The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina
Mohammed, says Nigeria and Niger State in particular have the potential to be
trailblazers in investment on green economy to unleash the next great wave of
human and sustainable development, particularly for youths.
Mohammed, in a statement, was reacting to the Niger State
Government’s launch of its green economy blueprint at the first ever green
economy summit hosted by Governor Mohammed Bago.
She said the summit must be a reflection point not only for
Nigeria but also for Africa, which is facing related challenges, including the
rising cost of living, food insecurity and climate change.
The UN representative emphasized that the days of oil driven
energy growth are numbered and there is need to end addiction to fossil fuels.
The UN Deputy Secretary-General advised Nigeria to set a
shift and chart a new way forward that leaves no one behind by investing in the
transition to clean energy from renewable sources.
She noted that Niger State has the potential to be the
trailblazer on this path as investing in the green economy would unleash the
next great wave of human and sustainable development.
While commending the Niger State Government for the green
economy initiative, she said,
“These challenges have no boundaries and have numerous cross
generational impacts. So as we examine opportunities to build green economic
pathways, we need to keep in mind that most of the world’s natural resources
are in Africa. And in Niger State, you are blessed with an abundance of mineral
resources. Niger is uniquely positioned to be one of the first movers to
engaging green growth and to become a leader by investing in energy.
“But these must include bold investments into the state’s
strongest assets, which are its people. People are not just the key target of
development, they are also the agents of its change.
“Dear friends, this would require leadership, commitment and
partnership to identify integrated solutions that respond to the complex
issues. Allow me to focus on one area. Energy.
“The days of oil driven energy growth are numbered. While
our global progress on meeting the climate emergency is still too slow, the
direction of travel is unambiguous. There is no long-term future for oil.
“Globally we need to end our addiction to fossil fuels,
while building baseload and expanding access to reliable, clean and affordable
energy for everyone. In Nigeria we face a situation where 36 percent of
households do not have access to the electricity grid and where we remain
almost entirely dependent on fossil fuels for electricity generation.
“Nigeria must set a shift and chart a new way forward that
leaves no one behind by investing in the transition to clean energy from
renewable sources. Niger has the potential to be the trailblazer on this path.
Investing in the green economy would unleash the next great wave of human and
sustainable development, particularly for our youths,” she said.
According to her, together, Nigeria has a unique opportunity
to make progress and crucial contributions to the sustainable development goals
and agenda 2063.
“Let’s continue this journey together to ensure that people,
especially women and planets thrive, building a just and sustainable and
resilient world that leaves no one behind. Let us take that journey together,”
she said.
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