Richard Ginika Izuora
Nigeria is sharing experience with fifteen other countries that have adopted the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) project, which aims at deploying clean energy innovations and solutions across the various sectors of Nigerian economy.
The federal government under the initiative is expected to make headway to promote clean energy technologies for start-ups and small medium enterprises (SMEs).
Regional Director of UNIDO’s Nigeria Regional Hub, Jean Bankole, said Nigeria is not implementing this programme in isolation as there are other 15 countries.
Therefore, the project in Nigeria will network with other countries during implementation and a number of innovative ideas will be brought to bear in managing businesses in Nigeria, creating new ones and then expanding those already in existence, said Bankole.
Nigeria hopes to address environmental challenges in Nigeria through its adoption of the GCIP project.
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Adeleke Mamora, during the inauguration of a 13-member Project Steering Committee of experts in Abuja, lauded the initiative by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).
Mamora said Nigeria has became the tenth member of GCIP and urged the inaugurated members to make laudable contributions to the development of the nation through the GCIP project. He called on Nigerians to embrace and support deployment of clean energy innovations and solutions across the various sectors of Nigerian economy.
He said: “Members of the Project Steering Committee are selected from the pool of experts in the public and private sectors of the economy. Therefore, you are expected to make a very important contribution to the development of our dear nation through this laudable project.
“It is pertinent to note that the world is currently moving towards use of clean energy technologies and FMSTI, being aware of this, is currently conducting technology needs assessment for climate change mitigation and adaptation in key sectors of the economy.
“There can be no better time to commence this project than now. I therefore call on all Nigerians to embrace and support deployment of clean energy innovations and solutions across the various sectors of the Nigerian economy,” said Mamora.
Bankole, who was represented by the National Programme Officer Reuben Bamidele, at the inauguration said the project is focused on: ”Promoting startups and small medium enterprises in the country to operate and produce in a responsible manner, in such a way that the business ethics are followed and the environment is not jeopardised.”
He said Nigeria is not alone in the implementation of the GCIP project, adding that about 15 other countries are participating in the innovative process.
He said the project would serve as a platform for job creation opportunities for Nigerians.
“Through this particular approach, many jobs will be created, opportunities and avenues will be enlarged in the country so that many more will come in.” Bankole said.