Nigeria has taken a major step towards addressing some of the environmental challenges in the country by adopting the Global Cleantech Innovation Program (GCIP) project.
The Federal Government noted that the move would help to promote clean energy technologies for sustainable start-ups and Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) development.
The 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 became the tenth member of GCIP through the efforts of UNIDO.
He, however, urged the inaugurated members to make laudable contributions to the development of the nation through the GCIP project.
The minister called on Nigerians to embrace and support deployment of clean energy innovations and solutions across the various sectors of the 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.
“Specially commend the efforts of UNIDO for mobilising resources to pilot this project; GEF for providing the seed financial resources, the Department of Environmental Sciences and Technology of FMSTI for conceptualising the Nigerian CleanTech Innovation Programme (NC-TIP) that provided the national platform for this partnership with the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) being piloted by UNIDO and of course the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and Co-Creation Hub for providing niche technical services within the project.
I am glad to know that Nigeria became the tenth member of GCIP through the efforts of FMSTI and UNIDO.
“It is pertinent to note that the world is currently moving towards the 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.”
The Regional Director, UNIDO Nigeria Regional Hub, Jean Bankole, who was represented by the National Programme Officer, Nigeria Regional Office, UNIDO, Reuben Bamidele, 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 was not alone in the implementation of the GCIP project, adding that about 15 other countries were participating in the innovative process.