The United Nations (UN) has lauded the Niger state government for blazing the trail in investing in green economy.
The Deputy Secretary General of the UN, Amina Mohammed, gave the commendation at the first ever green economy summit hosted by the state governor, Mohammed Bago, in Minna.
She said the days of oil driven energy growth are numbered and there is need to end addiction to fossil fuels, adding that 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 trail-blazer on this path as investing in the green economy would unleash the next great wave of human and sustainable development, particularly for the youths.
She noted 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,” she said.
