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NDCs: CSDevNet, FUPRE Sign Memorandum of Understanding

Group photograph after the signing ceremony
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Group photograph after the signing ceremony

As part of its commitment to expanding the frontiers of knowledge and awareness on Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement, Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet) has commissioned the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE) Warri to conduct a study into the status of implementation for the oil and gas components of Nigeria’s climate targets as submitted to the UNFCCC.

The study is an integral part of the network’s ongoing project on accelerating transition to low carbon, climate-resilient and green economic growth in Nigeria through the effective implementation of the NDCs. The project is currently being implemented with support from the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) through the Pan African Alliance for Climate Justice (PACJA). 

The ceremony held at Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun on the 22nd November, 2019.

Participants present at the signing ceremony include Dr Akinyemi Ogunkeyede  Chairman, Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) of the University, Dr. Adedoyin Adebayo, Dr Emeka, Dr Doris Ogeleka, and Mr Abuh Monday, CSDevNet’s Stakeholder Engagement Officer. Others include Mr Freeman Elohor and Ms Ufuoma Augustina of the ACCARD Initiative.

The SDSN-FUPRE Chairman, Dr Akinyemi Ogunkeyede, stated that the relationship between SDSN-FUPRE and ACCARD Initiatives (one of the CSOs in the network) has been very beneficial and it has resulted in the new partnership with CSDevNet.

Addressing the participants during the meeting, Mr Freeman Elohor, a member of ACCARD Initiatives, stated that CSDevNet is willing to throw her support behind SDSN-FUPRE to achieve the SDGs.

It is in furtherance of this that CSDevNet is partnering with the university to conduct a study on the oil and gas segment of Nigeria’s National Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement. 

SDSN-FUPRE Chair, Dr. Akinyemi, conveyed their readiness to collaborate with CSOs to achieve the SDGs in the NigerDelta. He explained that there could be some challenges with getting information from the oil and gas companies due to past experience with them but that he is hopeful that those challenges will be overcome and if not, they will be communicated in the final report.

Representatives of the SDSN and the University

According to the pioneer SDSN-FUPRE chairperson, Dr Doris Ogeleka, there is need to carry out field work around the oil and gas processes because the information received from internet sources and oral interviews might not be the reality on ground; especially as the outcome of the project should reflect the true state of things as it pertains to Niger Delta community.

Dr Ogeleka’s view was supported by the Chair who stated that a comprehensive report containing oral interview, desktop research and field work is the best approach to ensure the report meets the institution’s standard.

Speaking on behalf of CSDevNet, Mr Monday Abuh stated that he was impressed with the discussions and the inputs from other participants which were very key to the success of the project. He also said from reports received from Mr. Freeman and discussion so far, the ability of the university to handle the project was not in doubt.

He added that CSDevNet is aware of the oil and gas companies’ attitude towards information sharing and the way to handle that was taken care of in the terms of reference (TORs). 

Participants discussed other aspects of the project and clarified the grey areas to ensure successful implementation while the  the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between CSDevNet and SDSN-FUPRE.

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