Niger state governor, Umaru Bago, has said the state is committed to investing in renewable energy projects to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, combat air pollution, implement sustainable agricultural practices, enhance food security and mitigate the effects of droughts and floods.
Speaking Wednesday in Abuja at the International Symposium on Infrastructure, Climate Change, and Investment in Africa, Bago, who was represented by the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Yakubu Mohamed Kolo, said that by mobilizing resources towards renewable energy projects, sustainable agriculture, and eco-friendly infrastructure, Niger State seeks to catalyze a paradigm shift towards a low-carbon economy.
He said: “As we gather here, we do so with a shared vision – a vision of a sustainable and prosperous Africa, one that thrives on eco-friendly development and contributes significantly to global efforts in promoting green economy and sustainability.
“Today, I have the privilege to shed light on the Niger State Green Economy Investment policy, a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to environmental stewardship and economic advancement.
“Niger State, like many regions across Africa, faces multifaceted challenges from infrastructural deficits to the adverse impacts of climate change. However, in the face of these challenges, Niger State has chosen a path of resilience and innovation.
“The Niger State Green Economy Investment policy is not merely a document; it is a roadmap towards a greener, more sustainable future. It outlines strategic initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth while preserving our natural resources and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
“At its core, this policy emphasizes the importance of leveraging green financing an approach that aligns financial investments with environmental sustainability goals. By mobilizing resources towards renewable energy projects, sustainable agriculture, and eco-friendly infrastructure, Niger State seeks to catalyse a paradigm shift towards a low-carbon economy.
“But our efforts extend beyond mere rhetoric. Niger State is committed to action. We are investing in renewable energy projects to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and combat air pollution. We are implementing sustainable agricultural practices to enhance food security and mitigate the effects of droughts and floods. And we are prioritizing the development of eco-friendly infrastructure to build resilient communities that can withstand the impacts of climate change.
“However, we recognize that achieving our goals requires collaboration collaboration between government, private sector, civil society, and international partners. Therefore, I urge all stakeholders present here today to join hands in advancing our collective agenda for a greener, more sustainable Africa.
“As we look ahead to the Africa Infrastructure, Climate Change, and Investment Summit in Washington DC, let us seize this opportunity to amplify our voices, share best practices, and forge partnerships that will shape the future of our continent.
“Let us remember that the choices we make today will determine the world we leave for future generations. Let us choose wisely, let us choose sustainability, and let us choose a future where prosperity is shared by all.”
Speaking earlier, Chairman, Africa Infrastructure, Climate Change and Investment Summit (AICIS) 2024 Planning and Organizing Committee, Hon Moses T. Owharo, said that the most systemic threat to humankind remains climate change and that Africa remains the worst hit.
He said: “I am delighted to welcome you all to the International Symposium on Africa Infrastructure, Climate Change and Investment; a program that is part of the pre-event activities for Africa Infrastructure, Climate Change and Investment Summit (AICIS) 2024 holding in Washington DC, USA. I warmly welcome all participants from around the world for attending physically and virtually.
“The truth is that the most systemic threat to humankind remains climate change and I believe it is my duty to remind it to the whole of the international community. Africa remains the worst hit.
“Climate change is still moving faster, much faster than we are. What the world needs is a race to the top – with political will, financing and partnerships. And I remain we have what it takes to prevail.
“Africa beyond aid is an Africa by investments! We are here with one purpose in mind: to seek opportunities for investments in Africa, to prospect, to identify, and to invest in bankable projects. You are in the right place: Africa!
“By 2050, Africa will account for over one quarter of the wor’d’s population. Africa has the largest sources of renewable energy in the world. Africa has 65% of the uncultivated arable land left to feed the world.
“The future of electric cars in the world depends on Africa because it has the largest sources of cobalt in the world, with massive sources of lithium in Zimbabwe, Namibia, Ghana, Mali, and Democratic Republic of Congo.
“The African Continental Free Trade Area is the largest free-trade zone in the world connecting economies worth $3.3 trillion. So, Africa cannot be ignored. Africa is the investment frontier in the world – today and in the future. Invest in Africa today, benefit frorn its great future.”
