Religious leaders from various faiths in Nigeria have urged the government to immediately h.alt all new fossil fuel exploration and extraction projects and to commit to a just transition to renewable energy.
This call to action emerged from a two-day national dialogue titled Nigeria Multi-Faith Leaders National Consultative Dialogue on Medium and Long-term Climate Goals, held in Abuja.
The dialogue, organized by GreenFaith Nigeria in collaboration with Ecosteward and Humanitarian Foundation (ETF), The Kukah Centre (TKC), and Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, brought together Christian, Muslim, Hindu, and Traditionalist leaders to discuss the role of religion in addressing climate change.
GreenFaith, an interfaith environmental coalition, aims to inspire people of all faiths to lead in environmental stewardship and climate action.
At the conclusion of the dialogue, leaders of each faith presented a communique calling for government and industry action. This communique was read by prominent figures, including Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa, Co-Executive Director of the Interfaith Mediation Centre; His Grace Salika Dasa of the Hare Krishna Movement; Rev. Sis. Lilian Chibiko of GreenFaith Africa Women of Faith in Energy; Sheikh Khalid Muhammed Nuru of Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society; Pastor James Wuye of the Interfaith Mediation Centre; and Chief St. Emma Pii of the Bodo Council of Chiefs in Rivers State.
We call for an immediate halt to all new fossil fuel exploration and extraction projects in Nigeria. Just as Proverbs 21:3 tells us, ‘To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice,’ we recognize that continuing fossil fuel exploration is incompatible with our commitment to climate justice due to its adverse effects on communities and the global need to limit warming to 1.5°C,” the communique reads.
The leaders criticized the long history of exploitative oil extraction in Nigeria by foreign corporations, which they described as a system enabled by weak regulatory and legal frameworks that often foster corruption. They highlighted the fact that over 85% of fossil fuels produced by Africa-based projects are exported, leaving energy access rates in African countries dismally low. They argued that fossil fuel extraction worsens climate change, social inequalities, and environmental degradation, leading to issues such as land grabs, biodiversity loss, pollution, displacement, health problems, and human rights violations.
The communique demands the adoption of locally-owned, accessible, and clean renewable energy initiatives, and it calls for international collaboration to support vulnerable communities affected by the transition to green energy. Religious leaders also urged the Global North to honor its climate finance commitments, which would allow Nigeria and other developing countries to invest in renewable energy and resilience against climate impacts. They emphasized that industrialized nations had historically built their economies on fossil fuels extracted from countries like Nigeria.
Additionally, the leaders pledged to work with media organizations and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to promote the agenda of a just transition. “We recognize the necessary role the media and the National Orientation Agency can play in this cause. We therefore passionately seek the support of the media and NOA in driving the just transition agenda in Nigeria,” the leaders stated.
Pius Oko, Program Manager for GreenFaith Africa, emphasized that the dialogue supports his organization’s mission of uniting grassroots communities for social and environmental justice. “The workshop brought together diverse faith communities, united in their commitment to amplify a shared call against fossil fuel and deforestation projects while supporting a just transition to renewable energy solutions. This aims to shape a sustainable future for Nigeria and Africa—one that respects human dignity, honors our communities, cares for our planet, and upholds justice.
Today’s dialogue serves as a powerful moment to unite our diverse voices, strengthen our resolve, and chart a path toward a just transition from fossil fuels to an equitable, renewable future for our nation,” he added.
Peoplesmind
