DG NILDS advocates for legislation on CNG policy
By Raphael Ekpang
Abuja (Core Reporters) The Director General of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar O. Sulaiman has advocated that the presidential initiative on CNG be anchored on legislation
He gave the advocacy on Wednesday in Abuja while delivering a key note address on the 6th edition of the national legislative conference organized by HallowMace Foundation. The theme of the conference is “Legislative Pathways to a Sustainable Future: Enhancing Energy Security, Reducing Transportation Costs, and Lowering Carbon Emissions through the Compressed Natural Gas Policy”
Prof. Sulaiman noted that Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG) is a component of the measures put in place by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration to provide relief to the masses occasioned by the transitive hardships of the fuel subsidy removal policy of the Federal Government of Nigeria, insisting that there is a need for this policy to be anchored on legislation
This, according to him will ensure that the implementation process of the policy is consistent with the overarching energy transition plan of the country and also ensure that the implementation process gets the necessary funding it requires from the government.
“ When anchored on legislation, activities associated with the CNG policies can also be effectively oversighted to ensure that it is benefiting the people,” he said.
On legislative pathways to a sustainable future, he identified three key legislative pathways which include, Effective oversight of the public and private enterprises to ensure they are coordinating their activities towards attaining the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Particularly, Goal 7 (SDG7) which calls for “affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all” by 2030.
Enactment of legislation or amendment of existing ones to ensure that they are aimed at discouraging unsustainable consumption and production activities.
And sustained advocacy and enlightenment. While noting that another aspect through which legislative pathways can be used to ensure a sustainable future is through constituency activities. “Legislators often hold grassroots meetings with their constituents. This can be used to enlighten the people as to how to ensure a sustainable future.”
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the convener of the annual National Legislative Conference, Amb. Anderson Osiebe said the HallowMace Foundation Africa (HAFA) is dedicated to advocating for democracy, with a particular focus on strengthening legislative institutions.
According to Osiebe, “Our work revolves around promoting democratic consolidation in Nigeria and Africa through targeted advocacy, seminars, workshops, conferences and strategic engagements.
“These initiatives provide a robust platform for meaningful dialogue between the legislature, democratic institutions, stakeholders and the general public,” he said, “They address critical issues and propose sustainable solutions for national development, and today (Wednesday’s” conference is a key example of such efforts.
“We consider this a very unique platform where thought leaders, legislators, civil society, the media, influencers, stakeholders and concerned citizens converge to examine some of the issues that affect us most as a people.
“This year’s theme, “Legislative Pathways to a Sustainable Future: Enhancing Energy Security, Reducing Transportation Costs, Lowering Carbon Emissions through CNG Policy,” could not be more relevant, as we stand at a critical moment in our nation’s quest for sustainable development and economic prosperity.
“The world is changing and so must the way we think about energy, transportation as well as environmental responsibility.
“It is clear that policies centred around energy security, cost-effective transportation and environmental stewardship must be at the forefront of our legislative agenda, as we continue to strive for a future that is economically sound and environmentally sustainable.
“This conference would provide us with a unique opportunity to explore how Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) can serve as a transformative tool in our quest for a more secure, cost-effective and environmentally conscious future.
“The solutions we propose here would go a long way in shaping the present direction and legacy we leave for the future generations,” he concluded.
In the same vein, the former Senate Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe also noted that there is need for serious enlightenment on the CNG policy for effective implementation.
He said, “CNG policy not permeated to the people, they are just hearing about it without knowing exactly the modi operandi, therefore, there is need for more enlightenment so that the people out there will know exactly what CNG policy is all about and how it’s going to benefit them,”
