The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, has praised Nigeria’s potential, with a particular focus on Niger State, to take the lead in green economy investments that could usher in the next era of human and sustainable development, particularly benefiting the nation’s youth.
This endorsement came as a response to the launch of the Niger State Government’s green economy blueprint during the state’s inaugural green economy summit, hosted by Governor Mohammed Bago.
Mohammed highlighted the significance of the summit, asserting that it should serve as a pivotal moment not only for Nigeria but also for Africa as a whole.
The continent is grappling with shared challenges such as escalating living costs, food insecurity, and the effects of climate change.
The Deputy Secretary-General stressed that the days of relying on oil-based energy growth are numbered, urging Nigeria to break its dependence on fossil fuels and pave a new way forward by investing in the transition to clean energy derived from renewable sources.
Mohammed underlined Niger State’s potential to blaze a trail in this direction, emphasizing that investing in the green economy would unlock a 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.