The United Nations (UN) has declared that the days of oil-driven energy growth were numbered and there was the need to end addiction to fossil fuels and embrace green economy.
The UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, said this at the first-ever Green Economy Summit hosted by the Niger State governor, Mohammed Bago, in Minna, the state capital.
Mrs Mohammed lauded the Niger State Government for blazing the trail in investing in the green economy in Nigeria.
The UN Deputy Secretary General said 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 trailblazer on this path as investing in the green economy would unleash the next great wave of human and sustainable development, particularly for the youths.
Mohammed commended the Niger State government for launching the green economy blueprint.
She added that the Summit arrived 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.
“Dear friends, this would require leadership, commitment and partnership to identify integrated solutions that respond to the complex issues. Allow me to focus on one area.
“The days of oil driven energy growth are numbered. While our global progress on meeting the climate emergency is still too slow, the direction of travel is unambiguous. There is no long-term future for oil,” Mohammed said.
She said Nigeria faces a situation where 36 per cent of households do not have access to the electricity grid and where they remain almost entirely dependent on fossil fuels for electricity generation.
“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. Niger has the potential to be the trailblazer on this path. Investing in the green economy would unleash the next great wave of human and sustainable development, particularly for our youths,” she said.
According to her, together we have a unique opportunity to make progress and crucial contributions to our sustainable development goals and Agenda 2063.
“Let’s continue this journey together to ensure that people, especially women and planets thrive, building a just and sustainable and resilient world that leaves no one behind. Let us take that journey together,” the Deputy UN Chief stated.
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