- The Director-General of NCCC, Majekodunmi Omotenioye, has called for a pragmatic energy transition in Africa.
- She said the approach would support industrialisation while helping the continent meet global climate commitments.
The Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Majekodunmi Omotenioye, has urged Africa to adopt a pragmatic energy transition strategy. She said the continent must use natural gas as a bridge fuel to support industrialisation while meeting global climate commitments.
Omotenioye delivered the message in her keynote address at the three-day Green Conference 2026 organised by Greenplinth Africa in Lagos.
The conference carried the theme, “Decarbonising Africa: Pathway to Climate Finance, Sustainable Growth and Green Economy.” Policymakers, climate experts, state governments and development partners attended the event. They discussed strategies for balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability across Africa.
According to a statement released on Sunday, Omotenioye highlighted Africa’s unique development challenge. She explained that the continent must pursue rapid industrial growth while reducing carbon emissions. Developed economies did not face this challenge during their own industrialisation.
“Africa stands at a pivotal moment in global development,” she said. “We are the youngest continent, rich in resources, innovation and human potential. Yet hundreds of millions still lack reliable access to modern energy.”
She added that the real issue is not whether Africa should decarbonise. Instead, policymakers must determine how the continent can achieve industrial growth and energy security while supporting global climate goals.
Furthermore, Omotenioye said replacing coal and heavy fuel oil with natural gas could significantly cut emissions. She noted that such a shift could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50 per cent. It would also improve air quality.
“With more than 600 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, Nigeria can support industrial growth and advance global climate objectives,” she added.
She also disclosed that Nigeria recently launched a national framework to decarbonise the oil and gas value chain. The framework covers upstream, midstream and downstream operations.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Sam Ode, stressed the role of sub-national governments in climate action. He said state governments must lead efforts to build a low-carbon economy.
According to him, decarbonisation has become an urgent global priority. He emphasised that rural communities must benefit from clean energy access.
“The goal is to ensure that the poorest and most vulnerable people gain access to clean energy,” he said. He also encouraged investors and development partners to view Benue as “a frontier for green opportunity.”
During the conference, Niger State became the second sub-national government to sign a clean energy agreement with Greenplinth Africa. Benue State signed the first agreement earlier.
Speaking on the development, the Niger State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Abubakar Musa, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to climate action. The Director-General of the Niger State Agency for Green Initiatives, Daniel Galadima, also expressed support for the programme.
“This project will reduce poverty, increase family income and help address climate challenges,” Musa said.
In addition, Muhammed Gudi, who represented the Nasarawa State Government, pledged support for the initiative. He said the state would provide land and policy backing for the project.
“His Excellency is pleased that the state is fully engaged in decarbonisation initiatives,” he said. “Nasarawa is ready to participate because the programme will address climate challenges and create jobs.”
In recognition of its early commitment, Greenplinth Africa honoured the Lagos State Government at the conference. Lagos became the first sub-national government to sign a memorandum of understanding with the organisation.