Niger State to Host First Subnational Green Economy Summit

Niger State, north central Nigeria, is to host the First Subnational Green Economy Summit.

The Governor of the state, Mr. Muhammad Umaru Bago, gave the summit hint at a World Press Conference in Abuja.

He said that the Summit will attract experts and participants from around the world to exchange ideas, best practices, and innovations on green economy initiatives for us to learn and adapt in our context.

“Niger state government is hosting the 1st-ever subnational Green Economy Summit in response to the global challenges of environmental degradation, climate change impacts, insecurity and the growing need for sustainable solutions, where we will be unveiling the Niger State Green Economy Blueprint to guide our developmental choice of actions.”

He said that the summit is also in alignment with Nigeria’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy.

“The Summit will help in meeting Nigeria’s pledge under the Paris Agreement, the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Subsequently, the summit will also emphasize the role of local communities and their indigenous knowledge systems in sustainable development while empowering them with the necessary knowledge and resources to engage in eco-friendly practices and green initiatives, to achieve the UN SDGs.

“Similarly, through panel discussions and presentations, the summit shall increase public awareness and knowledge about green technologies, sustainable practices, and environmental issues,” he explained.

The governor also said that the theme of this summit shall be “Sustainable Future: Harnessing Green Assets and Innovation for Niger State’s Prosperity”.

“This encapsulates our central vision and purpose of the Niger State Green Economy initiative. It communicates the state’s commitment to the sustainable development of its valuable natural resources (green assets), and the use of innovative practices in driving economic growth and prosperity.

“The target is to unlock the states’ green economy potential to achieve prosperity for all its residents.

“By adopting this theme, the Niger State Green Economy Summit aims to inspire collaboration, knowledge sharing, and concrete actions that will lead to a greener, more sustainable, and prosperous future for the state and its people.”

Governor Bago noted that the summit is “expecting about 500 participants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to discuss and help proffer solutions to issues of Decarbonizing Energy Systems, Circular Economy, Waste Management, Green Agriculture, Food Security, Eco-Tourism and Community Development. Other issues to be discussed include; Conserving Biodiversity for Sustainable Development, Innovative Solutions for Water Management, Smart Cities, Sustainable Urbanization, Women and Youth Engagement.

“The event will have Keynote Speakers, lead speakers, panelists, presenters, and other contributors which include the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Honourable Ministers, heads of pertinent Agencies, State Governors, representatives of multilateral and bilateral international organizations, development partners and development finance institutions, captains of industry, local and international experts on the theme and sub-themes, members of the academia, community leaders, youth and women group representatives, civil society organizations, etc.”

The governor also hinted that the Summit will be a two-day (hybrid) event on the 24th and 25th of October 2023, to be held in Minna, the Niger State capital.

It will coincide with the United Nations Day as well as the climate advocacy group, 350.org’s, International Day (of advocacy) for Climate Action, on the 24th of October each year.

He noted that the choice of the date is to underscore the resolve to partake in achieving collective global goals through responsible local action, as Nigeria prepares to participate in the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP 28) in Dubai, UAE, between Nov. 30th and Dec.12th,2023.

He also said that the benefits of the summit will be the protection of the environment from flood disaster as the issue of climate change will be addressed.

On the issue of security for investors who are expected to attend the summit and the citizens of Niger state, the governor said that security would not be an issue.

“As a state, we have and we are still investing in security and heavy security equipment. Don’t worry about security. Security wouldn’t be an issue but I can assure you Niger is safe,” he added.