President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the federal government will partner with the Niger State government to harness the country’s potential in green economy.
The president gave the assurance at the maiden Green Economy Summit held in Minna, the Niger State capital with the theme: “Sustainable Future: Harnessing Green Assets and Innovation for Niger State’s Prosperity.”
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to the enthronement of the green economy in the country.
The president, who was represented by the minister of state for agriculture and food security, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi Sabi, shared the vision behind harnessing the green economy.
He also said a new solid mineral policy to ensure efficiency in the use of resources has been approved.
He said the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration is not unaware of the difficulties facing the citizens but called for understanding and prayers to overcome the challenges, saying that the country’s economy would soon bounce back.
In his remarks, former head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar called for sustainability of the green economy initiative and commended Niger and Borno state governments for powering the scheme.
Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago, said he will stand resolutely to safeguard the environment and secure a prosperous future.
He said the summit is to galvanise actions, sub-national and national, and define ways in which “we could collectively harness our green assets and innovation to usher in prosperity.”
The governor hinted that the state government has produced its first Green Economy Blueprint, a strategic document outlining a visionary roadmap that will shape the development choices and steer its actions.
He said that the summit will present a draft to stakeholders for their review and input, after which it shall be formally launched and applied in the preparation of the appropriation proposals for 2024 and beyond.
In his remarks, the Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum promised partnership with the Niger State government in ensuring the actualisation of the green economy in the two states, northern Nigeria and the entire country.