Quite famous is the saying that “what goes up must come down”, although it has proven to be true in some scenarios, the reverse is the case in others. For example, a common occurrence is in Nigeria, where the prices of things keep rising.
Among the many things that have skyrocketed in prices this year is the rising cost of domestic cooking gas. While Nigeria prides itself as the Giant of Africa and stands as one of the top ten countries globally with enormous gas reserves, citizens are plagued by the high cost of gas.
Whereas conversations are still on domestic gas, a recent development has been made in the electricity sector. Over the weekend, the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) approved an increase in the price of electric meters. The rise, when evaluated, was seen to be above fifty per cent of the original costs.
How can Nigeria in this present state meet its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), combat climate change and attain a net-zero economy?
With rising domestic gas prices, an average Nigeria is being forced to rely on the use of coal and firewood as a means of cooking. The use of coal has long been classified as a dirty fuel source, but most Nigerians are left with no choice given the present predicament. The more coal used, the higher the rate of carbon emissions in the country.
Furthermore, most persons are looking to acquire electric meters to monitor their energy consumption and avoid the plight of estimated billing. However, the current turn out with increased electric meter prices will only push individuals into consuming more fuel to run generators, hence, soaring carbon emissions.
The phrase “what goes up, must come down” is yet to be actualised in Nigeria. It’s high time the government and citizens woke up to the rising challenges befalling the country and made sustained efforts to lift the country off its present state and move towards a more sustainable environment.