Economic Confidential, June 5, 2009

NEWS UPDATE

Nigeria and Britain Sign MOU on Climate Change

… As it Commences Green campaign

The Minister of Environment, Mr. John Odey has stated that an effective global response to climate change remains an important international objective for Nigeria.

Speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Climate Change between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the British Council, in his office, in Abuja, Mr. Odey said “this agreement with Britain is a positive development that reflects governments’ active programme of Bilateral Climate action and partnerships, aimed at the development of climate change related technologies and solutions.”

According to the Minister, the MOU on climate change has further stepped up cooperation between Nigeria and Britain which has begun in a number of areas, especially in relation to conserving of the environment with the inclusion of Nigeria on the Board of the African Rainforest Nations on the Prince of Wales Rainforest Project.

He noted that the signed MOU will focus on Climate awareness in Nigeria and Climate security and Economic development. He said this “will involve raising awareness amongst Nigerians on the impact, consequences and opportunities arising from climate change, including activities to track and monitor changing attitudes and perceptions. It will also involve raising awareness and engaging wider business community on the impact, economic consequences and opportunities arising from climate based issues, as well as encourage secure business engagement and positive practices on climate based issues.”

In his remarks British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Bob Dewar commended President Umaru Yar’Adua’s administration for his efforts on development programmes and the various reforms being put in place to shore-up the country’s economy. He also commended the Mr. Odey for his tenacity towards fostering positive environment behaviour in the country.

Signing the MOU, Mr. Dewar said Nigeria and Britain have much to gain by moving forward with programmes of development such as the Prince of Wales Rainforest Project to combat climate change and the recent MOU on climate change. He said the MOU on climate change came to being with the contributory efforts of President Yar’Adua, a move he started during his last state visit to the United Kingdom when he met with Lord Kinnock, Chair of the British Council where both agreed that an MOU on climate change should exist between both Nigeria and the British Council.

He said, “Climate change is a crucial issue that concerns individuals and countries. It is a global phenomenon that requires a global solution. And we need to jointly work together on raising awareness and sensitization. Tackling the issue of climate change, gas flaring and deforestation is not only for us but for our children; hence the MOU is a good example of Britain and Nigeria working together.”

Mr. Dewar noted that Nigeria as a leading African country would play a significant role in Copenhagen, in December, when the rest of the world meets on Climate change and other environment issues.

In another development, the Federal Government has commenced its own Green campaign in response to other Governments of the world green initiatives to support President Yar' Adua's 7 - Point Agenda.

Mr. John Odey made this statement during a Press Briefing at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja as part of activities marking this year's World Environment Day. According to the Minister, the aim is to include the environment as an additional theme of the 7-Point Agenda. He added that we hope the development, acton plans and proposed initiatives through partnership and good practices will make a big difference to our environment.

Mr. Odey stated that we believe we must set long-term objectives in terms of caring and protecting our environement.

The Minister however, commended the media for the enlightenment, awareness and attention being given to environment issues in all print and electronic media, particularly, environment pages recently introduced by some national dailies.

He therefore enjoined all Nigerians to join in the celebrations of the World Environment Day coming up on June 5, 2009 and be more aware of their environment and implement workable environmental initiatives acros the nation.

On the theme of this year's World Environment Day ''Your Planet Needs you, UNite to Combat Climate Change", Mr. Odey noted that the issue of climate change has featured prominently in the last three years because of its serious threats to human existence and the global economy.

He added that Nigeria has taken steps to address the threat of Climate change in terms of mitigation and adaptation. These include focussing on the implementation of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects and other climate friendly projects in the country.

Mr. Odey further announced that Government is working towards a national Climate Change preparedness and response master-plan through the National Planning Commission which includes early-warning strategies.

Other activities lined up for the programme include National Post Primary Schools climate change debate and competition and continuation of the National Tree Planting Campaign.

Others are exhibition of Climate Change best practices especially in the areas of renewable energy efficiency technologies and the production of various information and education materials to communicate and promote awareness of environmental issues nationally.

Present at the occasion were the Permanent Secretary, Dr. (Mrs) Safiya Muhammad, Directors in the Ministry and other Stakeholders.