By Favour Ulebor, Abuja

Niger State has reaffirmed its commitment to driving a green economy, leveraging its abundant natural resources and strategic frameworks to position itself as a leader in Nigeria’s sustainability efforts.

Speaking at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abubakar Usman, highlighted the state’s ongoing progress since the launch of its Green Initiative last year.

Usman noted that Niger State boasts vast arable land spanning over 76,000 square km, abundant water bodies, and a wealth of natural resources that make it a prime candidate for green investments.

“Since the launch of the Green Economic Summit last year, we have never stopped. We attended the last COP and announced our presence, and this year, we are here again, showcasing the frameworks we’ve put in place to advance the green cycle,” Usman said.

He revealed that Niger State has enacted necessary laws, appointed local and international consultants, and developed a comprehensive framework to ensure the success of its green initiatives. These measures include partnerships with the federal government and discussions with international agencies to attract investments.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Mr. Yakubu Kolo, also spoke on the progress made since COP28.

He emphasized the establishment of the Niger State Agency for Green Economy Initiatives, created through legislation passed by the state assembly and signed into law by the governor.

“The agency gives us the institutional backing to drive projects in areas like afforestation, waste management, and renewable energy. We want to be at the forefront of green solutions in Nigeria because we have the land and resources to make a significant impact,” Kolo stated.

Kolo added that agriculture remains the backbone of Niger State’s economy and will play a pivotal role in the green economy transition.

“Our participation in this year’s COP is to leverage the momentum we gained from COP28 and continue attracting global collaborations. Niger State is ready to lead in sustainability and green innovation,” he concluded.

Niger State’s active engagement at COP29 underscores its readiness to tackle climate change challenges and position itself as a model for green development in Nigeria.