Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Minister of Environment, Mohammed H. Abdullahi has urged African countries to take bold actions towards tackling climate change.
Speaking at the global launch of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, he quoted recent reports as saying that Africa is warming faster than the global average and experiencing greater increases in sea-level rise.
“These shocking reports highlight the need for urgent action by countries that are historically the most responsible for the emissions that cause climate change. In addition, African nations cannot afford to wait. We must signal our own commitment to tackling climate change by embarking on bold action ourselves.
“These actions, in recognition of the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, must be self-directed. As a continent, we must reject restrictive one-size-fits-all approaches and design transition pathways grounded in local realities and focused on the achievement of development priorities.
“We must tackle the climate crisis in tandem with the many other pressing concerns including rising populations, poverty rates, security threats, energy paucity and other declining human development
“In Nigeria, we recorded devastating floods across the country in states like Lagos, Ogun and Oyo. These clear climate signals indicate that we do not have the luxury of time when it comes to the impacts of climate change. The time for action is now.
He said the Energy Transition Plan being launched is the first of its kind in Africa.
“It centres on energy because we recognize that the energy sector is both the largest single source of global greenhouse gas emissions and the foundation of any vibrant economy.
“Our Energy Transition Plan aims to achieve net-zero by 2060 while developing new industries, improving the quality of life of all Nigerians, and creating thousands of new jobs.
“The Nigeria Energy Transition Plan has been fully approved by the Federal Executive Council and as a government, we are committed to the plan and its potential to be transformative for not just our economy but the planet as well.
Nigeria is proud to have shown climate leadership by developing our energy transition plan.
