The Federal government has restated its commitment to revamp the degradation of Lake Chad through the process of green growth technology
and capacity gap assessment geard at promoting environmental sustainability and stimulation of economic growth.
The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, made the disclosure while declaring open the collaborative workshop for capacity assessment for green economy transition during the week in Abuja.
Dr Onu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Bitrus Bako Nabasu, said that the objective of the workshop was to highlight to the global impacts of climate climate change with its environmental degradation.
According to the Minister, the gradual drying up of lake Chard basin, desert encroachment, loss of ecosystems, and reduced agricultural yield are effect of climate change.
Others, he continued are rising sea level, flooding in the south, marine erosion and landslide in the south East.
“We have to set our machinery right to actualize our dreams and aspiration, hence we need Green Growth Technology to leap frog the country to higher pedestal”, he added.
Adding that “This growing partnership and collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, and our development partner, University of Reading, is most commended, and must be reciprocated by judicious use of opportunity offered at this workshop.
Earlier, in his opening remarks. The permanent Secretary, Mr. Bitrus Bako Nabasu said the ministry is pivotal to the achievement of Green Economy for Nigeria.
The Permanent Secretary who was represented the Director Environmental Science and Technology (ECN), added that this transition when fully implemented will help place our nation on proper perspective to mitigate and adopt to the scourge of climate Change and re-enforce the place of Science, Technology and innovation as a veritable tool for economic development of the country.
Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, of the Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Reading, UK identified four critical areas of focus capacity development for green economy transition in Africa as environmental resources management, mainstreaming, monitoring and evaluation and financial resources.