Amidst the hardship faced by Nigerians, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured of the recovery and growth of the economy in no distant time.

Speaking while flagging off the two-day Green Economy Summit: ‘Sustainable Future: Harnessing Green Assets and Innovation for Niger State’s Prosperity’, organised by Niger State Government in Minna, he pledged unfettered support for the Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago’s Green Economy initiative aimed at unlocking the vast mineral resources across the State.

Represented by the Minister of State for Solid Minerals, Senator Abdullahi Sabi, he disclosed that the decision by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to approve the solid mineral development policy was in tandem with the objective.

The President remarked that the policy will align with the green economy envisioned for Niger State which emphasizes the removal of all forms of illegality that is desecrating and destroying the environment.

He explained that the policy is aimed at entrenching a new principle of resource-use efficiency while allowing people who will want to operate legally to do so in the mining sector.

He noted: “I want to assure you that the President’s commitment to enthronement of green economy over the next couple of years, will find favour with the green economy vision you have for Niger State.

“Finally, I want to assure you that the President is fully aware of all the difficulties occasioned by some of the difficult decisions that have to be taken at this point in time and his charge is to simply say please pray for us, give us your understanding and as we make this powerful sacrifice, the gains of our sacrifice is just a short minute or short hours away from us.

“Very soon, we shall begin to reap the benefits of these tough decisions, as our economy will re-bounce back and for us food security which is his number one priority, will also begin to get the full attention it deserves.”

Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State who convened the first subnational Green Economy Summit, disclosed that his administration has “produced its first Green Economy Blueprint, a strategic document outlining a visionary roadmap that will shape our development choices and steer our actions, in alignment with the precepts of sustainability.

“We are using this Summit to present a draft to stakeholders for their review and input, after which it shall be formally launched and applied in the preparation of our appropriation proposals for 2024 and beyond.

“This blueprint is a comprehensive guide that details our vision, objectives, strategies, and actions, designed to transform our state into a beacon of green prosperity that is environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive, and economically robust.

“It spans across vital sectors, encompassing renewable energy, transportation, infrastructure, agriculture, inclusivity, and tourism. It lays out a detailed plan for sourcing financial support, technology transfer, capacity building, and fostering strategic partnerships in the realisation of our mission.

“This blueprint, in its entirety, is not just a document; it is a clarion call to collective action. It beckons the active engagement and cooperation of all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, civil society, academia, media, and our local communities. Innovative solutions, tailored to our unique context and needs, must be unearthed and harnessed.”
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