Mr Dasuki Arabi, the Director-General, Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), has highlighted the significance of the Green Economy as a response to global challenges such as climate change and resource depletion.
Arabi made this known in Abuja on Thursday at a seminar on “Harnessing Green Economy Initiative for Sustainable Development”.
The D-G, emphasised the importance of integrating sustainable practices into public administration.
Recall that BPSR, which was established in 2004, aims to drive reform initiatives across Nigeria’s public sector, fostering an environment that incorporates best practices in governance.
According to Arabi, this initiative promotes economic growth while ensuring environmental stewardship and social inclusion.
“Today’s seminar is particularly significant as it focuses on the Green Economy, an approach that is becoming increasingly essential in our global and national development strategies.
“As the world confronts the challenges posed by climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation, the Green Economy initiative offers a pathway to sustainable development.
“It emphasises the need for an economic model that not only drives growth but also promotes environmental stewardship and social inclusion, ensuring that our development strategies are resilient and sustainable for future generations.
“The seminar featured the Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a guest speaker, who has been instrumental in promoting sustainable finance and investment practices,” he said.
He said SEC, as the apex regulator of the Nigerian capital market, played a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and transparency of our financial markets.
Arabi added that under the leadership of the D-G, SEC had been at the forefront of promoting sustainable finance and investment practices that align with the principles of a green economy.
He added that the commission had been instrumental in fostering the growth of green bonds and other sustainable financial instruments, which were essential for financing the transition to a low-carbon economy.
“The SEC’s efforts in this regard are helping to channel investments into projects that support environmental sustainability, renewable energy, and climate resilience,” he said.
Arabi encouraged collaboration between BPSR and SEC to align policies, build capacity, and monitor green finance initiatives effectively.
He urged participants to engage actively in discussions to explore actionable strategies for sustainable development in Nigeria, aiming for a collective effort to harness the potential of the green economy for future generations.
On his part, the SEC D-G, Mr Emomotimi Agama, noted the critical role of the green economy in Nigeria’s development.
Agama said that Nigeria’s landscape was rich in green potential, and there were numerous opportunities within various sectors such as transportation, energy, agriculture, and waste management.
He urged Nigerians to actively engage in leveraging these opportunities to foster economic growth and improve citizens’ lives.
He pointed out that the green economy was interconnected across all sectors, forming a comprehensive value chain essential for national development.
“The benefits of embracing a green economy include advancements in renewable energy, poverty reduction, improved health, and enhanced logistics,” he said.
Agama stressed that recognising and utilising these benefits was vital for overcoming challenges and achieving sustainable development in Nigeria.
(NAN)