The Federal Government has declared that Nigeria's journey towards a low-carbon economy will be dictated by its unique national circumstances and cannot be rushed to meet international timelines for fossil fuel phase-outs. This firm stance was articulated by the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) during a key event in the nation's capital.
A Pragmatic Path Forward
At a two-day COP-30 Follow-Up Action Meeting and the launch of a Climate-Smart Electric Vehicle (EV) Recharge Hub in Abuja, the government outlined its cautious approach. The event, held on 6 December 2025, was organized by BYD Nigeria and Haitong in collaboration with the Grassroots Centre for Rights and Civic Orientation.
Representing the Director-General of the NCCC, Omoteniyoye Majekodunmi, Assistant Chief Chemical Engineer Jummai Vandu delivered the council's position. She explained that the NCCC, established under the Climate Change Act 2021, is tasked with coordinating climate action across all sectors of Nigerian society.
Majekodunmi emphasized that while the global community advocates a rapid exit from fossil fuels, Nigeria must chart a course that safeguards its economic sovereignty. Crude oil remains a major source of government revenue and foreign exchange, making an abrupt transition potentially destabilizing.
The Just Transition Guideline and Local Solutions
The government's roadmap is encapsulated in the Just Transition Guideline developed in 2023. This document provides a framework for shifting to a greener economy without sacrificing jobs, incomes, or national stability. The guideline ensures no Nigerian is left behind in the process.
"Our role is to provide scientific and technical knowledge to Nigerians," Majekodunmi stated. "The conversation is critical: what are we transitioning from, where are we going, and how will we get there?"
She acknowledged Nigeria's vast potential in solar and wind energy but identified infrastructure as a primary constraint. Initiatives like the newly launched BYD Motor Nigeria EV Recharge Hub exemplify the type of private-sector innovation and partnership the country needs to advance practically.
The NCCC is prepared to offer technical support to replicate such EV recharge hubs across states, aligning with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda which focuses on inclusion, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Private Sector Steps Up with Action
Chief Moses Ayom, Chief Executive Officer of Haitong Nigeria Limited and Executive Vice-Chairman of BYD Nigeria, warned that Nigeria must take decisive steps to avoid being left behind in the global electric mobility revolution. He described the hub as a practical response to commitments made at the recent UN climate conference (COP-30) in Belém, Brazil.
The new facility, featuring fast-charging that can power an EV in 40 minutes, will serve government agencies, businesses, and individual owners. Ayom highlighted its broader benefits:
- Supporting skills development and technology transfer.
- Creating job opportunities for youth in EV retail and maintenance.
- Acting as a training centre for technicians.
He commended the Federal Capital Territory's smart city drive and the Renewed Hope Agenda for sending clear signals to investors in climate-friendly solutions.
The Federal Road Safety Corps, represented by Chief Route Commander Christopher Eya on behalf of Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, also praised the initiative. They noted that the hub, powered by clean energy, is designed to reduce pollution in both urban and rural communities by promoting vehicles that eliminate exhaust emissions.
The overarching message from Abuja is clear: Nigeria is committed to a climate-smart future, but it will be a Nigerian-designed transition, balanced, deliberate, and reflective of the nation's immediate economic realities and the welfare of its over 230 million citizens.
