As part of moves to implement Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), the federal Ministry of Environment has moved to enlist the commitment to the climate change agenda.
5he ministry held its Management Retreat For Directors and Heads of Agencies and Projects of Federal Ministry of Environment holds in Kaduna, Kaduna State with the theme: Re-dedication to the implementation of ERGP and NDC
Hon. Minister of State for Environment Ibrahim Usman Jibril charges Management to ensure the environment’s vision of empowering people, taking climate action and protecting the environment continue to align with the administration’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) implementation while remaining fit for purpose as government prepares for more success in the environment sector in 2018 inline with efforts towards sustainable environment.
Speaking at the opening of the retreat, the Minister said “Economic growth and environmental sustainability are interlinked. World economies are shifting towards cleaner growth, and the global push toward a low – carbon, sustainable economy will produce new technologies and jobs”.
“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 center ” the Minister added.
The Minister further stated that the ratification of three instruments including the historic Paris Agreement in 2017 by the President is unprecedented and shows a clear understanding of environmental issues and his total commitment to address such issues. The significance of this and to Nigeria and the implementation of NDC 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.
The retreat is being held with the aim of 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. The meeting is also an opportunity to re-enlighten the management on key flagship programmes of the Ministry including NEWMAP, Great Green Wall, Ogoni clean up, and Green bonds as well as other environmental regulatory programmes and projects that will ensure the empowerment of people and the protection of the planet.
The retreat is a strategic meeting to prepare the Ministry to work cohesively and coherently towards delivering on the Mandates of the Administration for the Environment Sector. The retreat will last for three days.
By Marc Philips
