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UN Urges Nigeria To Adopt Strong Climate Plan For Economic Growth

Published

6 months ago

March 7, 2025

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, has called for the implementation of a robust national climate plan to drive Nigeria’s economic growth.

During his four-day visit to Nigeria, Stiell engaged with senior government officials, civil society representatives, and business leaders to discuss how climate action could contribute to the country’s development.

This was contained in a statement issued by the UNFCCC on Thursday.

Stiell, who spoke at a symposium hosted by Nigeria’s National Council on Climate Change Secretariat at the Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos, stated that ambitious climate action could help secure not only environmental protection but also economic progress and improved living standards for Nigerians.

He underscored that bold climate action is essential to avoid the devastating effects of global warming while creating substantial human and economic benefits.

“A strong new national climate plan can be the gateway to a new Nigerian era of growth and prosperity, fueled by clean and affordable energy, available to all,” Stiell said.

He pointed out that investing in clean energy and sustainable agriculture would create jobs, attract foreign investments, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness on both regional and global scales.

The UN chief noted, “Clean energy can power up your population – providing clean access for countless millions.

“Investing in green buildings, clean infrastructure, and domestic manufacturing can drive economic growth. Clean cooking can protect the health of families.”

With 90 percent of Nigeria’s workforce employed in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, Stiell explained that the ripple effects of green growth would be felt across all local communities.

He also referenced the global investment of USD $2trn in clean energy and infrastructure in 2024, stressing that countries that invest in their people and resources stand to benefit the most.

Stiell noted that Nigeria has the opportunity to benefit from this global clean energy boom through investments in renewable energy, critical minerals, and domestic manufacturing.

He also highlighted the potential for clean cooking solutions to improve public health and reduce pollution.

The UN climate chief called for more international finance to support Nigeria’s climate ambitions, emphasizing that public and private funding must increase to help the country achieve its goals.

Stiell also drew attention to Nigeria’s vast mangrove forests, the largest in Africa and the third-largest globally. These ecosystems play a critical role in protecting communities from coastal erosion, storms, and rising sea levels, and their restoration could significantly enhance the country’s resilience to climate change.

“Investing in nature-based solutions like mangrove restoration is not just an environmental necessity but an economic opportunity that can pay for itself many times over,” Stiell said.

During his visit to Abuja, Stiell met with Nigerian parliamentarians and senior government officials to discuss how a national climate plan can contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The UN chief commended Nigeria’s efforts thus far in addressing climate change but emphasized that more work is needed to ensure the country’s climate policies translate into tangible benefits for its citizens.

Stiell also engaged with civil society groups focused on climate change, women’s empowerment, and youth involvement. He reiterated that Nigeria remains committed to tackling climate change and that the UNFCCC will continue to support the country in its climate endeavors.

As Nigeria looks ahead, Stiell called for sustained collaboration to turn climate policies into actionable outcomes.

“There is much work ahead, to ensure the people of Nigeria share in the monumental benefits of bold climate action. That’s why it’s so essential that people across Nigerian society have a chance to contribute to new national climate plans – to implement and benefit from them.

“UN Climate Change will be working with all of you and all other nations – every step of the way,” he concluded.

News

INEC CVR: CSO Expresses Worry Over Poor Deployment Of Machines, Manpower To LGs In Edo

Published

7 hours ago

August 29, 2025

Editor

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo

Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO) has expressed worry over the poor deployment of capturing machines and manpower to Igueben Local Government Area of the state by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the ongoing Ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR).

The Coordinator, EDOCSO, Igueben Study Centre, Leftist Enabulele Larry, and Secretary, Leftist Mark Akande expressed the CSO sentiment when the duo visited the INEC headquarters in Igueben where the CBR in the local government is taking place.

In a statement made available to INFO DAILY on Friday, the leadership of EDOCSO, Igueben Study Centre condemned the “use of only two capturing devices in a local government with over 69, 396 in population.”

The duo noted in the statement that their findings at the INEC headquarters revealed two capturing machines were deployed to each local government across the 18 local government areas of the state.

The civil society members said INEC excuse of deploying two capturing machines to each local government was not germane enough because many do not have a computer or android phone to do the online registration INEC gave as an excuse.

“The question here is, what is the percentage of our people mostly the aged individuals, that have access to Android mobile and other internet gadgets in Edo state?

“How many people can afford internet data to enable them have access internet services in Edo state under the current excruciating economic pains by the people?

“How many of the Edo people can even manipulate the Android mobile phone to the extent of navigating the internet hurdles to undertake the job is INEC? If INEC is not ready for the job, they should tell Nigerians.

“If citizens are now advised to individually undertake the statutory job of INEC, of what purpose does the commission serve to the people? etc,” they said.

As at when filing this report, INFO DAILY was yet to get a reply from the message sent to the INEC in Edo for reaction.

News

Edo Sports Commission Boss Celebrates Okpehbolo On Birthday

Published

12 hours ago

August 29, 2025

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has felicated with Governor Monday Okpebholo, on the occasion of his birthday.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele Okpebholo as a visionary leader whose dedication to the growth and development of the state has continued to inspire confidence and admiration across all sectors, especially sports.

Enabulele, who highlighted the governor’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment through sports development, noted that under his leadership, Edo State has witnessed significant strides in grassroots sporting initiatives and infrastructure.

“His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is not just a political leader but a beacon of hope for the younger generation.

“His passion for excellence and inclusive governance is evident in the way he has continued to support policies that uplift our youths and promote sporting excellence,” the statement read.

The Executive Chairman prayed for long life, good health, and continued wisdom for the governor as he steers the affairs of the state towards greater prosperity.

“On behalf of the entire Edo State Sports Commission, I extend our warmest birthday wishes to His Excellency at 55. May this new chapter of his life be filled with more accomplishments and divine grace,” he added.

News

Oba Of Benin Suspends Palace Chiefs

Published

23 hours ago

August 28, 2025

Editor

The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has suspended two of his chiefs for falling for dereliction of duties.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Frank Irabor and made available to journalists in Benin City.

He said their suspension was as a result of their long absence from the palace, resulting in their failure to carry out their palace responsibilities.

The suspended persons are: Chief John Igiehon, the Izuwako of Benin and chief Aimiukpomonyako Oghogho (Ebengho), the Oyenmwensoba of Benin.

“The under-mentioned two (2) chiefs have been suspended from the Palace of the Oba of Benin.

“This is as a result of their long absence from the Palace, resulting in their failure to carry out their Palace responsibilities.

“The public is advised to be wary of unscrupulous chiefs that are no longer functioning in the Palace. His Royal Majesty has approved their _ Suspension and directed the public be duly informed.

“The names of the chiefs are: – ; 1. CHIEF JOHN IGIEHON, THE IZUWAKO OF BENIN and, _ 2 CHIEF AIMIUKPOMONYAKO OGHOGHO (EBENGHO), THE OYENMWENSOBA OF BENIN”, the statement said.