Solar Energy shift in Nigeria can reduce pollution and emissions, Norwegian Ambassador Svein Baera says at World Environment Day event

The Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Svein Baera, has called for greater investment in renewable energy and stronger international cooperation to address climate change, pollution and environmental degradation, urging businesses and governments to reduce reliance on fossil fuel-powered generators.

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Baera made the appeal on Friday during a World Environment Day event in Abuja themed “Because There’s No Planet B,” organised in partnership with renowned Nigerian artist Nike Davies-Okundaye, popularly known as Mama Nike.

The ambassador said environmental challenges such as plastic pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and climate change require coordinated action by governments, businesses and citizens across the world.

“It’s World Environment Day today, and it’s important that we then use all kinds of ways to communicate the message that the world’s environment is not as it should be,” Baera said.

“There is a lot of plastic in the ocean. There are a lot of emissions causing climate change. So all good forces in all countries must work together to find better solutions of reducing pollution and reducing emissions to save the climate and the environment.”

Highlighting the need for a Solar Energy Shift in Nigeria, Baera described solar power as a practical and sustainable alternative to diesel generators, which remain widely used by homes and businesses across the country.

“For instance, to go from a diesel generator and try to invest in solar energy, that is clean energy,” he said.

The envoy stressed that political leaders must strengthen international cooperation to tackle environmental threats that transcend national borders.

“We need more international cooperation to save our oceans, to save our climate, to have less pollution and a better world, a greener world for all of us,” he added.

Baera disclosed that Norwegian companies are already contributing to Nigeria’s clean energy transition by supplying solar technology to businesses seeking alternatives to fossil fuel-powered energy sources.

According to him, Norway is also supporting capacity-building initiatives through its Energy for Development programme, which focuses on reducing emissions, including those generated by the oil and gas industry.

“We also have a programme called Energy for Development, where we are transferring competence from Norway to Nigeria, for instance, in the area of having fewer emissions from the oil and gas sector,” he said.

Despite ongoing efforts, Baera challenged both Norwegian and Nigerian private sector operators to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

The ambassador also urged citizens to adopt environmentally responsible habits by reducing waste and preventing pollution.

“You should not throw waste on the street. You should not put waste into the ocean. You should try to find solutions that lead to fewer emissions,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Nike Davies-Okundaye encouraged Nigerians to embrace recycling and creative enterprise as tools for environmental sustainability and economic empowerment.

She said waste materials that are often discarded can be transformed into valuable products, artworks and sources of income for communities.

“Turning trash to treasure, turning waste to wealth, we have the knowledge, but we don’t have the money,” she said while commending the Norwegian Embassy for supporting environmental initiatives.

The founder of the Nike Art Gallery explained that items such as textiles, tea bags, orange peels and plastic bottles are being repurposed into fashion products, artworks and household items.

“There is nothing wasted in Nigeria. Those pure water sachets you throw away, we clean them, and we are turning them into a dress,” she said.

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Davies-Okundaye also called on young Nigerians and the media to promote local innovation and support the growing circular economy, expressing confidence that increased awareness would encourage more environmentally friendly practices across the country.