"The Future of Energy Transformation in Africa: Promoting Clean Energy and Sustainable Business"

NaijablaseTv ( Ettah Emmanuel O.)

KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY SENATOR JARIGBE AGOM JARIGBE, CHAIRMAN OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON GAS, SENATE OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

Delivered at the Africa Energy Forum during the Offshore Technology Forum 2024, held in Houston, Texas, USA.

- Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to acknowledge the existing protocol. I bring you warm greetings from the people of Nigeria, the most populous black nation on earth .

- The topic of our discussion today, the future of energy transformation in Africa, is highly relevant at a time when the world is at a critical juncture of an energy transition. This transition offers clean and renewable energy options to the global north, securing energy independence and a greener, more sustainable future. However, it also brings the risk of potential economic loss, continuing energy poverty, and insufficient resources to transition to the new energy age. 

- As we gather here today, it is essential to not only focus on the shift towards renewable energy but also on the urgent need for energy justice. The transition to sustainable energy sources is not just a technological advancement; it is a moral imperative that demands fair access and the equitable distribution of resources.

- Energy justice for Nigeria and the global south encompasses various considerations, from environmental impact to social equity. In our pursuit of a greener future, we must ensure that no community is left behind and that no nation or region bears an unfair burden due to past energy choices made by the global north, which is now ready to transition. 

- The global south, which has contributed significantly to powering economic growth worldwide, has often faced the negative consequences of environmental degradation and energy insecurity. They experience disproportionate exposure to pollution, health risks, and economic struggles. This is not only unjust; it is also unsustainable. We cannot truly progress as a global community while leaving large segments of the population in energy poverty and paying the price for our past actions.

- I urge each and every one of us to prioritize energy justice in our policies, investments, and actions. We must strive to empower communities, particularly those historically marginalized, to fully participate in the transition to renewable energy. This includes providing access to clean and affordable energy, investing in infrastructure and job training, and fostering inclusive decision-making processes.

- In the meantime, we must also focus on unlocking funds for gas development, which we consider as a "Transition Fuel" in Nigeria. With proven gas reserves of over 33 trillion cubic feet and the potential for increased exploration to quadruple those volumes, Nigeria can contribute to stabilizing energy supplies during this transition phase, powering industrialization, and using gas to move away from a fossil fuel-based economy. This is our vision of energy transition with energy justice.

- In conclusion, let us remember that the choices we make today will shape the world of tomorrow. Let us prioritize energy justice in a wise and compassionate manner, ensuring a brighter and more equitable future for generations to come. 

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