To mitigate the effects of climate change, the Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Usman Jibril has stressed the need for, Nigerians, directors and heads of agencies and projects in the ministry to be part of the global push toward a low-carbon, sustainable economy.
Speaking at the opening of the 2018 Management Retreat for Directors and Heads of Agencies and Projects of the ministry in Kaduna State, the minister said such effort would helped to reduce environmental pollution in the society and produce new technologies and jobs for the people.
“Economic growth and environmental sustainability are growth, and as you are all aware, Nigeria is already part of those leading this transformation by innovating at home and helping to implement low-carbon alternatives. If this is done right, it will create good jobs, grow our economy and reduce pollution.
“The ministry is a key participant in this environmental transformation that put people and planet at the Centre”, he stated.
Jibril explained that the ratification of three instruments including the Paris Agreement in 2017 by President Muhammadu Buhari is unprecedented and show a clear understanding of environmental issues and commitment to address such issues.
“The significance of this to Nigeria and the implementation of NDCs is based on the belief and commitment that climate change is not just a challenge but a historic opportunity to build a sustainable economy based on clean technology, green infrastructure and green jobs that will create sustainable growth in Nigeria”.
He tasked staff of the ministry to ensure that its vision of empowering people, taking climate action and protecting the environment align with the administration’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) implementation as government prepares for fresh challenges in the environment sector in 2018.
“The Retreat is aimed at strategically aligning key activities of the ministry with the ERGP as well as with the NDCs implementation as captured in the Paris Agreement and other relevant protocols”. With the theme; “Re-dedication to the implementation of ERGP and NDC” it was a strategic meeting to prepare the ministry to work cohesively and coherently towards delivering on the mandates of the present government for the environment sector.
