The Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, says there is need to safeguard the environment for sustainable development and environmental integrity.

Lawal made this submission on Wednesday in Abuja at a workshop on Reviewing the Outcomes of the 28th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The workshop was organised by the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC).

‘The time for bold, decisive action is now; our success hinges on our ability to forge a robust partnership, mobilise stakeholders, and deliver on the commitments we have made to safeguard our environment and secure a prosperous future for our nation.

‘As a nation, we have a responsibility to take action and to work towards a more sustainable and resilient future for our people and our environment.

‘The 28th session of COP to the UNFCCC was a pivotal moment in the global fight against climate change and served as a stark reminder of the urgent need for resolute action in
the face of escalating climate crises and environmental challenges.”

The minister said that Nigeria, like many other countries, was already feeling the impacts of climate change.

‘As we gear up for COP 29, it is imperative that we foster the spirit of collaboration, unity, and shared responsibility, harnessing the collective wisdom, expertise, resources of all stakeholders and firm commitments to advance Nigeria’s environmental goals,’ Lawal said.

Earlier, Dr Salisu Dahiru, the Director-General of NCCC, said that Nigeria’s participation at COP 28 reaffirmed the need for strengthened collective climate change action across three pillars of Adaptation, Finance, and Mitigation.

‘It is critical to note that these actions include an unprecedented reference to transitioning away from all fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly, and equitable manner in this critical decade.

‘This will enable the world to reach net zero emissions by 2050, in keeping with the science.

‘As an oil-producing and develop
ing nation, the agreements forged during COP 28 pose the need for a strategic review of our national actions and climate goals.

‘We seek to facilitate an inclusive participatory process to motivate actions towards seeking higher ambitious goals for our transition to a low carbon economy.

‘And to create a forum for government, businesses, and other stakeholders to continue to shape and strengthen the climate action processes in Nigeria,’ Dahiru said.

Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in a keynote address, said that Nigeria was faced with numerous climate challenges that demanded bold and decisive action.

‘We must rethink and restructure our national budgets to prioritise sustainability and combat climate change head-on,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria