In a bold and visionary move, President Bola Tinubu has announced Nigeria’s pioneering initiative to introduce a fleet of 100 electric buses, marking a significant step towards a sustainable and eco-friendly future. Speaking at a meeting with stakeholders and investors in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Mr. Tinubu unveiled the Nigeria Carbon Market and Electric Buses Rollout Programme on the sidelines of the COP28 climate summit.
The president emphasized that this strategic initiative is geared towards reducing Nigeria’s carbon footprint and ushering in a modernized transportation system. With a broader focus on positioning Nigeria and Africa as the vanguards of green manufacturing and industrialization, President Tinubu outlined the plan to utilize natural gas as a transition fuel alongside other renewable energy sources.
To spearhead this transformative agenda, President Tinubu appointed Zacch Adedeji, the chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and Dahiru Salisu, the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change, as co-chairs for the Nigeria Carbon Market Activation Plan. This move underscores Nigeria’s dedication to environmental stewardship and collaboration with the Africa Carbon Market Initiative.
“We recognize the imperative of fostering an environment that attracts investment and upholds sustainable industrial practices,” President Tinubu affirmed, highlighting the country’s commitment to implementing enabling policies and frameworks to catalyze the growth of the carbon market within its borders. In line with this commitment, an Inter-governmental Committee on Carbon Markets, chaired by the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change, has been approved by the President.
Assuring prospective investors of the initiative’s permanence, President Tinubu emphasized that it signifies Nigeria’s unwavering dedication to a carbon-neutral future. He conveyed his confidence in the ambitious plans on the horizon, reiterating that this is only the beginning of Nigeria’s extensive initiatives to drive sustainable development.
Acknowledging the need for global collaboration on climate-related challenges, Mr. Tinubu called for concerted efforts towards achieving a net-zero future. He urged global partners to join hands in accelerating collective endeavors and drew attention to Africa’s innovative solutions to climate challenges, positioning the continent as a beacon of inspiration for sustainable development worldwide.
In his remarks, the FIRS chairman, Zacch Adedeji, commended President Tinubu’s visionary leadership and pledged full commitment to drive the implementation of efficient policies and frameworks for sustainable carbon market growth. He emphasized that Nigeria’s readiness to lead the global effort to combat climate change and described the rollout of electric buses as a tangible symbol of Nigeria’s commitment to modernizing its transportation systems and reducing Africa’s carbon footprint.
“In the immediate term, Nigeria will proudly unveil a series of innovative, clean, modern, and sustainable initiatives across diverse sectors, strategically designed to address climate change-related challenges and position the country as an attractive global investment destination,” Adedeji affirmed.
President Tinubu’s visionary approach and Nigeria’s comprehensive strategies, supported by technical partners, are poised to become a blueprint for countries aspiring to catalyze their markets for sustainable growth. This heralds a new era for Nigeria, signaling a resolute commitment to environmental sustainability and economic progress, positioning the nation as a trailblazer in the global movement towards a greener and cleaner economy.
As Nigeria boldly charts its course towards a sustainable future, the universe of possibilities opens, offering a compelling narrative of innovative solutions and pioneering leadership. With President Tinubu at the helm, Nigeria stands poised to inspire and lead the way to a brighter, more sustainable world.
As the world looks to the horizon, Nigeria’s vision illuminates the path to a future where progress harmonizes with planet Earth, disrupting the status quo with a symphony of sustainable solutions and inclusive growth.
