.Says It Will Boost Capacity Of Police To Fight Crime, Maintain Law And Order
ABUJA – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday launched the Nigeria Police Force Green Initiative (NPFGI) which is aimed at improving the well-being of police personnel and their families through Green Innovation Development.
The president who was represented at the occasion by the vice president of Nigeria, Alhaji Kashim Shettima Mustapha said the “novel approach will boost the operational efficiency and capacity of the Nigeria Police Force to fight crime and maintain law and order.”
While delivering his speech at the event which took place at the Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja, president Tinubu assured that his administration is committed to “fully supporting” this endeavour.
He said, “Over the past decades, our nation has endured the shrinking of its water bodies, perennial floods, disrupted livestock production, epileptic power generation, and food crises.
“Therefore, a sustainable development program that engages innovative green solutions is a strategic intervention.
The president also disclosed that, “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.”
According to president Tinubu, “We welcome this initiative by the Nigeria Police Force because the connection between climate change and security is a price we have paid enough. Therefore, we are going to throw our weight behind its success.
“We have in place a Committee for the Carbon Market Activation Plan, which positions Nigeria at the forefront of creating a robust, sustainable carbon market worth $2.5 billion.
“Additionally, the Presidency has established a Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions to coordinate and oversee all policies and programs on climate action and green economic development.
“My chairmanship of this committee is an indication of the importance this administration has placed on climate action as a major driver of our economic reformation plan.”
President Tinubu, however commended the Inspector of Police General (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun for his vision and leadership in championing this initiative.
He said, “This is, without a doubt, commendable. I also applaud the Consulting Technical Partners, NEA Energie Limited, for working with the Nigeria Police Force to develop this advanced innovation in Africa. We call for more partnerships of a similar kind as we work to make the world a safer place.”
Earlier in his speech, the IGP explained that, the event signified a major milestone in the evolution of the Nigeria Police Force and underscores its unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility, and innovative policing.
According to the IGP, “Climate change poses the most existential threat to humanity, affecting our way of life, means of livelihood, socio-cultural existence, inter-communal interactions, and the natural world.”
In alignment with global actions championed by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Egbetokun stated that, “Nigeria has joined the international community as a signatory to numerous climate treaties.”
The IGP further clarified that the “security implications of climate change are evident in the drying up of Lake Chad, infrastructure disruptions, poverty, increased vulnerability to crime, and resource conflicts such as farmer-herder violence.”
In response, he noted that the Federal Government of Nigeria has outlined climate priorities through its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement and other initiatives like the National Council on Climate Change and the National Adaptation Plan Framework.
“Linking climate action with national socio-economic development strategies presents unique opportunities for addressing environmental challenges while fostering economic growth, social equity, and resilience for current and future generations. This approach also enhances our capacity to address crime vulnerability in and improve crime-fighting efforts.
“Law enforcement agencies worldwide are increasingly recognizing the impact of climate change and environmental degradation on community safety and well-being.
“The Nigeria Police Force is at the forefront of this movement, embracing green initiatives that support our mandate to serve and protect,” he explained.
The objectives of the NPFGI also includes “Supporting the Federal Government’s economic reformation through the Green Economic Initiative. Supporting the implementation of Nigeria’s NDC, Energy Transition, and Net-Zero target. Supporting the President’s Climate and Green Economy Initiative.
“Improving the well-being of NPF personnel and their families through Green Innovation Development and developing a closer relationship with local communities through climate change community engagement.”
The Nigeria Police Green Initiative rests on four pillars which includes Solar Power Deployment, electric and Gas-powered Vehicles, Nature-based Solutions, Community Green Outreach.
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