Niger State says it is taking bold action against climate change by planning to plant one billion trees. The project, according to the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, aims to combat the devastating effects of climate change, and aid the state’s broader strategy to go green. Abubakar who disclosed this at the State’s side event at the COP29 in Baku Azerbaijan, said the state is building on its remarkable appearance at COP28 to put in place frameworks to move in green cycle.
He emphasised the state’s commitment to driving a green economy, leveraging its abundant natural resources and strategic frameworks to position itself as a leader in Nigeria’s sustainability efforts.
“And today, here we are again with the follow-up of what we were able to do in the last COP. Before coming to this COP, we made sure that we needed to do all we had to do, which had to do with the required framework. We had to put in place the required framework to enable us to move in the green cycle and that has attained traction and that is what you are seeing here,” he said.
Abubakar, while speaking on the benefit of the state’s participation in COP 29, stated that his team has met with different organisations with the aim of attracting investments to boost the green economy drive of the government.
“We are ready for collaboration. We are also discussing with other international agencies where we hope to go back home with some deals, of course, and that is quite visible. Like I said, we have come up with the necessary framework that will enable us to thrive in this cycle.
“We also have passed the necessary laws. We have appointed the necessary consultants, both local and international, and that is giving us an edge over others, and we are truly ready to go. And like you know; Agriculture is our mainstay in Niger state and Nigeria at large and we are leveraging on that to make sure we truly drive the benefits of the green.
Also speaking, the state’s Commissioner of Environment and Climate change, Mr. Yakubu Kolo, said the government has received the backing of the State house of Assembly in the green economy drive.
“The agency gives us the institutional backing to drive projects in areas like afforestation, waste management, and renewable energy. We want to be at the forefront of green solutions in Nigeria because we have the land and resources to make a significant impact,” he said.
Kolo added that agriculture remains the backbone of Niger State’s economy and will play a pivotal role in the green economy transition.
“Our participation in this year’s COP is to leverage the momentum we gained from COP28 and continue attracting global collaborations. Niger State is ready to lead in sustainability and green innovation,” he said.