Nigeria partners with Netherlands to address climate change

The Nigerian government says it will work with the Netherlands to address the issues of Climate Change resilience and smallholder farmers in the country.

Minister of Environment, Mr. Mohammed Abdullahi stated this in Abuja, the nation’s capital when the Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria Mr. Harry van Dijk paid him a courtesy visit to discuss issues of Climate Change.

“We are here to assure that the policies agreements, MOUs, obligations that have been signed by the Ministry will be executed as at when due and appropriately.

“On behalf of the government of Nigeria i want to assure you that MOU’s entered by by my colleagues and other Ministries that has same interface with Climate Change, Circular economy, general investment under the Ease of Doing Business policy of government is taken collectively, and individually  depending on the Ministry.” Mr. Abdullahi stated.

Improve Bilateral Relations

The Minister noted that the Nigerian government would continue to work  and  improved bilateral relations for mutual benefit for both countries.

He said, “we will look at these issues raised especially the Nigeria’s Climate Change policies,  what we think we can do together to enhance service delivery on the part of our government,  especially the issues of Climate Change resilience and smallholder farmers.

“And we will give you an update on the Ogoni cleanup project, the project is

 something that has a global dimension and UNEP is also involved, it is also very important that our International friends and diplomats also understand what the Ministry is doing.” Minister explained.

The Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr  Harry van Dijk said the meeting with the Minister was to discuss areas of common interest such as the Niger Delta Oil spill, cleanup and Climate Actions  and other Climate issues  that affects Nigeria.

Climate Action Policy

He said, the Netherland would also intensify its relations with Nigeria in the area of climate action policy’s and green economy.

“In 2018 our Foreign Minister sign an MOU with Nigeria, to enhance both countries bilateral relations since then we are have been investing and increasing  our presence to intensify our relation with Nigeria.

“Nigeria of course offers potentials for Climate Policy and Green economy that is why we are here, this is the agenda we set out for i hope this meeting will give guidance to our respective offices.”  Mr  van Dijk added.

Confidence Okwuchi