The Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Usman Jibril, has said that world economies are shifting towards cleaner growth, and that the global push toward a low carbon and sustainable economy will produce new technologies and jobs.
The minister, who noted that economic growth and environmental sustainability are interlinked, said Nigeria is already part of those leading the transformation by innovating at home and helping to implement low carbon alternatives.
He said: “If this is done right, it will create good jobs, grow our economy and reduce pollution.”
“The ministry is a key participant in this environmental transformation that put people and planet at the centre,” he added.
According to a statement, the minister stated this at the 2018 Management Retreat for Directors and Heads of Agencies in Kaduna State on Monday, with the theme ‘Re-dedication to the Implementation of Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC)’.
Jibril, however, tasked the managements to ensure that the ministry’s vision of empowering people, taking climate action and protecting the environment continue to align with the administration’s ERGP and NDC implementation as the government prepares for more successes in the sector in 2018 in line with efforts towards sustainable environment.
The minister further stated that the ratification of three instruments including the historic Paris Agreement in 2017 by the President is significant based on the belief and commitment that climate change is not just a challenge but a historic opportunity to build a sustainable economy based on clean technology, green infrastructure and green jobs that will create sustainable growth in the country.