Nigeria to ditch diesel, slash emissions with hybrid energy – Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that Nigeria will soon phase out its reliance on diesel and significantly reduce carbon emissions through the implementation of an integrated hybrid energy system.

Speaking at the opening of the Decarbonising Infrastructure in Nigeria Summit (DIN Summit) in Abuja on Wednesday, Shettima said climate action is now an economic imperative and no longer a matter of luxury.

He warned that Nigeria risks falling behind if its climate ambitions do not align with present development realities. “The truth is, we can no longer build yesterday’s infrastructure for tomorrow,” the Vice President stated.

Citing ongoing developments, he revealed that discussions are underway with private investors to commit nearly $60 million towards transforming the Onne Port into Nigeria’s first green port.

“This is a strategic leap. Through an integrated hybrid energy system, we will phase out diesel dependency, slash carbon emissions, and provide round-the-clock, sustainable and affordable power to terminal operators and port users,” he said.

Shettima emphasised that the summit is grounded in the understanding that sustainability and profitability must no longer be viewed as separate goals.

“This is a product of months of consultations, regional dialogues, and technical deep dives,” he said, noting that Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan and Climate Change Act provide a visionary yet pragmatic roadmap to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.

According to the Vice President, 75% of Nigeria’s greenhouse gas emissions stem from infrastructure-related sectors, energy, transport, urban development, and agriculture, which also underpin the nation’s economy. Agriculture alone supports 70% of rural livelihoods. 

These figures should jolt us into action. The only way out of the predicted doom is to decarbonise these systems. We must build a Nigeria whose infrastructure heals, not harms,” he asserted.

Shettima projected that a successful transition could generate over 1.5 million green jobs by 2035 and open up new export markets in clean energy and climate-smart agriculture. “We are not here to fantasise. We are here to finance, to mobilise, to de-risk, to build. The Nigeria we want cannot be realised on diesel generators and fragile grids,” he said.

Describing the summit’s theme, “Unlocking Climate Finance for Sustainable Development,” as timely and relevant, he called for strengthened regulatory frameworks, harmonised policies across all levels of government, and effective mobilisation of capital into climate-smart opportunities through tools such as the Green Investment Portal.

“Decarbonisation must not stop at Abuja’s gates. It must reach every local government, every community, every home,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, said that despite Nigeria’s minimal contribution to global carbon emissions, the country remains highly vulnerable to climate change due to its geographic and economic conditions.

She emphasised the urgency of transitioning to a low-carbon economy, highlighting areas such as smart agriculture, renewable energy, and sustainable land use as critical to achieving climate resilience. She also called for increased private sector investment in energy and transport infrastructure.

Musaddiq Mustapha Adamu, Personal Assistant to the President on Subnational Infrastructure, reiterated the administration’s commitment to enabling subnational leadership in climate innovation.

“Today’s summit is not just about emissions. It’s about equity, economic survival, and building a future where infrastructure restores hope, empowers the poor and marginalised, and safeguards our environment,” he said