President Bola Tinubu has announced Nigeria’s pioneering plan to introduce a fleet of 100 electric buses, a bold move towards a sustainable future, during discussions at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai.
This groundbreaking initiative aims to revolutionize Nigeria’s transportation system, reduce carbon emissions significantly, and position the country as a leader in green manufacturing.
Speaking at a high-level meeting on the Nigeria Carbon Market and Electric Buses Rollout Programme, President Tinubu emphasized the strategic significance of the initiative in cutting Nigeria’s carbon footprint.
He said the plan aligns with broader efforts to modernize transportation while spearheading green industrialization in Africa, emphasizing the role of natural gas and renewable energy sources.
President Tinubu appointed Mr. Zacch Adedeji, the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and Mr. Dahiru Salisu, the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), as co-chairs of the Nigeria Carbon Market Activation Plan.
The move aims to attract carbon market investments to Nigeria while fostering sustainable industrial practices.
Tinubu also underscored his government’s commitment to implementing robust policies and frameworks to support the growth of the carbon market.
He announced the establishment of an Inter-governmental Committee on Carbon Markets, signalling Nigeria’s steadfast dedication to a carbon-neutral future.
President Tinubu assured potential investors that the initiative goes beyond a pilot project, signalling Nigeria’s enduring commitment to a sustainable future.
”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.
Furthermore, Tinubu called for global collaboration to address climate-related challenges and urged other nations to emulate Nigeria’s innovative strides towards a net-zero future. He positioned Nigeria’s plans for a greener economy as a potential blueprint for countries seeking sustainable growth.
”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.
Acknowledging President Tinubu’s vision, FIRS Chairman Adedeji lauded his leadership in driving Nigeria’s commitment to harness its carbon potential for sustainable development.
