In addition to reducing the consequences of climate change and promoting eco-friendly behaviours, President Bola Tinubu applauded the Nigeria Police Green Initiative on Thursday, stating that it will place a high priority on innovation and collaborations that will accelerate the country’s shift to a green economy.
According to him, the project is an innovative method that will improve the Nigeria Police Force’s (NPF) operational efficiency and capacity to battle crime and uphold peace and order in the nation.
At the official launch of the Nigeria Police Force Green Initiative in Jabi, Abuja, the president who was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, made this declaration.
The Initiative, an idea from the NPF, aims to lessen the environmental impact of the Force’s operations and facilities while also promoting environmental sustainability. This is achieved by adopting renewable energy sources and eco-friendly practices.
No region of the world can pretend to be unaware of the reality of climate change, whose effects are felt worldwide, according to Shettima, who gave the president’s speech at the function.
According to President Tinubu, the threat that climate change poses to Nigeria’s ecology affects every individual and community, and this should be reason enough for everyone to get involved in putting solutions into place.
His words: “I, therefore, am delighted by this measure taken by a distinguished institution such as the Nigeria Police Force. Nigeria has been at the forefront of the global search for solutions to the devastations of climate change.
“We have always known that we cannot reach the target of aligning with international climate goals and reducing greenhouse gas emissions unless each person and stakeholder lives up to their obligation.
“This is the promise we made to the world at the COP 28 conference in Dubai last year. Alongside other nations, we reiterated the urgent need for global cooperation to implement solutions that can stop and reverse the effects of climate change.”
The President explained why his administration is supporting the Initiative, stating that: “The connection between climate change and security is a price we have paid enough.”
He further said: “The Nigeria Police Green Initiative, therefore, emphasizes our bid to prioritize innovation and partnerships as fundamental drivers for the nation’s transition to a green economy.
“This is an opportunity for you to transition the facilities of your institution to renewable energy sources and promote environmental awareness and education.
“As a strategic collaboration with NEA Energie Limited, a private sector entity, I believe this initiative will further facilitate local and international investments in green infrastructure, engaging communities and building local capacity in green technology across the nation.”
According to Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, climate change, which has an impact on daily life, livelihoods, and social and cultural existence, is the biggest threat to humanity,
In the Paris Agreement and net-zero targets, among other international climate agreements, he reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment.
He pointed out that these initiatives seek to lessen their negative effects on the environment and cut carbon emissions.t.
Egbetokun outlined the NPGI’s key objectives to include “leveraging low-carbon, climate-resilient development to improve police infrastructure and operational efficiency, supporting the Federal Government’s economic reforms through green initiatives, improving the well-being of police personnel and their families, and developing closer relationships with local communities through climate change engagement”.
According to him, the initiative’s project portfolio “includes solar power installation at 5,000 locations, deployment of 840 electric vehicles and 605 gas-powered vehicles, installation of 14 electric vehicle charging stations and 38 gas refill stations, a tree-planting programme targeting one million trees, and engagement with up to five million community members”.
“The Nigeria Police Green Initiative is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity,” Egbetokun added, emphasizing that the programme would contribute to clean energy adoption, energy efficiency and job creation while reducing crime vulnerability.
In his goodwill message, a representative of the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, announced the ministry’s full support for the Nigeria Police Green Initiative, noting the link between environmental sustainability and national security.
“Sustainable waste management practices are key to creating a healthier, more resilient environment. Our ministry is fully committed to backing this initiative and will work closely with the Nigerian Police Force to provide necessary resources and expertise,” the minister stated.
He highlighted existing partnerships, including a recent collaboration with the Nigerian Defence Academy, as an example of the government’s commitment to environmental projects, even as he encouraged all members of the Nigerian Police Force to actively embrace green practices.
Also speaking, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Halilu, praised the initiative for its potential to contribute to Nigeria’s climate action commitments while improving the operational capacity of the police force.
He stated the plans by NASENI to mobilise financing and technical assistance to modernise police workshops nationwide, including the repair and activation of non-operational police assets.
The NASENI chief expressed readiness to put the agency’s expertise at the disposal of the Nigeria Police Force for the implementation of the Green Initiative.
