gas flaring.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, made the call in Abuja while declaring open the National Conference on Strengthening the Implementation of the Voluntary Principle on Security and Human Rights in Nigeria.
Onyeama, who noted that Nigeria produced more gas than oil, spoke just as the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu reiterated its commitment to ensuring implementation of the dedicated 0.5 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to research and innovation.
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Onyeama, who was represented by the acting Director, International Organisation Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Nasir Aminu, maintained that Nigeria faced energy challenges, which could be solved by utilising gas to achieve the desired mixed energy option.
He explained that over the years, the relationship between host communities and the extractive sector, particularly the petroleum sector, has been frosty due to pollution of the environment, including water resources, which disrupt means of livelihood in some communities.
He noted that the clarion call for stringent mitigation measures for the use of clean energy cannot be overlooked, the same way the survival of disadvantaged countries, like Nigeria, who rely on fossil fuel for their functional survival and economic development.
“Hence, we seek the understanding and cooperation of the international community to pause the bid to defund fossil fuel projects” he said.
He added that climate change affects all nations, which makes it imperative for countries to share knowledge to mitigate the effects of a polluted environment.
