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UN Climate Chief: Nigeria Needs Climate Action for Growth and Prosperity
UN Climate Chief: Nigeria Needs Climate Action for Growth and Prosperity
By: Michael Mike
UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell has declared that a strong new national climate plan would “supercharge the Nigerian economy”, building on the country’s climate leadership and economic progress.
The comments on Thursday capped up the four-day visit of the UN climate chief to Nigeria, during which he met with senior government officials, civil society, and business leaders to discuss how ambitious climate action can drive forward the country’s economic growth and living standards, protect the environment, and power innovation.
Speaking at a symposium convened by Nigeria’s National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS) at the Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos, Stiell said bold climate action is vital to avert the disastrous human and economic impacts of global heating, but also to seize vast human and economic benefits for Nigeria and its people.
He said: “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.
“Clean energy and sustainable agriculture will create jobs, attract foreign investment, and strengthen Nigeria’s global and regional competitiveness.
“With 90% of Nigerians employed in micro, small, and medium enterprises, the ripple effects of green growth will be felt in every local community and economy.”
Stiell while highlighting that US$2 trillion was invested in clean energy and infrastructure in 2024 alone, said: “It’s abundantly clear now that the countries who will seize the biggest benefits of the USD 2 trillion global boom in clean energy are those that invest in their people and their strengths.”
He emphasized that Nigeria has huge opportunities to benefit, through a national climate plan that promotes investment in clean energy, critical minerals, and domestic manufacturing.
Stiell added that: “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.”
He however said that more international finance must flow to Nigeria from public and private sources.
Stiell also highlighted Nigeria’s vast mangrove forests—the largest in Africa and the third largest globally—as a powerful natural defense against climate impacts. Acting as a carbon sink and a shield against coastal erosion, destructive storms, and rising seas, mangroves are vital for protecting both people and biodiversity. Expanding and restoring these ecosystems can strengthen community resilience and drive sustainable economic growth.
With climate change already costing Nigeria up to 5% of its GDP, he emphasized that 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.
He had on Wednesday in Abuja met with parliamentarians and senior government officials to discuss the opportunities Nigeria has as Africa’s largest economy and how a strong new climate plan will drive forward progress right across the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while paying tribute to the important climate efforts of Nigeria and its people thus far, in the world’s existential climate fight.
He also met with civil society representatives focused on climate change, environment, women’s empowerment, and the role of young people, doing essential work on the ground to translate climate commitments into action.
Stiell reaffirmed UNFCCC’s support for Nigeria’s climate ambitions and called for sustained collaboration to turn policies into action.
He said: “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 implementing and benefiting from them. UN Climate Change will be working with all of you and all other nations – every step of the way.”
UN Climate Chief: Nigeria Needs Climate Action for Growth and Prosperity
Zulum strengthens vocational education to address industry gap
… To introduce TVET for Almajiri pupils
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has directed a comprehensive strategy that will enhance vocational education across the three senatorial zones in the state.
Zulum announced the directive on Monday when he received the report on repositioning technical and vocational education in Borno at the council chamber.
According to the Governor, the strategic plan is designed to empower the youth, equipping them with the necessary skills to meet the demands of various industries and stimulate economic growth.
Zulum emphasised that educational facilities and vocational institutions should tailor their programs to address the deepening mismatch between them and the various industries.
“The mismatch between our graduates and the labour market is deep, and if we want to address that, we should ensure that a robust technical and vocational education is established,” Zulum said.
“We have achieved a lot in providing vocational skills to our youth; however, along the way, we felt that we are still not doing enough for this. We decided to constitute this committee to reposition the technical and vocational education in Borno State.
Speaking earlier Presenting the Chairman of the Committee, Alhaji Goni Ibrahim, noted that the review was conducted through site visits, stakeholder consultations, and comparative studies.
… To introduce TVET for Almajiri pupils
Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has instructed the Ministry of Education to consider introducing technical and vocational education in Sangaya Schools.
The Governor said, “I am happy to note that the Executive Secretary of the Sangaya Education Board is here. I have instructed the Commissioner of Education to liaise with you to consider introducing technical and vocational education in our Sangaya schools.”
Zulum also commended the leadership of the Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, stating, “I want to commend the leadership of the commissioner of Education, for all the good works that he has been doing.”
Zulum strengthens vocational education to address industry gap
Gunmen kill man in attempted abduction in Kwara mosque
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen have killed a 45-year-old man, Alhaji Dahiru, during an attempted abduction in a mosque in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Aug. 30 at about 8:30 p.m. during Ishai prayer.
They said about seven armed men stormed the mosque and attempted to abduct Dahiru, who resisted. He was shot dead instantly before the attackers fled on motorcycles.
According to residents, two empty shells of AK-47 ammunition were recovered at the scene after the incident.
Family members of the deceased have since appealed for the release of the corpse for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
Authorities said efforts were ongoing to track down the perpetrators and secure the area against further attacks.
Gunmen kill man in attempted abduction in Kwara mosque
DSS arrests two over fake recruitment scam in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
The Department of State Services (DSS) says it has arrested two suspects in Kaduna over an alleged fraudulent recruitment syndicate operating in the name of the Service.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects, identified as Aliyu Ibrahim and one other accomplice, were apprehended following credible intelligence that exposed their network.
According to sources, preliminary investigations revealed that between 250 and 350 individuals may have fallen victim to the scam, after being promised employment in the Service.
“The suspects are currently in custody while efforts are underway to arrest other members of the syndicate still at large,” the statement said.
The Service warned members of the public to be wary of fake recruitment offers, stressing that it does not conduct recruitment through agents or intermediaries.
“All DSS recruitment exercises are announced exclusively through official and authorised communication channels,” the sources said.
The Service further advised Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.
The sources said the arrest came amid rising cases of job racketeering across the country, assuring that it would continue to protect citizens and ensure that perpetrators of such fraud were brought to justice.
DSS arrests two over fake recruitment scam in Kaduna
Zulum strengthens vocational education to address industry gap
Gunmen kill man in attempted abduction in Kwara mosque
DSS arrests two over fake recruitment scam in Kaduna
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