They made the pledge at the national workshop to validate Nigeria’s Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy organised by the National Council on Climate Change with the support of the 2050 Pathways Platform.
Speaking, the Director General of the NCCC, Dr Salisu Dahiru noted that the workshop marks a significant step towards defining Nigeria’s low-emission development pathways for a more resilient future in the face of climate change.
Dahiru said the developed Long-Term Low Emission Strategy document will be a supporting tool to the submitted revised 2021 Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement on climate change.
The new submission, according to him, reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to unconditionally reduce emissions by 20 per cent by 2030, with a conditional increase to 47 per cent.
“As the Director General of the NCCC, I stand before you to introduce Nigeria’s Long-Term Low-Emission Development Strategy 2060 for national stakeholder validation.
“In the global context, the urgency to combat climate change and forge a sustainable path for the future has never been more critical. As a nation, we acknowledge the gravity of this challenge and embrace our responsibility to act, innovate, and lead.
“Nigeria’s Long-Term Low-Emission Development Strategy 2060 stands as a visionary blueprint, a testament to our commitment to transition into a more resilient, green, and inclusive economy.
“This strategy embodies our pledge to preserve our environment, protect our people, and ensure economic prosperity for generations to come. Within its details lie ambitious targets, innovative solutions, and a collaborative spirit that forms the foundation of our journey.
“This isn’t merely a document; it’s our shared vision, encapsulating the aspirations of our youth, the wisdom of our elders, and the dreams of future generations.”
He noted that the path to a sustainable future is the path to progress and it signifies cleaner air, enhanced health, inclusivity, food security, green job creation, and improved livelihoods for all Nigerians.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the House Committee on climate change, Chris Nkwonta said Nigeria’s commitment towards moving to a Net Zero Emissions Economy in 2050 to 2060 is a proactive response to valid climate studies showing that to halt climate change and mitigate its consequences, carbon emissions have to stop or reduce to the barest minimum.
Nkwonta, who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the House Committee Chairman on climate change, Chidi Nwankpa added that studies have shown that without reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the planet will continue to be harmed.
“Consequently, the NCCC, the National Assembly and other stakeholders must not deviate from our commitment nor relent in our efforts towards net zero carbon emissions attainment; thereby, ensuring a healthier and Sustainable environment for human existence.
“It is my belief that this Validation Workshop is indeed pivotal to the development of a Competitive and Sustainable Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategy for Nigeria.”
