Stakeholders in the environmental sector have been urged to work together to achieve government commitments in its emission reduction target.
Nigeria’s Vice President Professor, Yemi Osinbajo stated this at the Pre-COP 27 National Stakeholders Consultative Forum & Climate Youth Negotiators Capacity Building workshop held in Abuja, the Nation’s capital.
He said that the government was fully committed to its emissions reductions target, while calling on participants at the event to participate actively and come up with resolutions that would direct Nigeria’s course as the country prepares for COP 27, in Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt.
“It is clear that the federal government is committed to emissions reductions and this is something that the entire country and all of us must work together to achieve this workshop, I’m sure would help in channeling and progressing Nigeria’s intention at the next Climate Change meetings and would like that everyone participates and contributes effectively.” Osinbajo stated.
Nigeria Participates Actively
Nigeria’s Minister of Environment Mr Mohammed Abdullahi, said that the meeting was to examine efforts and ensure that Nigeria participates actively at the COP 27, coming up in Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt.
He noted that there was need for an enhanced national priorities through increased institutional coordination and stakeholder collaboration as the country prepares for COP 27, in Sharm El-Sheikh Egypt.
“This is our mission today as key stakeholders to work together and emphasize Nigeria’s priorities in the thematic areas for the development of the national opposition are just all therefore, to make all necessary into Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDA’s consultations and bring out a concise, elaborate and detailed Nigeria position on the thematic areas of the climate change negotiations,” he said.
He noted that the implementation issues as it relates with finance for climate action would also be the a subject on the agenda.
“In the face of recent happenings, we must show our progress and the need for support to build adaptation and resilience and address losses and damages brought about by climate change. For disaster response and recovery, We must also make progress on the social dimensions of Climate Change and ensure that national commitments include a just transition for people whose jobs and livelihoods are affected as we move towards green economy,” the Minister explained.
The Director General National Council on Climate Change Dr Salisu Dahiru, while appealing for the stakeholders cooperation and support, said that COP 27 taking place in Africa, is a very special one and will offer Nigeria the opportunity to build on issues relevant to the country especially issues on loss and damages.
“For us, this cop is a very special one. It is to to be held in Africa and will be similar to the previous one that was done in the same Sharm el Sheikh and also similar to the one that was held in dabba, which give us real opportunities to build on some of the things that are germane to the country and of recent issues,” he stated.
The Director Department of Climate Change, Dr Iniobong Abiola –Awe, said the objective of the meeting is to discuss Nigeria’s national roadmap for the implementation of the COP 26 which Nigeria participated in and made the commitment of net zero emission by 2060.
“The main objective of the PRE COP 27 National Consultative Forum for which we are gathered here is to provide a platform and an opportunity to promote coherence and clarity on Nigeria’s national priorities by increasing institutional coordination amongst relevant stakeholders within the country for Nigeria’s effective participation are the upcoming events in Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt,” Dr Abiola –Awe said.
Effective Negotiation Process
She said the workshop aimed at primarily concentrating to enable delegates to coordinate their participation for an effective negotiation process and also provide opportunities to discuss further capacity building requirements to enable measures beyond the COP 27 in Egypt.
“We must stand together as one to respond to the challenges of Climate Change, which is very obvious in our myths. We’re hearing this gory stories of flooding and extreme temperatures that is experienced in the nation and around the world. We must therefore, not only do this individually, now nationally, globally, as we meet today, to initiate the process for the upcoming cop 27. On this note, I therefore wish you fruitful deliberation and our continuous collaboration in ensuring the success of our Climate Actions,” she said.
Dr Iniobong also reiterated the government’s commitment through the Department of Climate Change to enhance a holistic and effective Climate Change implementation process.
“It’s important that we work together collaboratively, purpose, partnership, providing a roadmap towards the buildup of the COP 27 to ensure that the commitment for which we made at COP 27 is not just only relevant.
She adds that they also work together to meet the targets.
Lateefah Ibrahim
