In a significant step towards combating climate change and advancing sustainable development, the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Netzence Sustainability Limited. This partnership aims to pioneer the establishment of carbon registries that will enhance the tracking of carbon footprints and bolster environmental health efforts in Nigeria.
A Game-Changing Collaboration
The Founder and CEO of Netzence, Dr. Sadiq Sani, described the initiative as a cornerstone for effective climate action in alignment with the United Nations (UN) Net Zero targets.
“This collaboration aims to create efficient carbon registries designed to monitor greenhouse gas emissions, enhance environmental transparency, and support Nigeria’s sustainability goals,” Dr. Sani stated.
Key Benefits of Carbon Registries
- Enhanced Transparency: Comprehensive databases will improve accountability in carbon emissions reporting.
- Informed Decision-Making: Accurate data will guide policymakers, private sector players, and NGOs in devising carbon reduction strategies.
- Monitoring and Compliance: The registries will aid adherence to international protocols and carbon markets.
- Sustainable Infrastructure Planning: Data-driven insights will support infrastructure projects that minimize environmental impact.
Netzence plans to leverage its CloseCarbon technology for real-time emission monitoring, coupled with capacity-building initiatives to empower stakeholders with tools and training for environmental stewardship.
EHCON’s Commitment to Sustainable Practices
The Registrar/CEO of EHCON, Dr. Yakubu Mohammed Baba, underscored the council’s role as a regulatory body dedicated to public health and environmental protection.
“By partnering with Netzence, EHCON reinforces its mandate to promote sustainable environmental practices and align Nigeria with global climate goals,” he said.
EHCON’s Contributions to the Partnership
- Policy Deployment: Establishing frameworks for emissions tracking and compliance with the UN Net Zero target by 2050.
- Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public on carbon footprint reduction and participation in carbon markets.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Engaging government agencies, industries, and civil society to advance climate initiatives.
Alignment with National and Global Goals
This partnership supports Nigeria’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2060, as pledged at the COP26 climate summit in October 2021. With the global push to limit warming to 1.5°C, such initiatives are vital for meeting climate objectives.
Goals of the MOU
- Standardized Carbon Registry Development: Establishing a robust system for emissions tracking.
- Data-Driven Infrastructure: Leveraging carbon data to guide sustainable national projects.
- Promotion of Low-Carbon Practices: Encouraging industries to adopt cleaner technologies.
- Global Compliance: Ensuring Nigeria meets international climate targets and protocols.
Looking Ahead
In the coming months, the partnership will focus on stakeholder workshops, the formation of technical working groups, and pilot projects to test the systems.
This collaboration is poised to set a precedent in carbon monitoring and management, marking a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s climate strategy. By fostering innovative solutions, Netzence and EHCON aim to position Nigeria as a proactive leader in the global fight against climate change, working towards a sustainable and environmentally secure future for its citizens.
