By Faridat Salifu
The Minister of State for the Environment Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako, has commended the Nationak Dialogue on the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), over its activities occurring climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution in Nigeria.
Salako gave the commendation while addressing the National Dialogue on the Global Environment Facility (GEF) at the Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartment in Asokoro, Abuja.
The recent event convened a diverse group of stakeholders from the private and public sectors, as well as partners and donors, to discuss and collaborate on environmental issues.
The Minsiter of State noted that the GEF, comprising 186 governments including Nigeria, has funded numerous projects promoting climate action, collaboration, and transparency.
He highlighted that the National Dialogue serves as a critical platform for setting environmental priorities, mobilizing funding, and promoting sustainable development.
His words: “Nigeria has greatly benefited from GEF grants, implementing various projects in partnership with public, private, and NGO sectors,” said Dr. Salako. “From 2014 to the present, we have accessed $65,442,940 in GEF funds for projects across the country.”
The minister equally disclosed that over the past 12 months, seven projects worth over $29 million have been initiated, focusing on biodiversity conservation, sustainable land use, clean technologies, mini grids, and mercury-free gold mining.
These initiatives are enhancing lives, creating jobs, and promoting green spaces and entrepreneurship.
He expressed gratitude to the GEF for its ongoing partnership, emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges and fulfilling its environmental commitments amid rapid global changes.
Salako assured that the Federal Ministry of Environment would continue to facilitate multi-stakeholder consultations to ensure effective implementation of GEF-funded projects, aligning with the priority agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
He called for solutions that are inclusive, equitable, resilient, adaptable, and scalable, emphasizing the collective responsibility in stewarding the planet’s future.
