By Obas Esiedesa, Abuja

Amid the global push to reduce reliance on hydrocarbons as an energy source, experts in Nigeria have argued that no nation has achieved economic development solely through renewable energy.

They called for the continued exploitation of Nigeria’s petroleum and solid mineral resources to meet its developmental needs.

Speaking at the 2024 International Conference of the Nigerian Association of Energy Economics (NAEE) in Abuja on Tuesday, industry experts emphasized that the need to improve energy access for Nigerians and Africans outweighs the argument for achieving net zero targets in the immediate term.

Delivering a keynote address at a panel session, the Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr. Dele Alake, highlighted Nigeria’s threefold challenge: ensuring economic growth to reduce poverty, meeting rising energy demand, and protecting the environment to maintain ecological balance.

Represented by his Special Assistant, Amira Waziri, Mr. Alake said: “Our energy infrastructure is under increasing strain, driven by urbanization, industrial expansion, and population growth. Estimates show that Nigeria’s energy consumption will rise significantly in the coming decades. As we pursue development, we also face the urgent task of meeting global commitments on climate change and sustainability.”

He acknowledged that while much of Nigeria’s energy demand is currently met through non-renewable sources such as oil, gas, and coal, these resources are finite and contribute to environmental degradation.

He added that the solid minerals sector, including mining, is energy-intensive and must be managed carefully to minimize its environmental footprint.

However, Dr. Terhemen Adzinge of the University of Cape Town, South Africa, argued that it is unrealistic for Nigeria and other African countries to achieve economic development solely through renewable energy.

He pointed out that the global North utilized hydrocarbons as their primary energy source to develop and continues to do so.

He described the calls from Western nations to end the use of hydrocarbons as “green colonization,” stating, “The developed North used fossil fuels to achieve progress and now tells us to halt development and rely on renewable energy. We cannot thrive on renewable energy alone—no nation has developed that way.”

Adzinge further noted, “We face two challenges: the need for energy access and the question of priorities. Our energy poverty is so severe that we may not be in a position to engage meaningfully in the energy transition conversation just yet. Yes, we need energy transition, but we must also ensure better energy access for our people.”

In her contribution, the CEO of the Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC), Dr. Joy Ogaji, lamented the absence of a unified policy to drive Nigeria’s energy sector.

She argued that Nigeria’s pursuit of energy sufficiency would remain elusive unless the current policy inconsistencies are addressed.

“If you look at the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), they project a need for 100,000 megawatts. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has a 20-year transmission plan aiming for 8,000 MW. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is targeting 5,000 MW, distribution companies are focusing on 3,900 MW, and generation companies aim for 11,000 MW out of the installed 14,000 MW capacity. We need a harmonized plan that everyone can work towards,” she explained.

Energy economics expert, Prof. Wumi Iledare, added that despite the growing calls for energy transition, “killing oil and gas in favor of renewable energy will not work. Net zero is unattainable if petroleum is removed from the energy mix.”