The Ogun State Government has announced plans to collaborate with the Oyan Dam to harness hydropower for generating clean energy to meet industrial and residential needs and potentially supply to other states. The Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, shared this during a meeting with a delegation from the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation focusing on advancing Nigeria’s green transition to a circular economy in Abeokuta, the state capital.
Oresanya highlighted the government’s encouragement for local companies to embrace circular economic practices for transitioning to cleaner energy sources. He mentioned the state’s intention to align with the national policy allowing states to produce their energy through circular economic methods to promote industrial development.
The significance of clean energy was emphasized by Oresanya, especially for Ogun State recognized as the industrial hub of Nigeria with numerous large and small industries. He underscored the importance of reducing reliance on fossil fuels to cut production costs and mitigate environmental pollution caused by emissions.
Oresanya pointed out the state’s initiatives in adopting Compressed Natural Gas for public transport and electric bikes to replace fossil fuel-powered bikes as steps towards cleaner energy practices. Mr. Oluyomi Banjo, leading the UNIDO delegation, commended Ogun State for its commitment to sustainable practices and passing assessments related to Nigeria’s transition to a circular economy.
Banjo expressed optimism that the state’s adoption of national energy policies through circular economy principles would attract more industries to Ogun State.