Work together to boost climate change investments, FG tells MDAs

Bolaji Akinremi, director of trade and investment in the federal ministry of foreign affairs, has urged ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to work together to further the climate change agenda.

Akinremi said this on Tuesday in Abuja, during the inter-ministerial meeting on preparation for the Africa Infrastructure, Climate Change and Investment Summit (AICIS) + Exhibition, which holds from October 30 to November 2, 2023 in Washington DC.

He commended the planning committee for the AICIS + Exhibition initiative, describing it as capable of driving investments in climate change and infrastructure development.

“Past administrations did their best and now, the new administration has shown it will really focus on infrastructure,” he said.

“So we need to take this very seriously, I want you to look into it, if it has anything to do with your MDAs.

“You have a lot to say on this matter. Some of us were there when the Paris Agreement was signed and you know the battle we have to go through now.”

Also speaking at the meeting, Moses Owharo, chairman, planning and organising committee of AICIS, said support from MDAs has become imperative to tackle climate change and infrastructure deficit.

He identified climate change issues as power generation, alternative energy, hydro-electric facility for agricultural purpose, water/dam to fight deforestation in Africa till 2028.

He listed others as environmental impact assessment, soil, livestock, fauna, green vegetation and green belt replenishment.

“These are global issues and of national concerns, because climate change and infrastructural deficit cut across states and local communities,” Owharo said.

“The main goal of the programme is for Africa infrastructural development and climate change funding that government may not be able to cover.

“Maybe due to shortage of resources they can’t access funding. This is the main reason we want to go to the US and mobilise for funds.

“This fund will be focused solely on Africa and will be used to tackle issues faced in Africa.”

Fatima Joshua, vice-president of Nigerians In Diaspora (NIDO) Asia, commended the initiative, saying more would be done to encourage support.

The meeting was attended by stakeholders of MDAs, members of the diplomatic community, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and AICIS planning committee.