Lai Mohammed: Allow Africa Fossil Fuels for Growth

Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has urged developed nations to grant African countries greater leeway in utilising fossil fuels for economic and infrastructure growth.

Mohammed made the call on Thursday during a speaking engagement at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.

Responding to a question on climate change mitigation support for Africa, the former minister pointed to what he termed hypocrisy in global climate expectations.

He argued that Europe and North America built their economies, roads, and transportation systems using fossil fuels, and should not deny the continent the same pathway.

“The developed world used fossil fuels to build their infrastructure, transportation systems, roads and the like. The only asset we have is fossil fuel. We must be allowed to use it to build our infrastructure and economy,” Mohammed stated.

While recognising the need to protect the environment, he called for differentiated responsibilities that reflect Africa’s unique development realities.

“We agree that we must not endanger nature, but different rules will have to apply. We must be given a lot of leeway and concessions,” he added.

Mohammed stressed that Nigeria and other African nations require such flexibility to address pressing infrastructure gaps.

He highlighted challenges in the tourism and events sector, noting that Lagos hosts an estimated 20,000 events monthly yet lacks adequate purpose-built conference and exhibition centres.

“At a recent Commonwealth Trade and Investment Forum, the issue of over-tourism was raised. I pointed out that our problem in Nigeria is under-tourism. We need more investment in tourism infrastructure,” Mohammed said.

The former minister reaffirmed Africa’s willingness to contribute to global efforts to save the planet but insisted on necessary concessions to meet development needs.

NaijaChoice News reports that Mohammed’s position reflects ongoing debates in Nigeria about balancing climate commitments with the urgent push for industrialization and job creation across the country.

This stance underscores the delicate balance Africa must strike between environmental responsibility and the imperative for economic advancement.