The Niger government says it is working on plans to host the maiden Sub-National Green Economy Summit scheduled from Oct. 24 to Oct. 25 in Minna.

Gov. Muhammad Bago of Niger said this at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday.

Mr Bago said that the summit was in response to the global challenges of environmental degradation, climate change impacts and insecurity.

He said that the summit would help in meeting Nigeria’s pledge under the Paris Agreement, the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“The summit will also emphasise the role of local communities and their indigenous knowledge systems in sustainable development,” he said.

The governor said the summit would empower the locals with the necessary knowledge and resources to engage in eco-friendly practices and green initiatives, to achieve the UN SDGs.

“Niger state government is hosting the 1st-ever subnational Green Economy Summit in response to the global challenges of environmental degradation, climate change impacts, insecurity and the growing need for sustainable solutions.

“We will be unveiling the Niger State Green Economy Blueprint to guide our developmental choice of actions.

“In view of the above, the summit will attract experts and participants from around the world to exchange ideas, best practices, and innovations on green economy initiatives for us to learn and adapt in our context.

“This is in alignment with the country’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions, transition to a low-carbon economy,” he said.

Mr Bago said that as a way of ensuring security, the state was already working with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to import grazing grass and other materials needed to house herders for cattle ranching to tackle security challenges in the state.

“We already have an initiative with CBN where we have provided 33,000 hectares for grazing reserves and another 25,000 in the rural basin reserve so that we can have these animals domesticated.

“Security will not be an issue, the military, the federal and state government are in collaboration; I can assure you that Niger is safe and safe for investment,” he said.

(NAN)