Environment minister harps on carbon market to achieve global climate goals

By AKOR SYLVESTER-Abuja

The minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal has highlighted the significance of carbon markets in achieving global climate goals and Nigeria’s ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets.

Lawal who declared open a 2-day training workshop titled “Nigeria’s Carbon Market Activation Plan:  Nigeria’s Article 6 Framework; and Implementation Design under the Paris Agreement” in Abuja said “Carbon markets offer a vital tool to mobilize resources, reduce costs, and facilitate a smooth transition to a low-carbon economy,”

Represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mahmud Adam Kambari, the minister stated that “Nigeria has the potential to generate millions of tons of carbon credits annually by 2030 through projects like reforestation, renewable energy, and waste-to-energy initiatives.”

At the event convened by the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Neyen Consulting SL, the minister said, marks a significant step towards operationalizing Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and establishing Nigeria as a leader in carbon market development.

Unlocking this potential, according to the Minister, hinges on international partnerships, capacity building, and targeted investments.

“We recognize the importance of collaborating with international partners and fostering the necessary skills and resources to fully realise the opportunities presented by carbon markets,” he said.

The minister underscored Nigeria’s growing commitment to emissions reduction citing the country’s updated NDC and participation in relevant climate initiatives.

“Our unwavering efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions are clearly demonstrable through our NDC targets and engagement in partnerships under Article 6,” he  affirmed.

Earlier in his Opening Remarks, the Director General of the NCCC, Dr. Salisu Dahiru, emphasized the strategic importance of Article 6 in achieving Nigeria’s ambitious Net Zero target by 2060.

 “Market-based mechanisms, including a well-designed and implemented trading scheme, can be a powerful tool for reducing emissions,” stressing that .

 “This workshop equips participants with the knowledge and skills to unlock the potential of carbon markets and navigate the associated risks,” Salisu said

Salisu stressed the need for a “robust institutional architecture” to manage Article 6 activities effectively. The NCCC serves as the National Designated Article 6 Authority (NDAA), overseeing all transactions and authorizing projects aligned with national interests.

“Furthermore, the establishment of an Article 6 Technical Committee (A6.TC) ensures cross-ministerial coordination and assesses the impact of cooperation agreements on emission reduction, sustainable development, and financial resource mobilization”, he said.

He underscored the crucial role of stakeholders collaboration in realizing the full potential of the carbon market framework. “Your guidance and comprehensive input are essential.

  “Together, we can harness the power of collaboration to drive positive change, foster green growth, and build a resilient environment for all.”, he said.

The Director General assured of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support saying that anything  that constitute an obstacle to achieving our aim in this regard would  be dismantled.

In a statement signed by Ahmed Lawan Danbazau, Head of Press and Public Relations Unit, NCCC, the workshop’s participants, were drawn from various government agencies as well as Private  Sectors to engage in intensive discussions for two days.

The goal is to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to the development and implementation of a functional carbon market framework in Nigeria.