President Bola Tinubu has emphasized that Nigeria is ready to transform the challenges posed by climate change into opportunities for economic growth and sustainable development.
According to The PUNCH, he highlighted the significant threats posed by rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and changing rainfall patterns, which are already impacting the country’s development and the well-being of its citizens.
Tinubu conveyed these views in a keynote address delivered by the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Uche Nnaji, during the launch of a new product by NETZENCE Sustainability Limited, a company specializing in sustainability technology and management, held on Tuesday in Abuja.
The event focused on the theme, “Accelerating Nigeria’s Net Zero Target and Carbon Market Ecosystem with Netzence Sustainability Limited.”
“Nigeria, like many other nations, is already witnessing the devastating impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifting rainfall patterns are affecting our communities, our agriculture, and our economy,” the President said. “These changes threaten the very foundation of our development and the well-being of our people.
Yet, within this challenge lies a tremendous opportunity to reshape our economy, embrace sustainable development, and position Nigeria as a leader in the global fight against climate change.”
Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2060, describing it as more than just a target, but a “commitment to future generations, a commitment to protect our environment, and a commitment to drive economic growth sustainably.”
He outlined the government’s ongoing climate change adaptation initiatives, such as the Nigerian Carbon Market Initiative, the Green Bond Initiative, the National Council on Climate Change, and the Renewable Energy Policy.
However, Tinubu stressed that more needs to be done to accelerate Nigeria’s progress towards its net zero goals.
“To truly accelerate our net zero target, we must focus on several critical areas,” Tinubu stated. These areas include establishing clear and consistent policies and regulations, implementing a robust carbon pricing mechanism, mobilizing green finance, embracing new technologies, fostering innovation, and strengthening partnerships with other nations, international organizations, and the private sector.
“By focusing on these areas, Nigeria can achieve its net zero target, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute meaningfully to global climate efforts,” he noted.
“As we transition to a low-carbon economy, we will create new economic opportunities, generate jobs, and improve the quality of life for all Nigerians.”
The President also commended NETZENCE Sustainability Limited for its proactive approach in the fight against climate change.
He assured the company that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, along with other relevant agencies, would collaborate with them to pioneer solutions that would advance Nigeria’s journey toward net zero.
At the event, Dr. Sadiq Sani, Founder and CEO of NETZENCE Sustainability Limited, introduced CloseCarbon, a carbon footprint tracking system designed to monitor and calculate emissions effectively.
Sani highlighted the importance of verifiable data in achieving emission reduction targets and noted that the new system would provide real-time insights into emission management, aligning with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution goals and global net-zero targets.
“We have been able to develop embedded systems and technologies that can be used to reduce emissions by monitoring what has been done,” Sani explained.
He also announced that CloseCarbon would be available for free to individuals and companies willing to adopt the new technology, emphasizing the company’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s climate goals.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including former Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Bello; General Manager of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Prof. Stephen Ogaji; and representatives from the Office of the Vice President, among others.
