President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially launched the Nigeria Police Force Green Initiative in Abuja. Though, he explained that there is no part of the world that can claim to live in denial of the realities of climate change today.
Though highly represented by Alhaji Kashim Shettima who elaborated that the consequences of neglecting climate change are everywhere, from the unstable weather conditions to the water bodies and the yields from farms that no person or place is spared from this threat of the ecosystem, and this must spur each person and organization to join in the implementation of solutions. That ever delighted by this measure taken by the Nigeria Police Force.
Tinubu said that Nigeria has been at the forefront of the global search for solutions to the devastations of climate change.
"We have always known that we cannot reach the target of aligning with international climate goals and reducing greenhouse gas emissions unless each person and stakeholder lives up to their obligation. This is the promise we made to the world at the COP 28 conference in Dubai last year. Alongside other nations, we reiterated the urgent need for global cooperation to implement solutions that can stop and reverse the effects of climate change" He said.
He then reiterated that the Climate Change Act 2021, which sets out to achieve low greenhouse gas emissions, green, and sustainable growth, and sets a target for reaching net zero, is a cornerstone of our efforts. The Energy Transition Plan (ETP) promises to achieve net zero emissions by 2060. The country's National Climate Change Policy (NCCP), Debt-for-Climate Action Swaps, and Renewable Energy Targets are some of the interventions in place to fast-track our solutions, whether through adjustments or financing the transition towards a low-carbon economy.
"We welcome this initiative by the Nigeria Police Force because the connection between climate change and security is a price we have paid enough. Therefore, we are going to throw our weight behind its success. We have in place a Committee for the Carbon Market Activation Plan, which positions Nigeria at the forefront of creating a robust, sustainable carbon market worth $2.5 billion. Additionally, the Presidency has established a Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions to coordinate and oversee all policies and programs on climate action and green economic development. My chairmanship of this committee is an indication of the importance this administration has placed on climate action as a major driver of our economic reformation plan" Tinubu elaborated.
He continued that "Our consistent presence at the successive editions of the annual Conference of the Parties (COP), the supreme decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is a testament to the commitment and resilience of our nation to the implementation of the Convention and any other legal instruments that the COP adopts. We have also been taking decisions necessary to promote the effective implementation of the Convention, including institutional and administrative arrangements" "The Nigeria Police Green Initiative, therefore, emphasizes our bid to prioritize innovation and partnerships as fundamental drivers for the nation’s transition to a green economy. This is an opportunity for you to transition the facilities of your institution to renewable energy sources and promote environmental awareness and education. As a strategic collaboration with NEA Energie Limited, a private sector entity, I believe this initiative will further facilitate local and international investments in green infrastructure, engaging communities, and building local capacity in green technology across the nation"
The President further explained that over the past decades, Nigeria has endured the shrinking of its water bodies, perennial floods, disrupted livestock production, epileptic power generation, and food crises. Therefore, a sustainable development program that engages innovative green solutions is a strategic intervention. This novel approach, which will boost the operational efficiency and capacity of the Nigeria Police Force to fight crime and maintain law and order then committed to fully support this endeavour.
He concluded by saying...."I commend the Inspector General of Police for his vision and leadership in championing this initiative. This is, without a doubt, commendable. I also applaud the Consulting Technical Partners, NEA Energie Limited, for working with the Nigeria Police Force to develop this advanced innovation in Africa. We call for more partnerships of a similar kind as we work to make the world a safer place"
In response, Mr. Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun the Inspector-General of the appreciated the President for ensuring this noble project is manifested this period.That this landmark event signifies a major milestone in the evolution of the Nigeria Police Force and underscores the unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility, and innovative policing.
He explained that climate change poses the most existential threat to humanity, affecting our way of life, means of livelihood, socio-cultural existence, inter-communal interactions, and the natural world. In alignment with global actions championed by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Nigeria has joined the international community as a signatory to numerous climate treaties. That over the years, Nigeria's climate change policy landscape has evolved, focusing on emission reductions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and aligning with international agreements like the Paris Agreement and the Net-zero target. These efforts aim to cut carbon emissions to minimal residual levels, which can be absorbed and stored by nature and other carbon dioxide removal measures.
