The federal government has said reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning the industrial sector towards a low-carbon economy is a move that will help the country’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.

This initiative is in line with the nation’s international obligations under the Paris Agreement, as well as our ambitious domestic target of achieving net zero emissions by 2060.

The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal stated this at the stakeholder’s engagement workshop on the National Industrial Decarbonisation Programme in Abuja organised recently by the National Environment Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency and the Oxytane Africa Investment Limited.

He said they will establish a strong framework that supports the country’s net-zero emissions target and supports industries to adopt green technologies and practices that reduce both operational costs and environmental impacts.

Lawal, represented by the Permanent Secretary at the ministry, Mahmud Kambari said the engagement demonstrates collective commitment to the sustainable and environmentally responsible industrial sector in Nigeria.

“Industrial activity plays a significant role in driving economic growth, employment, and national development. However, they also contribute substantially to greenhouse emissions, leading to climate change and environmental degradation,” he said.

“In recent years, Nigeria has intensified its efforts towards climate action, aligning with global commitments, such as the Paris Agreement and our National Determined Contribution, under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

“The launch of NIDP marks a strategic step in our journey to achieving net zero emissions. Through this initiative, we aim to facilitate the adaptation of cleaner technologies, promote resource efficiency, and support industries in transmitting towards, in transition, transitioning towards low carbon operations”.

Speaking, the Director General of NESREA, Dr Innocent Barikor, said the programme is to create a robust regulatory and compliance framework that supports the nation’s net-zero target by 2060.

“We are at a critical juncture where proactive measures must be taken to ensure that our industrial sector—which contributes significantly to our GDP and to global carbon emissions—is transformed into a driver of sustainable development,” he said.

“In alignment with Nigeria’s international commitments under the Paris Agreement and our own national priorities, the programme focuses on four main pillars. First, it promotes the adoption of environmentally sound technologies and energy-efficient practices that reduce operational costs while minimising environmental impact.

“Second, it facilitates the development of innovative mechanisms for generating and trading carbon credits, thereby opening new revenue streams for our industries and the government. Third, it establishes a comprehensive compliance monitoring and enforcement framework that will ensure adherence to decarbonisation targets. And finally, it fosters strategic partnerships across both public and private sectors, enhancing collaboration and knowledge-sharing,” he stated.

He highlighted that the industry, which encompasses sectors such as cement, fertiliser, chemicals, and metals, is not only the backbone of Nigeria’s economy but also a significant contributor to carbon emissions.