By Adaobi Rhema Oguejiofor
The Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has announced that the steps taken by the Agency in the area of solar power, align with the sustainable development goals set to address climate change issues in Nigeria.
Ogbuku said this when a delegation from the Asteven International Company made a presentation on renewable energy and carbon credit at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt. He said that the Agency plans to power every household in the Niger Delta region with solar.
In his own words, “our target is that every community in the Niger Delta region will be powered by solar, which is a renewable and 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.
“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.”
The NDDC Boss further said that the Commission’s collaboration with a US-based firm and its compliance with the National Council of Climate Change (NCCC) demonstrates the Agency’s dedication to climate-related matters.
The President of the Council on Renewable Energy, Dr. Sunny Akpoyibo, had earlier pledged support in developing projects with carbon values to NDDC.
On his own part, the Executive Director of Asteven Group, Prof. Magnus Onuoha, emphasized the centrality of the Niger Delta in the international climate change discourse, urging the Commission to actively engage experts for climate finance and technology support.
He emphasized the importance of climate justice for sustainable development in the region.