President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing climate-smart agricultural practices to bolster food security and reduce environmental impacts.

He said such initiatives stem Nigeria’s recognition of its responsibility to lead a just energy transition and sustainable development in Africa.

Tinubu said this during his address at the ongoing Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week held in the capital city of the United Arab Emirates.

In his 12-minute discourse titled ‘Climate Imperatives into Economic Prosperity, bridging Africa’s Global Energy Future,’ the President emphasised the need for international cooperation to achieve sustainable development and mitigate climate change impacts.

Acknowledging Nigeria’s status as Africa’s most populous nation and one of its largest economies, President Tinubu underscored its responsibility to demonstrate leadership in addressing climate issues.

He posited, “To succeed, we must innovate, collaborate, and decide decisively to collaborate as a global community.

As Africa’s most populous nation and one of its largest economies, Nigeria recognizes its responsibility to demonstrate the required leadership on these matters.

“We have embraced the vision of sustainability and that alliance of global aspiration while addressing the local realities.

Our efforts are anchored on three pillars: energy transition, climate resilience, and sustainable development.

“In my administration, we recognise this problem. From inception, we have recognised the importance of reducing carbon emissions and a just transition to clean and renewable Energy, promoting environmental sustainability and economic growth energy transition.

”Addressing the specifics of Nigeria’s energy transition plan, he stated that Nigeria is employing climate-smart agricultural practices to bolster food security while reducing environmental impacts.

“Nigeria is implementing climate-smart agricultural practices to enhance food security while reducing environmental impacts.

“The government has approved several development policies, such as the national clean cooking gas policy, which aims to promote a clean energy environment and its benefit and socioeconomic development in our region,” said Tinubu.

He opined that adopting modern, eco-friendly agricultural techniques is essential for protecting local communities from the adverse effects of climate change.

Describing these measures as pillars of Nigeria’s sustainable development strategy, he stressed that the country’s path forward involves responsibly reducing carbon emissions while advancing economic growth and ensuring social equity.

Like many nations, he said Nigeria is diversifying its energy sources and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.

This transition to cleaner alternatives anchors the country’s national development strategy and aligns with a commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.

Nigeria is developing infrastructure for compressed natural gas and electric vehicles to support these goals. He noted that the government has also invested in responsibly exploring solid minerals and critical metals essential for advancing the green energy transition.

His words, “Dear delegates and excellencies, our energy transition plan, like many nations, is aimed at diversifying energy sources and reducing our dependency on fossil fuel, prioritising the transition to cleaner energy sources as a cornerstone of our national development strategy.

“Nigeria is committed to achieving a net zero emission by 2060 in line with global climate objectives; we are developing the infrastructure to utilise compressed natural gas and electric vehicles.

”He said development policies, such as the National Clean Cooking Gas Policy, are designed to promote clean energy, environmental benefits, and socioeconomic development in the region.

Emphasising inclusivity, he highlighted efforts to ensure policies promote equity and social justice, leaving no one behind.

The President also acknowledged Nigeria’s environmental challenges—including deforestation, desertification, coastal erosion, flooding, pollution, and other harmful consequences of climate change—and cited the shrinking Lake Chad as a stark example.

“Lake Chad continues to shrink every year, and the livelihood of people continues to be threatened. Our government is working with local communities to implement solutions to get these effects and help us build resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

“For resources to promote a green economy in Africa, we must focus on integrating sustainable practices in all sectors of our economy.

“These investments are capital intensive in nature, and they required international support from partner countries, including national organisations, developmental partners, and individuals who shared our vision of a sustainable, prosperous, and equitable future must be included,” said Tinubu.

President Tinubu also noted that Nigeria became the first African country to fund green projects through Sovereign Green Bond issuances—its third issuance is underway—and he invited investors to collaborate further.

He explained, “Nigeria became the first country in Africa to initiate funding for green projects through green bond proceeds, the third issuance of which is currently in progress; we urge investors to partner with us.

“In this regard, our government remains committed to providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, and harnessing technology and innovation is key to driving sustainable development.

”The President emphasised that technological innovation is vital for advancing sustainable development, citing Nigeria’s growing adoption of new technologies in clean energy, water conservation, land restoration, waste management, and the circular economy.

“We agree that Nigeria is increasingly embracing new technologies like clean energy, water, conservation, land and forest restoration, waste management, and circular economy.

“We partner with global leaders and are harnessing the power of technology. We are finding new and innovative ways to address our environmental challenges.

