President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi made case for global financial support for African countries to tackle the challenges of devastating climate problems.
The Nigerian leader made the calls while delivering his speech at the ongoing Sustainability Summit at Abu Dhabi
Speaking on ‘Climate Imperatives into Economic Prosperity, Bridging African with Global Energy Future,’ Tinubu noted that the topic resonates deeply with Africa’s aspiration and challenges.
“It also underscores a pivotal reality about our continent. The fight against climate change is not merely an environmental necessity, but a global economic opportunity to reshape the trajectory of our continent and the global energy landscape.”
He noted that the “Lake Chad continues to shrink every year, livelihood of people continue to be threatened. Our government is working with local communities to implement solutions to make to get these effects and help us build resilience in the face of environmental challenges.”
He said Africa needs resources to promote the green economy, noting that “we must focus on integrating sustainable practices in all sectors of our economy.”
“These investments are capital intensive in nature, and it required international support from partner countries, including national organizations, developmental partners and individuals who share in our vision of a sustainable, prosperous and equitable future must be included.”
He disclosed that Nigeria is increasingly embracing new technologies like clean energy, water, conservation, land and forest restoration, waste management and circular economy.
“We partner with global leaders, in harnessing the power of technology. We are finding new and innovative ways to address our environmental challenges. We have arable agricultural lands for advanced technological farming, including the brighter future for artificial intelligence.”
Tinubu, who noted that there are challenges that must be overcome, stated that “global solution will only be effective if we work together and in the spirit of mutual respect and a shared future.”
He noted that the Nigerian government believes that sustainable development is not just a national issue but a global imperative.
“We must continue to strengthen international cooperation at regional and global levels to achieve the sustainable developmental goals and mitigate the effect of climate change.
“As leaders, stakeholders, as citizens of our planet, we stand at a crucial and critical junction in human history.
“As Africa’s most populous nation and one of its largest economies, Nigeria recognizes its responsibility to demonstrate the required leadership on these matters.”
The president, while highlighting Nigeria’s efforts, said the country has embraced the vision of sustainability, and the alliance of global aspiration with addressing the local realities.
“Our efforts are anchored on three pillars of energy transition, climate resilience and sustainable development.
“My administration recognises this problem from the inception. We recognise the importance of reducing carbon emission and a just transition to clean and renewable energy, promoting environmental sustainability and economic growth energy transition.
“Dear delegates and excellencies, our energy transition plan, like many nations, are aimed at diversifying energy sources and reducing our dependency on fossil fuel, prioritizing the transition to cleaner energy sources as a cornerstone of our national development strategy is committed to achieving a net zero emission by 2060 in line with global climate objectives, we are developing the infrastructure to utilize compressed natural gas and electric vehicles.”
Tinubu also assured the international community that the country is investing substantially in energy generation through exploration of efficient and internationally satisfied data required to export its solid mineral and critical metals in support of the green energy transition.
“Mitigating against the adverse effect of climate change is essential for safeguarding our African communities and economies,” he said.
He revealed that Nigeria is implementing climate smart agricultural practices to enhance food security while reducing environmental impacts.
“The government has approved several development and development policies, such as national clean cooking gas policy, which is aimed at promoting clean energy environment and its benefit and socio economic development In our region.
*We believe the sustainable development must be inclusive. We are therefore working tirelessly to ensure that our policies promote equity and social justice, leaving no one behind.
“Yes, there are, and there will continue to be challenges.
“But how do you mitigate that? We face serious challenges, environmental challenges, including deforestation, desertification, coastal erosion, flooding, pollution and many other negative impacts of climate change.
“Nigeria became the first country in Africa to initiate funding for green projects through suffering green bond proceed, the third issuance of which is currently in progress, we urge investors to partner with us. In this regard, our government remains committed to providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive harnessing technology and innovation is key to driving sustainable development.
“Dear esteemed delegates. I would like to stress that, in addition to everything you’ve heard in the last few days, the most impactful image that I’m taking away from here with your support, is the impact of those children that on the first day, waved the banner of the United Arab Emirates, asking us all to stand up and sustain the planet Earth for the future that we want to bequeath unto them.”
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