The Federal Government of Nigeria is targeting ₦20 billion in climate financing over the next four years to address environmental challenges across Nigeria’s North-West region.

Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North-West, disclosed the plan in an interview at the inaugural North-West Climate Summit held at the State House in Abuja.

He said the initiative seeks to strengthen cooperation among state and local governments, development partners and financial institutions to tackle climate change and promote sustainable environmental solutions.

Yakasai explained that the programme rests on three pillars: a climate marketplace, a Climate Academy and a climate fund.

The climate marketplace will provide a platform for states and local governments to present their climate-related programmes and attract partnerships and funding from local and international development institutions.

The Climate Academy, meanwhile, is expected to train 10,000 young people across the North-West in climate resilience, climate action and environmental sustainability.

The proposed climate fund will finance interventions addressing flooding, drought and other environmental challenges, while supporting the promotion of renewable energy.

Yakasai said the initiative was being implemented in partnership with the Northern Governors’ Forum, the North-West Governors’ Forum and the North-West Development Commission.

He added that discussions and recommendations from the summit would contribute to shaping Nigeria’s position at the forthcoming United Nations Climate Change Summit, particularly on international cooperation and climate financing.

The presidential aide identified flooding, drought, migration and limited access to renewable energy as major issues the programme aims to address.

He expressed optimism that the initiative would attract the resources needed to advance sustainable solutions to climate-related challenges across the region.

Source: Radio Nigeria Kaduna