By Faridat Salifu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for global collaboration to bolster sustainable development of Small Island Nations of the world.
Tinubu made the call on Wednesday during the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), held in Antigua and Bermuda. The conference titled: “ Charting the Course Towards Resilient Prosperity.”
Represented at the event by the Minister of the Environment and Sanitation, Malam Abbas Balarabe, the president highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on these vulnerable nations, which contribute minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions.
“Rising sea levels, frequent extreme weather events, and marine ecosystem degradation threaten the very existence of small island nations,” Tinubu noted, highlighting the critical need for innovative adaptation strategies and robust international support for the Small Island Nations.
He called for immediate and collective action to build resilience in these countries.
President Tinubu expressed Nigeria’s solidarity with SIDS and reiterated the country’s commitment to global climate mitigation and sustainable development efforts.
He pointed out the untapped potential of SIDS to transition to a green economy, leveraging their abundant renewable and marine resources.
Sharing Nigeria’s success in environmental management, particularly in Lagos State, he discussed the establishment of comprehensive waste management programs as a model for sustainable urban development.
The Nigerian President stressed the importance of investing in climate resilience infrastructure, including sea defenses, early warning systems, and sustainable land and water management practices.
He also advocated for economic diversification in SIDS, suggesting that sustainable industries such as renewable energy, fisheries, and agriculture could create more robust and resilient economic structures, reducing dependence on tourism and external markets.
Highlighting the necessity of tailored concessional financing, President Tinubu urged the creation of financial mechanisms that accommodate the unique challenges of SIDS, providing the fiscal space needed for sustainable development investments.
He equally called for enhanced regional cooperation among SIDS and stronger partnerships with larger economies to foster innovative solutions and share best practices.
