The use of gas as a transition fuel would not only help in stemming deforestation, it would also advance Nigeria's broader development goals, especially because Nigeria has one of the largest gas reserves in the world, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

The same would be true as other developing countries would also benefit from the adoption of gas as a transition fuel.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Tuesday night when he received at the Presidential Villa, the US Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Change, Mr. John Kerry, who was on a working visit to Nigeria. Prior to his meeting with the VP, Mr. Kerry had also met with President Muhammadu Buhari.

Speaking at the meeting with Kerry and the US delegation, the Vice President highlighted the need for Nigeria to continue the exploration and use of gas as a way of arresting deforestation, transiting away from dirtier fuels like diesel, kerosene and petrol, while at the same time ensuring that the country has the necessary energy baseload for industrialization.

Pointing out that Nigeria has one of the largest gas reserves in the world and should benefit from its exploitation, the VP also highlighted the significance of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, which is the first in Africa.

It would be recalled that Prof. Osinbajo had discussed the Energy Transition Plan during his recent visit to Washington D.C., where the VP met with his American counterpart, VP Kamala Harris at the White House, among other top US government officials. Before the recent US trip, the Federal Government had launched the Energy Transition Plan at a global virtual event.

In addition to a review of the Energy Transition Plan, including a discussion about its implementation, both the Vice President and Mr Kerry also discussed the issues of renewable energy sources and the global transition.

In his remarks, Mr. Kerry had high praises for the plan and also for the efforts already being made in Nigeria to step up the use of renewables, especially solar and hydropower, as major components of the energy mix.

While acknowledging that Nigeria ought to benefit from its gas reserves, Mr. Kerry urged an even more rapid adoption of renewables, especially electric vehicles, which are certainly the next wave in auto manufacturing. He observed that the technology of renewables keeps improving daily adding that batteries are already in production which last far more than those that are now in the market.

Upon a request by the Vice President, the Special Envoy promised to assist Nigeria with the necessary expertise to scientifically determine the most appropriate energy mix that will move the country toward the goal of energy for all by 2030 and net zero carbon emissions by 2060, without compromising the country’s energy security.

The US Special Envoy also affirmed the readiness of the US Government to assist Nigeria in a bilateral partnership to realize its Climate Change adaptation and resilience capacity, thereby consolidating the nation’s place as a model for other countries on the planet.

He added that he looked forward to Nigeria presenting an inspiring position, which will no doubt attract all necessary global support at the upcoming COP 27 in Egypt later in the year.

Mr. Kerry was accompanied by other US officials including the American Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Mary Beth Leonard.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
14th September 2022

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Osinbajo went to USA, Kamala Harris, CDG boss, and other top officials praised him, now, Kerry, former Obama's secretary of state has done same. Hmmm. Intelligence cannot be hidden

Great idea.

What happened to South/South Oil must not be allowed to happen to South East Gas

Always after the betterment of Nigeria

Like minds think alike. You can't just take the brilliance and knowledge away from this old genius.

Lamba.
Atiku understands the value of a good life. He knows you cannot truly be happy if you can’t pay your bills. He knows you can’t be fulfilled if you can’t take care of your own kids.
Atiku has more than 20 businesses, and over half of that is just welfarism/charity based businesses. What he does, is take from lucrative businesses to subsidize not too lucrative ones. At the end of the month, all the staff gets paid and everyone is happy with their families. I know as the President of Nigeria.
Atiku would be able to do this for all.
Follow who know road.
Vote for atiku abubakar
Vote for PDP.
PDP power to the people

Nigeria will get the much needed support to accomplish it energy transition plan as we have shown readiness. Lovely job Prof.

The one who is diligent and upright in his works shall dine before kings and rulers of this world and not with ordinary men

Fix Nigerian refineries first