‘ Private sector plays key role in climate change, unlocking new growth’

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THE Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Dr Kenneth Opara, has stated that the private sector plays a pivotal role in climate change, especially in unlocking new growth opportunities, job creation and sustainable agriculture.

President of the institute, Opara, while addressing participants at the 9th Edition of the Green Finance Conference organised by The African Guarantee Fund ( AGF), in collaboration with the Nordic Development Fund ( NDF), said efforts put in place to address climate change in Nigeria would unlock new opportunities for green growth and job creation, ranging from renewable energy to clean technology for sustainable agriculture.

He called for the involvement of all corporate entities in funding climate change stating that there are countless avenues for the private sector to get the required solution that delivers environmental, social, and economic benefits.

Special Adviser to the Lagos State Government on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Titilayo Oshodi, while speaking on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government stressed the need to create more awareness on the effects of climate change.

“It is a resultant factor in how we begin to deal with our environment, how we begin to play, what shots are required of us to keep our environment healthy, to keep it safe and climatefriendly. We need to start to express the inherent opportunities in terms of wealth that are available in the wealth that we generate.”

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, AGF Group Chief Executive Officer, Jules Ngankam, emphasised that the conference is a crucial response to the challenges posed by climate change within a framework of National Determined Contributions ( NDC) with a focus on providing enhanced expertise to Africa while proposing practical solutions to addressing financing for smaller and medium- sized enterprises committed to green growth and climate- resilient development.