The Federal Government of Nigeria has inaugurated a project steering committee on its adoption of the Global Clean-tech Innovation Programme(GCIP), to promote the development of clean energy technology for Sustainable Start-ups and Small, Medium Enterprises(SMEs) in the country.
The Federal Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Adeleke Mamora in the inauguration of a 13-member Project Steering Committee of experts, in Abuja, applauded the initiative by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, UNIDO.
According to Mamora, Nigeria’s ministry and UNIDO worked to make the country the tenth member of the GCIP.
But he urged the newly elected members to use the GCIP project to make admirable contributions to the country’s growth.
He urged Nigerians to adopt and support the implementation of clean energy innovations and solutions across the country’s diverse economic sectors.
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 mobilizing resources to pilot this project; GEF for providing the seed financial resources, the Department of Environmental Sciences and Technology of FMSTI for conceptualizing 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 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, Mr. Jean Bankole, who was represented by the National Program 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.”
The GCIP project is being carried out by roughly 15 other nations in addition to Nigeria, therefore Nigeria is not acting alone in this regard.
He claimed that the project would provide Nigerians with a platform for job generating prospects.
“Nigeria is not implementing this programme in isolation, there are 15 countries. Therefore, the project in Nigeria will network with other 15 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.
“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.”
