My fellow Nigerians, it is time to demand a shift away from fossil fuels and towards renewable sources of power for the sake of our economy, health and planet.
For decades, we have remained over-reliant on imported petroleum to meet our energy needs. But with the recent removal of costly fuel subsidies, it is clearer than ever that this dependency leaves us at the mercy of fluctuating global oil prices. Every time the cost of crude rises, we pay more at the pump – whether to charge our phones or fuel the generators keeping our cities and towns lit at night.
This is unsustainable. Instead of sending billions of Naira overseas each year, “””Yes we send billions because directly or indirectly we pay these taxes that we don’t enjoy but only the people on top politicians and Government of the day “” We need solutions that harness Nigeria’s natural resources within our borders to generate our electricity. We have immense potential for solar power right here – resources that will not drain our foreign reserves or spark nationwide protests whenever international market forces cause fuel shortages and price hikes, because that is the government strategy for killing our able body youth and enriching their families nowadays.
Fossil fuel has not only made us slaves and making the government of the day kill us and our youth with visions but Fossil fuels are also harming our health and shortening our life expectancy. Air pollution from improperlycombusted gasoline, diesel and coal kills an estimated 120 Nigerians every day from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases according to the World Health Organization (
WHO) . Children are especially vulnerable to developing lung problems in places with high smog levels. Switching to clean, renewable technologies would save lives by improving air quality in our cities and towns.
In rural areas, dangerous fumes from petrol and kerosene lamps and stoves used for lighting and cooking inside poorly ventilated homes have serious health impacts too – especially on women who tend to spend more time near these indoor pollution sources doing chores. Renewables offer safer alternatives.
Even compressed natural gas promoted as a “transition fuel” is still a fossil and releases methane, a greenhouse gas dozens of times more potent than carbon dioxide. While its emissions are lower than petrol or diesel, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure still depends on global fossil markets and does nothing to address the root causes of climate change threatening Nigeria’s coastlines, agriculture and access to water. The wise choice is to skip compressed natural gas “CNG”and aim straight for renewable energy.
The climate crisis worsened by burning oil, gas and coal is already affecting rains and harvests in some Nigerian regions according to scientists. Our people who rely on farming and fishing are feeling the impacts. By rapidly growing renewable energy, we can curb emissions and protect livelihoods in the long run. With solar panels, homeowners can still charge phones and power lights during seasonal flooding that cuts electricity.
Some argue transitioning away from cheap, abundant fossil fuels seems too costly. But when we consider avoided health burdens and diversifying away from import reliance, renewables will prove economically wise. Startup costs come down as markets develop scale too. According to researchers at the University here in Nigeria, investments in wind and hydro could create over 180,000 jobs in our country while investing in solar power will create three times (3x) of these jobs. Rural electrification would spark opportunities for small businesses and improve education. Renewables empower self-sufficiency beyond fuel costs alone.
Fellow citizens, demand is growing worldwide for clean, modern energy technologies. Nigeria has so much potential to become a solar and wind power leader on the continent.
With our campaign, let’s raise awareness about the benefits of renewable energy nationwide. By contacting community organizers, our leaders and youth groups, together we can inspire a just energy transition and healthier, more prosperous future.
When we choose renewables, we take control of our future rather than remain hostage to oil. The sun, wind and water swirling around Nigeria are gifts waiting to be harnessed through innovative spirit and initiative. Our children deserve a Nigeria powered by sustainable energy and fortified against climate impacts. It is time to mobilize citizens and push decision makers towards a renewable energy revolution that lifts living standards for all. The future is ours to shape – let ours be one lit by the power of the sun and natural elements within our borders, not the whims of petroleum traders abroad. What do you say, my fellow Nigerians – are you ready for change?
IF YES THEN JOIN LIBEDEF FOR A BETTER FUTURE STARTING TODAY
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