Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima says the country’s huge potential in digital technology, the outsourcing industry, and the clean energy sector will continue to attract investments in its energy transition agenda in order to diversify the economy.
He stated this on Monday when he received Denmark’s Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy, Mr Dan Jorgensen, on a courtesy visit to the presidential villa, Abuja.
Shedding light on Nigeria’s climate objectives under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, the vice president noted that investments in digital technology, clean energy and other sectors had become a priority as a result of the dwindling fortunes of the oil economy.
“We are facing challenges, but where there is a will, there is a way.
“The president is a man imbued with passion, intellect and capacity to lead the nation on the path of prosperity and progress. He really wants to bring a new lease of life to the Nigerian nation because if Nigeria works, Africa works.
“Oil will still be relevant because of its other derivatives for the next decades, but as the primary driver of the economy, the role of oil will diminish in the coming years.
“This is why it is a priority for us to think out of the box to find alternatives.
“This is why we are looking for investments in digital technology, clean energy and other sectors.
“We have a lot of opportunities for partnership and collaboration,” the vice president stated.
Nigeria’s Strength
VP Shettima identified the strength of Nigeria’s population as a huge resource for the transformation of Africa, noting that the continent’s transformation could be fast-tracked by green and sustainable energy.
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Soliciting the support of the Danish Government and the Global Centre on Adaptation for Africa and Nigeria’s Climate Action, the VP maintained that “once there is sustainable energy, the people of the continent will key into Africa’s development aspirations.”
“So, I will solicit your understanding and support to save Africa,” he added, stating that the support of the centre is necessary to accelerate climate action and fast-track adaptation to solutions, focusing on the most vulnerable people in Africa.
Leading Role
The Vice President commended Denmark for its leading role in global climate action, while soliciting the support of the danish government.
“With our shared humanity, we are facing real existential threats, but we are very proud of Denmark because of its climate consciousness.
“You are doing well. There is room for us to have a mutually beneficial partnership,” VP Shettima said.
Firm Position
VP Shettima further delved into the political instability in parts of West Africa, saying Nigeria has taken a firm position against military coups and to defend the cause of democracy and human rights.
“Nigeria is actually the beacon of hope and stability in a turbulent region,” he noted.
Earlier, the Danish Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy, Dan Jorgensen, expressed his admiration for Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to climate sustainability.
The Danish Minister commended Nigeria's stability and positive influence in a region often facing challenges. "I also want to commend Nigeria for being a stable country doing a lot of positive difference in a region that is sometimes challenging," he stated.
Jorgensen drew a… pic.twitter.com/esaBIT0dEQ
— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) November 13, 2023
Jorgensen noted that Nigeria’s leadership role in addressing regional stability and its commitment to a just energy transition present significant opportunities for further collaboration between Denmark and Nigeria.
Also speaking, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, said the ministry is using messaging to take forward a lot of the initiatives that the government has put on ground.
“When we talk about climate change, we should be responsible enough to keep the preservation of the world for the next generation to benefit from it.
“Climate change is at the very top of our agenda as a government, especially now that Nigeria is at the precipice of being at the very top.
“We want to see how Nigeria and the Danish government can have cross-collaboration in this regard and also intercultural collaborations,” she said.
Present at the meeting were the Canadian Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Sune Krogstrup; Under Secretary of State, Amb. Ole Thonke; Private Secretary to the Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy, Sandra Sichlau; Head of Africa Department, Mr Ketil Karlsen; and the Special Adviser, Ida Krogh Mikkelsen, among others.
