President Bola Tinubu on Saturday said Nigeria would deploy a fleet of 100 electric buses as a step towards a sustainable and eco-friendly future.
The President revealed this at a high-level meeting with stakeholders and investors on the Nigeria Carbon Market and Electric Buses Rollout Programme on Saturday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on the margins of the COP28 climate summit.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, disclosed this in a statement he signed on Saturday titled ‘COP28: President Tinubu unveils bold vision for a greener Nigeria with rollout of 100 electric buses.’
The President explained that the strategic initiative will reduce Nigeria’s carbon footprint and modernise its transportation systems.
President Tinubu presents a budget of N27.5 trillion for 2024 to the combined sitting of the lawmakers.
This, he said, is 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 this transformative plan, the President announced the appointment of the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mr. Zacch Adedeji, and the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change, Mr. Dahiru Salisu, to co-chair the Nigeria Carbon Market Activation Plan.
Tinubu said, ‘’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 recognize the imperative of fostering an environment that not only attracts investment but also upholds standardized and sustainable industrial practices.”
He said his administration is 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.
President Tinubu also assured prospective investors that this initiative transcends being a mere pilot project.
‘’It is a concrete manifestation of our unwavering dedication to a carbon-neutral future.Related News
“I assure you; this is only the commencement of our ambitious plans, with many more impactful initiatives on the horizon,” he said.
While acknowledging the pressing need for a comprehensive global collaboration on climate-related challenges, he 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,” he declared.
Innoson Vehicle Motors LNG/CNG and electric-powered inter-city, mini buses ready for delivery.
The President said Nigeria’s plans for a greener and cleaner economy can serve as an inspirational narrative for nations worldwide because “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,’’ he concluded.
In his remarks, FIRS Chairman, 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 modernising its transportation systems while reducing Africa’s modest carbon footprint.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Government nominated at least 589 delegates to attend this year’s COP28 climate change summit in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, Sunday PUNCH has learnt.
This made it the fourth country with the most nominated delegates after the host, UAE, Brazil and China, who nominated 4,409, 3,081 and 822 badges, respectively.
A list of 198 parties (197 countries and the European Union) published by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change showed that the participants include Ministers, Governors, heads and directors of agencies, presidential aides, officials of the National Council of Climate Change, the SDGs office and the members of the organised private sector.
Among those names are President Bola Tinubu, his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, Indian business magnate Mr. Gilbert Chagoury, who was designated as ‘Confidante of Mr President’ and Special Adviser to the President on the SDGs, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire.
Weeks before the United Nations General Assembly in September 2023, Tinubu had barred all government officials who had no direct functions at the gathering from attending.
The President’s action at the time was part of a broader effort to reduce the cost of governance in Nigeria, a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, said
