Nigeria is set to phase out its reliance on diesel and reduce carbon emissions through an integrated hybrid energy system, Vice President Kashim Shettima has announced.
Speaking on Wednesday at the opening of the Decarbonising Infrastructure in Nigeria Summit (DIN Summit) in Abuja, Shettima emphasized that climate action is now an economic imperative for the country rather than a luxury.
“The truth about Nigeria’s climate question is that we can no longer build yesterday’s infrastructure for tomorrow,” the Vice President said. “If our climate ambitions do not align with our development realities, we will struggle to compete or catch up with the world.”
Shettima highlighted the ongoing transformation of Onne Port in Rivers State as an example of Nigeria’s green push. According to him, discussions are underway with private investors to inject nearly $60 million into electrifying the port and making it the country’s first green port.
“This is a strategic leap,” he noted. “Through an integrated hybrid energy system, we will phase out diesel dependency, slash carbon emissions, and provide 24/7 sustainable and affordable power to terminal operators and port users.”
The Vice President explained that the DIN Summit resulted from extensive consultations, regional dialogues, and technical sessions, reflecting Nigeria’s commitment to translating its net-zero pledge by 2060 into concrete action.
“Our Energy Transition Plan and Climate Change Act have created a roadmap that is both visionary and pragmatic,” Shettima added.
He revealed that 75 percent of Nigeria’s greenhouse gas emissions originate from the infrastructure sector, covering energy, transport, urban development, and agriculture, underscoring the urgency of decarbonisation efforts.
The summit, as observed by WorldClass247News, brought together stakeholders from government, the private sector, and international partners to chart practical solutions for greening Nigeria’s infrastructure and achieving sustainable development goals.