Decarbonisation Key to Nigeria’s Economic Future – GWEC Africa Director

By Chidinma Obiakor

The Director for Africa at the Global Wind Energy Council, Wangari Muchiri, has said that Nigeria’s push toward decarbonisation presents a major opportunity to create jobs, attract investment, and diversify the economy.

Speaking during a decarbonisation dialogue involving members of the House of Representatives of Nigeria and other stakeholders, Muchiri described the transition to a low-carbon economy as critical for Nigeria, given the heavy carbon footprint of key sectors such as oil and gas and agriculture.

According to her, the ongoing discussions are designed to bring government institutions, industry players, and development partners together to chart practical pathways toward reducing carbon emissions while unlocking economic opportunities.

She noted that the global shift toward cleaner energy systems offers Nigeria the chance to reposition itself economically by tapping into the emerging carbon economy.

“The decarbonisation agenda for Nigeria is really critical. Many sectors in Nigeria, including oil and gas and agriculture, are very carbon-heavy. But in today’s global economy, this presents a big opportunity for Nigeria to capitalise on the carbon economy, create jobs, and bring new income into the sector,” she said.

Muchiri explained that the engagement with lawmakers and partners is aimed at elevating the national conversation around decarbonisation and encouraging coordinated action.

She added that Nigeria has already demonstrated readiness to pursue the transition, citing statements by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at global climate forums, including the United Nations Climate Change Conference.

According to her, the government’s commitment has encouraged international partners and private sector stakeholders to support Nigeria’s clean energy transition.

“I think one of the things we are seeing is that Nigeria is ready. The President has said on several occasions, including at COP last year, that Nigeria is prepared for a decarbonisation agenda. We are excited to see many partners ready to walk this journey with the country,” she said.

She called on development partners, investors, and technical experts to provide stronger support to Nigeria in areas such as financing, knowledge transfer, and technical capacity.

Muchiri stressed that decarbonisation remains a relatively new field in many developing economies and that greater awareness is needed to highlight the economic and employment opportunities it offers.

“Decarbonisation is still a new field, and not many people fully understand what it means for different sectors or how it can create jobs and opportunities in the Nigerian economy. That is why support — both technical and financial — is very important at this stage,” she added.

Drawing from her experience in Kenya, Muchiri said the energy transition has already begun to unlock significant opportunities in other African countries, expressing optimism that Nigeria could experience similar gains.

“I’m Kenyan, and I’ve seen the opportunities that decarbonisation has created in Kenya. The same potential exists for Nigeria. I believe this is the beginning of something very exciting for the Nigerian economy,” she noted.

She also commended the policy direction of the current administration, saying there has been encouraging buy-in from government institutions, lawmakers, and industry stakeholders.

According to her, major oil and gas companies operating in the country are also beginning to align with the decarbonisation agenda.