Laudato Si Movement Urges Faith Leaders to Take Action against Fossil Fuel Dependency in Nigeria

“Our major source of livelihood in this country is fossil fuel, but it also contributes significantly to global warming, which affects our environment and biodiversity,” he said. 

The LSM National Coordinator called for the reduction of new fossil fuel projects, and advocated for “a just transition to renewable energies.”

Mr. Oboh and LSM members in the West African Nation are not only speaking out but taking action to end overreliance on fossil fuels.

“Today, we are signing the faith letter in support of the treaty, both physically and online. We are also conducting a cleanup in our environment as part of World Cleanup Day,” he shared. 

The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is rooted in the call for collective action as outlined by the Pope in his encyclical Laudato Si’, a key document urging humanity to act as stewards of the Earth. 

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Oboh told ACI Africa that the treaty is not just a religious initiative but an economic and environmental necessity, particularly for countries like Nigeria that are on the front lines of both fossil fuel extraction and climate change. 

“If you go to the Niger Delta today, you will pity the people living there. They cannot fish, their livelihood has been destroyed. Gas flaring has led to serious health conditions like lung cancer. People are not even living long,” he lamented.

In addition to curbing fossil fuel expansion, Oboh pointed to innovations like carbon capture and renewable energy alternatives as solutions. 

He highlighted technologies like hydrogen power and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as viable replacements for traditional fossil fuels. 

“In Nigeria, people are gradually converting their cars to compressed natural gas. These alternatives don’t emit harmful gases into the atmosphere, which is what we need,” LSM National Coordinator said.

Barr. Angela Okwatosi Ofunukwe, the Deputy Youth Animator of LSM who also spoke to ACI Africa, highlighted the role of young people in the movement. 

“Caring for the Earth is our collective responsibility. As stewards of the earth, we must change the way we do things. Each of us has a role to play in stopping climate change,” she said, adding that young people are “crucial in this transformation.”

Ofunukwe said young people are the future leaders, and that it is important they understand the impact of their actions.

“Young people can act as pressure groups in their homes. They can say to their parents, ‘Can we use just one car instead of multiple?’ or ‘Can we switch to renewable energy in our home?’,” she said.

Joseph Mbakusu, one of the participants during the one-day advocacy, underscored the need for a broader movement that includes not just Catholics but all religious leaders. 

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“When we talk about faith, it’s not just Catholics. Other pastors and religious leaders should also advise their members to take care of the environment. When our environment is healthy, our well-being is guaranteed as well,” Mbakusu told ACI Africa.

Abah Anthony John is a Nigerian Journalist with great enthusiasm and interest for Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria. He has vast experience in Print,  Electronic and Multi-Media Production.