Nigeria, Germany Launch Carbon Offsetting Rice Emissions Project to Tackle Climate Change and Boost Food Security

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria has officially launched the Carbon Offsetting Rice Emissions (CORE) Project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from rice production while boosting yields and strengthening food security.

The project is the result of a long-standing agricultural cooperation between Nigeria and Germany, supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and in partnership with Olam Agri Nigeria Ltd.

The high-profile launch, held at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre in Abuja, brought together key stakeholders including the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal; the Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy, Johannes Lehne; representatives of Olam Agri Nigeria; development partners; and senior government officials.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, described agriculture as a pillar of Nigeria’s economy and a lifeline for millions of families. He stressed that the CORE project comes at a critical moment as climate change continues to threaten food production systems.

“This initiative will empower smallholder farmers in Kano, Benue, and Nasarawa with scalable, climate-smart farming practices. By reducing methane emissions from rice paddies, we are not only safeguarding livelihoods but also contributing to Nigeria’s climate goals,” he said.

Kyari noted that the project demonstrates how agricultural carbon offsetting can be credible, transparent, and inclusive, laying the foundation for a sustainable carbon market in Nigeria.

Representing the German government, Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy, Johannes Lehne reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.

He highlighted that Germany contributed €9.94 billion to climate finance globally in 2023, leveraging both public and private investments.

Germany’s agricultural portfolio in Nigeria and ECOWAS, worth €117 million and co-financed by partners including the Gates Foundation and the European Union, focuses on food security, nutrition, job creation, and climate-smart farming practices.

“CORE is a practical step towards reducing methane emissions while boosting rice yields. Germany is proud to support Nigeria, not only financially but also in shaping the enabling policies that will make agricultural carbon markets thrive,” Lehne said.

Delivering a special address on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Technology and Operations underscored the urgency of tackling climate change in Nigeria.

He reminded participants that agriculture contributes nearly 25% of Nigeria’s GDP but also accounts for 33% of greenhouse gas emissions, with rice farming being one of the largest contributors due to methane from flooded paddies.

He emphasized Nigeria’s pledge to achieve Net Zero by 2060 under the Paris Agreement, guided by the Climate Change Act (2021), the Energy Transition Plan, and the National Adaptation Plan.

“Nigeria loses over $100 million annually to climate-related flooding. The CORE project is proof that climate solutions can also be prosperity solutions. A farmer in Nasarawa told us, ‘For the first time, my rice field used less water and gave me more harvest.’ This is the future we must scale up across the country,” he said.

Speakers at the event stressed the importance of partnerships between government, the private sector, and local communities in sustaining the project. Olam Agri Nigeria, a key partner in implementation, is expected to provide technical expertise and market support to smallholder farmers.

Nigeria, Germany Launch Carbon Offsetting Rice Emissions Project to Tackle Climate Change and Boost Food Security