With over 75 per cent of Nigeria’s population still relying on solid fuel for their household cooking and heating needs, two organisations, GAS360 a clean cooking startup in Nigeria and Modern West Advisory (MWA), a climate advisory company in Calgary have signed a partnership to accelerate access to clean cooking for one million households and generate carbon in Nigeria.
This partnership was facilitated yesterday in Abuja by the Canadian Trade office, Nigerian Content and Monitoring Board and National Council on Climate Change. Emmanuel Uwandu The collaboration came after both companies signed partnerships with NESGAS Producing Ltd, which is building a 50,000 metric ton LPG depot in Onne, Rivers State. Chief Executive Officer, GAS360 Emmanuel Uwandu, who said the company clean cooking LPG and provides microfinancing to retailers, stressed the need for stakeholders to work together in reducing carbon emissions.
He said: “With the project, we want to serve one million households over the next four years, reduce carbon emission in Nigeria with our predetermined goals, provide 10 billion naira to finance many of these small businesses”. “Towards one million households. We’ve signed a partnership with NESGAS producing limited, they are building a 50,000 metric tonne LPG gas, so the facility is going to distribute a two million metric tonnes/ of/ LPG annually”.
“In 2020, more than 100,000 households reverted to using traditional fuels, such as charcoal and firewood. These households had previously transitioned to cleaner energy sources but returned to traditional fuels due to the impact of COVID-19, particularly the collapse of small businesses supplying clean energy fuels.
“In simpler terms, acquiring firewood and charcoal is more accessible than obtaining clean cooking gas. Our business model emphasizes supporting small businesses, which are both present and profitable in supplying these traditional fuels.
“Small businesses engaged in supplying liquefied petroleum gas are naturally incentivized by profit, eliminating the need to remind them to operate. The advent of digital payments has streamlined transactions, particularly through POS (point-of-sale) stores, which function effectively because of the profitability for the operators.
“Our focus isn’t on targeting affluent individuals; rather, we aim to bolster small businesses, ensuring reliable supply and expanding their customer base. This approach ensures the sustainability of our business, as increased profitability for our partners naturally leads to enhanced productivity without additional prompting.”
On his part, CEO, Modern West Advisory, Otomi Afiegbe expressed excitement about the partnership, saying that the firms were committed to ensuring clean cooking was adopted nationwide.
Speaking, Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change, Salisu Dahiru noted that the Council will establish a functional framework for carbon trading, saying that will provide ample opportunities for the National Climate Change Action Plan.
He said: “In Nigeria, every entity with 50 or more staff, regardless of being private or public, must appoint either a sustainability officer or a climate change officer to oversee the climate change desk.
“Their responsibilities include gathering data and information annually on your organization’s implementation of the climate change action plan. This information is then forwarded to us for analysis or potential enforcement to ensure compliance with the minimum requirements outlined in the provided allowances.
“If your organization meets the requirements, you’re in the clear. However, falling short triggers a calculation of discrepancies, leading to potential sanctions such as fines or penalties. This enforcement mechanism is designed to incentivize adherence to the regulations.
