Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), Dr. Amina Mohammed has lauded Niger State Government for blazing the trail in investing in the green economy in the country.
Dr. Mohammed who spoke virtually gave the commendation at the first-ever green economy summit initiated by Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State and flagged-off by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Tuesday.
She emphasised 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 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.
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.
Mohammed commended the Niger State government for launching the green economy blueprint.
She added that the Summit arrives at a reflection point not only for Nigeria but also for Africa, which is facing a cascade of challenges including rising cost of living, food insecurity and climate change.
“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 engaging 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 its 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 base-loads and expanding access to reliable, clean and affordable energy for everyone.
“In Nigeria, we face a situation where 36 percent of households do not have access to the electricity grid and where we remain almost entirely dependent on fossil fuels for electricity generation.
“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,” she noted.
According to her, together we have a unique opportunity to make progress and crucial contributions to our 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 said.
In his address, Secretary to State Government (SSG), Mr. Abubakar Usman expressed optimism that the Green Economy initiative is “capable of transforming our socio-economic development and promoting the sustainable development goal of national and subnational approaches in mitigating the negative impact of climate change in our State and beyond.
“Niger State hosts an array of green assets from our abundant natural resources to untapped potential of renewable energy resources.
“This summit serves as a platform for us to explore and capitalize on the vast opportunities associated with green technologies.
“We aim to develop innovative solutions that will only protect but also drive economic growth and job creation in the State.
“By embracing green technologies and fostering innovation, we can pave the way for a brighter sustainable future for Niger State.
“We are committed in working in synergy with the private sector, academia and Civil Society to ensure that our State becomes a model in green economy development in Nigeria,” he assured.
Speaking earlier, Chairman, Niger State Committee on Green Economy Summit,
Professor Muhammad Tsowa Usman, assured of Governor Bago’s administration’s resolve to convert all the green assets with innovative technology to drive prosperity for our people.
He also tasked all the partners to ensure implementation of some of the projects and programme development support to be received during the process.
He said: “Our green assets combined with innovative technologies to drive prosperity for our people, we commend you on this. And we are sure that with the ladies and gentlemen you have assembled in your cabinet, he will take this fully and totally to the end.
“We are convinced that we’ll learn from it and we’ll make it better and bigger. We acknowledge sincerely the support of our partners, local and foreign and we look forward to implementing some of the initiatives that are already on the table in terms of project and program development support that is equally received as a result of this process.”
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