Africa’s economic future will be sustained by combating climate change, says Minister

According to Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Environment and Ecological Management, Africa is committed to addressing climate change in order to provide Africans with a sustainable economic future.

Speaking to aviation reporters on Thursday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja, Salako made the claim.

The minister has just returned from the Tuesday Africa Climate Summit (ACS) of top African leaders in Nairobi, Kenya.

According to Salako, combating climate change would spur additional investment, increasing annual climate finance flows to Africa.

He claimed that the summit took place at a crucial time, giving the area a unique opportunity to highlight to the world the priorities, solutions, and needs of the continent in terms of climate action.

It is crucial for us as a continent that taking action on climate change accelerates socioeconomic development. We are confident that this is doable with careful planning and more financial support for the area.

Africa is already feeling the effects of a climate crisis that it did not start, but with its abundant renewable energy resources, essential minerals, massive carbon sinks, and expanding population, our continent can be a powerful centre for solutions.

In Nigeria, we have made clear our steadfast commitment to advancing climate action without endangering economic growth,” he said.

He claims that Nigeria has created an ambitious energy transition plan that prioritises industrialisation, job development, and economic growth while aiming to achieve universal access to electricity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2060.

He said that the country had begun to form alliances with both public and private sector sectors, pursuing novel policy changes and renewable energy projects including the deployment of on-grid solar and electric vehicles.

The minister added that in order to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive transition, the country had begun looking into creative finance options including carbon trading.

He contends that achieving food security, the eradication of poverty, sustainable job development, and security is dependent on environmental sustainability and climate action.

According to Salako, the ASC was set up to give Africa a strong voice in decisions and requests made at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, which will take place from November 30 to December 12 at Expo City in Dubai. (NAN)