United Nations to assist Nigeria address Environmental problems
Zeniat Abubakar, Abuja
The UN says it will continue to collaborate with Nigeria and other countries in addressing political, economic and other challenges including environmental for the benefit of all.
The Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Amina Muhammed stated this when she paid a courtesy call on Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Muhammed Mahmood in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
According to her, environmental sector remains paramount to the United Nations agenda 2030.
“women, and children are the most affected by the conflicts and COVID-19 pandemic, which affects over fifty million people globally, and creates negative impacts on the world economy’’ she said.
Remarking at the event, Nigeria’s Minister of environment, Dr. Muhammed Mahmood, says his ministry will continue to partner with the United Nations for solutions to Environmental problems in the country.
The Minister commended the efforts of the UN envoy in addressing some Environmental issues when she was the Minister of Environment between 2015-2017, especially building formidable foundations in the ministry.
“We seek the support of the United Nations in convincing the developed Countries to redeem the pledge of $100 billion made to support developing Countries to unconditionally attain their targets and eventually increase ambitions” He stated.
The Minister added that “the need for International Community to treat with caution the campaign on defunding of Gas project, at least in Africa based on the sprite of a just, equitable and inclusive transition that takes into account the principals of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities which also considers parties specific national and regional development priorities, objectives and circumstances as well as varying realistic timelines for carbon neutrality”
He further said that the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed also championed for a Nigerian to become the leadership of Pan African Agency of the Great Green Wall, which would be handover to President Muhammadu Buhari later this year.
Dr. Mahmood explained that the Nigerian government would seek more support of UN Agencies to developmental efforts in the Ogoni Clean Up Projects, Pollution Control and Environmental Health and also Climate Action efforts and other environmental challenges.
Nigeria will also be hosting the 33rd Session of the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB-ICC) in Abuja this year, the Minister added.
The courtesy call was part of the UN Deputy Secretary General efforts for continuing support for Nigeria and the Ministry of environment.