In Nigeria, the security implications of climate change are evident in the drying up of Lake Chad, infrastructure disruptions, poverty, increased vulnerability to crime, and resource conflicts such as farmer-herder violence. In response, the Federal Government of Nigeria has outlined climate priorities through its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement and other initiatives like the National Council on Climate Change and the National Adaptation Plan Framework.
Linking climate action with national socio-economic development strategies presents unique opportunities for addressing environmental challenges while fostering economic growth, social equity, and resilience for current and future generations. This approach also enhances our capacity to address crime vulnerability and improve crime-fighting efforts. That law enforcement agencies worldwide are increasingly recognizing the impact of climate change and environmental degradation on community safety and well-being. The Nigeria Police Force is at the forefront of this movement, embracing green initiatives that support our mandate to serve and protect.
Egbetokun reminded the audience that the COP28 Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in December 2023, he unveiled the Nigeria Police Green Initiative before a global audience, marking the first of its kind in Africa. That he also pledged the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to renewable energy through green solutions to boost the operational efficiency and capacity to fight crime and maintain law and order in Nigeria.
The Police Boss further explained that it is imperative to note that focusing on government sustainability is a strategic necessity. By participating in the Net-Zero Government Initiative, we have committed to actions such as transitioning to clean vehicle fleets, improving energy efficiency in government buildings, increasing the use of carbon-free electricity, promoting sustainable public procurement policies, and implementing resilience and nature-based solutions.That to move from narrative to action, we entered a Consulting Technical Partnership with NEA Energie Limited, leveraging Article 2.1(c) of the Paris Agreement, providing private sector partnerships in mobilising climate action for sustainable socio-economic development. This partnership birthed the Nigeria Police Green Initiative (NPGI), which we are launching today. By integrating innovative green solutions into the operational challenges faced by the Nigeria Police Force, we identified significant opportunities for socio-economic development while improving our operational efficiency in fighting crime. This program focuses on sustainable practices such as energy-efficient facilities, renewable energy sources, eco-friendly vehicles, and waste management, aiming to reduce the environmental footprint, promote sustainable development, and create a healthier and safer environment for all.
He then highlighted the key objectives of the Nigeria Police Green Initiative include:
- Leveraging low-carbon climate-resilient development pathways to scale up the infrastructure development and operational efficiency of the Nigeria Police Force.
- Supporting the Federal Government’s economic reformation through the Green Economic Initiative.
- Supporting the implementation of Nigeria’s NDC, Energy Transition, and Net-Zero target.
- Supporting the President’s Climate and Green Economy Initiative.
- Improving the well-being of NPF personnel and their families through Green Innovation Development.
- Developing a closer relationship with local communities through climate change community engagement. That the Nigeria Police Green Initiative rests on four pillars:
- Solar Power Deployment.
- Electric and Gas-powered Vehicles.
- Nature-based Solutions.
- Community Green Outreach.
That under these pillars, the police have developed a project portfolio that includes:
- Solar installations at 5,000 locations.
- 38 Megawatts of solar power generation.
- Deployment of 840 electric vehicles.
- 600 hybrid gas/fuel motorcycles.
- 790 gas-conversion vehicles.
- 114 electric vehicle charging stations.
- 38 gas refill stations.
- A 1 million tree-planting program.
- Engagement of 175 communities.
He then exphaciated that the Nigeria Police Green Initiative is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity. Its benefits include contributing to clean energy and energy efficiency, emission reduction, and infrastructure modernization. The initiative will also create green skills, generate jobs, and reduce crime vulnerability. Engaging the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) as a critical implementation partner demonstrates our commitment to integrating local content, creating green skills, and generating jobs among Nigeria's youth. We also collaborate with RungasCNG, an indigenous company, to advance this cause.
"Today, we are honoured by your distinguished presence as we collectively make history as the first Police Force in Africa to launch a Green Initiative of this magnitude. We are grateful for your attention and solicit your support to transform this initiative from narrative to action. We need your partnership and seed funding to develop models that will catalyze international climate finance for this initiative. Kindly support us. On behalf of the Nigeria Police Force and the people of Nigeria, I express our profound gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering commitment to the total rejuvenation of the Nigerian state. I also appreciate Your Excellency's support for the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies. I reiterate our commitment to not letting this nation down, especially at this crucial time in our history" Egbetokun said.
