COP 28: Stakeholders Urged to Support Government Initiatives

Zeniat Abubakar, Abuja

Last updated Nov 14, 2023

National Assembly members and stakeholders in the environmental sector have been urged to commit to supporting Nigeria’s initiatives toward a Net-Zero trajectory without compromising national resources.

The Director General National Council on Climate Change, Dr Salisu Dahiru, stated this at the National workshop to validate Nigeria’s Long-Term Emission Development Strategy held in Abuja the nation’s capital.

“Today is remarkable as this National Validation workshop aims to serve as an invaluable platform to present updates on the progress achieved and underway in our nation’s global commitments toward curbing Greenhouse gas emissions within the UNFCCC process. The commencement of a momentous journey toward a brighter, sustainable future for our beloved nation, Nigeria.” He said.

He noted that Nigeria’s Long-Term Low-Emission Development Strategy 2060 stands as a visionary blueprint, a testament to the government’s commitment to transition into a more resilient, green, and inclusive economy.

“Today, we assemble not just as policymakers, scientists, or leaders, but as custodians of our beautiful nation and our precious planet. Together, we’ll convert challenges into opportunities, pioneering a low-emission, high-impact future for Nigeria.” He added.

He explained that Nigeria, as a nation, acknowledged the gravity of the challenges of climate change and the need to act fast.

” I stand before you deeply honored and humbled to introduce Nigeria’s Long-Term Low-Emission Development Strategy 2060 for National Stakeholder validation. In the global context, the urgency to combat climate change and forge a sustainable path for the future has never been more critical. He explained.

Dr Salisu Dahiru explained that the strategy embodies the government’s pledge to preserve the environment, protect the people, and ensure economic prosperity for generations to come.

” Within its details lie ambitious targets, innovative solutions, and a collaborative spirit that forms the foundation of our journey, the path to a sustainable future is the path to progress. It signifies cleaner air, enhanced health, inclusivity, food security, green job creation, and improved livelihoods for all Nigerians”. He stated.

“It is the route to becoming a global leader in sustainable development today, we assemble not just as policymakers, scientists, or leaders, but as custodians of our beautiful nation and our precious planet, together, we’ll convert challenges into opportunities, pioneering a low-emission, high-impact future for Nigeria.” Dr. Dahiru added.

Chairman House Committee on Climate Change, Chris Nkwonta commended the NCCC towards making Nigeria a net-zero economy by 2050 to have a healthier environment.

“I sincerely commend the National Council on Climate Change, NCCC, National Assembly, Related Institutions, Agencies, Nongovernmental Organizations and Other Critical Stakeh0lolders for Collaborative and Untirring Efforts towards developing Workable and Sustainable Framework and Action Plans pursuant to the attainment of Net Zero Emissions Economy in 2050 – 2060 as part of Nigeria’s commitment to the Paris Agreement (PA) as a ratified Signatory to the Agreement in 2017.” He said.

Representative of the Enugu State governor Professor Samuel Ugwu said the State is witnessing devastation caused by miners in the state.

“In Enugu states we have a lot of environmental degradation we’ve seen a lot of devastations going on in the state these have caused a lot of climate change in the States and a lot of people who are mining causing emissions in the states has also affected the water system.

We’ve done some investigations and find out that within the areas these people are operating have been polluted and the new government that is just about six months old, have a deep interest in ensuring that the environmental conditions of people are taking good care of.” He said.

According Ugwu, “one of the major aims of coming to this workshop is to acclimatise ourselves with the National and International donors and the participants in this workshop so that we can keep up and make sure that our environment is healthier.”

The Validation Workshop marks a significant step forward as Nigeria embarks on defining its Low-Emission Development Pathways for a cleaner, more resilient future in the face of climate change.

Shakirat Sadiq