By Bello Wakili
The Federal Government says it is targeting ₦20 billion in climate financing over the next four years to address environmental challenges in the North-West.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North-West, Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, disclosed this in an interview at the inaugural North-West Climate Summit held at the State House, Abuja.
He said the initiative aims to strengthen collaboration among state and local governments, development partners and financial institutions to tackle climate change.
Mr Yakasai explained that the initiative is built on three key pillars: a climate marketplace, a climate academy and a climate fund.
He said the climate marketplace would enable states and local governments to showcase climate-related programmes and attract partnerships and funding from local and international development institutions.
The presidential aide added that the Climate Academy would train 10,000 youths across the North-West in climate resilience, climate action and environmental sustainability.
He said the proposed climate fund would support interventions to address flooding, drought and other environmental challenges, while promoting renewable energy.
Mr Yakasai noted that the initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Northern Governors’ Forum, the North-West Governors’ Forum and the North-West Development Commission.
He added that the discussions and recommendations from the summit would help shape Nigeria’s position at the forthcoming United Nations Climate Change Summit, particularly on international cooperation and climate financing.
The presidential aide identified flooding, drought, migration and limited access to renewable energy as major challenges the initiative seeks to address.
He expressed optimism that the programme would attract resources and promote sustainable solutions to Climatee-related challenges in the region.
Editing: Safiyah Abdulkadir
