The Federal Government has launched the National Industrial De-carbonization Programme (NIDP) aimed at strengthening regulatory frameworks to support industrial emissions reductions.
The event was organised by the National Environmental Standard and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
The Minister of Environment Mr Balarabe Lawal at the launch in Abuja said the Nigerian government is committed to creating an enabling environment for industries to thrive sustainably.
The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Mahmud kambari, said the regulatory framework will also help in facilitating access to climate finance and green technologies, enhancing research and innovation to develop home grown solutions for industrial sustainability.
He called on stakeholders to use the workshop to explore the technical details of the framework to discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and collaborate on the solutions that will define Nigeria’s industrial de-carbonization journey.
According to him, the Launch of the National De-carbonization Programme (NIDP) marks strategic steps in Nigeria’s journey to achieving net-zero emissions and aimed at facilitating the adoption of cleaner technologies in Nigeria.
In his welcome address, the Director General, National Environmental Standard and Regulations Enforcement Agency NESREA, Dr Innocent Barikor, said that the National Industrial De-carbonization Programme represents Nigeria’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning the country’s industrial sector towards a low-carbon economy.
He further explained that the initiative is in line with the nation’s international obligations under the Paris Agreement, as well as Nigeria’s ambitious domestic target of achieving net zero emissions by 2060.
He urged stakeholders to share perspectives and collaborate in shaping the regulatory framework that will drive the industrial transformation.
“In alignment with Nigeria’s international commitments under the Paris Agreement and our own national priorities, the program focuses on four main pillars. First, it promotes the adoption of environmentally sound technologies and energy-efficient practices that reduce operational costs while minimizing environmental impact.’
“Second, it facilitates the development of innovative mechanisms for generating and trading carbon credits, thereby opening new revenue streams for our industries and the government. Third, it establishes a comprehensive compliance monitoring and enforcement framework that will ensure adherence to de-carbonization targets. And finally, it fosters strategic partnerships across both public and private sectors, enhancing collaboration and knowledge-sharing,” he said.
According to him, by adopting de-carbonization strategies and establishing a clear regulatory framework, that Nigeria can significantly mitigate emissions while simultaneously enhancing the country’s competitiveness in the international markets.
“Our industry, which encompasses sectors such as cement, fertilizer, chemicals, and metals, is not only the backbone of Nigeria’s economy but also a significant contributor to carbon emissions. With projections indicating a potential threefold increase in industrial emissions between 2010 and 2030, the urgency to act cannot be overstated.”
(The Authority)
