… As Usman assures timely implementation of key roadmaps
BY AKUDORO GLORIA
The Minister of State (Gas) Petroleum Resources, Hon. Ekperipe Ekpo has said that about 30 million new jobs could be created globally as a result of energy transition.
Ekpo made this known while highlighting the significance of energy transition during the unveiling of the National Energy Policy and National Energy Master Plan organized by the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
In ensuring energy goals are achieved, the Minister urged partners in the public and private sectors to leverage the power of cooperation, creativity and technology in addressing energy difficulties for a sustainable energy future.
Energy Transition, he said, underpins the growth of sustainability, decreasing pollutants to improve health, fostering growth in the economy, establishing fresh investment prospects in green technology, and decreasing the rate of global warming, which has disastrous effects on both the environment and the people.
According to him, “Everyone benefits from increased energy security, cleaner air, universal energy access and several environment – a fantastic window of time for employment, social advancement and financial security.”
The Minister further expressed the crucial role of energy plan in promoting social development, accelerating economic progress and protecting the environment.
Ekpo, who applauded the ECN for its steadfast commitment in promoting national energy policies and programs in the country, said that the unveiling of the gazetted NEP and NEMP marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a sustainable energy future.
“We are approaching a turning point in the transition to sustainable energy today. Our dedication to strategic planning and coordination of the energy sector is demonstrated by the release of these gazettes.
“This document not only reviews the direction about government policies but also releases several approaches achieve energy goals”, said the Minister.
In her goodwill message, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination and Head, Central Delivery Coordination Unit, Hadiza Bala Usman, noted that the gazettes aligns with Priority 4 of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to unlock energy and natural resources for sustainable development.
“The current administration is fully aware of the tremendous social and economic benefits of a resilient, stable, and profitable energy sector. This is why the Central Delivery Coordination Unit, under my leadership, will closely monitor the timely implementation of the key roadmaps outlined in these gazettes,” she said.
While hoping to work collaboratively with the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology in the successful implementation of these initiative, the SA submitted that the NEP and the NEMP have the potential to unlock Nigeria’s vast energy resources by eliminating obstacles, paving the way for a future powered by reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy sources.