President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime has appealed to the U.S., UK and other developed countries to pay the $100 billion they promised to support developing countries to attain the ‘Nationally Determined Contributions’ (NDC) target.

Specifically, the regime’s environment minister Mohammad Abubakar sought the support of the UN to persuade developed countries to redeem the NDC $100 billion pledge.

Mr Abubakar stated this on Tuesday when the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

The NDC is at the heart of the Paris Agreement on climate. NDC embodies efforts by each country to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. According to Abubakar, Nigeria’s NDC was projected based on a five per cent annual gross domestic product (GDP) increase.

He noted that the country could not attain a 2.5 per cent steady GDP increase annually amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

The minister explained, “We also seek for more support through UN agencies in implementing environmental activities in the country. We are seeking for a support to the United Nations Environment Programme to address Ogoni Clean-Up projects which President Muhammadu Buhari is working on.

“The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation should put more effort in supporting activities of Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria. The support will enable the country implement our activities and projects effectively.”

Ms Mohammed said the minister should always put women, children and youths at the centre of the ministry’s programmes.

“I also hope to hear from you, honourable minister and the team, on the progress that you have made, to know what we can give to continue our support to Nigeria in its bid for the climate transitions,’’ she said.

Ms Mohammed added that the environment sector was paramount in the UN’s agenda for 2030.

(NAN)