Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Amidst the lingering global energy crisis and increased calls for the replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy to reduce carbon emission, the Nigerian Gas Association has called for a multidimensional approach to energy transition in Africa.
NGA cautioned that Africa needs to be cautious and consider all the pertinent issues in transitioning from fossil fuel to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.
National Publicity Secretary of NGA, Mr Odianosen Masade, said fossil transition in developed economies has been going on for over a century, whilst Africa was expected to transition over a few decades.
“Africa accounts for the smallest share of global greenhouse gas emissions, at just 3.8percent, in contrast to 23percent in China, 19percent in the US, and 13percent in the European Union.
“Africa is also the least industrialized of all the continents in the world, yet one of the most vulnerable to climate change.”
Masade, who is the Corporate Communications Lead, Eroton Exploration & Production Company, also provided insights into challenges inhibiting Nigeria from maximizing the opportunities presented by the conflict in Ukraine, which has reduced the global supply of gas.
He disclosed that lack of political will and lack of critical infrastructure were some of the greatest reasons for Nigeria’s disadvantaged position.
“One of such infrastructure that would have generated significant income for the country is the Trans-Saharan gas pipeline, which will traverse Nigeria, Niger and Algeria across the Sahara desert to Europe.
“It is estimated that once completed, the $13 billion pipeline would transport up to 30 billion cubic meters (1 trillion cubic feet) of natural gas per annum from Warri in Nigeria, through Niger and Algeria on to Europe.”
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