In a significant development that could bolster Nigeria’s commitment to environmental sustainability, Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasized the potential reduction in carbon emissions through the removal of fuel subsidies. The Vice President made these remarks during a comprehensive one-day workshop orchestrated by the National Council on Climate Change.
Themed “Unpacking the outcomes of the 58 sessions of the subsidiary bodies of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change,” the workshop was a platform for informed discussions on crucial climate-related matters. Held on Monday, the event was part of the National Council on Climate Change’s ongoing efforts to engage with climate challenges and solutions.
Vice President Shettima, who was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Senator Ibrahim Hassan, underlined Nigeria’s considerable strides towards meeting its nationally-determined contribution (NDC) targets. The Vice President highlighted the pivotal role played by the administration of President Bola Tinubu in taking the bold step of ending the petrol subsidy, a move that has reverberated positively across several fronts.
Preliminary analysis conducted by the National Council on Climate Change indicates that the elimination of the fuel subsidy has yielded a significant reduction in daily fuel consumption, approximating 30 percent. This translates to an impressive 20 million liters of fuel saved each day, which consequently amounts to an estimated daily reduction of 42,800 tonnes in carbon dioxide emissions.
Over a year, these figures cumulatively result in a remarkable conservation of over 15 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. This substantial accomplishment not only underscores Nigeria’s commitment to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions but also positions the country favorably to surpass its climate goals ahead of the set timeline.
Dr. Salisu Dahiru, the Director General of the National Council on Climate Change, emphasized the importance of Nigeria’s preparations for COP28 and other consequential statutory meetings. These gatherings serve as crucial platforms for nations to collaborate on strategies and measures that combat the pressing challenges of climate change.
As Nigeria emerges as a proactive player in the global climate dialogue, Vice President Shettima’s insights into the positive environmental implications of the fuel subsidy removal contribute to the ongoing narrative of the country’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. This milestone could potentially set the stage for even more ambitious initiatives to safeguard the planet for future generations.
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