The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has launched its Green Initiative, aiming to deploy 840 electric vehicles and install 5,000 solar power systems across the country.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by Kashim Shettima, Vice President officially inaugurated the Nigeria Police Force Green Initiative (NPFGI) on Thursday at the Police Resource Centre in Abuja.
This initiative marked a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to combat climate change and enhance law enforcement capabilities.
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“Over the past decades, our nation has endured the shrinking of its water bodies, perennial floods, disrupted livestock production, epileptic power generation, and food crises.
“Therefore, a sustainable development program that engages innovative green solutions is a strategic intervention,” he said.
It underscored Nigeria’s role in integrating green technologies into public service, setting a precedent for sustainable policing practices across Africa.
President Tinubu highlighted the initiative’s dual benefits, stating, “This novel approach will not only boost the operational efficiency of the Nigeria Police Force but also contribute significantly to our climate goals.”
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting green solutions, emphasizing the need for innovative strategies to address Nigeria’s environmental and energy challenges.
The President also noted Nigeria’s ongoing global efforts to combat climate change, referencing commitments made at the COP 28 conference in Dubai.
“Nigeria has been at the forefront of the global search for solutions to the devastations of climate change.
“We have always known that we cannot reach the target of aligning with international climate goals and reducing greenhouse gas emissions unless each person and stakeholder lives up to their obligation.
“This is the promise we made to the world at the COP 28 conference in Dubai last year. Alongside other nations, we reiterated the urgent need for global cooperation to implement solutions that can stop and reverse the effects of climate change”, Tinubu noted
He emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement and outlined plans for a $2.5 billion carbon market and a Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions.
We welcome this initiative by the Nigeria Police Force because the connection between climate change and security is a price we have paid enough. Therefore, we are going to throw our weight behind its success.
“We have in place a Committee for the Carbon Market Activation Plan, which positions Nigeria at the forefront of creating a robust, sustainable carbon market worth $2.5 billion.
“Additionally, the Presidency has established a Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions to coordinate and oversee all policies and programs on climate action and green economic development.
“My chairmanship of this committee is an indication of the importance this administration has placed on climate action as a major driver of our economic reformation plan”, he added.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun praised the initiative as a milestone in the NPF’s evolution, linking climate change to security challenges such as resource conflicts and infrastructure disruptions.
He said: “Climate change poses the most existential threat to humanity, affecting our way of life, means of livelihood, socio-cultural existence, inter-communal interactions, and the natural world.”
He stressed that the NPFGI aimed to align with international climate goals and integrate environmental considerations into policing strategies.
“The security implications of climate change are evident in the drying up of Lake Chad, infrastructure disruptions, poverty, increased vulnerability to crime, and resource conflicts such as farmer-herder violence”, Egbetokun stated.
The NPFGI encompasses four main pillars: Solar Power Deployment, Electric and Gas-Powered Vehicles, Nature-Based Solutions, and Community Green Outreach.
The initiative also seeks to support the Federal Government’s economic reformation, enhance the well-being of NPF personnel, and foster community engagement on climate issues.
“Linking climate action with national socio-economic development strategies presents unique opportunities for addressing environmental challenges while fostering economic growth, social equity, and resilience for current and future generations.
This approach also enhances our capacity to address crime vulnerability and improve crime-fighting efforts.
“Law enforcement agencies worldwide are increasingly recognizing the impact of climate change and environmental degradation on community safety and well-being”, he noted.
