The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to put in place necessary polices on climate change to ensure a greener economy.
Mr Ismaila Abubakar, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, said this on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, in Abuja at a stakeholder’s workshop on Just and Gender Inclusive Transition (JGIT),
The workshop was organised by the Ministry of Labour in collaboration with the Initiatives for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT).
According to Abubakar, Nigeria is taking giant steps in ensuring that necessary polices on climate action are put in place.
“Nigeria being a signatory to the Paris Agreement on climate change would do everything possible to ensure a just green transition economy is achieved.
“The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, in line with its mandate is tasked with ensuring a just transition.
“This is whereby, more job opportunities are created instead of job losses as the federal government gears towards a greener economy.
“This is why the ministry, in the spirit partnership, is being supported by ICAT to drive this process through the Nigeria-ICAT project,’’ he said.
The permanent secretary also noted that ICAT supported Nigeria to develop an MRV institutional arrangement with focus on three priorities.
He said the arrangement were, oil and gas, transport and developed MRV indicators and tools to track the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
Abubakar added that, the workshop is aimed at reviewing existing JGIT definitions, concepts, and overall approach in Nigeria.
Dr Yerima Tarfa, Team Lead for the Nigeria ICAT JGIT project implementation, said the objective of the project was to ensure tripartite cooperation on climate action as provided by the Paris Agreement.
Dr Henning Wuester, Director, ICAT, said the Paris Agreement signed by Nigeria stipulates 20 per cent reduction in carbon emission.
Wuester said that ICAT would continue to partner with the Nigerian government to ensure it achieve its goal on climate change.
Speaking, Dr Vanessa Phala, Country Director, International Labour Organisation (ILO), said as the world drifts towards green economy, it was imperative for all to champion the innovation.
Represented by Mr Stephen Agugua, the ILO National Project Coordinator said that addressing climate change and achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement requires transitioning to a net-zero carbon emission.
By Joan Nwagwu
