By Chioma Onuegbu, Uyo

The Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation (SMYF) has called on the federal government to ensure that the needs and interests of the Niger Delta people are prioritized in Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP).

Speaking at a stakeholder roundtable in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, over the weekend, the Foundation’s Director for Partnerships and Development, Mr. Amara Nwankpa, emphasized the importance of addressing the region’s concerns, given its significant impact in the energy transition process. The event, titled Shaping an Inclusive Energy Transition in the Niger Delta, brought together community activists and leaders from the South-South region to discuss these critical issues.

Nwankpa expressed regret that the ongoing energy transition planning had not sufficiently engaged the communities most affected by the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy. He argued that a thorough consultation would better capture the challenges and needs of the people in the Niger Delta, ensuring a fair and equitable transition.

“Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan must take into account the needs of the Niger Delta region, which is directly impacted. Adequate engagement with these communities is essential, yet this has not been sufficiently done,” Nwankpa said. “Listening to and understanding their energy challenges is crucial to ensure that the plan is both just and fair.”

He further noted that as the global shift towards renewable energy accelerates, the Niger Delta could face significant adverse effects if the government does not address the region’s specific energy needs.

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Nnimmo Bassey, Director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), emphasized that energy transition is essential to addressing Nigeria’s power challenges. He urged the government to focus on developing community-based power systems that are clean, efficient, and independent of the national grid.

“Many of our communities are still not connected to the national grid, and the world is moving away from centralized energy systems. We need power solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of communities, managed by the communities themselves,” Bassey stated.

He expressed concern about the frequent collapse of Nigeria’s national grid, noting that it is inadequate to handle even the current power generation of under 4,000 megawatts. Bassey questioned how the grid could manage increased electricity generation if it struggles with the current load.

“The frequent collapse of the national grid is troubling. If the current capacity cannot be sustained, how will the system cope with more electricity? This is why community-based power solutions are vital,” he added.

Bassey also emphasized the need for broader reforms in Nigeria’s economic, political, and cultural systems, noting that energy transition alone would not solve all the country’s challenges. “We need changes across the board, not just in energy, but in our economic, political, and cultural systems as well,” he concluded.