By Juliet Ezeh
Nigeria is positioning natural gas as a central driver of Africa’s energy transition, with policymakers urging the continent to balance industrial growth with climate commitments rather than abandon fossil fuels abruptly.
The Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change, Majekodunmi Omotenioye, said Africa must pursue a practical pathway to decarbonisation that reflects the continent’s development realities, including widespread energy poverty and the need for rapid industrialisation.
Speaking at the Green Conference 2026 organised by Greenplinth Africa in Lagos, Omotenioye noted that Africa’s transition to cleaner energy must be carefully managed to ensure that economic growth and energy security are not sacrificed in the process.
According to her, natural gas offers a realistic bridge for many African countries seeking to move away from more carbon-intensive fuels while expanding electricity access and supporting manufacturing.
She explained that Africa faces a different challenge from developed economies, which industrialised for decades before climate concerns became central to global policy.
“Africa stands at a pivotal moment in the history of global development. The continent is rich in resources and human potential, yet hundreds of millions of people still lack reliable access to modern energy,” she said.
Omotenioye stressed that the key issue is not whether Africa should reduce emissions, but how the continent can achieve economic growth and energy security while contributing to global climate goals.
She noted that replacing coal and heavy fuel oil with natural gas could significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions while also improving air quality.
Nigeria, she said, is well positioned to lead this transition given its large gas reserves, which could support industrial expansion while aligning with climate targets.
The climate council chief also disclosed that the country recently launched a national framework designed to decarbonise Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, covering upstream, midstream and downstream operations.
At the conference, state governments also signalled growing interest in green development initiatives.
The Deputy Governor of Benue State, Sam Ode, said sub-national governments must take an active role in climate action, particularly in expanding clean energy access to rural communities.
He emphasised that the transition to a low-carbon economy should prioritise the welfare of vulnerable populations who often lack reliable electricity and economic opportunities.
Niger State also strengthened its commitment to climate initiatives by signing a clean energy agreement with Greenplinth Africa during the event, becoming the second state after Benue to formalise such a partnership.
The Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change in Niger State, Abubakar Musa, said the initiative could help tackle poverty, improve household income and address environmental challenges in the state.
Representatives of the Nasarawa State Government also expressed support for the programme, indicating readiness to provide land and policy backing for climate-related projects.
Officials said such initiatives could generate employment opportunities while helping states respond to climate risks.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government received recognition at the conference for being the first sub-national government to sign a memorandum of understanding with Greenplinth Africa on climate and clean energy initiatives.
Stakeholders at the event agreed that cooperation between national and sub-national governments, private investors and development partners will be essential for Africa to achieve sustainable growth while advancing global climate objectives.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.