Toba Owojaiye reporting
Calabar, Nigeria
In anticipation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP28, the Honourable Minister of State, Environment and Ecological Management, Hon. Ishak Salako, is set to be the Special Guest of Honour at the C’River preCOP28 event.
In an official letter, the Minister expressed his endorsement of the event, recognizing its vital role in Nigeria’s preparation for the upcoming COP28.
The Minister emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to fostering an inclusive approach to climate action, encouraging active participation from all stakeholders in the environmental sector. This aligns with Nigeria’s broader Climate Action Plan, highlighting the collaborative effort required to address climate challenges.
The preCOP28 stakeholders workshop, scheduled for November 15th and 16th, 2023, at the Calabar International Conference Centre (CICC), aims to present bankable projects geared for implementation. These projects span crucial areas such as energy transition, decarbonization, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS).
Discussions will also encompass renewable energy projects, focusing on wind and solar, bioenergy, and infrastructure development for decarbonizing the transport sector. Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) and nature-based solutions are integral components of the proposed implementations.
One of the key partners in this initiative is Stratus Consult Limited, collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Environment and serving as a private sector representative to the NDC Partnership.
Their role involves supporting the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) through a locally driven approach, aiming for a collective impact on Climate Change and the implementation of Green infrastructure Projects in Nigeria.
The event’s overarching objective is to contribute to creating a carbon-neutral and climate-resilient environment, fostering long-term social and economic growth in the state and the wider Niger Delta region. As the countdown to COP28 continues, the engagement of diverse stakeholders becomes increasingly crucial in achieving Nigeria’s climate-related aspirations.