The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has emphasized that the Niger Delta region is the most impacted area in Nigeria concerning climate change. Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of NDDC, affirmed the commission’s commitment to promoting the use of clean energy as a crucial part of addressing global climate change challenges. Highlighting the environmental issues faced by the Niger Delta region due to crude oil exploration and exploitation, Ogbuku stressed the urgent need for sustainable solutions during an interview on Arise Television following his participation in the Climate Change Conference, COP28, in Dubai.
During the conference, the NDDC sought partnerships and investments in renewable energy, aiming to raise awareness of the adverse effects of crude oil exploration and gas flaring on the environment and communities in the Niger Delta region. Ogbuku stressed the significant negative impacts of climate change, including pollution, flooding, and environmental degradation, leading to the forcible migration of many communities.
The NDDC’s participation in COP28 yielded promising outcomes, including discussions on collaborations with various organizations to address gas flaring and a commitment to investing in solar power to provide sustainable energy solutions in the Niger Delta region while expecting to recover carbon credits from these investments. Looking ahead to 2024, the commission plans to incorporate these investment initiatives, such as a large-scale tree-planting campaign and the training of youths in renewable energy, into its budget.
As part of its plans, the NDDC aims to train 1,000 youths in the Niger Delta region in the conversion of fuel engines to condensed Natural Gas, with the vision of making the region a hub for engine conversion and green energy initiatives. Emphasizing the importance of sharing the challenges and opportunities of the Niger Delta region at a global level, Ogbuku urged for impactful actions to address issues such as gas flaring, climate change, and carbon emissions.
Furthermore, the NDDC has developed a framework within its Environmental Protection and Control Directorate to ensure that all its developmental activities comply with green energy standards. Ogbuku reiterated the agency’s commitment to driving positive change, emphasizing the necessity for effective action in addressing the environmental challenges faced by the Niger Delta region.