Activist proffers solution to flood, erosion in Nigeria
Dr.Godwin Uyi Ojo, the Executive Director of Environmental Rights Action and Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN, has charged the Federal Government to act fast to address the issue of flooding and erosion that is caused by torrential rainfall all over the country.
He asserted that the quick intervention of the government is required to ameliorate the problem.
“From the intergovernmental panel on climate change and its scientific report, climate change and its impact will grow in scope and intensity because of the rising global temperature which is leading to extreme weather conditions – too much rains in some quarters and too much heat in some other quarters.
“This is leading to severe impacts as a result of ecological changes. This is very significant and that’s why we are talking about an energy transition model from fossil fuel based economy to alternatives in renewable sources of energy.
“This is the way we should go. But it’s very sad that from media reports over twenty people are fear dead and so many others are unaccounted for.
“We’ll need to act fast. Nigerians pledge of nationally determined contributions which is 20 percent emission reduction based on the Paris Agreement, that pledge is good but there is nothing on ground to support its implementation for example.
“We don’t see any attempt of the Federal Government to shift the oil dependency to renewal sources of energy. It will surprise you that according to the budget office of the Federation over N17 billion has been earmarked for the procurement of plants and generators and burning of fossil fuel to generate power to the ministries, departments and agencies.
“But this money could have been better channelled to sources of renewables. This is why we call on the Federal Government, the world bank and other governments of the world to stop putting incentives in extractives.
“Rather, they should divest from extractive and begin to look for alternatives in renewable sources of energy.
“The last point I want to make is that if we commit N17billion to renewable sources of energy that will go a long way in generating about 46 megawatts which is significant for Nigeria.
“So,we are waiting for a 5 percent budget inclusion for research and development (R & D)as well as programmes.
“All tiers of government should devote significant part of the budget in research and development of renewable sources of energy.
“That’s the only way forward to promote access to energy while moving away from fossil fuel,” he submitted.
BY ISAAC OLAMIKAN, WARRI
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