Shettima: We’ll Prioritise Digital Technology, Clean Energy, Other Sectors to Diversify Economy

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima has stressed that Nigeria’s huge potential in digital technology, the outsourcing industry and the clean energy sector would continue to incentivize investments in its energy transition plan and agenda to diversify the economy.

Shettima spoke yesterday, when he received in audience Denmark’s Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy, Mr. Dan Jorgensen, at the State House, Abuja.

Shedding light on Nigeria’s climate objectives under the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, the Vice President noted that investments in digital technology, clean energy and other sectors had become a priority as a result of the dwindling fortunes of the oil economy.

According to him: “We are facing challenges but where there is a will, there is a way. The President is a man imbued with passion, intellect and capacity to lead the nation on the path of prosperity and progress. He really wants to bring a new lease of life to the Nigerian nation because if Nigeria works, Africa works.

“Oil will still be relevant because of its other derivatives for the next decades but as the primary driver of the economy, the role of oil will diminish in the coming years. This is why it is a priority for us to think out of the box to find alternatives. This is why we are looking for investments in digital technology, clean energy and other sectors. We have a lot of opportunities for partnership and collaboration.”

Shettima identified the strength of Nigeria’s population as a huge resource for the transformation of Africa, noting that the continent’s transformation could be fast-tracked by green and sustainable energy.

Canvassing for the support of the Danish Government and the Global Centre on Adaptation for Africa and Nigeria’s Climate Action, the Vice President maintained that once there is sustainable energy, the people of the continent will key into Africa’s development aspirations.

“So, I will solicit your understanding and support to save Africa,” he added, stating that the support of the Centre is necessary to accelerate climate action and fast-track adaptation to solutions, focusing on the most vulnerable people in Africa.

Shettima commended Denmark for its leading role in global climate action, while soliciting the support of the government of that country.

He said: “With our shared humanity, we are facing real existential threats but we are very proud of Denmark because of its climate consciousness. You are doing well. There is room for us to have a mutually beneficial partnership”.

The VP further delved into the political instability in parts of West Africa, saying Nigeria had taken a firm position against military coups and to defend the cause of democracy and human rights, noting that “Nigeria is actually the beacon of hope and stability in a turbulent region.”

Speaking earlier, the Danish Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy, Jorgensen, expressed his admiration for Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to climate sustainability.

He noted that Nigeria’s leadership role in addressing regional stability and its commitment to a just energy transition present significant opportunities for further collaboration between Denmark and Nigeria.

“We cherish the relationship between Denmark and Nigeria very highly. We are extremely impressed with the agenda of the new administration. You are definitely showing leadership in the way you are facing the challenges of your country,” Jorgensen said.

Emphasising the shared understanding between Denmark and Nigeria on the importance of climate action, the Minister said, “we also share a common understanding that common understanding and climate sustainability is a political question that is not only noble but also working.”

He commended Nigeria’s stability and positive influence in a region often facing challenges. “I also want to commend Nigeria for being a stable country doing a lot of positive difference in a region that is sometimes challenging,” he stated.

Jorgensen drew a stark contrast between Nigeria’s stability and the recent coup experienced in neighbouring Niger Republic, saying, “Just six months ago, I visited Niger Republic and we signed a memorandum of understanding with the President; only for a few weeks later, the country experienced a coup.”

Hailing Nigeria’s role in advocating for the restoration of civilian rule in Niger, he said, “We definitely commend Nigeria’s role in trying to put pressure on the coup leaders with regards to reinstating the civilian government”.

He expressed optimism about the future of collaboration between Denmark and Nigeria on energy transition, citing the Memorandum of Understanding to be signed between the two countries, just as he emphasised the importance of ensuring a just transition in the shift towards renewable energy sources.

 “At the core of this is the question of how do we make this a just transition; how do we make sure that the people that are dependent on oil and gas don’t lose their jobs there?”.

To ensure a just transition, Jorgensen advocated a regular assessment of the needs of vulnerable groups, stressing that “the needs of poor, vulnerable and marginalized groups must be assessed regularly to ensure reliable access to clean energy at affordable prices”.

He implored the Vice President to ensure that the Memorandum of Understanding is signed to serve as a framework for future collaboration between Norway and Nigeria on energy transition.

Also speaking, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, said the ministry is using messaging to take forward a lot of the initiatives that the government has put on ground.

“When we talk about climate change, we should be responsible enough to keep the preservation of the world for the next generation to benefit from it.

“Climate change is at the very top of our agenda as a government, especially now that Nigeria is at the precipice of being at the very top. We want to see how Nigeria and the Danish government can have cross-collaboration in this regard and also intercultural collaborations,” she said.