At global climate talks in Santa Marta, several oil-producing African countries made it clear they are not ready to stop extracting fossil fuels, despite growing international pressure to phase them out.
An adviser to Nigeria’s regional development minister, Onuoha Magnus Chidi, said countries like Nigeria prefer a “phase down” rather than a full phaseout. He stressed that oil revenues are essential for jobs and government income, and warned that workers would need alternative livelihoods before any major transition.
He also called for debt relief and financial support to help developing countries shift toward cleaner energy without economic collapse.
Similarly, Senegal emphasized its right to development after recent discoveries of offshore oil and gas. Adviser Serigne Momar Sarr said the country plans to use fossil fuels to support growth while gradually integrating renewable energy.
The summit comes at a time when oil prices are rising due to global instability, including tensions linked to the Iran conflict. This has made energy security a major concern even as climate risks increase.
While no binding agreements are expected, the talks reveal a clear global divide: wealthy countries pushing for faster climate action, and developing producers insisting on a slower, more economically balanced transition.
Source: AA
