Vice President Kashim Shettima has said Nigeria’s huge potential in digital technology, the outsourcing industry and the clean energy sector will continue to spur investments in its energy transition plan and agenda to diversify the economy.
This was stated on Monday when he received the Minister of Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy of Denmark, Dan Jorgensen, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa.
Shedding light on Nigeria’s climate goals under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the Vice President noted that investments in digital technology, clean energy and other sectors had become a priority as a result of the dwindling fortunes of the oil economy.
Shettima and the Danish envoy
Shettima said: “We face challenges, but where there is a will, there is a way. The president is a man imbued with passion, intellect and ability to lead the nation on the path of prosperity and progress. He really wants to give a new life to the Nigerian nation because if Nigeria works, Africa works.
“Oil will continue to be relevant due to its other derivatives for the coming decades, but as the main driver of the economy, its role will diminish in the coming years. That is why it is a priority for us to think innovatively to find alternatives. That is why we seek investments in digital technology, clean energy and other sectors. “We have many opportunities for partnership and collaboration.”
Vice President Shettima identified the strength of Nigeria’s people as a huge resource for Africa’s transformation, noting that the continent’s transformation could be accelerated through green and sustainable energy.
Shettima, the Danish envoy and Nigerian Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa
Requesting the support of the Danish Government and the Global Adaptation Center for Africa and Climate Action in Nigeria, the vice president maintained that “once there is sustainable energy, the people of the continent will be key to Africa’s development aspirations.
“Therefore, I will ask for your understanding and support to save Africa,” he added, stating that the Centre’s support is necessary to accelerate climate action and accelerate adaptation to solutions, focusing on the most vulnerable people in Africa.
The vice president praised Denmark for its leadership role in global climate action, while calling for the support of that country’s government.
“With our shared humanity, we face real existential threats, but we are very proud of Denmark for its climate awareness. You’re doing it right. There is room for us to have a mutually beneficial partnership,” she stated.
Vice President Shettima delved deeper into the political instability in some parts of West Africa, stating that Nigeria has taken a firm stand against military coups and championing the cause of democracy and human rights, noting that “Nigeria is indeed a beacon of hope and stability in a turbulent situation. region.”
Nigeria’s leadership
Earlier, Jorgensen expressed his admiration for Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to climate sustainability.
He noted that Nigeria’s leadership role in addressing regional stability and its commitment to a just energy transition present important opportunities for greater collaboration between Denmark and Nigeria.
“We highly value the relationship between Denmark and Nigeria. We are very impressed with the new administration’s agenda. He is definitely demonstrating leadership in the way he faces his country’s challenges,” said Mr. Jorgensen.
Emphasizing the shared understanding between Denmark and Nigeria on the importance of climate action, he said: “We also share a common understanding that common understanding and climate sustainability is a political issue that is not only noble but also works.”
The Danish minister praised Nigeria’s stability and positive influence in a region that often faces challenges. “I also want to commend Nigeria for being a stable country that is making a huge positive difference in a sometimes challenging region,” he said.
Shettima, the Danish envoy and Nigerian Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa
Jorgensen drew a stark contrast between Nigeria’s stability and the recent coup experienced in neighboring Niger, saying: “Just six months ago I visited Niger Republic and we signed a memorandum of understanding with the President; Just a few weeks later, the country experienced a coup d’état.”
Applauding Nigeria’s role in advocating for the reestablishment of civil rule in Niger, he said: “We definitely commend Nigeria’s role in trying to put pressure on the coup leaders regarding the reestablishment of civil rule.”
He expressed optimism about the future of collaboration between Denmark and Nigeria on energy transition, citing the memorandum of understanding to be signed between both countries, while emphasizing the importance of ensuring a just transition in the shift towards renewable energy sources.
“At the heart of this is the question of how to make this transition fair; How can we make sure that people who depend on oil and gas don’t lose their jobs there? she asked.
To ensure a just transition, Jorgensen advocated for a regular assessment of the needs of vulnerable groups, highlighting that “the needs of poor, vulnerable and marginalized groups must be regularly assessed to ensure reliable access to clean energy at affordable prices.”
He implored Vice President Shettima to ensure that the MoU was signed to serve as a framework for future collaboration between Denmark and Nigeria on energy transition.
Climate change
Also speaking was Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, who said the ministry is using messaging to drive many of the initiatives the government has put in place.
“When we talk about climate change, we must be responsible enough to maintain the preservation of the world so that the next generation benefits from it.
“Climate change is at the top of our agenda as a government, especially now that Nigeria is about to be at the top. We want to see how Nigeria and the Danish government can have cross-collaboration in this regard and also cross-cultural collaborations,” she said.
Present at the meeting were Sune Krogstrup, Canadian ambassador to Nigeria; Ole Thonke, Under Secretary of State; Sandra Sichlau, Private Secretary to the Minister; Ketil Karlsen, Head of the Africa Department and Ida Krogh Mikkelsen, special advisor, among others.
Stanley Nkwocha Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media and Communications* (Office of the Vice President) November 13, 2023
