UN Commends Niger State For Trailblazing Investment In Green Economy

The Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Mrs Amina Mohammed has lauded the Niger State Government for blazing the trail in investing in the green economy in Nigeria.

Mrs Mohammed gave the commendation at the first-ever Green Economy summit hosted by the Niger Governor, Mohammed Bago, in the state.

She emphasized that the days of oil-driven energy growth are numbered and there is a need to end addiction to fossil fuels.

The UN Deputy Secretary-General said, “Nigeria must make a shift and chart a new way forward that leaves no one behind by investing in the transition to clean energy from renewable sources.”

She said; “Niger State has the potential to be the trailblazer on this path as investing in the green economy would unleash the next great wave of human and sustainable development, particularly for the youths.”

Mrs Mohammed commended the Niger State government for launching the green economy blueprint.

She said; “These challenges have no boundaries and have numerous cross-generational impacts. So as we examine opportunities to build green economic pathways, we need to keep in mind that most of the world’s natural resources are in Africa. And in Niger State, you are blessed with an abundance of mineral resources. Niger is uniquely positioned to be one of the first movers to engage in green growth and to become a leader by investing in energy.

“But these must include bold investments into the state’s strongest assets, which are its people. People are not just the key target of development, they are also the agents of change.”

“Dear friends, this would require leadership, commitment, and partnership to identify integrated solutions that respond to the complex issues. Allow me to focus on one area. Energy.

“The days of oil-driven energy growth are numbered. While our global progress on meeting the climate emergency is still too slow, the direction of travel is unambiguous. There is no long-term future for oil.

“Globally we need to end our addiction to fossil fuels while building baseload and expanding access to reliable, clean, and affordable energy for everyone. In Nigeria, we face a situation where 36% of households do not have access to the electricity grid and where we remain almost entirely dependent on fossil fuels for electricity generation,” She explained.

“Nigeria must set a shift and chart a new way forward that leaves no one behind by investing in the transition to clean energy from renewable sources. Niger has the potential to be the trailblazer on this path. Investing in the green economy would unleash the next great wave of human and sustainable development, particularly for our youths,” Mrs Mohammed said.

According to her, Nigeria has a unique opportunity to make progress and crucial contributions to UN sustainable development goals and agenda 2063.

“Let’s continue this journey together to ensure that people, especially women and planets thrive, building a just and sustainable and resilient world that leaves no one behind. Let us take that journey together,” she added.

The two-day Green Economy Summit has “Sustainable Future: Harnessing Green Assets and Innovation for Niger State’s Prosperity’ as its theme.

Mercy Chukwudiebere