Decarbonisation Drive Can Power Jobs, Investment in Nigeria – GWEC Africa Director

By Christiana Ekpa

Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon economy could unlock new jobs, attract investment and diversify key sectors of the economy, the Africa Director of the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), Wangari Muchiri, has said.

Muchiri stated this during a decarbonisation dialogue involving members of the House of Representatives and other stakeholders focused on strategies to reduce carbon emissions while strengthening Nigeria’s economic prospects.

She noted that sectors such as oil and gas and agriculture remain heavily carbon-intensive, making the country’s decarbonisation push both urgent and economically beneficial.

According to her, the engagement with lawmakers, industry players and development partners is aimed at identifying practical pathways for Nigeria to cut emissions while tapping into opportunities in the emerging global carbon economy.

“The decarbonisation agenda for Nigeria is really critical. Many sectors in Nigeria, including oil and gas and agriculture, are very carbon-heavy. But in today’s global economy, this presents a big opportunity for Nigeria to capitalise on the carbon economy, create jobs and bring new income into the sector,” Muchiri said.

She said Nigeria has already shown readiness to pursue the transition, citing statements by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at global climate forums, including the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP).

“I think one of the things we are seeing is that Nigeria is ready. The President has said on several occasions, including at COP last year, that Nigeria is prepared for a decarbonisation agenda,” she said, adding that international partners are increasingly willing to support the country’s transition.

Muchiri, however, stressed the need for stronger backing from development partners and investors, particularly in financing, knowledge transfer and technical capacity.

She noted that decarbonisation remains a relatively new field in many developing economies and that greater awareness is needed to help stakeholders understand its economic and employment potential.

Drawing from Kenya’s experience, Muchiri said the shift to cleaner energy has already created opportunities in other African countries and expressed optimism that Nigeria could achieve similar results.

“I’m Kenyan, and I’ve seen the opportunities that decarbonisation has created in Kenya. The same potential exists for Nigeria,” she said.

She also commended the growing support for the agenda among government institutions, lawmakers and industry players, noting that several oil and gas companies operating in Nigeria are beginning to align with the country’s decarbonisation goals.