A file picture of a tree planting exercise
The Energy and Sustainability Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association Young Lawyers Forum (NBA-YLF) has asked stakeholders to support youth-led initiatives aimed at transforming Nigeria’s energy sector.
In a statement released by the committee chaired by Toma Fortune, the group urged collective action to build an inclusive and sustainable energy ecosystem.
“Support us to create a more inclusive, informed and forward-moving energy and sustainability ecosystem powered by law, driven by youths and anchored in partnerships,” the statement reads.
Omeyoma Eshemitan, team lead of the sustainability and environment working group of the committee and legal adviser to the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Youth-wing, emphasised the importance of youth participation in shaping Nigeria’s energy future.
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She said that sustainable human capital development among young people in the energy sector is critical to ensuring long-term environmental and economic stability.
“We have been obligated to drive policies as young lawyers to ensure the sustainability of youth-led businesses, sustainability of human capital development among youths within the energy sector, as well as sustainability of the environment because sustainability of the youth is sustainability of the future and the sector,” she said.
“As such, all youth-led organizations are encouraged to partner with the Nigerian Bar Young Lawyers Forum to drive transformational change through laws and policies within the energy space.”
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The committee also unveiled 17 sustainable energy propositions (SEPs) to “bridge policy gaps, drive regulatory reforms and champion youths inclusiveness in governance of Nigeria’s energy and sustainability sectors”.
The SEPs, which are inspired by the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), include “youth inclusion in policy making; compulsory professional development; sustainable local content; youth-led climate diplomacy and international engagement; sustainable industry financing; energy and sustainability literacy for young professionals; youth-led research and innovation; just and equitable energy transition; sustainable ecosystem reform; sustainable industry compliance; host community development; environmental and social governance (ESG) reporting; technology and digital transformation; industry startups’ support; climate justice and rights advocacy; resource leadership and partnerships for the propositions”.
“The SEPs represent more than a roadmap; they are a call to action-an invitation to young legal professionals, industry stakeholders, policymakers, and regulators to collaborate in building an energy ecosystem that is innovative, legally sound, sustainable and fundamental in anchoring our advocacy to these 17 propositions,” the statement added.
“We reaffirm our dedication to shaping a legal and regulatory environment that not only meets present needs but safeguards the energy future for generations to come.”
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Similarly, the committee mobilised nationwide participation to mark the 2025 World Earth Day with a tree-planting campaign.
The NBA-YLF said it aims to plant 1,000 trees across Nigeria by May 2025 as part of its climate action efforts.
