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The Federal Government on Thursday pledged its commitment to reducing industrial carbon emissions in Nigeria, in line with both international commitments and the country’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.
The government made the pledge at the stakeholders engagement workshop on the National Industrial Decarbonisation Programme in Abuja organised by the National Environment Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency and the Oxytane Africa Investment Limited.
The government also said it will establish a strong framework that supports the country’s net-zero emissions target and supports industries to adopt green technologies and practices that reduce both operational costs and environmental impacts.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, said the engagement demonstrates collective commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible industrial sector in Nigeria.
Lawal, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary at the ministry, Mahmud Kambari stated, “Industrial activity plays a significant role in driving economic growth, employment, and national development. However, they also contribute substantially to greenhouse emissions, leading to climate change and environmental degradation.
“In recent years, Nigeria has intensified its efforts towards climate action, aligning with global commitments, such as Paris Agreement and our National Determined Contribution, under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The launch of NIDP marks a strategic step in our journey to achieving net zero emissions. Through this initiative, we aim to facilitate the adaptation of cleaner technologies, promote resource efficiency, and support industries in transmitting towards, in transition, transitioning towards low carbon operations.
“Industrial decarbonisation requires a collaborative and multi-sectoral approach, involving government agencies, the private sector, developing partners, academia, and the civil society.”
The Director General of NESREA, Dr Innocent Barikor, also emphasised that the NIDP is designed to create a robust regulatory and compliance framework that supports the country’s net-zero target by 2060.
“We are at a critical juncture where proactive measures must be taken to ensure that our industrial sector—which contributes significantly to our GDP and to global carbon emissions is transformed into a driver of sustainable development.
“In alignment with Nigeria’s international commitments under the Paris Agreement and our own national priorities, the programme focuses on four main pillars. First, it promotes the adoption of environmentally sound technologies and energy-efficient practices that reduce operational costs while minimising environmental impact.
“Second, it facilitates the development of innovative mechanisms for generating and trading carbon credits, thereby opening new revenue streams for our industries and the government. Third, it establishes a comprehensive compliance monitoring and enforcement framework that will ensure adherence to decarbonization targets. And finally, it fosters strategic partnerships across both public and private sectors, enhancing collaboration and knowledge-sharing,” he stated.
He highlighted that the industry which encompasses sectors such as cement, fertilizer, chemicals, and metals, is not only the backbone of Nigeria’s economy but also a significant contributor to carbon emissions.
“With projections indicating a potential threefold increase in industrial emissions between 2010 and 2030, the urgency to act cannot be overstated. By adopting decarbonisation strategies and establishing a clear regulatory framework, we can significantly mitigate these emissions while simultaneously enhancing our competitiveness in international markets.
“The road to industrial decarbonisation is challenging, but it is also filled with opportunities that promise to deliver long-term environmental and economic benefits. By working together, we can ensure that our industries not only comply with global standards but also thrive in a low-carbon economy,” he added.
In his remarks, the Chairman of NESREA Governing Board, Garba Mohammed said while the industrial sector is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy, it is also a significant source of carbon emissions.
“It is incumbent upon us, as custodians of the environment, to lead the charge in transforming industrial practices—adopting cleaner technologies, enhancing energy efficiency, and establishing robust mechanisms for compliance and carbon credit trading.
“Today’s workshop is a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, share insights, and collectively shape a regulatory and compliance framework that will serve as the foundation for our decarbonization efforts.”
On his part, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Oxytane Africa Investment Limited, Tamarankro Obriki said the firm is committed to playing a role in ensuring that the decarbonisation programme is successful.
“The issue of decarbonisation is a very serious growing concern in the world globally. President Bola Tinubu is committed, ans serious commitments have been made to the global world, that Nigeria is going to be in the forefront of decarbonising,” he said.
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