By Dauda Abbas
Amidst the pressing challenges of unemployment and revenue generation in Nigeria, the Nigerian Youths Stakeholders in Politics, an NGO, has emphasized the need for governments at all levels to create a conducive environment for the nation’s transition from traditional industries to a green economy.
The call was made by Mr. Blessing Oyefeso, the National President of the organization, during a Nigeria Youth Stakeholders Conversation event held in Abuja.
The event, themed “Green economy roadmap: Policymaking as catalyst for youth employment,” was organized in commemoration of the 2023 United Nations International Youth Day celebration, centered around the theme “Green skills for youth.”
Oyefeso highlighted that embracing a green economy approach would not only address the unemployment crisis but also bolster revenue generation.
He pointed out that Nigeria’s economy suffered from the loss of over 12.5 million job opportunities and $250 billion worth of investment opportunities due to the delay in transitioning from traditional industries to a green economy.
The potential of the green economy remains largely untapped, Oyefeso noted, emphasizing that it has the capacity to create an impressive 12.5 million job opportunities.
He further highlighted the missed opportunities in Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) that a green economy offers, similar to other developed nations that have already made the transition.
The organization aims to engage with policymakers and government representatives to devise strategies for harnessing the potential of the green economy.
Oyefeso underscored the need for a shift in approach, advocating for new modalities to be recommended to the executive arms of government and legislators.
He stressed that for progress to be made, a different model must be employed.
Senator Ned Nwoko, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment, weighed in on the conversation by advocating for the establishment of recycling plants.
Nwoko emphasized that creating recycling facilities would contribute to a cleaner environment and help in the eradication of malaria, which remains a significant health challenge in Africa.
He noted that a recycling plant in each of Nigeria’s 109 senatorial districts could generate substantial electricity, thereby alleviating the country’s power supply deficit.
Nwoko further emphasized the potential for African countries to tap into their natural resources to create job opportunities for the youth and promote regional development.
The event also featured calls to action from other stakeholders.
Mr. Charles Folayan, Executive Director of the Re-Orientation Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (RAN), highlighted the importance of youth engagement with policy makers to drive emancipation efforts.
Similarly, Mr. Dauda Gombe, Executive Director of the North East Youth Initiative for Development (NEYIF), urged the youth to take charge of their futures and collaborate to exploit opportunities in the green economy.
In conclusion, the Nigerian Youths Stakeholders in Politics advocacy group is urging the government to prioritize the transition to a green economy as a means to tackle unemployment and revenue challenges.
The conversation underscores the potential of a green economy to create jobs, attract investments, and provide sustainable solutions for Nigeria’s development.