The German ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Gunther, says the German government is partnering with the African nation to combat climate change and related issues.

In an interview with a journalist on Monday in Abuja, Ms Gunther said the perennial floods in parts of Nigeria are a global challenge aggravated by climate change.

She noted that all hands must be on deck to tackle the root causes of climate issues, adding that decarbonisation and zero emissions would help solve the problem in Nigeria and globally.

The ambassador added that Nigeria’s energy transition plan, developed under the previous administration, has an ambitious goal of ensuring zero emissions until 2060. The plan can be impactful if properly implemented.

She said, “In our cooperation talks, we are interested in how to help Nigeria achieve that goal.

“We, therefore, have opened a hydrogen diplomacy office called the German-Nigerian hydrogen diplomacy office, where experts organise meetings, conferences, and discussions and bring together stakeholders in the area of renewable energies, particularly hydrogen.

“Even though gas is currently the primary source of energy and power, we have to chart the way forward. We need to have these discussions to reach our climate goals earlier or as soon as possible.’’

The envoy explained that weather had become unpredictable, making it difficult for agriculture to thrive.

“In our development cooperation, we have programmes to support farmers in developing drought-resilient crops.

“We are also aware that the effect of climate change reduces the sources of income for people as well as durable land for farming,” the envoy said.

Mr Gunther further disclosed that plans were underway to address the shrinking resources as the German government worked towards mediating conflicts between communities.

 (NAN)