How Nigeria can resolve power problems, by Okonjo-Iweala

Former Minister for Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has said the solution to Nigeria’s power problem lies in off-grid initiatives that are climate friendly.

Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala, who was speaking at the Conference of Parties (COP 21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Paris, said Nigeria needs to get the private sector involved in the power sector but must look at renewable and off-grid solutions like the solar power generation.


She said: “We have to get the private sector, we are looking at power, look at renewable we are not saying renewable should be everything because Africa should have a mix, we can still use gas to some extent, but we should increase the renewable. Our companies that are investing should look at off- grid solutions; let our companies get off -grid solar solutions for our people before other people come into it because that is what always happens. Instead of flaring, we can use the gas, we can convert this gas for our use and I know government has the power to do that.”

The former minister, who is also the Commissioner, Global Commission on the Economy and Climate, spoke at a session titled: Climate Change in Africa: Financing Sustainable Pathways for Development at the ongoing Climate Change talks.

  She said: “Africa should stop playing the victim game. We are not supposed to be going to the West to beg as victims, we should be telling them that the solution is in Africa. Our infrastructures are just developing we have the opportunity to build in a climate friendly way and avoid the mistakes of the developed nations.”