By Ebi Kesiena
The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has unveiled an ambitious plan to invest in solar power and carbon credits as part of the Commission’s commitment to combating climate change in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, noting that this significant step aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and marks a pivotal moment in the region’s journey towards environmental sustainability.
According to the statement, Dr. Ogbuku made the groundbreaking announcement during a presentation by a delegation from Asteven International Company at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt. The presentation focused on Renewable Energy and Carbon Credits, emphasizing the potential for positive environmental transformation.
“Our target is that every community in the Niger Delta region will be powered by solar; which is renewable and a cheap form of energy. In addition to this, we shall create industrial clusters to be powered by solar, which will help in improving the agricultural value chain,” stated Dr. Ogbuku, outlining the Commission’s commitment to transforming the region’s energy landscape.
The NDDC Chief Executive Officer went on to emphasize the Commission’s partnership with a US-based firm and its strict adherence to the National Council of Climate Change guidelines, underscoring their unwavering dedication to climate-related matters.
Dr. Ogbuku also highlighted the dual benefits of solar power, explaining, “Solar power has the dual benefit of helping people with projects and building carbon credits. We expect to recover the carbon credits we have garnered so far. Such recovered funds can be reinvested,” he noted, shedding light on the potential for environmental regeneration, particularly in the context of mangrove restoration.
Support for this pioneering initiative poured in from various quarters, with the President of the Council on Renewable Energy, Dr. Sunny Akpoyibo, pledging assistance to NDDC in developing projects with carbon values.
He stated, “NDDC should work towards getting a return on sustainable development. The Commission needs to unlock trapped values in its projects.”
During their presentation, Asteven International Company emphasized the global significance of NDDC’s green projects and assured the Commission of their support in monetizing carbon credits. Their commitment extends to unlocking a substantial $2 billion carbon investment potential in the Niger Delta region.
Prof. Magnus Onuoha, the Executive Director of Asteven Group, underscored the international importance of the Niger Delta in the climate change discourse. He urged NDDC to actively engage experts for climate finance and technology support while emphasizing the significance of climate justice for sustainable development in the region.
NDDC’s investments in solar power and carbon credits align perfectly with the SDGs, particularly Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and Goal 13 (Climate Action). This forward-looking initiative is a testament to NDDC’s resolute commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience in the Niger Delta region.
