By John Ikani
Aligned with the global initiative to curb methane emissions, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has affirmed his government’s determination to cease gas-flaring in the nation.
He also revealed an ambitious plan for a more environmentally friendly Nigeria, unveiling 100 electric buses as a step toward a sustainable future.
President Tinubu made the commitment during the ongoing United Nations Climate Conference (COP28) summit on methane and other non-greenhouse gases in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Sharing the platform with key figures like Dr. Sultan Ahmed al-Jabar, President of COP28, John Kerry, and Xie Zhenhue, the Chinese Envoy on Climate, President Tinubu informed global leaders about Nigeria’s stringent penalties for gas-flaring offenders.
Commending the UAE’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gases, Tinubu emphasized the importance of collective commitments to limiting the earth’s temperature rise.
“Sitting here in this room, I know that we have to commit ourselves. We have been doing so before today. We are committed to critical steps to reduce methane emissions by ensuring gas flaring is eliminated. There is a huge penalty for that. There is equally a huge incentive to do so.”
President Tinubu assured of Nigeria’s dedication to renewable energy, emphasizing an energy mix and the provision of cooking gas for the population. He also expressed hope for collaboration with the US, China, and the UAE in leveraging new technology.
Highlighting that major economies, the US and China, are significant contributors to greenhouse emissions, Tinubu stressed the urgent need for the earth’s healing.
While praising the participation of both countries in the summit, he urged them to expedite efforts in providing additional investment and technological know-how.
Sultan al-Jabar echoed that success in limiting the earth’s temperature is possible with cooperation and hard work. He emphasized the elimination of all CO2 gases with collective efforts.
John Kerry, reporting on progress since COP27, announced the mobilization of over $1 billion in new grants, exceeding expectations. He highlighted the US’s commitment to reducing methane emissions from oil and gas operations, as well as partnerships to support waste reduction efforts globally.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu announced Nigeria’s stride towards a sustainable future by introducing a groundbreaking initiative to deploy a fleet of 100 electric buses.
Speaking at a high-level meeting on the Nigeria Carbon Market and Electric Buses Rollout Programme in Dubai, Tinubu outlined the initiative’s goal of reducing Nigeria’s carbon footprint and modernizing transportation.
To lead the transformative plan, President Tinubu appointed Zacch Adedeji and Dahiru Salisu as co-chairs for the Nigeria Carbon Market Activation Plan.
“This initiative stands as a testament to our dedication to environmental stewardship as clearly exemplified through our collaboration with the Africa Carbon Market Initiative. Our visionary plan is a strategic guidepost, directing Nigeria towards becoming an investment-friendly destination for carbon market investments.”
Tinubu urged other nations to emulate Nigeria’s commitment and presented the initiative as more than a pilot project, offering a comprehensive approach for sustainable growth.
FIRS Chairman, Adedeji, acknowledged President Tinubu’s visionary leadership and pledged the committee’s full commitment to implementing efficient policies for sustainable carbon market growth.
