By Atoyebi Nike
Nigeria has launched the Net-Zero Nature-Positive Project (NZNP) to tackle climate change and achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2060. The initiative was inaugurated on Monday at an inception workshop in Abuja.
The Director of Forestry at the Federal Ministry of Environment, Halima Bawa-Bwari, described the project as a turning point in Nigeria’s climate journey. She said it would strengthen coordination among institutions, restore degraded ecosystems, boost biodiversity, and unlock green investment opportunities.
Bawa-Bwari explained that Nigeria’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions reflect more ambitious climate targets and nature-based solutions. “Our efforts should go beyond emissions reduction. This programme represents a powerful platform to accelerate those efforts,” she said.
UNDP Resident Representative Elsie Attafuah, represented by Deputy Resident Representative Blessed Chirimuta, said the project reflects Nigeria’s bold commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. It aims to conserve 30 percent of land and marine ecosystems by 2030, with a focus on the Niger Delta.
She noted that climate change is already affecting lives and biodiversity. “Through this project, we will work with state governments in Rivers and Bayelsa to integrate net-zero and nature-positive strategies into development planning,” she added.
The project is funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented with UNEP and UNDP. Nkechi Aneke-Agnes, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics in the Environment Ministry, said it is part of 11 global integrated programmes under the GEF-8 cycle to drive sustainable development and clean energy access.
Officials from Rivers and Bayelsa states expressed their support, highlighting the importance of protecting unique biodiversity and promoting climate resilience.
