Topic: Green Initiatives Within the United Nations System
Country: Nigeria
Delegate Name: Samantha Schrader
School: Williamston High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Nigeria position papers GLIMUN 2011 committees
Nigeria is faced with several challenges which make creating a green agenda seem nearly impossible. The inefficiencies in the energy and transportation systems, waste management and building industry have challenged environmentally friendly solutions. Nigerians are said to burn an average of 40 million liters of petrol/diesel per day. Unfortunately, keeping the efficient supply of energy in the hands of licensed providers appears to be a long way away. The search for alternate power (wind, solar, waste) also seems currently unattainable. The Nigeria Energy Commission mandate states: “guarantee adequate, sustainable and optimal supply of energy at appropriate cost and in an environmentally responsible manner to the various sectors of the economy, by utilizing all viable energy resources in an optimal mix – appears incapable of championing initiatives in alternative clean energy.” Industry operators can play a big role in keeping Nigeria environmentally friendly with simple solutions such as using solar-powered generating plants.
Nigeria’s government is lacking a concise agenda, providing strategies, encouragement, goals and deadlines. With such an agenda, Nigeria could start to respect the surrounding environment and keep the country clean for future generations.
Most Nigerian cities lack efficient transportation systems. Recent issues involving petrol pricing and carbon emissions should direct the Nigerian government to consider green initiatives but unfortunately is currently not being addressed. The main way of transport within Nigeria consists of motorcycles, but if mass transportation alternates were provided, carbon emissions could be greatly decreased.
Although Nigeria is struggling in the area of green initiatives, steps to improve this would be considered. The largest issue standing in the way of environmental friendliness is simply Nigeria’s funding, development and poverty. If these problems could be addressed and a solution, temporary of permanent, established, then Nigeria could primarily focus on helping the environment.
