The Director, Economic, Trade and Investment, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador, Bolaji Akinremi, says ‘collaborative’ efforts is critical in promoting investment in infrastructural development and Climate Change among stakeholders of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, in Nigeria.
He disclosed this in Abuja at the inter-ministerial meeting centered on the preparation for the Africa Infrastructure, Climate Change and Investment Summit (AICIS) + Exhibition, coming up on the 30th of October to November 2nd, 2023 in Washington DC, U.S.A.
Ambassador Akinremi, while commending the planning committee for the AICIS + Exhibition initiative, said it is worthy to promote investment in climate change and infrastructure development.
“Past government administration did their best, and now, the new administration has shown it will really focus on infrastructure. So we need to take this very seriously, I want you to look into it if it has anything to do with your MDAs. You have a lot to say on this matter; some of us were there when the Paris Agreement was signed, and you know the battle we have to go through now.”
Also speaking, the Chairman, Planning and organizing Committee of AICIS Mr Moses Owharo, said the MDAs play a very important role in tackling climate change and infrastructural deficit issues.
According to him “Climate Change issues include electricity power generation, alternative energy, hydroelectric facility for agricultural purposes, and water/dam to fight deforestation” in Africa until 2028.
Adding that, others are environmental impact assessment on climate, soil, livestock, fauna, green vegetation, and green belt replenishment.
“These are global issues and of national concern because climate change and infrastructural deficit cut across states and local communities. The main goal of the programme is for Africa infrastructural development and climate change funding that the government may not be able to cover. Maybe due to shortage of resources they can access funding; this is the main reason we want to go to the U.S., and mobilise for such fund.This fund will be focused solely for Africa and will be used to tackle issues faced in Africa.” Owharo said.
On her part, the Vice-President of Nigerians in Diaspora (NIDO) Asia, Ambassador Fatima Joshua, said more would be done to encourage relevant support “We have been pursuing the cause in the U.S.A, to see how we can have medical support in Nigeria. Now we have two fleet of containers loaded with medical equipments given to us freely to bring to Nigeria.To support communities having health crisis and where there is no adequate hospital, we have talked to many nations and they are ready to suppor us.” She said
The meeting was attended by stakeholders of MDAs, diplomatic community, Nigeria Immigration Service, and AICIS planning committee.
Shakirat Sadiq
