The Netherlands has assured Nigeria of its support to transition to a green economy towards net zero targets by 2060.
The Vice Minister for Foreign Trade, Hanneke Schuiling, said this in her address at the Netherlands/Nigeria Clean Tech, organised by Commercium Africa in conjunction with the governments of the two countries in Abuja.
Hanneke also stressed the need for a circular economy in which raw materials can be used and reused more effectively rather than consumption, which offers room for innovation and opportunities for new business ideas, skilled jobs and improved quality of life.
She said: “Dutch companies in Nigeria are also involved in the horticulture sector, which presents a range of opportunities and challenges. The world’s population is growing rapidly and is expected to rise to 9 billion people by 2050. We are facing a great challenge; we must step up our efforts to produce nutritious food for everyone while restoring nature and biodiversity.
“The Netherlands strongly believes that transition to a circular economy is part of the solution, an economy in which materials are recycled offers room for innovation, business opportunities, skilled jobs and an improved quality of life.
“Also, a circular economy is essential for the energy transition which needs a lot of materials and minerals such as lithium and cobalt.”
Transition to a circular economy is part of the solution, an economy in which materials are recycled offers room for innovation, business opportunities, skilled jobs and an improved quality of life.
The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Samuela Isopi, while appreciating Nigeria for its consistent efforts toward climate change, reassured of the Union’s resolve to work together in bringing about solutions concerning climate issues.
Isopi added that about €200 million will be channelled to projects around green and digital economy including circular economy, climate smart agriculture, renewable energy and also innovative financing of infrastructure projects and value chains.
“The projects, alongside the Nigerian government’s efforts, will only make contributions to the country’s net zero target by 2060, and raise the NDC from 45% to 47%,” she said.
Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Eniola Ajayi, in her remarks, appreciated the efforts of the Dutch’s support for Nigeria’s diversification and transition to green economy to net zero emissions by 2060.
Similarly, the Managing Director, Commercium Africa, Thessa Bagu, said the Cleantech showcases international investment companies, adding that the event does not only advance a green economy, but connects business deals and partnerships of mutual benefit to Nigeria and the Netherlands.
