[FULL TEXT] President Tinubu’s address at Abu Dhabi Sustainable Week
ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, BOLA AHMED TINUBU GCFR PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE FEDERAL
ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, BOLA AHMED TINUBU GCFR PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AT THE ABU DHABI SUSTAINABLE WEEK, HELD FROM 14TH -15TH JANUARY, 2025
PROTOCOL
Your Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
1. Allow me to begin by extending my deepest gratitude to the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness,Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan for inviting me to the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Week.
2. I thank the Government and good people of Abu Dhabi for their generous hospitality and foresight in organizing this event. This week, leaders from all over the world will come together to exchange views and perspectives on how we can collectively address the global challenges of our time.
3. The topic assigned to me for discussion today is “From Climate Imperatives into Economic Prosperity: Bridging Africa with the Global Energy Future,” This topic resonates deeply with Africa’s aspirations and challenges. It also underscores a pivotal reality about our dear continent. The fight against climate change is not merely an environmental necessity but a global economic opportunity to reshape the trajectory of our continent and the global energy landscape.
4. As leaders, stakeholders and citizens of our planet, we stand at a critical juncture in human history. To succeed, we must innovate, collaborate and act decisively as one global community.
5. As Africa’s most populous nation and one of its largest economies, Nigeria recognises its responsibility to demonstrate the required leadership on these matters. We have embraced a vision of sustainability that aligns with global aspirations while addressing local realities.
6. Our efforts are anchored on three pillars: Energy Transition, Climate Resilience, and Sustainable Development. My Administration recognises the importance of reducing carbon emissions and a just transition to clean and renewable energy, promoting environmental sustainability and economic growth.
7. Energy Transition: Esteemed participants, our energy transition plans, like many nations, are aimed at diversifying energy sources and reducing dependency on fossil fuels; prioritising the transition to cleaner energy sources as a cornerstone of our national development strategy. Nigeria is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, in line with global climate objectives. We are developing the infrastructure to utilised Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles.. Nigeria is also investing substantially in the generation, through exploration, of efficient and internationally certified data required to export our solid minerals and critical metals in support of the green energy transition.
8. Climate Resilience: Building resilience against the adverse effects of climate change is essential for safeguarding our African communities and economies. Nigeria is implementing climate-smart agricultural practices to enhance food security while reducing environmental impact.
9. The government has approved several developmental and sustainable policies such as the National Clean Cooking Policy which aims to promote clean energy, environmental and health benefits and socio-economic development in our region.
10. Sustainable Development: Sustainability must be inclusive. We are, therefore, working tirelessly to ensure that our policies promote equity and social justice, leaving no one behind.
Challenges Versus Opportunities In Nigeria:
i. Environmental Challenges: Nigeria faces serious environmental challenges, including deforestation, desertification, coastal erosion, flooding, pollution and many other negative impacts of climate change. Lake Chad continues to shrink every year. These issues threaten the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians. Our government is working with local communities to implement solutions to mitigate these effects and help us build resilience in the face of environmental changes.
ii. Resources: To promote a Green Economy in Africa, we must focus on integrating sustainable practices in all sectors of our economy. These investments are capital intensive and require international support from partner countries including multinational organisations, Development Partners and Individuals who share our vision of a sustainable, prosperous and equitable future. Nigeria became the first country in Africa to initiate funding of green projects through Sovereign Green Bond proceeds, the third issuance of which is currently in progress. We urge investors to partner with us in this regard. Our administration remains committed to providing an enabling environment for business to thrive in Nigeria.
iii. Harnessing Technology and Innovation: Innovation is key to driving sustainable development. Nigeria is increasingly embracing new technologies like clean energy, water conservation, land/forest restoration, waste management and circular economy. By partnering with global leaders and harnessing the power of technology, we are finding new and innovative ways to address our environmental challenges. We have arable agricultural lands for advanced technological farming including a bright future for Artificial Intelligence.
iv. Global Collaboration: Our challenges are global, and solutions will only be effective if we work together in the spirit of mutual respect and a shared future. The Nigerian government believes that sustainable development is not just a national issue; but a global imperative. We must continue to strengthen international cooperation at regional and global levels to achieve the SDGs and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Esteemed Delegates,
12. I would like to conclude by stressing that the road to sustainability is not one that any nation can walk alone. Our world’s interconnectedness demands collective action, knowledge sharing, and mutual support.
13. Platforms like the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Week are invaluable in fostering the level of collaboration necessary to tackle global challenges. As we gather here today, remember that our actions or inactions will shape the future of generations to come.
14. At this juncture, I would like to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to achieving sustainable development. We are ready to work with you to build a world that is resilient, equitable and sustainable for all.
15. Thank you and may God Bless You all.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Commander-in-Chief of The Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria
