Energy Transition: Religious Leaders Demand Immediate Suspension of New Oil Projects

As the clamour for transition to renewable energy sources grows, leaders from various faith-based organisations have called on the federal government to immediately suspend all new fossil fuel exploration and extraction projects.

This demand was part of the resolution reached at a two-day national dialogue titled, “Nigeria Multi-Faith Leaders National Consultative Dialogue on Medium and Long-term Climate Goals”, held in Abuja.

The dialogue was organised by GreenFaith Nigeria in collaboration with Ecosteward and Humanitarian Foundation (ETF), The Kukah Centre (TKC), and Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society.

The leaders, comprising Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and Traditionalists, held in-depth conversations on the role of religion in addressing climate change.

At the conclusion of the dialogue on Tuesday, leaders of the different faiths took turns reading the communique as a symbol of unity and determination to achieve the goals set for the country.

The leaders who read the communique included: Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa, Co-Executive Director, Interfaith Mediation Centre; His Grace Salika Dasa, Hare Krishna; Rev. Sis. Lilian Chibiko, GreenFaith Africa Women of Faith in Energy; Sheikh Khalid Muhammed Nuru, Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society; Pastor James Wuye, Interfaith Mediation Centre; and Chief St. Emma Pii, Bodo Council of Chiefs, Bodo Rivers State.

They described decades of oil exploration in Nigeria as largely exploitative, due to exploitation by European, North American, and Chinese extractive firms—financial institutions and national governments—combined with weak regulatory, legal, and financial systems that promote corruption.

They said: “We call for an immediate halt to all new fossil fuel exploration and extraction projects in Nigeria. Just as Proverbs 21:3 tells us, ‘To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice,’

“We recognise that continuing fossil fuel exploration is incompatible with our commitment to climate justice due to its adverse effects on communities and the global need to limit warming to 1.5°C,” part of the demand reads.

“Over 85 per cent of fossil fuels produced by Africa-based projects are exported, thereby failing to increase the continent’s energy access rates.

“However, fossil fuel exploration often exacerbates climate change and social inequalities, leading to land grabs, biodiversity loss, environmental pollution, displacement, loss of livelihoods, conflicts, health complications, human rights violations, and abuse. Hence, we demand locally-owned, accessible, affordable, clean renewable energy initiatives.”

GreenFaith Africa’s Program Manager, Pius Oko said the gathering aligned with his organisation’s mission of organising and mobilising grassroots communities to address social issues.

He noted that the workshop brought together diverse faith communities, united in their commitment to amplify a shared call against fossil fuel and deforestation projects, as well as related financing, while supporting a just transition to renewable energy solutions. This aims to shape a sustainable future for Nigeria and Africa—one that respects human dignity, honors our communities, cares for our planet, and upholds justice.