Climate Change: Tinubu launches national greenhouse gas monitoring programme

• Awards excellence in environmental leadership

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

In a move to combat climate change, President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday launched the National Greenhouse Gases Emission Monitoring Programme (NGHGEMP).

This is as he called for strong public and private sector collaboration to enhance policies that will drive a clean environment in the country.

He made the call during the 2025 Environmental Health Excellency Awards Ceremony held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, organised by the Environmental Health Officers Registration Council of Nigeria (EHCON).

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, President Tinubu emphasised that the NGHGEMP reflects Nigeria’s commitment to creating a sustainable environment, ensuring that every citizen has access to clean air and safe water.

He outlined several key policies designed to support the NGHGEMP:

National Environmental Health Regulation 2024: A comprehensive framework aimed at addressing pollution, waste management, and sanitation inequities.

• Greenhouse Gas Emission Register: A data-driven tool for tracking and reducing Nigeria’s carbon emissions.
• Carbon Analysis Framework: A roadmap for industries transitioning towards renewable energy and sustainable practices.
• Carbon Print Certificate: A national standard recognising businesses and communities that prioritise eco-friendly practices.

Tinubu underscored that the success of these policies relies heavily on collaboration between the public and private sectors.

“The government cannot act alone. From the farmer adopting climate-smart techniques to corporations investing in green technology, every Nigerian has a role to play,” he asserted.

He said: “The Government cannot act alone. From the farmer adopting climate-smart techniques to the corporation investing in green technology, every Nigerian has a role to play. Environmental stewardship is not a burden but an opportunity to redefine progress.”

Tinubu also charged stakeholders to “prioritise the health of our environment,” adding that “the global challenges of climate change, environmental degradation, and emerging health risks demand urgent and sustained attention.

“We cannot afford complacency. We must embrace innovation, collaboration, and investment in sustainable solutions to safeguard our environment and public health for future generations.”

The President further charged the Environmental Health Officers Registration Council of Nigeria (EHCON), organisers of the event, to mobilise Nigerians towards attaining “clean air, safe water, and sustainable practices.

“Your leadership in elevating environmental health standards—from policy innovation to community action—sets a laudable example for the nation.

“To the environmental health professionals here today, you are the unsung architects of our public health, the silent sentinels shielding our communities from preventable diseases, climate threats, and ecological decay. Your work is the bedrock for building a healthier Nigeria.”

President Tinubu, who was awarded the Environmental Health Leadership Excellence Award 2025, also bagged the title of Grand Patron of the National Environment and Public Health Association of Nigeria (NEPHAN) and Life Fellow of the Society for Environmental and Public Health of Nigeria (SEPHON).

Founder and CEO of Netzence Sustainability Limited, Sadiq Sani, one of the award recipients at the ceremony, spoke about his company’s groundbreaking technology that monitors carbon emissions in real-time.

He stressed his organisation’s commitment to addressing climate change challenges and improving environmental health through innovative solutions.

“Our technology plays a crucial role in enhancing air quality and reducing emissions,” he said. “By working closely with the government and EHCON, we aim to elevate the skills of environmental health practitioners and provide better outcomes for our communities.”

The launch of the NGHGEMP aligns with Nigeria’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, which targets a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 without international support and up to 47% with global assistance. Additionally, it supports Nigeria’s Climate Change Act (2021), which aims for net-zero emissions by 2060.

Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas commended President Tinubu for his commitment to environmental health and announced plans for future awards recognising individuals and organisations dedicated to sustainability efforts. He noted that this initiative represents a balanced approach to economic development while prioritising environmental protection for current and future generations.

The NGHGEMP marks a pivotal step for Nigeria as it seeks to take a leading role in addressing climate change through innovative policies and collaborative efforts across sectors.