An international organization, Oxfam, is urging nations to fulfill their financial commitments made during the 27th Conference of Parties (COP27) convention on climate change.
Oxfam’s Program Manager for Accountable Governance in Nigeria, Mr. Henry Ushe, emphasized this during a workshop organized by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center in Port Harcourt.
Developed countries had pledged $100 billion annually to support climate action in low and middle-income countries, but Oxfam noted that the actual amount delivered has been low, with much of it given as loans, increasing debt burdens in vulnerable nations.
Nigeria has developed a gas master plan following commitments to transition to net-zero energy by 2060 and adhere to the Paris Agreement for climate action acceleration.
The country has also passed the Climate Justice Act and established a secretariat to collaborate with civil society organizations and stakeholders for policy implementation.
Oxfam is advocating for the redemption of financial pledges made at COP27 to support these initiatives and ensure accountability in fund utilization.
Lawrence Dube of Natural Justice in Nigeria emphasized the need for regulatory agencies to enforce global energy security and align gas plans with climate goals.
Civil Society National Regulation Council of Nigeria Chairman, Mr. Harry Udoh, expressed concern over the slow implementation of plans since 2007 and urged the government to expedite gas infrastructure development for improved market access.
Recommendations include expanding virtual gas pipelines like CNG and LNG trucking systems to reach underserved areas and strengthening partnerships within the West Africa Gas Pipeline for regional energy security.
Ayo Omowu from CISLAC highlighted the importance of implementing renewable energy policy frameworks for sustainable development goals by 2060.