Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, emphasized the need for equitable energy policies during the GreenFaith Nigeria Multifaith Forum in Abuja on Thursday. He described Nigeria's energy transition as a moral and developmental responsibility, not just an economic agenda. Banjo stressed that clean energy policies must protect the poor, support small businesses, create decent jobs and ensure no region is left behind. He called on governments at all levels to implement clear and just policies while urging investors and financial institutions to guide renewable energy projects with accountability and community ownership. Banjo also encouraged Nigerians to adopt eco-friendly habits like tree planting, proper waste disposal, water conservation and keeping drainages clear. He highlighted environmental challenges including oil pollution in the Niger Delta, desertification in the North, erosion in the South-East and flooding in riverine areas. According to him, these issues directly impact human dignity, livelihoods and public health. Banjo cited biblical teachings on stewardship of creation and commended GreenFaith Africa, GreenFaith Nigeria and the Kukah Centre for advancing climate justice. Sheikh Ibrahim Lithome, Muslim scholar and Chairman of GreenFaith Africa, said the organisation brings together people of different faiths to advocate for climate justice.
Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo calls for moral responsibility in energy policy while highlighting persistent regional environmental crises that current governance has failed to resolve. The same communities suffering from oil pollution, desertification and flooding remain underserved in energy access, raising doubts about policy follow-through. If faith leaders must remind authorities of basic stewardship, it suggests a deeper failure in public accountability. Their call for citizen action on waste and drainage shifts focus from systemic neglect to individual burden.
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