Catholic groups urge govt to ban importation of fossil generating sets

THE Church and Society Department of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in partnership with Caritas Nigeria, Catholic Relief Service and Cafod, have called on government to setup an effective action plan to ban importation of fossil generating sets.

Giving the urgency of the issues raised by the Holy Father, Pope Francis, on the Encyclical Laudato Si and the terrible consequences of the current abuse of the environment, the group issued a communiqué during a two-day workshop in Abuja, adding that government should establish mechanisms that would encourage the use of solar energy.

It further stated that the environment, which is a gift from God and a common home for human should be properly cared for.

Among others, the communiqué stated that, “An action plan to effectively ban importation of fossil fuel generating sets should be put in place while government establishes mechanisms to promote the use of solar energy.

“The Bishops Conference should direct parish priests to take the lead in educating their communities on alternative lifestyles and taking action on renewable energy sources. Consequently every parish should be encouraged to use solar energy in powering churches and priests residences as a more sustainable energy source.”

It further stated that government at all levels should create more awareness on various environmental policies as well as enforce such environmental legislations enunciated by the Nigerian Environmental Standards Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in line with new developments.

It added, “Government should also be ready to make new legislations where the existing ones are found to be weak or irrelevant.

“The international community should mobilise all resources at its disposal to ensure a sincere dialogue with relevant experts in favour of eco-friendly actions for the sustainability of the created order and well-being of the human person. Appropriate sanctions should be put in place for Nations and multinationals that violates ecological legislations.”

The communiqué noted that, considering humanity’s failure in its responsibility as stewards of God’s creation, the groups agreed with the Holy Father that education in environmental responsibility would surely encourage ways of acting which will directly and positively affect the entire created order.

It added, “there is need to urgently reclaim our vocation as responsible care takers of the entire creation
We must grow in virtue and experience ecological conversion through a sincere environmental appreciation and consistent attitudinal change.”