UN deputy secretary general of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, has lauded the Niger government for blazing the trail in investing in the green economy in the country.

Ms Mohammed gave the commendation in Minna at the first-ever green economy summit hosted by Governor Mohammed Bago’s government.

The summit, which began on Tuesday and expected to end on Wednesday.

She noted that the days of oil-driven energy growth were numbered, adding that there was a need to end the addiction to fossil fuels.

Ms Mohammed said Nigeria must set a shift and chart a new way forward that leaves no one behind by investing in the transition to clean energy from renewable sources.

She added that Niger had the potential to be the trailblazer, as investing in the green economy would unleash the next great wave of human and sustainable development, particularly for the youth.

The UN deputy chief commended the Niger government for launching the green economy blueprint, adding that the summit arrived at a reflection point not only for Nigeria but also for Africa.

Ms Mohammed said Nigeria and other Africancountries were currently facing a cascade of challenges, including rising costs of living, food insecurity, and climate change.

“These challenges have no boundaries and have numerous cross-generational impacts. So as we examine opportunities to build green economic pathways, we need to keep in mind that most of the world’s natural resources are in Africa,” stated  Ms Mohammed. “And in Niger, you are blessed with an abundance of mineral resources. Niger is uniquely positioned to be one of the first movers to engage in green growth and to become a leader by investing in energy.”

The UN top official added, “But these must include bold investments in the state’s strongest assets, which are its people. People are not just the key target of development; they are also the agents of its change.”

Ms Mohammed stressed that this would require leadership, commitment, and partnership to identify integrated solutions that respond to the complex issues, emphasising that the days of oil-driven energy growth were numbered, while global progress on meeting the climate emergency was still too slow and the direction of travel was unambiguous.

Ms Mohammed noted that there was no long-term future for oil globally, and there was the need to end addiction to fossil fuels while building a baseload and expanding access to reliable, clean, and affordable energy for everyone.

(NAN)