'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for increased global collaboration to address climate change and foster sustainable development, emphasizing that no nation can tackle these challenges alone. The Nigerian leader made this assertion during his address at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
A statement today by Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga disclosed that speaking on the theme "From Climate Imperatives into Economic Prosperity: Bridging Africa with the Global Energy Future", President Tinubu highlighted the interconnectedness of global issues and the need for collective action, knowledge sharing, and mutual support to build a resilient and equitable world.
"The fight against climate change is not merely an environmental necessity but a global economic opportunity to reshape the trajectory of our continent and the global energy landscape," the President said, adding that innovation and collaboration are crucial to achieving a sustainable future.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration's dedication to sustainability, unveiling a vision anchored on three pillars: Energy Transition, Climate Resilience, and Sustainable Development. He stated that Nigeria is actively diversifying its energy sources, reducing dependency on fossil fuels, and transitioning to clean and renewable energy as part of its national development strategy.
Specific initiatives outlined by the President include: Development of infrastructure for widespread use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric vehicles.
Others are harnessing solid minerals to support the green energy transition. Implementation of climate-smart agricultural practices to enhance food security while minimizing environmental harm. Introduction of the National Clean Cooking Policy to promote clean energy, health benefits, and socio-economic development across Africa.
President Tinubu acknowledged Nigeria’s vulnerability to environmental challenges such as deforestation, desertification, coastal erosion, flooding, and pollution. These issues, he noted, threaten the livelihoods of millions and demand urgent attention.
He stressed the importance of working with local communities to develop tailored solutions and called on international partners to mobilize resources and embrace innovation and technology to combat these challenges.
Highlighting Nigeria's leadership in green financing, the President announced that the country is the first in Africa to initiate funding for green projects through Sovereign Green Bond proceeds, with the third issuance currently underway. He invited investors and development partners to support Nigeria’s vision of a sustainable, prosperous, and equitable future.
"To promote a Green Economy in Africa, we must focus on integrating sustainable practices across all sectors of our economy. These investments are capital intensive and require international support," Tinubu said.
President Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria’s abundant arable land and advancements in technology, including Artificial Intelligence, position the country as a hub for sustainable agricultural and industrial practices.
The Nigerian leader commended the United Arab Emirates’ President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, for his foresight in organizing the event, which brought together world leaders to address the global challenges of climate change and sustainability.
As the summit concluded, President Tinubu’s address reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to playing a leading role in global sustainability efforts while urging collective action to achieve a greener and more equitable future for all.
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