The Federal Government has said that while the global community is pushing for a rapid phase-out of fossil fuels, Nigeria must design a pathway that protects its economic sovereignty.

The government maintained that crude oil still accounts for a major share of its revenue and foreign exchange earnings.

The Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Omoteniyoye Majekodunmi, stated this at the two-day COP-30 Follow-Up Action Meeting and the launch of a Climate-Smart Electric Vehicle (EV) Recharge Hub in Abuja.

She emphasised that the country cannot jump or leapfrog into rapid fossil-fuel phase-outs without considering its economic survival and development priorities.

The event, organised by BYD Nigeria and Haitong in partnership with the Grassroots Centre for Rights and Civic Orientation, was aimed at turning global climate commitments into concrete local action.

Majekodunmi, who was represented by the Assistant Chief Chemical Engineer, Jummai Vandu, said the Council established under the Climate Change Act 2021 was set up to coordinate climate actions across government, the private sector, civil society, and all stakeholders.

She said the NCCC has become one of the most visible institutions in the climate space because climate impacts now touch every aspect of livelihood, health and national development.

Majekodunmi said Nigeria’s newly developed Just Transition Guideline (2023) provides a roadmap for shifting to a low-carbon economy without undermining jobs, incomes and national stability.

Majekodunmi stressed that although renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are abundant in Nigeria, the major constraint remains infrastructure, adding that initiatives like the BYD Motor Nigeria EV Recharge Hub demonstrate the type of sector-led innovation the country needs.

She said: “When called upon, we ensure that we are present, coordinated, collaborative, and ready to partner because we understand that the impacts of climate change directly affect livelihoods. In the spirit of inclusion, we do not want any Nigerian to be left behind. That is why, in 2023, the National Council on Climate Change developed a just transition guideline for the country.

“This document provides a framework for Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon economy, an issue that remains a key focus in international forums. At the recent conference, our Chairman, who served on the National Committee, emphasised the importance of actively participating in these discussions.

“The conversation around climate transition is critical because it addresses fundamental questions: what are we transitioning from, where are we going, and how will we get there? Our role is to provide scientific and technical knowledge to Nigerians, helping everyone understand the basics of climate change and its impacts on our society.

“Transition is already underway globally. The international community, particularly non-Asian countries, is working to phase out fossil fuels and reduce environmental impacts.

“However, we must also consider Nigeria’s unique circumstances. Our economy remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels, which account for a significant portion of government revenue and foreign earnings.

“With over 230 million citizens, we must proceed cautiously. We cannot leapfrog or make abrupt shifts. What we advocate is a careful and balanced transition, implemented at a pace that aligns with Nigeria’s national circumstances and defined development priorities.