Abuja: The Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), a non-governmental organization, has issued a call for urgent measures to ensure women's full and equitable participation in the energy transition process. Dr. Michael David, the Executive Director of GIFSEP, emphasized the need for inclusivity during a news conference in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. David underscored the critical role of equity, inclusiveness, and community ownership in achieving a just energy transition in Nigeria. He stressed that energy access is a fundamental human right, integral to health, education, and economic opportunity, and should not be viewed merely as a charitable endeavor.
Dr. David highlighted GIFSEP's proactive efforts to empower women through the Women Voices for Renewable Energy in Nigeria initiative, supported by Social Change Nest and Urban Movement Innovation Fund. He expressed concern over the persistent energy poverty in Nigeria, which hampers economic development and exacerbates inequality, trapping millions in cycles of hardship.
He pointed out that Nigeria's reliance on oil, gas, and coal, particularly in the Niger Delta and North Central regions, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, and environmental degradation. Fossil fuel activities, including gas flaring and combustion, release significant amounts of methane and carbon dioxide, driving climate change and environmental injustice.
Despite Nigeria's status as Africa's largest economy, over 85 million Nigerians, accounting for more than 40% of the population, lack access to electricity. Dr. David noted that rural families depend on costly and unsafe energy sources like kerosene, firewood, and diesel generators, adversely affecting women's health and daily lives.
He highlighted Nigeria's abundant renewable energy potential, especially solar energy, with an average annual solar irradiation of 1,600-2,200 kWh/m², capable of providing clean, affordable, and reliable power to transform lives. However, progress is slow due to weak implementation, policy inconsistency, and a skill gap in the renewable energy sector.
Dr. David shared that GIFSEP recently conducted a Women for Renewable Energy Boot Camp, training women and girls from fossil fuel-impacted communities in solar technology and clean energy advocacy. Participants gained practical skills in solar installation, maintenance, and community energy education, preparing them to be change agents in their communities.
He called on government agencies, development partners, and the private sector to invest in women-led renewable energy solutions and to scale up climate finance that directly benefits local communities as preparations for COP 30 continue. Mrs. Dorcas Nicarnor, Project Lead of Empowering Women Voices for Renewable Energy, praised GIFSEP's efforts, noting that the boot camp would amplify women's voices in the renewable energy sector.