The National Project Coordinator (NPC) of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, Mr. Abdulhamid Umar has revealed that the interventions of ACReSAL project will fundamentally address challenges brought about by climate change.
He said the activities have already taken good stand in the 19 (Nineteen) Northern States and Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Mr. Umar stated this while delivering a goodwill message at the National Stakeholders Validation Workshop on Nigeria Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy organized by National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) at Rockview Royale Hotels, Abuja.
He said that the project’s restoration efforts are heavily in the areas of afforestation, reforestation, climate smart agriculture, water conservation systems, agroforestry, flood and erosion control, water system improvement and all these are essentially to arrest and mitigate Greenhouse Gas Emission.
He further disclosed that the project is driven by the Federal Ministry of Environment and co-led by Ministries of Agriculture and Food Security, and the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation. These three key ministries’ activities to a larger extent are to address problems of climate change that affect our livelihoods and the environment, the NPC said.
He noted that ACReSAL is anchored on four broad components and the subject for discussion is critical because of the visible and impactful effect and challenges of Climate Change.
He therefore called for the need for all to commend and celebrate the current government for embracing the fact that climate change is a reality.
He congratulated the Director General, National Council on Climate Change, Dr. Salisu Dahiru for creating the synergy and strength to deliver a document that speaks to our contribution as far as issues surrounding low emission and a strategic document for implementation in accordance with article 4.19 of the Paris agreement.
He appealed to all to ensure that the content of the document is put into practice.
In his address, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, Chairman House Committee on Environment and Climate Change commended the DG NCCC and other critical stakeholders for the collaborative and timely efforts towards developing a workable and sustainable frameworks and action plans in pursuance to the attainment to net zero emission economy to the 2050-2060 estimated time frame.
Hon. Chris Nkwonta who spoke through Dr. Chidi Nwankpa noted that Nigeria’s commitment towards moving to a net zero emission economy is clearly a proactive and commendable response to some valued studies showing that in order to halt and mitigate its consequences of carbon emission, we have to stop and reduce Greenhouse Gas Emission to its barest minimum.
Hon. Chris said that studies have also shown that without reducing Greenhouse Gas Emission the climate will continue to be harmed, public safety will perpetually be at risk, among climate disasters as a result of the effect of environment pollution will continue to occur globally.
“Consequently, we must not deviate from our commitment, we must not relent in our efforts towards net zero carbon emission attainment, thereby ensuring a healthier and sustainable environment for human existence” This National Validation Workshop is indeed pivotal to the development of a competitive and sustainable long-term Low Emission Development Strategy for Nigeria” he stated. Delivering his keynote address, the Director General, National Council on Climate Change, Dr. Salisu Dahiru, said that this is a significant step forward as Nigeria embark on defining our Low-Emission Development Pathways for a cleaner, more resilient future in the face of climate change.
He expressed pleasure that Nigeria has developed its Low Term – Low Emission Strategy Document which will be a supporting tool for our submitted revised 2021 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, a collective effort that involved contributions from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
This new submission reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to unconditionally reduce emissions by 20% by 2030, with a conditional increase to 47%.
He revealed that the National Validation workshop aims to serve as an invaluable platform to present updates on the progress achieved and underway in our nation’s global commitments toward curbing Greenhouse gas emissions within the UNFCCC process. Dr Salisu introduced Nigeria Long-Term Low-Emission Development Strategy 2060 for National Stakeholder validation. While noting that 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.
He said Nigeria 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.
According to him ‘’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. This journey won’t be devoid of challenges, yet let us be resolute: the path to a sustainable future is the path to progress. It signifies cleaner air, enhanced health, inclusivity, food security, green job creation, and improved livelihoods for all Nigerians. It is the route to becoming a global leader in sustainable development”. He called on the political leaders, including Hon. Ministers, representatives, and NASS members, to commit to supporting Nigerian initiatives toward a Net-Zero trajectory without compromising our national resources. He thanked Development Partners, especially the 2050 Pathways, who have steadfastly supported Nigeria through the developmental phases of this document since the initial Long-Term Vision submission in 2021.
