PRESIDENT TINUBU SAYS NIGERIA IS INTRODUCING A PIONEERING INITIATIVE TO DEPLOY A FLEET OF 100 ELECTRIC BUSES 02-12-23
By Sadiq Aminu President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria is taking a significant step towards a sustainable and eco-friendly future by introducing a pioneering initiative to deploy a fleet of 100 electric buses.
The President stated this on the sidelines of COP28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, at a high-level meeting with stakeholders and investors on the Nigeria Carbon Market and Electric Buses Rollout Programme.
He explained that the strategic initiative was aimed at significantly reducing Nigeria’s carbon footprint and modernising the country’s transportation systems, as part of a larger effort to position Nigeria and Africa as the pioneering frontier of green manufacturing and industrialisation, with a focus on natural gas as a transition fuel, alongside other renewable energy sources.
To spearhead the plan, the President announced the appointment of the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Mr. Zacch Adedeji, and the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change, NCCC, , Mr. Dahiru Salisu, to co-chair 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.
”We recognise the imperative of fostering an environment that not only attracts investment but also upholds standardized and sustainable industrial practices. As a manifestation of our forward-thinking approach, we are actively looking to implement robust, enabling policies and frameworks that will serve as the catalyst for the burgeoning growth of the carbon market within our national borders.
”In further driving my commitment, I have recently approved an Inter-governmental Committee on Carbon Markets to be chaired by the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change to drive this visionary plan,” the President stated.
The President assured prospective investors that the initiative had transcended being a mere pilot project.
”It is a concrete manifestation of our unwavering dedication to a carbon-neutral future. I assure you; this is only the commencement of our ambitious plans, with many more impactful initiatives on the horizon”, he said.
President Tinubu, while acknowledging the pressing need for a comprehensive global collaboration on climate-related challenges, called on global partners to join hands in accelerating collective efforts towards a net-zero future.
”As we unveil our initiatives, I challenge other nations to emulate our strides in mapping out their sustainable futures with a clear understanding that Africa is a beacon of innovative solutions to climate-related challenges.
”In this pursuit, we acknowledge the pressing need for comprehensive global collaboration, and we reiterate our commitment to being an active participant in international efforts.
”Nigeria’s plans for a greener and cleaner economy can serve as an inspirational narrative for nations worldwide. Our comprehensive approach, rooted in visionary leadership and pragmatic action supported by our technical partners, is poised to become a blueprint for countries aspiring to also develop and catalyze their markets for sustainable growth,” the President concluded.
A Co-Chairman of the Nigeria Carbon Market Activation Plan, Mr. Zacch Adedeji, pledged the full commitment of the committee to drive the implementation of efficient policies and frameworks to achieve sustainable carbon market growth.
Reiterating Nigeria’s readiness to lead the global effort to combat climate change, Mr. Adedeji described the initial phase of the rollout of the electric buses as a tangible symbol of Nigeria’s commitment to modernisng her transportation systems, while reducing Africa’s modest carbon footprint.