Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen says the parliament is working to provide legal backing for the federal government’s renewable energy policy to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to clean energy.

Abbas spoke on Monday in Lagos at the first legislative conference and expo on renewable energy in Nigeria, organised by the House Committee on Renewable Energy and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

He highlighted the urgent need for Nigeria to adopt renewable energy for economic diversification and climate resilience. “The transition to renewable energy is not just an economic necessity; it holds substantial implications for national policy agendas,” he said.

Abbas noted global advancements, citing that in 2024, renewable energy accounted for over 92% of new power capacity worldwide. He underscored that Nigeria must adapt to global energy trends to maintain financial stability and attract investment.

The speaker referenced legislative successes in Egypt, the EU, and Germany, emphasising that Nigeria’s lawmakers are enacting tax reforms and policies to spur private investment in clean energy.

“We are also working to provide legal backing for the government’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Policy adopted in 2015,” Abbas stated, adding that the House had recently passed tax reforms eliminating VAT on renewable energy and compressed natural gas (CNG).

UNDP resident representative Elsie Attafuah also spoke at the event, stressing that energy is the foundation for Nigeria’s economic transformation and global competitiveness.