The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has declared its unwavering commitment to embracing clean energy sources, unveiling practical approaches grounded in nature-based solutions and green innovations. This commitment was voiced by Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of NDDC, during a side event at the Climate Change Conference, COP28, held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Dr. Ogbuku highlighted the commission’s strategic focus on key sectors of the energy transition plan. He emphasized the development of new green skills and the creation of employment opportunities as pivotal aspects of their clean energy initiative. The NDDC’s dedication to this cause was conveyed in a statement issued by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, and shared with the press in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
The Managing Director underscored the need for significant investments, partnerships, and collaboration to achieve success in transitioning to clean energy. Speaking at COP28, Dr. Ogbuku stated, “Our gathering at COP28 is a reminder of the urgent need for several and collective actions to address the issues of climate change.”
Highlighting the vulnerability of the Niger Delta region to climate change impacts and environmental pollution, Dr. Ogbuku pointed to challenges such as sea level rise, storm surges, coastal erosion, river flooding, oil spillages, gas flaring, and environmental degradation. He remarked, “While the Niger Delta region is a critical ecosystem, rich in natural resources and a significant contributor to the global economy, this vast resource is intricately interwoven with compounding climate change and environmental issues.”
The NDDC chief emphasized that the region’s abundant resources have the potential to facilitate the transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient development pathway. He revealed that the agency would focus on the four major themes of COP28: technology and innovation, inclusion, frontline communities, and finance.
Dr. Ogbuku outlined NDDC’s participation at the climate change conference as an opportunity to seek partnerships in green innovations and finance. The commission aims to expedite green initiatives aimed at limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2030. He concluded, “NDDC is determined to mainstream climate considerations in our operations and our development planning and implementation.”
The theme of NDDC’s Side Event, “Green Innovation for Climate-Resilient Development in the Niger Delta Region: A Credible Approach for Net-Zero Target,” reflects the commission’s commitment to national and international efforts for carbon neutrality. The NDDC’s active engagement at COP28 signals a pivotal step toward a sustainable and resilient future for the Niger Delta region.