July 25, (THEWILL) – President Bola Tinubu has lauded the Nigeria Police Green Initiative, saying apart from mitigating the effects of climate change and encouraging eco-friendly practices, it would also prioritise innovation and partnerships that would drive the nation’s transition to a green economy.
He described the initiative as a novel approach that would also enhance the operational efficiency and capacity of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), to combat crime, as well as maintain law and order in the country.
The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, stated this on Thursday, when he officially launched the Nigeria Police Force Green Initiative at the Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja.
A press statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Media Spokesperson in the Office of the Vice President, said the initiative, a brain-child of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), was targeted at promoting environmental sustainability within operations and facilities of the Force, as well as reducing the environmental footprint of their activities through the implementation of eco-friendly practices and the adoption of renewable energy sources.
Delivering the President’s address at the event, Shettima said no part of the world could feign ignorance of the realities of climate change whose consequences were everywhere.
Tinubu noted that nobody or community in Nigeria was spared from the threat caused by climate change to the nation’s ecosystem, adding that this was enough to spur all and sundry to join in the implementation of solutions.
He stated: “I, therefore, am delighted by this measure taken by a distinguished institution such as the Nigeria Police Force. 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.”
Explaining why his administration was throwing its weight behind the Initiative, the President noted that “the connection between climate change and security is a price we have paid enough.
“The Nigeria Police Green Initiative, therefore, emphasises our bid to prioritise 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.”
Earlier, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, described climate change as the most substantial threat to humanity, affecting everyday life, livelihoods and social-cultural existence.
The IGP reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to international climate agreements, including the Paris Agreement and net-zero targets. He noted that these efforts aimed to reduce carbon emissions and minimise environmental impact.
