By Abdullahi Lukman
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) is spearheading a nationwide initiative to decarbonize Nigeria’s industrial sector, marking a significant step towards the nation’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.
This effort is being driven by the newly launched National Industrial Decarbonisation Programme (NIDP).
“This is a pivotal moment,” stated Dr. Innocent Barikor, NESREA’s Director-General, during a recent stakeholders’ engagement workshop in Abuja.
He emphasized the NIDP’s crucial role in transforming Nigeria’s industries towards a low-carbon future, aligning with the country’s commitments under the
Paris Agreement and its national climate targets.
NESREA is taking a leading role in facilitating the program, which aims to incentivize and support industries in adopting cleaner technologies, enhancing resource efficiency, and minimizing their carbon footprint.
The agency is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Environment to create an enabling environment for sustainable industrial growth.
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The government, through Minister of Environment Malam Balarabe Lawal, represented by Permanent Secretary Mr. Mahmud Kambari, has pledged its full support for the NIDP, recognizing the industrial sector’s significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.
Rep. Garba Mohammed, Chairman of NESREA’s Governing Board, highlighted the importance of transforming industrial practices, stressing the need for adopting cleaner technologies, enhancing energy efficiency, and establishing robust compliance mechanisms, including carbon credit trading.
Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, which targets key sectors like power, transport, oil and gas, cooking, and industry (responsible for approximately 65% of the nation’s CO2 emissions), is integral to achieving the 2060 net-zero goal.
The transition to a low-carbon industrial sector will require significant investment, estimated at $1.9 trillion.
NESREA is working with the government to seek international partnerships and support to help finance this ambitious undertaking.
By taking a proactive stance, NESREA is demonstrating Nigeria’s commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.
The success of the NIDP will be crucial in determining Nigeria’s ability to meet its climate goals and contribute to global efforts in combating climate change.
