President Bola Tinubu on Thursday commended the Nigeria Police Green Initiative, highlighting its dual role in mitigating climate change and fostering eco-friendly practices. The initiative, according to Tinubu, will not only drive innovation and partnerships but also support Nigeria’s transition to a green economy. Represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu made these remarks at the official launch of the initiative in Jabi, Abuja.
A Vision for Sustainable Policing
The Nigeria Police Green Initiative, an ambitious project spearheaded by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), aims to integrate environmental sustainability into police operations. The initiative seeks to reduce the environmental footprint of police activities by implementing eco-friendly practices and adopting renewable energy sources. In his address, Vice-President Shettima emphasized the global and local implications of climate change, urging collective action to address its threats.
“No community in Nigeria is immune to the challenges posed by climate change,” said Shettima, reiterating the country’s commitment to international climate goals. “This initiative is a proactive step in our national effort to combat climate change and enhance the operational efficiency of our police force.”
Strategic Partnerships and Innovations
President Tinubu highlighted the initiative’s alignment with global efforts to tackle climate change, referencing commitments made at the COP 28 conference in Dubai. He emphasized the initiative’s focus on leveraging innovation and partnerships, particularly with NEA Energie Limited, a private sector entity, to promote green infrastructure and technology.
The initiative’s comprehensive project portfolio includes the installation of solar power systems at 5,000 police locations, deployment of 840 electric vehicles, 605 gas-powered vehicles, and the establishment of 14 electric vehicle charging stations and 38 gas refill stations. A notable component of the initiative is a tree-planting program targeting the planting of one million trees, alongside community engagement efforts involving up to five million people.
Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, described the initiative as a critical response to the global climate crisis, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions and improving police infrastructure. Egbetokun stressed the initiative’s objectives, including enhancing the well-being of police personnel, supporting economic reforms through green practices, and strengthening community relations through environmental engagement.
“The Nigeria Police Green Initiative is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity,” Egbetokun stated, underscoring the program’s potential to promote clean energy, enhance energy efficiency, and create jobs, while also reducing the vulnerability to crime.
Supporting National Security and Environmental Goals
Balarabe Abbas Lawal, representing the Minister of Environment, expressed the ministry’s full support for the initiative, linking environmental sustainability with national security. He highlighted ongoing collaborations, such as with the Nigerian Defence Academy, to demonstrate the government’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Khalil Halilu, Executive Vice-Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), praised the initiative for aligning with Nigeria’s climate action commitments. He announced NASENI’s plans to mobilize resources for modernizing police workshops and reviving non-operational police assets, pledging the agency’s expertise to support the initiative.
The launch of the Nigeria Police Green Initiative marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to combat climate change and enhance law enforcement capabilities. The initiative promises to set a precedent for other institutions in the country, reinforcing the importance of integrating sustainable practices into national development strategies.
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