Energy Transition: NGOs Combat Pollution with Solar Power in Niger Delta Oil Community
A coalition of Nigerian and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) has expressed deep concern over the devastating effects of environmental pollution caused by gas flaring, oil spills, and other greenhouse gas emissions plaguing oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta region.
In response, several non-state actors—including the Network Advancement Program for Poverty and Disaster Risk Reduction (NAPPDRR), in collaboration with international partners such as Global GreenGrants Fund (GGF) and OilWatch Africa (OA)—have launched a solar-powered energy mitigation initiative in Edo community, located in Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
During a Clean Energy Awareness and Sensitisation Workshop held at Edo Secondary School, Esit Eket, the Executive Director of NAPPDRR, Hon. Emem Edoho, addressed community leaders, elders, youths, and women.
She expressed concern over the harmful effects of fossil fuel pollution on rural communities, noting that prolonged exposure has put residents at serious health risk.
“As we gather here today, we are reminded of the urgent need to address the climate crisis and promote sustainable development in our communities,” “Nigeria, like many other countries, is grappling with the challenges of climate change, energy poverty, and environmental degradation.
“The Federal Government has made significant commitments to address these challenges, including the Energy Transition Plan, which aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix to 30 percent by 2050. This aligns with our mission at NAPPDRR—to promote clean energy, climate resilience, and sustainable development at the grassroots.
“Our focus on solar energy is both timely and essential. Solar power is a clean, abundant, and renewable resource that can electrify our homes, schools, and healthcare centres, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and mitigate the impacts of climate change,” she explained.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Environment, Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Rt. Hon. Nsikak Ekong, described the initiative as timely, especially “at a time when global conversations around climate change, sustainable energy transition, and environmental responsibility are taking centre stage.”
Represented by the Director of Petroleum Resources, Engr. Anietie Emah, the Commissioner noted that Akwa Ibom State, endowed with both renewable and non-renewable energy resources, recognises the urgent need to balance development with environmental sustainability.
He further affirmed that the initiative aligns with the ARISE Agenda, the energy blueprint of Governor Umo Eno’s administration.
“The state government is committed to advancing policies and programmes that promote clean energy adoption, reduce carbon emissions, and protect our environment for current and future generations,” Ekong stated.
“We have continued to strengthen collaboration with both local and international stakeholders to scale up renewable energy deployment, enhance public awareness, and support innovation in green technology,” he added.
Mr. Samuel Atara, Community Affairs Manager at Frontier Oil, along with other resource persons—including Engr. Sampson Abia, Mr. Mfon Gabriel (Executive Director, Ibom Peers Foundation), and Dr. Fyneface Dumnamane—facilitated sessions on the fundamentals of solar systems and installation. They emphasised the critical role of clean, green energy as the most viable alternative to conventional energy sources in safeguarding the future of humanity.
