Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has revealed plans to invest in solar power, so as to address climate change issues in the Niger Delta region.
The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, announced this yesterday when he received delegates from the Asteven International Company, who made a presentation on Renewable Energy and Carbon Credit at the commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.
According to Ogbuku, the development is in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Ogbuku said: “Our target is that every community in the Niger Delta region will be powered by solar; which is renewable and a cheap form of energy. In addition to this, we shall create industrial clusters to be powered by solar which will help in improving the agricultural value chain.”
He emphasised that the commission’s collaboration with a US-based firm and its compliance with the National Council of Climate Change, demonstrated its dedication to climate-related matters.
He said: “Solar power has the dual benefit of helping people with projects and building carbon credits. We expect to recover the carbon credits we have garnered so far. Such recovered funds can be reinvested,” highlighting the potential for environmental regeneration, particularly mangrove restoration.
The President of the Council on Renewable Energy, Dr. Sunny Akpoyibo, pledged support to NDDC in developing projects with carbon values.
“The NDDC should work towards getting return on sustainable development. The commission needs to unlock trapped values in its projects,” Akpoyibo said.
The Asteven International Company highlighted the global significance of NDDC’s green projects during its presentation.
It assured the commission of its assistance in monetising carbon credits and unlocking a substantial $2 billion carbon investment potential in the Niger Delta region.
Executive Director of Asteven Group, Professor Magnus Onuoha, underscored the centrality of the Niger Delta in the international climate change discourse and urged NDDC to actively engage experts for climate finance and technology support.
Onuoha also stressed the importance of climate justice for sustainable development in the region.
