FG Calls for Investment in Infrastructure, Climate Change

FG Calls for Investment in Infrastructure, Climate Change

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has called for investment in infrastructural development and climate change, urging Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to work closely together at achieving this.

Director, Economic, Trade and Investment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bolaji Akinremi, made the call in Abuja at the inter-ministerial meeting centered on preparation for the Africa Infrastructure, Climate Change and Investment Summit (AICIS) + Exhibition, to hold from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2, 2023 in Washington DC, United States.

Akinremi commended the planning committee for the AICIS + Exhibition initiative, describing it as worthy to promote investment in climate change and infrastructure development.

He said: “Past government administration did their best and now, the new administration has shown it will really focus on infrastructure.

“So we need to take this very seriously, I want you to look into it, if it has anything to do with your MDAs.

“You have a lot to say on this matter; some of us were there when the Paris Agreement was signed and you know the battle we have to go through now.”

Also speaking, Chairman, Planning and organizing Committee of AICIS, Mr Moses Owharo said the support from MDAs has become important to tackle climate change and infrastructural deficit issues.

He identified climate change issues to include electricity power generation, alternative energy, hydro-electric facility for agricultural purpose, water/dam to fight deforestation in Africa till 2028.

According to him, others are environmental impact assessment on climate, soil, livestock, fauna, green vegetation and green belt replenishment.

“These are global issues and of national concern, because climate change and infrastructural deficit cut across states and local communities.

“The main goal of the programme is for Africa infrastructural development and Climate Change funding that government may not be able to cover.

“Maybe due to shortage of resources they can access funding; this is the main reason we want to go to the U.S., and mobilise for such fund.

“This fund will be focused solely for Africa and will be used to tackle issues faced in Africa,” Owharo said.

On her part, the Vice-President of Nigerians in Diaspora (NIDO) Asia, Amb. Fatima Joshua commended the initiative, saying more would be done to encourage relevant support.

Joshua, also Member of AICIS Planing/Organising Committee said, “We have been pursuing the cause in the U.S., to see how we can have medical support in Nigeria.

“Now we have two fleet of containers loaded with medical equipments given to us freely to bring to Nigeria.

“To support communities having health crisis and where there is no adequate hospital, we have talked to many nations and they are ready to suppor us.”

The meeting was attended by stakeholders of MDAs, diplomatic community, Nigeria Immigration Service and AICIS planning committee.

FG Calls for Investment in Infrastructure, Climate Change