Nigeria Committed To Industrial Regulatory Frameworks, Reduce Carbon Emissions

Nigeria’s Minister of Environment Mr Balarabe Lawal stated this at a Stakeholders Engagement Workshop on the National Industrial De-carbonization Programme (NIDP), held in Abuja Nigeria’s capital.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Mahmud kambari, said the regulatory framework will also help in facilitating access to climate finance and green technologies, enhancing research and innovation to develop home grown solutions for industrial sustainability,

The Minister called on stakeholders to use the workshop to explore the technical details of the framework to discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and collaborate on the solutions that will define Nigeria’s industrial de-carbonization journey.

According to him, the Launch of the National De-carbonization Programme (NIDP) marks strategic steps in Nigeria’s journey to achieving net-zero emissions and aimed at facilitating the adoption of cleaner technologies in Nigeria.

The Director General, National Environmental Standard and Regulations Enforcement Agency NESREA, Dr Innocent Barikor, said that the National Industrial De-carbonization Programme represents Nigeria’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning the country’s industrial sector towards a low-carbon economy.

He further explained that the initiative is in line with the nation’s international obligations under the Paris Agreement, as well as Nigeria’s ambitious domestic target of achieving net zero emissions by 2060.

He urged stakeholders to share perspectives and collaborate in shaping the regulatory framework that will drive the industrial transformation.

“Second, it facilitates the development of innovative mechanisms for generating and trading carbon credits, thereby opening new revenue streams for our industries and the government. Third, it establishes a comprehensive compliance monitoring and enforcement framework that will ensure adherence to de-carbonization targets. And finally, it fosters strategic partnerships across both public and private sectors, enhancing collaboration and knowledge-sharing.’’ He said.

According to him, by adopting de-carbonization strategies and establishing a clear regulatory framework, that Nigeria can significantly mitigate emissions while simultaneously enhancing the country’s competitiveness in the international markets.

Chairman NESREA, Governing Board, Mr Garba Datti Mohammed, said the workshop is a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, share insights and collectively shape a regulatory and compliance framework that will serve as the foundation for our de-carbonization efforts.

“Our industrial sector is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy, yet it is also a significant source of carbon emissions. It is incumbent upon us, as custodians of the environment, to lead the charge in transforming industrial practices—adopting cleaner technologies, enhancing energy efficiency, and establishing robust mechanisms for compliance and carbon credit trading.’’ He said.

He said with shareholders collaborative efforts Nigeria can to build a framework that safeguards the environment, supports sustainable industrial growth and positions Nigeria as a leader in the global low-carbon economy.

Chairman House Committee on Environment Mr Julius Pondi, said the National Assembly, remain committed to provide oversight functions that will enable agencies like NESREA to enforce environmental standards effectively.

He further stressed that both Chambers will work closely with stakeholders to enact and amend laws that promotes a greener and more sustainable industrial practices in the country.

“I urged all stakeholders to work together to develop actionable solution that balance industrial growth and environmental protection, Industrial activities remain one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emission, it’s in line with this challenges that NESREA in collaboration with various stakeholders has taken a proactive step towards achieving a sustainable practices through NIDP, the NIDP is a vital initiative aimed at transitioning our industry towards a cleaner and more sustainable operations. It seems to reduce carbon emission while promoting energy efficiency.’’ He said.

In a presentation by Oxytane Africa Investment, the Managing Director, Mr Tamarankro Juliano Obriki, said the organisation is committed to play a role in making sure that de-carbonization programme by NESREA and the Ministry of Environment is successful.

“The issues of de-carbonization is very serious growing concern in the world globally, the President Bola Tinubu is committed serious commitment have been made to the global world, Nigeria is going to be at the forefront of the de-carbonization, we as critical stakeholders it is our duty and mandates to bring our expertise to support NESREA in bringing this National De-carbonization Programme (NIDP) and making it a success.’’ He added.

The stakeholders workshop is designed to be an interactive and collaborative platform from experts on de-carbonization technologies, review proposed regulatory frameworks and engage in breakout sessions to gather valuable insights.

The success of this program will help to design, implement, and enforce measures that are both effective and practical for the Nigerian context.