Commit to green projects, Reps urge MDAs
The House of Representatives, has urged federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to demonstrate commitment to promoting sustainable practices in green projects to address issues relating to climate change.
This is as the House, at Tuesday’s plenary, adopted a motion titled, “Need to promote sustainable practices and green projects in government Ministries, Departments and Agencies” moved by the member representing Jema/Sanga Federal Constituency, Kaduna State, Mr Amos Daniel.
Emphasising the need to address such environmental challenges as population growth, flood, desertification, soil erosion and biodiversity loss, the Peoples Democratic Party lawmaker said MDAs have a role to play in championing afforestation, waste reduction and waste recycling programmes, among others.
Noting that Nigeria is a signatory to the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) Paris Agreement, which was ratified in 2017 and formulated its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Daniel added that the nation has since announced her net-zero commitment by 2060 in 2021, following the enactment of the Climate Change Act.
He said, “The House is aware that carbon credits represent one metric ton of carbon dioxide (Co2) or greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions removed from the atmosphere. The global value of the voluntary carbon market was estimated at $2bn in 2022 and is widely expected to grow by a factor of at least 15 by 2030, as governments and companies seek to use offsets to help achieve net-zero emissions targets.
“The House is aware that these credits motivate companies and organisations to engage in activities that benefit the climate by either reducing emissions or preventing them.
“The House is informed that the African Carbon Market Initiative predicts Nigeria could generate over $500m annually by 2030, supporting over 3m Nigerian jobs through this industry.”
According to him, investments in sustainable green projects will create jobs, stimulate innovation and contribute to Nigeria’s economic development, an estimate of resources pledged to major climate change advocacy organisations such as the Green Climate Fund, the Global Environment Facility and The Adaptation.
He added that the total value of Green Funds for 2024 is $23bn according to the Climatic Investment Funds aside from other finance sources including bilateral, multilateral aid and private sector investment.
The lawmaker reminded MDAs that “Integrating green projects into government operations can contribute to global goals and reap economic and environmental benefits through commitment, coordination, and a long-term vision.”
The House, following the adoption of the motion, urged the National Climate Council to enforce the requirement for all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to have a sustainability plan and effectively implement it.
It also mandated the Committees on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, Environment, and Ecological Fund to work with the executive arm to educate citizens, companies, and MDAs to embrace sustainable practices in the design and execution of its projects and programmes.
This is as the House directed the Committee on Appropriation to work with the Ministry of Budget and Planning to incentivise MDAs with sustainable practices and carbon credit potentials to be given additional funding above their budget envelopes with effect from 2025 budget estimates.
Carbon credit potentials and programmes are to be established at conception and submitted to the Federal Executive Council for approval.
