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Nigeria VP Osinbajo Urges Developed Countries to Commit to Funding Africa’s Energy Transition
By Derrick Bangura
Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has tasked developed nations to commit to fully funding Africa’s energy transition.
Osinbajo made the call in an article he penned in The Economist magazine titled: “Yemi Osinbajo on the Hypocrisy of Rich Countries’ Climate Policies,” in which he argued that Nigeria required $400 billion of new investment above business-as-usual spending to meet its net-zero target.
He also stated that that Africa was not a threat to the global climate targets, adding that LNG should be recognised as a clean cooking alternative.
Osinbajo wrote: “First, developed nations should commit to funding, in full, Africa’s energy transition. This is both a moral imperative and an environmental necessity.
“We estimate that Nigeria requires $400 billion of new investment above business-as-usual spending to meet its net-zero pledge. A green energy package, akin to South Africa’s, should offer at least $10 billion per year over the next two decades. Investments would cover not only new renewable generation projects, but also transmission infrastructure, smart grids, data management systems, storage capacity, electric vehicles, clean cooking, and the costs of integrating new distributed energy systems.”
He noted that a promising step was announced last year in Scotland at COP26, the annual UN climate talks, when South Africa received a $8.5 billion package to accelerate its energy transition, and argued that, “it is high time to extend that kind of support to the rest of the continent.
“Now is the ideal time to reset global policy so as to bolster Africa’s plans for producing clean energy. Wealthy countries have contributed the most to climate change, and they cannot demand more stringent actions than they will commit to themselves.”
He also pointed out that the world would not be able to tackle collective challenges if poor nations are treated as second class, or their aspirations ignored.
Osinbajo insisted that instead of viewing Africa’s emergence as a threat to be blocked, the continent should be seen as a tremendous opportunity, since the challenge for the continent was to transition to net-zero emissions while at the same time building sustainable power systems to drive development and economic opportunity.
He added that The EU’s recent decision to label natural gas and nuclear power as green investments recognised a critical truth that, “different countries will follow different paths in the energy transition. If this is true for Europe, it’s even truer for diverse African nations.”
According to him, after enduring colonialism, decades of unfair economic practices and COVID-19 vaccine apartheid, Africa, “cannot accept regressive climate policy as another injustice. Tackling the dual crises of poverty and climate change can only succeed if all countries play their fair part–and all of humanity is lifted up together.
“Though solar will provide most of our power in the future, we still need natural gas for base load power and balance. We insist that liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) be included as a clean cooking alternative to save the lives of our women and girls and to protect our own natural environment.
“Europe says it needs a decade more of gas investment to meet its 2050 climate targets. Africa—with our greater challenges—should have at least two more decades in order to meet our climate targets.”
The vice president argued strongly that the Nigerian government remained committed to universal energy access, adding that all Nigerians deserved to enjoy the benefits of modern energy that are taken for granted in the rich world.
“We should aim to generate a national average power output of at least 1,000 kilowatt-hours per person which, combined with population growth, means that by 2050 we will need to generate 15 times more electricity than we do today. That ambitious goal will require vast resources,” he said.
President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with Gov. Seyi Makinde, his family and the people of Oyo State, over the death of his elder brother, Sunday Makinde.
The president, in a condolence message issued on Monday, said that the loss of a loved one, especially a cherished elder brother, is a profound sorrow.
“In this time of mourning, I want you to know that I, along with many others, stand with you and your family.
“We pray for strength and comfort as you navigate this irreplaceable loss. I hope you find comfort in the memories you shared and the impact he had on those around him.
“This moment reminds us of the importance of family, unity and love—values that your family has always exemplified and that we all hold dear.
“May these values strengthen you and your loved ones in this time of grief,” he said.
Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul and for the Almighty to grant the governor and his family the strength to navigate this challenging time.
“Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and that you are not alone in this period.
“You can count on my unwavering support and assistance during this difficult time,” the president said.
The Federal Government, through the Federal Civil Service Commission, has announced the commencement of recruitment into various positions within the Federal Civil Service.
In a statement on Monday by the FCSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Taiwo Hassan, he disclosed that interested and eligible Nigerians can apply for the available positions through the commission’s official recruitment portal.
He stated that applicants are to apply for only one position.
The statement read, “The Federal Civil Service Commission is receiving applications for various vacancies in the Federal Civil Service. The vacancy announcement is published on the commission’s website: www.fedcivilservice.gov.ng and in national newspapers.
“Eligible applicants are to apply for only one position via the application link: https://recruitment.fedcivilservice.gov.ng. Applicants who are physically challenged should state the nature of their disability.
“Applicants are to upload the following documents as applicable: I) Curriculum Vitae, II) Ph.D/Master’s Degree Certificate, III) Degree/HND/NCE Certificate, IV) WAEC/NECO/NABTEB Certificate, V) Primary School Certificate, VI) NYSC discharge/exemption/exclusion certificate, VII) Birth Certificate/Declaration of Age, VIII) Local Government Identification, IX) Recent Passport photograph.
“All applications are to be submitted on or before Monday, 10th March, 2025.”
The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base, Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom, has apprehended two persons over alleged theft of 2,100 liters of premium motor spirit.
The Commanding Officer, Capt. Aliyu Abdullahi disclosed this while handing over the suspects and items to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) in Ibaka on Monday.
Abdullahi said that navy personnel apprehended the suspects at about 7.45p.m on Jan. 24, while on a routine patrol along the Mbo River area.
He said that during the patrol, naval personnel intercepted a wooden boat carrying over 2,100 Liters of petrol, carefully concealed under cargos such as bread, fruits and bags of cassava flakes among others.
He said that the intention of the suspects was to smuggle the product from Nigeria into the Republic of Cameroun.
The commanding officer said that under the watch of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, the FOB IBAKA would remain committed to fighting waterway crime.
Abdullahi said it would be impossible for maritime crimes to continue in the waterways and coastal areas of Akwa Ibom.
“We shall continue to detect criminals and their activities within the nation’s waterways through the use of advanced surveillance equipment and intelligence.
“Individuals or groups involved in smuggling or any form of criminal activity within Nigeria’s waters should desist immediately,” he said.
Receiving the suspects and Items, ASC Willie Emediong, said that the NSCDC would prosecute the suspects after thorough investigations on the matter.
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