The Niger State Government has called for stronger global climate alliances and increased investment to help safeguard over six million residents facing escalating environmental threats.
The Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, who represented Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, made the call at the ongoing COP30 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Belém, Brazil.
Speaking at the Nigerian Pavilion, Garba emphasised that Niger State is not merely seeking support but offering a strategic partnership to advance Africa’s global climate commitments.
“Investing in Niger State means investing in the resilience of over six million people, in food security, and in the protection of critical ecosystems that sustain Nigeria’s environmental balance,” he said.
The Deputy Governor noted that Niger State is ready to facilitate investment through transparent governance frameworks, land access policies, and collaborative monitoring mechanisms.
He described Niger State as a land endowed with rich natural resources, fertile agricultural landscapes, and a population determined to build a sustainable and climate-smart future.
Garba highlighted the state’s Green Sustainable Agenda, noting that climate actions are embedded across governance sectors—including agriculture, forestry, energy, water resources, waste management, and sustainable livelihoods.
According to him, “The roadmap aligns with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Africa’s broader call for equitable climate finance and fair partnerships.”
The Deputy Governor further stressed that despite the state’s proactive approach, implementing renewable energy initiatives, afforestation programmes, climate-smart agriculture, and youth-led waste-to-wealth enterprises—financial constraints have limited the scale of these efforts.
He urged development partners, climate funds, and private investors to collaborate with Niger State in mobilising climate finance through concessional funding, carbon market access, and blended financing mechanisms.
He said; “We have the vision and the commitment. What we seek are partnerships that unlock the resources needed to build a resilient, low-carbon, and prosperous future for our people.”
Garba also emphasised the importance of technology transfer and innovation in driving low-carbon development.
“Niger State seeks collaboration with research institutions, development partners, and climate investors to promote clean energy, digital climate information systems, and modern agricultural technologies,” he said.
Garba said that the Youth Party is central to the state’s green transformation.
According to him, equipping young people with the right tools, training, and technology can create jobs, foster green entrepreneurship, and sustain climate-smart value chains.
“Niger State is seeking partnerships to establish green innovation hubs, renewable energy clusters, and digital monitoring systems for effective climate action tracking.”
The Deputy Governor cited the direct impacts of climate change on local communities, including unpredictable rainfall, floods, droughts, desert encroachment, and declining crop yields.
He said; “Niger State has initiated community-based adaptation programs that integrate indigenous knowledge with modern scientific solutions, such as land restoration projects, irrigation support, and early-warning systems for farmers.”