Energy transition must not ‘repeat old mistakes’, say Nigerian bishops

‘We should ensure that the new energy economy does not reproduce old injustices in cleaner language, but promotes local capacity, transparency and accountability.’

Effective policy-making is central to achieving a just energy transition, the Nigeria’s bishops said during an interfaith forum.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) issued a statement during the GreenFaith Nigeria Multifaith and Multisectoral Forum on the country’s “Just Energy Transition Plan” in Abuja on 7 May.

Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso of Kaduna, the CBCN president, said the Church looks forward to a clean energy transition led by the Nigerian government.

“Yet, as we move towards cleaner energy, we must not repeat the old pattern of development that benefits a few while burdening the poor,” he said, in a statement delivered by Fr Michael Banjo, secretary general of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria.

“Nigeria’s energy transition must be treated not merely as an economic agenda, but as a moral and developmental responsibility. The theme of this forum, ‘Faith, Justice and Power: Advancing an Inclusive Just Energy Transition in Nigeria,’ is therefore both timely and urgent.”

He continued: “Energy is not a luxury. It is tied to life, health, education, work, food security, industrial growth, national stability and human dignity.”

Nigeria requires energy for homes, hospitals, schools, farms, industries, small businesses and places of worship, alongside jobs and investments that expand opportunity, the statement said, insisting that the energy transition was not only as an economic agenda but also as a moral and developmental responsibility.

Fr Banjo reported that the Church is ready to collaborate with GreenFaith to promote environmental protection and a just energy transition.

“We therefore call on government at all levels to formulate clear, consistent and just policies that protect affected communities, support small businesses, expand clean and affordable energy, and create decent jobs,” he said.

Such policies should ensure that no part of the country was left behind in the energy transition process, he continued, urging investors, development partners, financial institutions and the private sector to ensure renewable energy investments were guided by conscience.

“We should ensure that the new energy economy does not reproduce old injustices in cleaner language, but promotes local capacity, affordable financing, community ownership, skill development, transparency and accountability,” he said.

He added that religious teachings should guide efforts to address environmental challenges and energy transition.

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