The Niger government has called for stronger global commitment and coordinated action to address the escalating climate challenges threatening economies and communities across the world. Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba made the call in an interview on Thursday.

Mr Garba stated that climate action in Niger was not only a local necessity but also a critical contribution to Africa’s global climate commitments.

“Investing in Niger means investing in the resilience of over six million people, in food security, and in the protection of critical ecosystems that sustain Nigeria’s environmental balance,” Mr Garba said.

He described Niger as a land endowed with rich natural resources, fertile agricultural landscapes, and a population determined to build a sustainable and climate-smart future.

The deputy governor highlighted the state’s Green Sustainable Agenda, stating that climate actions are embedded across the governance sector, including agriculture, forestry, energy, water resources, waste management, and sustainable livelihoods.

“The roadmap aligns with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions and Africa’s broader call for equitable climate finance and fair partnerships,” said Mr Garba.

Mr Garba stated that in spite of the state’s proactive approach; implementing renewable energy initiatives, afforestation programmes, climate-smart agriculture, and youth-led waste-to-wealth enterprises, financial constraints have limited the scale of these efforts.

He urged development partners, climate funds, and private investors to collaborate with Niger in mobilising climate finance through concessional funding, carbon market access, and blended financing mechanisms.

Mr Garba further emphasised the importance of technology transfer and innovation in driving low-carbon development adding that youth participation is central to the state’s green transformation.

“Niger seeks collaboration with research institutions, development partners, and climate investors to promote clean energy, digital climate information systems, and modern agricultural technologies,” he said.

According to Mr Garba, equipping young people with the right tools, training, and technology can create jobs, foster green entrepreneurship, and sustain climate-smart value chains.

He added, “Niger is seeking partnerships to establish green innovation hubs, renewable energy clusters, and digital monitoring systems for effective climate action tracking.”

He cited the direct impacts of climate change on local communities, including unpredictable rainfall, floods, droughts, desert encroachment, and declining crop yields.

“Niger has initiated community-based adaptation programmes that integrate indigenous knowledge with modern scientific solutions, such as land restoration projects, irrigation support, and early-warning systems for farmers,” the deputy governor explained.

(NAN)