By Abigael Joshua
Stakeholders convened on Friday in Abuja to elevate green growth policies and documents in the ongoing battle against climate change.
Mr Steve Abu, the National Network Coordinator of the Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet), highlighted the significance of the workshop on Policy Development, emphasising its role in guiding Nigeria towards a sustainable green future.
The workshop’s theme, “Policy Development on Transitioning to Green Growth in Nigeria,” underscores the national commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement.
Represented by Mr Paul Joseph, Programme Officer at CSDevnet, Abu emphasised the global responsibility shared by nations to combat climate change and foster sustainable development.
“The backdrop against which we convene today is marked by the global commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement, both of which emphasise urgent action to combat climate change and foster sustainable development.
“Nigeria; as a signatory to these agreements, has undertaken the responsibility of aligning its policies with the broader objectives of eliminating extreme poverty, combating climate change, and achieving low-carbon global development,” he said.
According to him, the National Policy on Climate Change of Nigeria stands as a strategic response to these challenges, aimed at fostering low-carbon, high-growth economic path and build a climate-resilient society.
Abu, however, said the path to green growth in Nigeria is not without challenges, given the nation’s heavy dependence on the oil and gas sector.
Abu assured that the workshop would deliberate on policies not only to facilitate a green transition but also to address poverty, regional inequality, and energy access.
Commending the National Platform of the Pan Africa Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) for leading climate change advocacy in Nigeria, Abu emphasised the transformative power of policies in shaping the present and future of a nation.
In a presentation titled “The Prospect of Nigeria’s Transitioning to Green Growth,” Mr.
Agenyi Arome, the Executive Director of the Centre for Learning and Development, highlighted the potential for green growth to foster economic growth while ensuring environmental sustainability and social inclusivity.
He pointed out that investing in green growth could create 12 million green job opportunities in Nigeria by 2035.
Mr Marvins Ibrahim, the Coordinator of the Helen Keller Foundation, emphasised the importance of transitioning to a green economy as a move away from detrimental fossil fuel consumption towards clean and rewarding renewable energy.
“The world is now looking into a safer environment, all the situations we have in the world today revolves round climate change so transition into a green growth is the safer way to go.
“We can continue to depend on what the environment has for us, we need to now think outside the box and think of better ways to harness the resources in the environment that will not be detrimental to us and the environment in a sustainable manner.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the theme focuses on national dissemination to catalyse and contribute to long-term solutions to future crises and health pandemics.
The workshop serves as a platform for deliberate courses of action that address social problems, promote economic growth, and ensure environmental resilience.
(www.
nannews.
ng)
Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali