Buhari inaugurates national council on climate change

President Mohammadu Buhari has Wednesday September 28th, 2022 inaugurated the National Council on Climate Change.

Buhari in a statement issued via his verified Facebook page wrote; “Today I inaugurated the National Council on Climate Change, to formulate appropriate policies toward achieving green growth and sustainable economic development for Nigeria. This inauguration marks the commencement of the implementation of the Climate Change Act 2021.

“In November 2021, after COP26 in Glasgow, I signed the Nigeria Climate Change Act, to set the framework for mainstreaming climate change action, carbon budgeting and the establishment of the National Council on Climate Change.

“I also approved, on 25th July 2022, the appointment of the Director General and Secretary for the National Council on Climate Change: Dr Salisu Dahiru.”

He went further to say that, “Our Administration remains very committed to Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions and the Net Zero-Target by 2060. We are determined to strengthen national response to Climate Change, and accelerate the implementation of decisive actions to reduce its impacts.

“I must point out that there are some noticeable implementation challenges in the Climate Change Act; I have directed the Attorney General & Minister of Justice in conjunction with the Minister of Environment to ensure that the appropriate amendments are made.

“The identified lapses include the establishment of States’ and Zonal Offices, creating a huge and costly bureaucracy. This is not acceptable. The current Act has also taken out State Commissioners of Environments as members of the Council. These and other issues must be amended.

“I am confident that the Council will, ahead of COP27, ensure harmonisation of all issues relating to Climate Change, Energy Transition Plan, Emissions Trading Scheme and the Carbon Trading Framework, in line with its mandate, so that Nigeria can have a robust & impactful outing.

“Let me also thank Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for heading Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, presiding over the global launch of the Plan, and initiating engagement with key stakeholders in the United States. The Council must now consolidate on these important first steps.” He added.