Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Environmental advocates and community leaders have urged the federal government to commit to a transition to renewable energy sources, citing the devastating impact of fossil fuels on health, the environment, and the economy.
The stakeholders particularly called for an end to gas flaring and coal mining, urging the government to commit to transitioning to renewable energy sources, which are healthier and more sustainable.
Speaking at the Annual Conference of Nigeria Coal Network with the theme, “Unite to Resist Gas Flaring and Coal Mining in Nigeria” held in Port Harcourt, the stakeholders highlighted the stark realities of fossil fuel extraction, including a life expectancy of 46 years in the Niger Delta region.
Coordinator of Nigeria Coal Network, Mr. Friday Nbani Barilule, lamented that communities were affected by gas flaring and coal mining, and particularly urged the federal government to stop issuing licenses for coal mining in the country.
Barilule, who is also the Executive Director of Lekeh Development Foundation, urged local communities to be united in demanding climate justice.
He said, “We demand a real commitment from the Nigerian government to end gas flaring and coal mining. The health and well-being of our communities depend on it. Several times the Nigerian government has been shifting the goalpost for ending gas flaring.
“The government should stop issuing coal mining licenses. We are advocating for transmission to renewable energy which is friendlier to health, the environment, and everybody. The ordinary people do not have what it takes to end gas flaring, that is why we are prevailing on the government for a commitment.”
Also, the Campaign Lead of Don’t Gas Africa Movement, Mr. Dean Bhekumuzi Bhebhe, emphasized the need to think sustainably about climate, energy, and development, highlighting the significant health and economic costs of fossil fuels and the benefits of transitioning to renewable energy.
Bhebhe said Don’t Gas Africa was a movement to push back fossil fuels and push for renewable energy, in a bid to unlock the development potential of Africa and save lives.
“We must start thinking about the nexus between climate, energy, and development sustainably. Because of gas flaring and fossil fuels across the African continent, the life expectancy in the Niger Delta is between 41-46 years old.
“There is over $2 trillion invested globally when it comes to diseases related to air pollution. Imagine how much will be saved, if we transitioned to renewable energy that is sustainable and these funds could be channeled to something more tangible that can unlock development in Africa.”
For her part, Mrs Julie Ooja Okoh, Executive Director, Carbon Free for Change Mitigation Initiative, urged women who are often the most affected by environmental crises, to come together and advocate for sustainable development.
“Mineral resources are a doom for us because of the impact it has on us, as humans and the environment. The impact of these resources is deeper than the funds that they (government) are making from minerals like coal, oil, and gas.
“Women are the voice of the community. Whenever there is a crisis, women are always the worst hit, and that is why women must come together to demand for climate justice.”
