Abu Dhabi Summit: Global collaboration key to sustainable development ─Tinubu

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his address during the ongoing 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, in the United Arab Emirates, assures a global audience that Nigeria is ready to work with other countries to build a resilient, equitable, and sustainable world for all

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured a global audience that Nigeria is ready to work with other countries to build a resilient, equitable, and sustainable world for all.

President Tinubu Wednesday, January 15, 2025, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), spoke on the second day of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week on “From Climate Imperatives into Economic Prosperity: Bridging Africa with the Global Energy Future”.

The Nigerian leader, in his address at the summit, declared that no single nation could walk the road to sustainability alone.

He also stressed that global interconnectedness demands collective action, knowledge sharing, and mutual support.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Wednesday stated President Tinubu said: “The fight against climate change is not merely an environmental necessity but a global economic opportunity to reshape the trajectory of our continent and the global energy landscape.

“As leaders, stakeholders and citizens of our planet, we stand at a critical juncture in human history. To succeed, we must innovate, collaborate and act decisively as one global community.”

Reiterating his administration’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, President Tinubu assured the audience that the Nigerian government had developed actionable programmes in line with global expectations, bearing in mind the West African country’s economic and political expectations.

The President stated: “We have embraced a vision of sustainability that aligns with global aspirations while addressing local realities.

“Our efforts are anchored on three pillars: Energy Transition, Climate Resilience, and Sustainable Development.

“My administration recognises the importance of reducing carbon emissions and a just transition to clean and renewable energy, promoting environmental sustainability and economic growth.”

Tinubu further noted in his address: “Our energy transition plans, like many nations, are aimed at diversifying energy sources and reducing dependency on fossil fuels, prioritising the transition to cleaner energy sources as a cornerstone of our national development strategy.”

Nigeria, the President disclosed, is developing infrastructure for the widespread use of Compressed Natural Gas and electric vehicles and harnessing the potential in solid minerals to support the green energy transition.

President Tinubu as well emphasised that his country is implementing climate-smart agricultural practices to enhance food security and lessen its destructive environmental impact.

According to him, these include the introduction of the National Clean Cooking Policy, which aims to promote clean energy, environmental and health benefits, and socio-economic development in the African region.

 

President Tinubu also told the global audience that the Nigerian Government is working with local communities to implement solutions to mitigate the adverse consequences of the country’s environmental challenges, such as deforestation, desertification, coastal erosion, flooding, and pollution.

These challenges, he said, threaten the livelihoods of millions, he averred.

‘Nigeria remains committed to providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive’

Tinubu, therefore, urged partner countries to collaborate in mobilising resources to tackle these challenges and embrace innovation and technology.

He stated: “To promote a Green Economy in Africa, we must focus on integrating sustainable practices in all sectors of our economy.

“These investments are capital intensive and require international support from partner countries, including multinational organisations, development partners and individuals who share our vision of a sustainable, prosperous and equitable future.”

The President said: “Nigeria became the first country in Africa to initiate funding of green projects through Sovereign Green Bond proceeds, the third issuance of which is in progress.

“We urge investors to partner with us in this regard. Our administration remains committed to providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in Nigeria.”

The Nigerian leader explained: “By partnering with global leaders and harnessing the power of technology, we are finding new and innovative ways to address our environmental challenges.

“We have arable agricultural lands for advanced technological farming, including a bright future for Artificial Intelligence.”

Tinubu commended the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, for his invitation and foresight in organising the event.

The event brought world leaders together to exchange views and perspectives on how to address the global challenges of our time collectively, stated Onanuga.

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