In its fresh drive for development for environmental initiatives, Niger State is set to host its very first Subnational Green Economy Summit.
Niger State Governor Muhammad Bago unveiled this at a press conference in Abuja in Abuja yesterday
Bago expressed the optimism that the summit would draw experts and participants from across the globe.
“The summit will attract experts and participants from around the world to exchange ideas, best practices, and innovations on green economy initiatives for us to learn and adapt in our context,” he stated.
The governor emphasised that this initiative aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
Bago, who elaborated on the purpose of the summit, said, “The summit will help in meeting Nigeria’s pledge under the Paris Agreement, the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
Additionally, he highlighted the summit’s focus on the role of local communities and their indigenous knowledge systems in sustainable development.
The overarching theme of this landmark event is “Sustainable Future: Harnessing Green Assets and Innovation for Niger State’s Prosperity.”
According to Bago, this theme encapsulates the central vision and purpose of the Niger State Green Economy initiative.
He shared his expectations for the summit, stating, “We are expecting about 500 participants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to discuss and help proffer solutions to issues of Decarbonizing Energy Systems, Circular Economy, Waste Management, Green Agriculture, Food Security, Eco-Tourism, and Community Development, among others.”
The two-day hybrid event, scheduled for October 24th and 25th, 2023, in Minna, the capital of Niger State, is strategically aligned with the United Nations Day and 350.org’s International Day for Climate Action on October 24th each year.
This timing underscores Niger State’s commitment to global sustainability efforts, leading up to Nigeria’s participation in the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP 28) in Dubai, UAE, from November 30th to December 12th, 2023.
Governor Bago also addressed concerns about security for both investors attending the summit and the citizens of Niger State, assuring, “As a state, we have and we are still investing in security and heavy security equipment. Don’t worry about security. Security wouldn’t be an issue but I can assure you Niger is safe.”
