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NASS To Formulate Appropriate Legislation To Drive Renewable Energy
The National Assembly (NASS) says it is set to formulate appropriate legislations and legal frameworks that will support the development of renewable energy.
Rep. Afam Ogene, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy said this on Tuesday in Abuja at a Renewable Energy Conference 2023.
The two-day hybrid conference with the theme, ‘Transforming Energy Finance: Bridging Gaps and Building Opportunities is organised by Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) with the support of Heinrich Boll Stiftung.
Ogene said that the current government had resolved to seek sustainable solutions, to create an enabling environment for renewable energy to thrive.
“On our own part as government, especially as lawmakers, we will do our best, with the warm resolve by the government to seek sustainable solutions, to create the enabling environment for this to thrive.
“We shall accordingly, be painstaking and purposeful in formulating appropriate legislations and legal frameworks that would support this development drive in renewable energy, “ he said..
According to him, with the diverse renewable energy resources available in the country and the enabling technology is developed and funded, renewable energy has the potential to bridge the energy gap in Nigeria.
“I have also persistently advocated a purpose driven intentional investment in renewable energy by both government and private sector players in order to actualise a meaningful impact in renewable energy in the nation.
“ In as much as we desire to have cleaner energy sources, we cannot wish away the huge financial implications of this transition to sustainable and renewable energy.
“In my conversations with stakeholders in the renewable energy sector, the recurrent challenge has always been funding without which not much would be achieved.
“What this simply implies is the need to have accessible financing plans and options that would be available to operators and potential investors in the sector,” he said.
According to him, with the fast dwindling global fossil fuel reserve and the increasing danger associated with it, especially as regards to its impact on the environment and climate change renewable energy is the future .
On his part, Mr Ahmad Salihijo, the Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), said that the nation’s off-grid renewable energy space had grown at a fast pace in the last five years.
Represented by Mr Abba Aliyu, Salihijo said that beyond keeping the lights on, sustainable energy access especially in previously unserved and underserved communities was the key to true sustainable development and inclusion.
“Through the visibility that we have at the REA, we continue to witness the impact of collaboration, innovation and technical expertise.
“As we navigate this ecosystem to deliver energy to last-mile communities, healthcare centres, schools, markets and agricultural clusters,’ ’he said.
Salihijo, however, said that with the current estimates on the number of Nigerians without access to sustainable energy, the sector needed a more push.
He said that in a sector as dynamic and critical as energy, the conversations engaged in should not be mere discussions but pivotal steps toward shaping a sustainable and inclusive energy future.
“Through engagements like this, we must optimise the opportunity to bridge the gap in the sector.
“As we convene, remember that your insights, innovations, and shared experiences have the power to influence policies, spark collaborations, and foster a sense of shared responsibility in the quest for energy justice, “ he said.
Akso soeaking, the President of REAN Mr Ayo Ademilua said that the conference was organised to bring together experts to brainstorm on ways and solutions to adopt renewable energy technology in the country.
Ademilua said that the conference would also explore and identify strategies that would enable increased adoption of renewable energy solutions.
“ Through effective consumer finance, investment support and stakeholders collaboration, REAN aim to explore and implement strategies that will accelerate the adoption of renewable energy among small businesses and citizens.
“With a specific emphasis on leveraging consumer finance and investment support to make these solutions more accessible and affordable,” he said.
The Nigerian rail system generated N1.69billionn in revenue from passengers in the second quarter of 2024, reflecting a 53.14 per cent increase compared to the N1.10billion recorded in the same period of 2023.
This data was disclosed by the National Bureau of Statistics in its report released yesterday.
According to the report, a total of 689,263 passengers travelled by rail in Q2, representing a growth rate of 45.38 per cent compared to 474,117 passengers in the corresponding quarter of 2023.
The volume of goods transported via rail also saw a significant increase, with 143,759 tons moved in Q2 2024, up from 56,936 tons in Q2 2023. Additionally, the Nigerian Railway Corporation reported a volume of 5,940 tons of goods transported through pipelines in Q2 2024, an increase from the 2,856 tons recorded in the same period of the previous year.
Revenue from goods conveyed via rail stood at N537.36m in Q2 2024, a remarkable increase of 206.68 per cent compared to N175.22m in Q2 2023. The movement of goods through pipelines also contributed to revenue generation, with N42.08m collected in Q2 2024, compared to N12.81million in Q2 2023.
Other revenue receipts amounted to N994.68million in Q2 2024, representing a staggering increase of 5,206.68 per cent from the N18.74m recorded in the corresponding period of last year.
In the first quarter, of 2024, The Tide source reported that Nigeria spent more on servicing the debt incurred for building its railways than the revenue generated by its railway system. The country spent 2,470 per cent more on railway debt servicing than it made from revenue from rail services in the first quarter of 2024.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says it is committed to advancing projects and programmes that enhance food security and sustainable growth in the region.
Chief Monday Igbuya, the Delta State representative on the NDDC Board, made this pledge in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, yesterday by the NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama.
Igbuya spoke at the inauguration of a training and empowerment programme for women and youths in livestock and agro processing in Amukpe, Sapele area of Delta.
He stated that the NDDC was prioritising livestock training in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“NDDC is focussed on implementing programmes to ensure food security and agricultural growth in multi sectors, aiming to improve living standards.
“It is our belief that for socio-economic development to take place, there is need to develop manpower in the agricultural sector,” he said.
Igbuya expressed confidence that training farmers would enhance livestock production, create jobs, and alleviate poverty in the Niger Delta.
Mrs Winifred Madume, NDDC Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, said that training farmers and entrepreneurs was essential for improving productivity and market access.
“The commission has been promoting research and development through various institutions and providing farming techniques to beneficiaries,” she said.
The Project Consultant, Dr Simon Akhaine, said that 200 women and youths had registered for the livestock and agro-business skill acquisition programme.
According to him, the programme aims to equip them with the essential knowledge and skills for self-sufficiency in livestock farming, thereby boosting regional food security.
President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this year.
In his stead, Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the annual summit.
Tinubu “wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding,” a statement from the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, revealed yesterday.
The statement is titled ‘Vice President Shettima to Lead Nigeria’s Delegation to the 79th United Nations General Assembly.’
It reads, “President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this year.
“Therefore, the President has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation.”
Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday after his trips to China and the United Kingdom, “wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding,” said Onanuga.
At UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend important sideline events, and hold bilateral meetings.
The high-level General Debate, with the theme “Leaving No One Behind: Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development, and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations,” will run from Tuesday, September 24, through Saturday, September 28, 2024.
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