FG’s Commitment Towards Green Energy, Sustainable Devt Never in Doubt, NCCC Boss

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Director-General, National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Dr. Salisu Dahiru, has said the federal government’s commitment towards green energy is never in doubt, insisting that plans are already in place to ensure low greenhouse emissions in the future and cement a sustainable development path for the country.

Dahiru gave the assurance yesterday while presenting a speech at the ‘National Workshop to Validate Nigeria’s Low-term Emission Development Strategy’, in Abuja. He said it was the beginning of a historic journey toward a brighter, sustainable future for Nigeria.

The workshop was organised in collaboration with 2050 Pathways Platform, a multi-stakeholder platform launched at COP 22 by High-level Climate Champions Laurence Tubiana and Hakima El Haite to support countries seeking to develop long-term, net zero-GHG, climate-resilient and sustainable-development pathways.

Dahiru said the document, which has validity to 2060, would be a supporting tool for the revised 2021 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, as Nigeria is committed to unconditionally reducing emissions by 20 percent by 2030, with a conditional increase to 47 percent.

The director-general said: “This journey won’t be devoid of challenges, yet let us be resolute; the path to a sustainable future is the path to progress. It signifies cleaner air, enhanced health, inclusivity, food security, green job creation, and improved livelihoods for all Nigerians. It is the route to becoming a global leader in sustainable development.

“I am pleased that Nigeria has developed it Low Term-Low Emission Strategy Today is remarkable as this national validation workshop aims to serve as an invaluable platform to present updates on the progress achieved and underway in our country’s global commitments toward curbing greenhouse gas emissions within the UNFCCC process.”

He added that even on the global stage, it has become urgent to combat climate change, as such, Nigeria would embrace the challenge and take responsibility to act, innovate and lead.

The DG noted that: “Nigeria’s Long-Term Low-Emission Development Strategy 2060 stands as a visionary blueprint, a testament to our commitment to transition into a more resilient, green, and inclusive economy. This strategy embodies our pledge to preserve our environment, protect our people, and ensure economic prosperity for generations to come.

“Within its details lie ambitious targets, innovative solutions, and a collaborative spirit that forms the foundation of our journey. This isn’t merely a document; it’s our shared vision, encapsulating the aspirations of our youths, the wisdom of our elders, and the dreams of future generations.”

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Climate Change, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, said Nigeria’s commitment towards moving to a Net Zero Emissions Economy in 2050 to 2060 is clearly a proactive and commendable response to valid studies that have shown that climate impacts were becoming more devastating and there was need to reduce carbon emissions to the barest minimum.