TheCable

Samuel Ogbuku, managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), says the commission will invest in solar power as part of its efforts to tackle climate change in the country.

Ogbuku spoke when a delegation from the Asteven International Company made a presentation on renewable energy and carbon credits at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt.

The NDDC boss said the commission’s goal is to power every community in the Niger Delta region with solar energy.

He added that carbon credits would be recovered and reinvested for the purpose of environmental regeneration as well as mangrove restoration.

Ogbuku said NDDC’s collaboration with the US-based firm and its compliance with the National Council of Climate Change (NCCC) demonstrates its dedication to climate-related matters.

“Our target is that every community in the Niger Delta region will be powered by solar; which is renewable and a cheap form of energy,” he said.

“In addition to this, we shall create industrial clusters to be powered by solar which will help in improving the agricultural value chain.

“Solar power has the dual benefit of helping people with projects and building carbon credits. We expect to recover the carbon credits we have garnered so far. Such recovered funds can be reinvested.”

Sunny Akpoyibo, president of the council on renewable energy, pledged to support NDDC in developing projects with carbon values.

“NDDC should work towards getting return on sustainable development. The commission needs to unlock trapped values in its projects,” he said.

During its presentation, Asteven said it would assist NDDC in monetising carbon credits and unlocking a $2 billion carbon investment potential in the Niger Delta.

Magnus Onuoha, executive director of Asteven Group, urged the commission to actively engage experts for climate finance and technology.

Onuoha also emphasised the importance of climate justice for sustainable development in the region.