“We have arable agricultural lands for advanced technological farming, including the brighter future for artificial intelligence,” the Nigerian leader noted.

Through global partnerships and the strategic use of technology, he said Nigeria seeks innovative ways to address environmental challenges and secure a brighter future, including AI-driven agricultural practices.

On global collaboration, he reminded attendees that environmental challenges are shared worldwide.

Practical solutions, he argued, require collective action grounded in mutual respect and a shared vision of the future.

Nigeria believes sustainable development is not merely a domestic challenge but a global imperative.

Tinubu urged the international community to strengthen cooperation at regional and global levels to meet the Sustainable Development Goals and lessen the impact of climate change.

In closing, President Tinubu reflected on the lasting impression of the children who, on the first day of the event, waved the UAE flag in a call for all to protect the planet for future generations.

He expressed hope that this image would serve as a reminder of the responsibility to build a sustainable world for the children and generations yet to come.

The Nigerian leader also expressed profound gratitude to the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for the invitation to Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

The meeting drew world leaders together to collectively exchange views and perspectives on addressing global challenges.

Aside from President Tinubu, other leaders attending the summit are Italian Prime Minister Georgia Melon; President of Rwanda Paul Kagame; Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim; Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher Luxon; and Prime Minister of Finland, Petteri Orpo, among others.

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), asserts that the Nigerian economy stands on the brink of significant transformation through the strategic adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

With the right policy decisions and targeted investments from the government, Nigeria is poised to harness the full potential of AI.

Speaking at the 10th Convocation of the African University of Science and Technology (AUST) in Abuja, she declared, “If Nigeria can capitalize on this opportunity, the rewards for our economy will be substantial.”

She referenced a recent report from a public policy consultancy that highlights the potential for AI to generate an impressive $136 billion in productivity gains across Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa.

However, she acknowledged that challenges such as unreliable electricity and frequent power outages might impede internet access and the adoption of AI in Nigeria and other African nations. Despite these challenges,

Okonjo-Iweala pointed out that the combined gains from AI for the four countries represent 13 percent of their total GDP for 2022, with Nigeria poised to capture 43 percent of these estimated benefits.

She praised the federal government and the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy for their proactive approach in formulating a national AI strategy aimed at leveraging AI to propel economic growth through talent development and partnerships with major players like Google to train and upskill the youth and support startups.

Citing a Pricewaterhouse report, she emphasized that AI has the potential to elevate global economic activity by up to $15.7 trillion, or about 15 percent, by 2030. “This growth will extend beyond the industrialized north.

The global south, including Nigeria, has immense opportunities ahead, but we must act decisively to seize this potential,” she stated. Okonjo-Iweala underscored the importance of Nigeria not being left behind in the race to leverage AI technology.

The implications for reshaping economies and achieving development goals are profound, and Nigeria’s proactive engagement with AI will position it for success in international trade and economic advancement.

Air Peace has achieved its sixth consecutive International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification.

The IOSA certification, which is renewed regularly by airlines, presumes that the airline operates with the highest standard of safety.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Samson Fatokun, IATA’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, commended Air Peace for consistently meeting the stringent safety requirements.

Fatokun stated that when it comes to global safety standards, Air Peace stands shoulder to shoulder with aviation giants and the best airlines in the world.

He noted that the IOSA certification process, conducted by independent external auditors, is one of the most rigorous assessments in the industry, designed to ensure compliance with international safety and operational standards.

According to him, Air Peace has not only maintained but surpassed expectations, earning a reputation for safety that places it on a pedestal in the international aviation sectors.

Fatokun further emphasized that achieving and renewing the IOSA certification is no small feat, as many airlines struggle to maintain compliance after initial success.

He urged other Nigerian airlines to follow Air Peace’s example, noting that prioritizing safety and operational integrity would elevate the entire industry and enhance Nigeria’s reputation in global aviation.

The Chairman/CEO of Air Peace commended the Nigerian government, particularly the Minister of Aviation, for creating a supportive environment that encourages the growth of local airlines.

He called on other airlines to strive for IOSA certification, which not only validates their safety processes but also positions them as credible competitors on the global stage.

According to him, this milestone is not just a badge of honor for Air Peace but also a source of pride for Nigeria, showcasing the country’s ability to produce world-class airlines capable of holding their own among global giants.

Onyema further expressed his profound gratitude to God, the staff, and the management for their relentless efforts in sustaining this remarkable milestone.

He described the certification as a testament to Air Peace’s unwavering dedication to operational excellence and its commitment to prioritizing the safety and comfort of passengers.