The CEO of Kenyon International, Dr. Victor Ekpenyong, has advocated a gradual switch to renewable energy sources due to the negligible country’s carbon emission.
Ekpenyong, a well control expert, noted that conversations around climate change and renewable energy was skewed against the African continent and had made minimal contribution to global warming.
The Communications Manager at Kenyon, Mr Kingsley Muonyili, in a statement on Tuesday, noted that Ekpenyong spoke at the round table at the 12th Emmanuel Egbogah Legacy Lecture Series.
Ekpenyong at lecture held at the Emerald Institute of Energy Studies, University of Port Harcourt, called for a National Interest approach to addressing the critical intersection of climate change and the geopolitics of energy transition.
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“With a strong emphasis on Nigeria’s unique position in the global landscape, there is a need for a nuanced approach to sustainable development.
“We need to emphasise the importance of evaluating regional realities when addressing climate change issues, highlighting the importance of considering both carbon emission quotas and economic circumstances,” he said.
Ekpenyong urged stakeholders in the oil industry to unite so that Nigeria can produce more oil and gas to generate revenue to aid the smooth transition to renewable energy sources.
He said Nigeria’s relatively minimal contribution to global carbon emissions should be capitalised on to harness the abundant oil and gas reserves to fund energy transition.
He explained that a recent report on global carbon emission released on Sept. 3 indicated that Africa accounts for just four per cent of global carbon emissions.
Ekpenyong said in stark contrast, major global players such as the United States, China, Russia, and Japan collectively contribute more than 50 per cent of these emissions.
According to him, Nigeria is not among the top three contributors to carbon emissions on the African continent, trailing behind South Africa, Egypt, and Algeria.
The expert called for a strategic approach to managing Nigeria’s finite energy resources and emphasised the need for resource management, increased production, and resource utilisation.
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He also highlighted the necessity of proactive measures to combat pipeline vandalism and oil theft in the oilfields which have long hindered the nation’s development.
He said Kenyon International, as a company committed to sustainable energy solutions, is well-prepared to assist Nigeria in optimising its oil production through well remediation and intervention activities.
Ekpenyong maintained that acounting for every drop of oil produced is not only vital for Nigeria’s economic prosperity but also essential for the nation’s sustainable development.
He said Kenyon International believed in the call for a comprehensive approach to climate change and energy transition, one that considers regional realities, promotes responsible resource management, and propels Nigeria towards a greener, more sustainable future.