It was Theodore Roosevelt in 1986 that enthused 'The future belongs to the brave, not the fainthearted.' The future for Nigeria is in reducing its emission levels to 1.5C. The reality of this, however, cannot be achieved if certain steps are not taken. In spite of the positive stance the Nigerian government has displayed at various for a, from Paris to Marakkech. We need more than courtesy calls and signing the Paris Agreement, because, even more than the signing, is the commitment to keep in line with the objectives of the Agreement.

Nigeria presented its INDC's in 2015, an ambitious outlining of high hopes, grandiose plans, lofty ideals, perhaps what one would call a climate master plan, but beyond 2015, what have we done to ensure the reality of this goal. Here, I will succinctly outline 5 solutions which Nigeria must as of necessity put in place in order to achieve its 1. 5 C limit:

First, we must get accurate data and readings on the current emission levels in the country, because was it not Carl Sagan that said that to know the present, you must understand the past. And of course, if we have no idea where we are, it is herculean trying to get somewhere else. Even Uber understands this. So in booking a taxi, you put in where you are first, then where you are going. We need to work on our technology systems and reporting accuracy, so as to get the right data to forge ahead. The Energy Commission research centres must come alive again

Also, we need to develop legislations that have binding force in ensuring reduction of fossil fuel activity and increment of climate-friendly activity. Legislations focusing on environmental concerns in Nigeria like the NESREA (National Environmental Standards Regulation Agency) Act do not have the force that makes them mandatory for Oil companies for instance to stop gas flaring. The Petroleum Act, the Deep Offshore and Inland Water Basin Act does no better at it. The NOSDRA (National Oil Spill Detection Regulation Act) has been a toothless bulldog against the big polluters. For us to achieve 1.5C, we must give our laws teeth.

Third on this issue is the much touted point that Nigeria has to diversify its economy, relieving the almost entire dependence of the economy on a non-renewable fossil fuel, with grave climatic impacts. Countries like Norway that have oil in commercial quantity are quickly moving towards sustainable energy, wind farms, solar stations and waste to energy plants are popping up everywhere replacing the all so revered oil and building a futuristic and sustainable economy. Nigeria has to borrow this leaf, and take a step back from the hallowed crucibles of petroleum, and use the revenue gained from the oil industry to pour back into the huge capitalization required for climate friendly energy production, and slowly ebb away from the fossil fuel dependence.

My fourth point is that there must be political will. In retrospect, perhaps this should have come first. If there is no political will, then the National Assembly and Presidency will drag even the simplest of things out until they find a reason not to do it.

Finally, we have to start seeing the usefulness in waste. Landfills are a common sight in Nigeria. The average Nigerian thinks he has done away with his problems once he discards dirt or waste, even if the point of discard is the gutter in front of his house. They have no idea how these dumps and landfills produce high levels of methane and carbon dioxide. Even the dead grass and shrubs can be used to create biomass for operating of local bio-stoves. This clearly means that Nigeria has all it needs to effect a transition of waste from its state to a source of energy, both locally and globally.

I will conclude by saying that Nigeria is replete with renewable energy and the potential to not just develop, but monetize it. The benefits are enormous. The agriculture, health, and even investment milieu of the country will take a sharp turn for the better. Also, Nigeria's position, not just as largest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa, but as a big brother, will be affirmed.

 

 

REFERENCES

http://allafrica.com/stories/201504060676.html Accessed 25 May, 2017

http://nigerianobservernews.com/2016/01/managing-the-effects-of-climate-change-in-nigeria/  Accessed 25 May, 2017

http://thenationonlineng.net/global-warming-and-effects-on-nigeria/ Accessed 25 May, 2016

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landfill_gas Accessed 24 May, 2017

https://ruthduring.wordpress.com/2016/10/16/impact-of-climate-change-in-nigeria-and-why-we-need-to-keep-temperature-below-1-5-degrees/ Accessed 24 May, 2016

Odjugo, Peter Akpodiogaga-A. Ovuyovwiroye. "General overview of climate change impacts in Nigeria." Journal of Human Ecology 29.1 (2010): 47-55.

Offorma, Grace Chibiko. "CLIMATE CHANGE IN NIGERIA."

Sambo, A. S. "Renewable energy development in Nigeria." Energy commission of Nigeria paper presented at the World?s future council and strategy workshop on renewable energy, Accra, Ghana. 2010.

The Renewable Energy Programme, Ministry of Environment, Nigeria http://renewableenergy.gov.ng/ Accessed 25 May, 2017