In a bid to eliminate carbon dioxide emissions from human activities, the Cross River Governmment has rounded off its two-day stakeholders workshop on decarbonization and biodiversity for Niger Delta region.
The event which was in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Environment, National Council on Climate Change and Stratus Consult Limited was held in Calabar.
Speaking on the theme: “Pre-COP28 Climate Change Action Plans for Green Infrastructure Projects” the State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy Prince Eka Williams, underscored the need for state strategic initiatives that align with national and international commitments.
He said In the light of power challenges, Cross River has an unprecedented opportunity to redefine their trajectory and showcase that prosperity can be achieved through green initiatives without compromising environment.
“As we approach the COP28 Climate Conference in Dubai, it is imperative that we reflect on the action plans necessary to propel Nigeria towards fulfilling its commitment to the Paris Agreement and the ambitious goal of achieving NETZERO by 2060, as outlined in the Nationally Determined Contributions NDCs,” the Commissioner said.
The National Climate Change Action Stakeholders Workshop attended by both Private Sectors, Civil Society Organization and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), where the CEO of Stratus Consult Limited Prince Xavier Eyamba, said that the Niger Delta region of Nigeria is facing challenges due to the impact of Climate Change.
“Activities such as gas flaring during petroleum extraction,” Eyamba said. “Contributes significantly to green house emissions, and exacerbating climate change in south south Nigeria.”
This can be addressed by replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower. It can also be done by increasing energy efficiency and implementing carbon capture and storage technologies.
Oando Clean Energy limited Vice President on project and infrastructure Tope Edun, in her presentation announced that Cross River State has been chosen has a pilot based to provide electric vehicles.
“Oando clean energy limited has partnered the Cross River State Governmment to provide electric vehicles, out of the nine states of the Niger Delta we want to start from Cross River as a pilot state where we are working on,” she said.
“I will like to thank the CEO of Stratus Consult Limited Prince Xavier Eyamba, Cross River State Governmment, Ministry of Environment and National Climate for Climate Change on whose platform we are seated today.”
On his part, the commissioner for mining, oil and gas and power in Edo state Mr. Enahoro Ojiefoh, said his participation at the workshop on Decarbonization and Biodiversity was a good success story for his state.
“For us it a new development as a region and as a state. We are happy to embrace this decarbonization especially now that we have so much to gain,” he added. “Coming here to represent my state is a good success story for us.”
Also speaking, the state focal point on climate Change program and Director Forestry Commission Dr (Mrs) Edu Effiom said Decarbonization and Biodiversity program for the Niger Delta region was a sure pathway for Nigeria’s NETZERO2060.
But while she rhetorically asked about who are the desk officers on Climate Change Action and who is coordinating? Dr Effiom used the opportunity said that presentation should be given to the MDA that is coordinating. When she said “Pick an MDA give it presentation.”
Appealing for MDAs to be given opportunity to provide situation analysis on ground, the Permanent Secretary Cross River State Ministry of Water Resources Mrs Mbong Atu Ausayi said the state is currently working with the UNICEF in collaboration with the state planning commission to develop a state development plan.
The S-NCAP workshop was to provide a valuable platform for showcasing climate action programmes that involves green infrastructure projects being developed at the subnational level in the Niger Delta Region , fostering knowledge exchange and inspiring further action in line with sustainable development objectives.
The workshop featured panel of discussants on biodiversity conservation and restoration among others.