‘Global Energy Transition Strategies Must Tackle Energy Poverty’, Deputy Secretary-General Says at Nigeria Transition Plan Launch

Following is the text of UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s video message for the virtual launch of the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan, today:

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, as the Secretary-General has highlighted, we face a climate emergency that requires accelerated action.  With energy accounting for more than two-thirds of global emissions, a rapid and unprecedented global energy transition must be at the centre of our efforts to meet the 1.5°C goal of the Paris Agreement and avoid the worst impacts of climate disruption.

Today we have heard from key Government stakeholders and global partners about Nigeria’s ambitious Energy Transition Plan, which clearly articulates how the nation intends to meet its net-zero commitment made at the twenty-sixth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26).  We also heard of the scale of resources required for the delivery of the plan and the need for support from the private sector, investment partners and philanthropies.  The need for a just and equitable energy transition which enables universal energy access, economic growth and development for the country and continent was also emphasized.  This is critical to note because as we embark on the global energy transition, the stark energy poverty in developing regions of the world cannot be ignored.  Universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all, as called for in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, is still out of reach.  This is particularly true for sub-Saharan Africa.

Consequently, our global energy transition strategies must tackle energy poverty.  We need to develop ways to provide universal access to energy for electrification and clean cooking.

I applaud Nigeria’s leadership in developing a data-driven energy transition plan to achieve SDG 7 by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2060.  Nigeria’s plan recognizes the temporary need for transition fuels to speedily meet energy deficits and drive economic growth while ensuring a transition to renewable energy for sustainable and climate-resilient development.  It is truly commendable that Nigeria has developed this bold plan and remains committed to its implementation even as the ongoing global energy crisis risks setting some Governments back in their commitment to SDG 7 and climate goals.

I hope Nigeria’s example will inspire other nations to act boldly on both energy access and climate goals to secure the well-being of people, economies, societies and our planet.

Thank you.