On Monday, in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu emphasized the importance of achieving a fair equilibrium between fossil fuels and green energy in the pursuit of an energy transition. He further appealed to the United States and other developed nations to remain mindful of Nigeria and Africa's struggle with poverty during the global shift towards clean energy.

President Tinubu stressed the significance of the emerging energy sources, which presently account for only 5 percent of the global energy demand. He emphasized the need to strike a suitable balance between these new energy alternatives and fossil fuels, as Africa faces the enduring challenge of poverty. These remarks were made during a meeting between President Tinubu and Geoffrey Praytt, the United States Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of Energy Resources, held at the State House in Abuja. In a statement titled "President Tinubu seeks better cooperation with us over energy transition," the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy, Dele Alake, shared this information on Monday.

"In a meeting with United States Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of Energy Resources, Geoffrey Praytt, at the State House in Abuja, President Tinubu emphasized the significance of striking a balance between new energy sources and fossil fuels, as the former currently accounts for only 5 percent of global energy requirements. His remarks underscored the pressing issue of poverty in Africa and the need to address it effectively.

Dele Alake, the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy, confirmed these statements in a press release titled 'President Tinubu seeks better cooperation with the US over energy transition,' issued on Monday. President Tinubu highlighted Nigeria's role as an oil-producing country and the crucial role of revenue generated from fossil fuels in fostering the nation's economic well-being.

Stressing that Nigeria is both an oil producer and a developing economy, President Tinubu argued that the country relies on fossil fuel revenue for its growth and development. However, he assured the delegation of Nigeria's commitment to fulfilling all its obligations regarding climate change and its pursuit of clean energy.

Hence, Tinubu made an appeal to the United States and other developed nations, emphasizing the pressing issue of poverty in Nigeria and Africa. He stressed the importance of finding a balance between fossil fuels and green energy in the pursuit of energy transition.

Regarding the intricate connection between poverty in Africa and the fragility of democracy on the continent, President Tinubu urged the United States to collaborate with Nigeria in safeguarding a government that truly represents the people.

Furthermore, he urged the Assistant Secretary of State to convey the sense of urgency in addressing Nigeria's needs to his home government. Tinubu expressed his appreciation for the partnership with the US while expressing concerns about whether Nigeria is receiving sufficient support to meet its requirements, just like any other democracy in the world.

The President cautioned against the United States pushing Nigeria to the point of desperation where it would resort to relying on adversaries for sustenance," he remarked.

He emphasized the importance of funding support for Nigeria to facilitate and expedite its energy diversification efforts, noting the existence of bureaucratic hurdles that need to be overcome in the US response to Nigeria's needs. The President emphasized the necessity of timely assistance when it is required.

"We are eager to learn and progress in order to become part of the 21st-century economy. Please convey the message that we urgently require assistance. I appreciate your acknowledgement of the small strides we have made thus far. Rest assured that Nigeria will fulfill its commitments concerning climate change and renewable energy," the President concluded.

During his speech, Ambassador Praytt praised Tinubu's commendable economic initiatives, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of multiple foreign exchange rates.

He further revealed that his visit was intended partly to convey President Joe Biden's support for Nigeria's measures to mitigate the impact of fossil fuel usage.

"We are ushering in a new era of US-Nigeria relations. Nigeria is taking significant strides in advancing renewable energy to meet the needs of its citizens," the Ambassador stated.

He expressed great satisfaction with the collaboration between the US and NNPCL (Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation) and commended the performance of the new Special Adviser on Energy.

In his introductory remarks, Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director of NNPC Limited, informed the President that the Nigerian energy industry had been in discussions with the US Department of Energy regarding the energy transition.

Kyari also acknowledged the assistance provided by the US Department of Energy in the development of the Petroleum Industry Act by the Nigerian government.