By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for a balanced energy transition that considers the needs of developing economies as the world pushes for cleaner energy sources.
Speaking at the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) in Khankhendi, Azerbaijan, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of a climate-resilient future.
President Tinubu said that climate change has severe consequences, including devastating droughts, floods, desertification, and extreme heat waves. He said, “Nigeria, endowed with both fossil and renewable energy, also supports a just energy transition.”
President Tinubu sought partnership from ECO members to expand access to cleaner energy technologies, share technical expertise, and invest in regional power pools.
President Tinubu pledged Nigeria’s commitment to addressing climate change, stating that the country is developing a new National Development Plan (2026-2030) that integrates climate change mitigation and adaptation. He said, “It is not by accident that the Plan is designed to end in 2030, which is the deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is to ensure that Nigeria stays on track in implementing the SDGs.”
President Tinubu proposed several key initiatives, including: Strengthening the ECO-Africa Trade Corridor to harmonize tariffs and streamline customs procedures, Promoting Energy Interoperability and Transition to manage the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy, Empowering vulnerable groups, such as youth and women entrepreneurs, through skills development and digital inclusion, and Mobilizing public-private partnerships to fund grassroots climate adaptation.
President Tinubu urged ECO members to prioritize inclusive growth, saying, “The benefits of trade, transport, and energy must reach rural farmers, fishing communities, livestock sector stakeholders, young people, and women entrepreneurs.” He emphasized the need for unity and cooperation to achieve a sustainable and climate-resilient future.
President Tinubu ended by thanking the government and people of Azerbaijan for hosting the Summit and expressed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting climate actions, investing in innovation, and protecting vulnerable populations. He said, Let our unity serve as both a shield and a ladder for resilience and shared prosperity.”
