The Federal Government has restated its commitment to the mitigation of the negative effects of climate change on the environment and adaptation to enhance Nigeria’s biodiversity.
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Adeleke Mamora, made this known during the inauguration of the Project Steering Committee of Nigeria, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation/Global Environment Facility (UNIDO/GEF) on promoting clean energy technologies for sustainable start-ups and small and medium scale enterprises development in Nigeria in his office in Abuja.
Mamora, however, underscored the need for collaborative efforts between government and citizens, noting that government cannot lead the fight to save the environment alone.
He urged Nigerians to embrace and support the deployment of clean energy innovations as a solution to climate change mitigation and adaptation in the country.
The minister said that clean energy technology is a project that will provide the national platform for partnership with the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) piloted by UNIDO and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), as well as a co-creation hub for providing niche technical services within the project.
According to the minister, the ministry is currently conducting a technology needs assessment for the climate in key sectors of the country’s economy, in line with the global transition to the use of clean energy.
To this end, Mamora emphasised that production and value addition to the country’s immense natural resources is critical to fast-tracking the socio-economic development of the country.
He pointed out that the steering committee members are selected from the pull of experts in the public and private sectors of the economy and enjoined them to make meaningful contributions to the development of the nation through this laudable project.
The minister said the steering committee is made up of the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Federal Ministry of Environment, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Bank of Industry, Rural Electrification Agency, amongst others.
Earlier, the managing director, REA, Engr. Ahmad Salihijo said the mandate of the agency revolved around supporting, promoting and providing electricity for Africa’s rural areas.
A statement by the ministry’s deputy director, press and public relations, Atuora Obed said the steering committee chairman, Dr. Peter Ekweozor in his acceptance speech, commended the efforts of the ministry and UNIDO’s partner. He said despite all obstacles the inauguration of the committee members has become a reality.
He further assured the Federal Government that the committee will work assiduously to achieve the full implementation of the policy.
