Group frowns at FG’s support to coal mining companies

 

An environmental right group known as 350 Nigeria has frowned at Federal Government’s decision to issue licenses to coal mining companies in Nigeria.

 

Arising from a strategic meeting to push for environmental justice and action against climate change in Nigeria, the group called on the FG to reconsider its decision considering the negative impact of coal mining on the environment, livelihood and health of host communities and climate change.

 

A statement signed by its coordinator Mr. Mike Terungwa and made available to journalists stated that the country should   rather switch to Renewable Energy as it is being practiced in many advanced countries.

 

Expressing concern that government is not holding individuals and companies accountable for their activities that negatively destroy the environment, the group said that climate change is a major threat that should not be ignored.

 

“The country is on a struggle to fight off poverty and insecurity and begin a transformative path towards sustainable development.

 

“Climate change is a major threat multiplier that may reverse the hard earned development the government has recorded in particularly in Agriculture. The ongoing crises between herdsmen and farmers are a clear example” it’s added.

 

The statement further quote Rev Sister Lilian Chibiko, a renewable energy specialist and a member of the 350 Nigeria team as saying, ” It is no doubt that the country is at a cross-road of an energy crises exacerbated by population growth, obsolete energy infrastructure but for Nigeria to meet its obligations under the Paris Agreement and sustainable development goals the country should switch to Renewable Energy”.

 

The group which had representatives drawn from the six geopolitical zones further pledged not to relent in its effort to create more awareness and sensitisation campaigns to Nigerians against climate change.