Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Usman Jibril, has charged Directors and Heads of Agencies and Projects in the Federal Ministry of Environment to ensure that the ministry’s vision of empowering people, taking climate action and protecting the environment align with the administration’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) implementation as government prepares for fresh challenges in the environment sector in 2018.
Speaking at the opening of the 2018 Management Retreat For Directors and Heads of Agencies and Projects of the ministry on Monday, January 8, 2018 in Kaduna, Kaduna State, the minister wants such a focus to be in line with efforts towards achieving a sustainable environment.
The retreat has “Re-dedication to the implementation of ERGP and NDC” as its theme.
He 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 centre.”
Jibril further stated that the ratification of three instruments including the Paris Agreement in 2017 by the President is unprecedented and shows a clear understanding of environmental issues and his commitment to address such issues.
The significance of this and to Nigeria and the implementation of NDCs, he adds, 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, it was gathered, 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.
Officials also describe the meeting as an opportunity to re-enlighten the management on key flagship programmes of the ministry including NEWMAP, Great Green Wall, Ogoniland 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, which is likewise seen as a strategic meeting to prepare the ministry to work cohesively and coherently towards delivering on the mandates of the current administration for the environment sector, holds for three days.
