The Chairman of the House Committee on Renewable Energy, Victor Ogene has emphasized the imperative for Nigeria to amplify its investments in renewable energy to foster a sustainable environment. This recommendation was articulated during the inaugural meeting of the committee, where Ogene engaged with stakeholders in Abuja on Wednesday.
He underscored the global consensus on the necessity for a safer and more sustainable energy paradigm, signaling a collective acknowledgment of the need for a transformative approach. Drawing upon records, research, and scientific evidence, Ogene highlighted fossil fuels as paradoxical allies with adverse implications for humanity.
In drawing attention to the oil-rich Niger Delta’s plight, marked by oil spillages, gas flaring, and environmental pollution wreaking havoc on agriculture and aquatic life, Ogene elucidated the tangible and recurring threats posed by fossil energy.
While recognizing that discussions on climate change and ozone layer depletion might seem abstract in the local context, Ogene urged proactive measures. He stressed the changing global landscape, advocating that Nigeria must not lag behind in adopting measures to safeguard the environment and invest in technological advancements for a better future.
Highlighting the depleting global fossil fuel reserves and the escalating environmental risks associated with them, especially concerning climate change, Ogene asserted that renewable energy holds the key to the future. He called for Nigeria to intensify its commitment and deliberate investments in the renewable energy sector and associated technologies.
Ogene emphasized that the commitment to renewable energy should start with members of the parliament, characterizing renewable energy as a nascent field that demands collective engagement. He urged fellow members to embrace a proactive stance, emphasizing the necessity to learn, unlearn, and relearn to formulate critical policy and legislative frameworks conducive to achieving sustainable alternative energy sources. Ogene underscored the importance of a diligent and informed approach to national assignments in this evolving landscape.