President Bola Tinubu emphasized the potential for Nigeria to leverage the challenges brought about by climate change as opportunities for both economic growth and sustainable development.
Tinubu highlighted the threats posed by increasing temperatures, extreme weather conditions, and changing rainfall patterns to Nigeria’s progress and the welfare of its citizens.
These remarks were made during Tinubu’s keynote address at the launch of a new product by NETZENCE Sustainability Limited, a company specializing in sustainability technology and management, in Abuja.
Represented by the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Uche Nnaji, Tinubu’s speech focused on the importance of “Accelerating Nigeria’s Net Zero Target and Carbon Market Ecosystem with Netzence Sustainability Limited.”
He said, “Nigeria, like many other nations, is already witnessing the devastating impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifting rainfall patterns are affecting our communities, our agriculture, and our economy.
“These changes threaten the very foundation of our development and the well-being of our people.
“Yet, within this challenge lies a tremendous opportunity to reshape our economy, embrace sustainable development, and position Nigeria as a leader in the global fight against climate change.”
The President explained that Nigeria has set an ambitious target: to achieve net zero emissions by 2060.
“This is not just a target; it is a commitment to future generations, a commitment to protect our environment, and a commitment to drive economic growth sustainably,” he affirmed.
President Tinubu highlighted the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to address climate change, building on initiatives such as the Nigerian Carbon Market, Green Bond, National Council on Climate Change, and Renewable Energy Policy.
However, he emphasized that more needs to be done to achieve net-zero targets, stressing the importance of clear policies, robust carbon pricing, increased green finance, embracing new technologies, driving innovation, and fostering partnerships with international organizations, nations, and the private sector to accelerate progress.
“share knowledge, attract investment, and open new markets for Nigerian products and services.”
“By focusing on these areas, Nigeria can achieve its net zero target, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute meaningfully to global climate efforts.
“But the benefits do not stop there. As we transition to a low-carbon economy, we will create new economic opportunities, generate jobs, and improve the quality of life for all Nigerians,” the President concluded.
Tinubu also commended Netzence Sustainability Limited for “taking the lead on this noble journey.”
He assured the company that “The Federal Government through the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, and other MDAs and Agencies will collaborate with you in pioneering solutions that will accelerate Nigeria’s path to Net Zero.”
In his technical remarks, the Founder & CEO of Netzence Sustainability Limited, Dr. Sadiq Sani, briefed stakeholders about the new product, CloseCarbon, a Carbon Footprint tracking System.
Sani noted CloseCarbon “effortlessly tracks, monitors, and calculates your carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable future.”
He confirmed that NETZENCE is well-positioned to support the government’s efforts to meet its climate targets, including reducing emissions by 2030, achieving Net Zero by 2050 and 2060, and realizing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
“Our cutting-edge solutions will empower Nigeria to meet its Nationally Determined Contribution goals, aligning with global net-zero targets,” said Sani.
The goal will be accomplished through providing real-time data on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), managing emission reduction, and encouraging sustainable practices in various sectors.
This initiative was prompted by an industry survey that exposed a significant gap in reliable data to support claims of reduced emissions.
“As a result of that, we have been able to develop embedded systems and also technologies in which we can use to be able to reduce emission by monitoring what has been done.”
Sani also promised free onboarding for individuals and companies open to adopting its new products.
“The CloseCarbon, which has been launched today, will be actively available for individuals to come on board, register on the platform, and we can onboard you.
“And we made a promise…for every individual, we onboard to ClosCarbon is free for every individual to use. So our technologies that we have built and designed is completely free for everybody,” he highlighted.
The event was attended by notable figures, including the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Uche Nnaji, former Niger State Governor Abubakar Bello, Prof Stephen Ogaji of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Dr. Bala Tyoden from the GEF-UNDP Africa Minigrids Project, Ibrahim Bello, Chairman of Jos Disco’s Board of Directors, representatives from the Vice President’s office, and other key partners.
