The Federal Ministry of Environment has pledged to collaborate with Denmark to advance the green economy and climate change mitigation for economic growth and environmental sustainability. The partnership was discussed at a high-level meeting held on Monday, focusing on green economic transition, climate change adaptation, and the upcoming 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28).

The Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, highlighted the long-standing cooperation between Nigeria and Denmark, emphasizing the valuable lessons Nigeria can learn from Denmark’s shift away from oil dependency. He stressed the importance of transitioning to a green economy without increasing energy poverty or hardship for Nigerians.

Salako outlined how climate action is essential to achieving key priorities of the current government, such as food security, poverty eradication, and economic growth, stating that the Ministry of Environment has been piloting sovereign green bonds to support climate action.

Denmark’s Minister of Development Cooperation and Global Climate Change Policy, Dan Jorgenson, praised Nigeria’s progressive environmental goals and stressed the importance of both countries working together in the fight against climate change. He emphasized that Africa, though not responsible for climate change, is hardest hit by its effects. He expressed optimism about the collaboration and achieving ambitious results at COP28.