Nigeria proactive in tackling climate change, says Shettima

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria has been proactive in addressing climate change.

He spoke on Monday at the second edition of the Africa Climate Forum (ACF) themed ‘Africa’s climate future: Pathways from dependence to leadership’.

Represented by Rukaiya El-Rufai, special adviser to the president on National Economic Council and climate change, Shettima said Nigeria is taking steps to meet commitments made at the conference of parties (COP).

“Our nation has been proactive in taking steps to address climate change,” he said.

“One such step is the Climate Change Act of 2021, which aims to achieve low greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable, green growth.

“Our Energy Transition Plan (ETP) further outlines our commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2060.

“Alongside this, the National Climate Change Policy (NCCP), Debt-for-Climate Action Swaps, and Renewable Energy Targets are key interventions designed to accelerate our progress, whether through policy adjustments or financing the transition to a low-carbon economy.

“Moreover, Nigeria has established a Committee for the Carbon Market Activation Plan, positioning us at the forefront of creating a robust, sustainable carbon market projected to be worth $2.5 billion.”

He added that a presidential committee has been set up to coordinate climate-related policies and programmes.

Shettima noted that Nigeria’s efforts to tackle climate change would be incomplete without the collaboration of stakeholders across Africa.