The Jigawa State Government signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Europa Carbon Limited, a renewable energy company, as part of its efforts towards addressing climate change effects and boosting its revenue base.
The signing ceremony took place, Monday, and was presided over by Governor Mallam Umar Namadi, when the Managing Director/CEO of Europa Carbon Limited, Engr Muhammad Yadudu, led his company’s delegation to yhr Government Huse, Dutse.
The MoU is a cornerstone of the state government’s agenda to reduce carbon emissions, enhance climatic resilience, and promote sustainable development. Through this partnership, clean energy will be generated to support agricultural and industrial activities across the state.
Governor Namadi expressed his optimism about the MoU, stating, “Today, we are achieving another milestone in our journey to improve the energy demand of Jigawa State as well as to make it clean and safe. The signing of this MOU will help us to reduce carbon emissions and improve our revenue. Not only will it boost our revenue, but it will also contribute to making Jigawa safer and cleaner.”
He emphasized that the state government has already implemented significant changes to its operational modalities, such as converting nearly all water stations from mechanical to solar energy supply. Additionally, the government is in the process of replacing diesel generators with solar-powered systems to further reduce carbon emissions and ensure a safer environment for the residents.
“This MOU signing ceremony is one of our 12-point agenda items to improve the revenue of Jigawa State, marking another milestone.”
He highlighted the potential for generating substantial carbon credits through agricultural and other activities, which would translate into significant revenue for the state while also contributing to a cleaner environment.
Governor Namadi also congratulated Europa Carbon Limited on their selection for this project, stating that their expertise and experience were key factors in the decision. He expressed confidence that the collaboration would be smooth and mutually beneficial, driving energy generation and environmental sustainability for the state’s healthy development.
Engr Muhammad Yadudu, the MD/CEO of Europa Carbon Limited, provided further insight into the partnership. “Carbon Europa is a carbon advisory and trading company with operations in both Nigeria and Canada. We are here to assist Jigawa in tapping into the global carbon market, which is currently thriving in Nigeria. The Nigerian carbon market has the potential to generate almost $2.5 billion, with a significant portion of these carbon credits to be developed in Nigerian states.”
He outlined the key objectives of the MOU, which include mitigating carbon emissions in Jigawa, creating jobs for the youth, and generating revenue for the state.
“Jigawa will be one of the first states in Nigeria to generate carbon credits, and we are committed to helping the state achieve this goal in partnership with the Ministry of Environment.
“First of all is to mitigate the carbon emission that is currently happening within the state. Secondly, to create jobs for the teaming youths in the state and, thirdly, to generate revenue for the state.”
The $500,000 MOU will span a duration of seven years, marking the beginning of a transformative era in Jigawa State’s approach to energy generation and environmental management.
Hamisu Mohammed Gumel
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Jigawa State
August 27, 2024