Onuigbo Urges States to Embrace Renewable Energy, Expand Electricity Access

Former member of the National Assembly, Sam Onuigbo, has called on state governments to intensify efforts to address Nigeria’s energy access challenges by embracing renewable energy sources, including solar power, compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles.

Onuigbo said Nigeria had made considerable progress in its energy transition but needed more deliberate and coordinated action to accelerate implementation and take advantage of opportunities in the carbon market.

He maintained that state governments could strengthen the country’s position in environmental sustainability by adopting coordinated strategies similar to those being implemented by the Federal Government.

Onuigbo, who sponsored Nigeria’s Climate Change Act, made the remarks in Abuja on Sunday, stressing the need for stronger support for initiatives aimed at expanding solar energy adoption, strengthening climate governance and unlocking the environmental, economic and social benefits of clean energy.

He noted that climate legislation must translate into practical action capable of accelerating Nigeria’s energy transition and supporting efforts to achieve net-zero emissions targets.

Describing solar power as a key pillar of the transition, Onuigbo said it could expand electricity access to underserved and unserved communities, promote green industrialisation, create jobs and reduce carbon emissions.

“The transition to clean energy should not be regarded solely as an environmental imperative, but equally as an economic prospect and an obligation to succeeding generations,” he said.

He added that solar energy was essential to building a sustainable future because of its potential to improve electricity access, stimulate industrial growth, create employment opportunities and lower emissions.

Onuigbo urged governments and relevant stakeholders to support policies and programmes that would make clean energy more accessible while strengthening Nigeria’s climate governance framework.

He said coordinated efforts across the federal and state levels would be critical to maximising the benefits of renewable energy and advancing the country’s environmental sustainability goals.