By Faridat Salifu
The National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) recently organized a pivotal two-day training workshop with the aim of activating Nigeria’s carbon market and implementing Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
The event, titled “Nigeria’s Carbon Market Activation Plan: Nigeria’s Article 6 Framework; & Implementation Design under the Paris Agreement,” received support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Neyen Consulting SL. Various governmental agencies and private sectors participated in this critical initiative.
Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal underscored the significance of carbon markets in addressing global climate goals and achieving Nigeria’s ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets.
He highlighted Nigeria’s potential to generate millions of tons of carbon credits annually by 2030 through initiatives such as reforestation, renewable energy, and waste-to-energy projects.
Dr. Salisu Dahiru, the Director General of the NCCC, emphasized the importance of Article 6 in Nigeria’s ambitious goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2060.
He stressed that a well-designed and implemented trading scheme can be a powerful tool for reducing emissions, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills required to capitalize on the potential of carbon markets.
Additionally, Dr. Salisu underscored the need for a robust institutional architecture to manage Article 6 activities, designating the NCCC as the National Designated Article 6 Authority (NDAA) to oversee transactions and authorize projects aligned with national interests.
The workshop brought together participants from various government agencies and private sectors over two days. The objective was to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to the development and implementation of a functional carbon market framework in Nigeria.
The collaborative efforts highlighted by the Minister and the Director General underscore the importance of international partnerships, capacity building, and targeted investments in achieving Nigeria’s emissions reduction goals.
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Meamnwhile, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan has affirmed the U.S. Government’s dedication to ensuring access to clean air and water for all individuals during a virtual news briefing.
This commitment was further emphasized during Regan’s mission to Ghana and Mozambique, where the EPA aimed to share environmental solutions in Africa, with a particular focus on safeguarding air quality.
Regan addressed pollution challenges with far-reaching impacts, particularly on marginalized communities, covering aspects from climate change to air and water quality and plastic recycling efforts.
He announced the installation of a new air quality monitor at the U.S. Embassy in Maputo, Mozambique, contributing to the global network of nearly 80 U.S. embassies and consulates monitoring and disclosing air quality data.
EPA’s collaboration with the Mozambican government included technical support in utilizing advanced air modeling software for air quality monitoring.
Regan also highlighted the promotion of high-integrity Carbon Credit Programs to aid developing countries in transitioning away from fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Acknowledging Ghana’s leadership in generating high-integrity carbon credits, Regan commended the country for signing an emissions reduction purchase agreement.
He stressed the importance of transparent air quality monitoring and data for community understanding, enabling targeted efforts to mitigate pollution sources.
Regan expressed enthusiasm for the transformative impact of clean cooking stoves in communities, particularly for women and young girls.
He emphasized the potential of clean cooking technologies to improve air quality and contribute to healthier lifestyles across the continent.
In conclusion, Regan reiterated the universal right to clean air, clean water, and a healthy life, emphasizing the necessity of environmental protection for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, in light of Africa’s rich cultural heritage and biodiversity.
