Climate change stakeholders are strategising on how to address contemporary issues and reduce carbon emissions in Nigeria ahead of the forthcoming CoP 28.

The stakeholders spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at Nigeria’s Long-term Low Emissions Development Strategy Stakeholders’ Workshop organised by the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC).

Chris Nkwonta, Chairman House Committee on Climate Change, said that to halt climate change and mitigate its consequences, carbon emissions had to stop or be reduced to the barest minimum.

Nkwonta was represented by Dr Chidi Nwankpa, Senior Special Assistant to the House Committee Chairman on Climate Change.

He said that the workshop was pivotal to the development of a Competitive and Sustainable Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategy for Nigeria.

“Nigeria’s commitment towards moving to a Net Zero Emissions Economy in 2050 to 2060 is clearly a proactive and commendable response.

“It is pertinent, therefore, to note that studies have shown that without reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the planet will continue to be harmed; public safety will perpetually be at risk of more climate disasters as a result of the effects of environmental pollution that will continue to occur.

“Consequently, NCCC, National Assembly and other stakeholders must not deviate from our commitment nor relent in our efforts towards Net Zero Carbon Emissions attainment; thereby, ensuring a healthier and Sustainable environment for human existence,” he said.

Dr Salisu Dahiru, Director-General, NCCC, said that the Nigeria’s Long-Term Low-Emission Development Strategy 2060 stood as a visionary blueprint- a testament to its commitment to transition into a more resilient, green, and inclusive economy.

“Today is remarkable as this workshop aims to serve as an invaluable platform to present updates on the progress achieved and underway in our nation’s global commitments toward curbing greenhouse gas emissions within the UNFCCC process.’’

The director-general said that Nigeria’s global commitments towards curbing greenhouse gas emissions within the UNFCCC process was a commencement of a momentous journey toward a brighter, sustainable future for the country.

“Today, we assemble not just as policymakers, scientists, or leaders, but as custodians of our beautiful nation and our precious planet.

“Together, we will convert challenges into opportunities, pioneering a low-emission, high-impact future for Nigeria.”

Dahiru said that Nigeria as a nation, acknowledged the gravity of the challenges of climate change and the need to act fast.

“In the global context, the urgency to combat climate change and forge a sustainable path for the future has never been more critical,’’ he said.

Prof. Samuel Ugwu, Commissioner of Environment, Enugu State, said the state was witnessing a lot of devastation caused by miners.

“In Enugu State, we have a lot of environmental degradation; we have seen a lot of devastations going on in the state.

“The validation workshop marks a significant step forward as Nigeria embarks on defining its low-emission development pathways for a cleaner and more resilient future in the face of climate change,” the commissioner said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng.com)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo