SPEC engages WEF leaders on advancing Nigeria’s value chain localization, renewable energy
By Kunle Sanni
The Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action (SPEC), Ajuri Ngelale, hosted key representatives from the World Economic Forum (WEF) at the Presidential Villa to discuss Nigeria’s value chain localization initiative.
The meeting which held on Monday, included Chido Muyati, Head of Africa at WEF, and Abir Ibrahim, Africa’s Regional Agenda Lead.
A statement released after the meeting revealed that discussions centered on strategies for creating linkages between the Organized Private Sector in developed markets and critical Nigerian public-private stakeholders to advance new wealth-creating industries supported by localized supply chains.
In his remarks, Ngelale expressed enthusiasm about the prospects and committed to following up on the agenda items discussed.
Addressing State House correspondents, he said, “I was thrilled to welcome the World Economic Forum’s Head of Africa, Chido Munyati, and Africa’s Regional Agenda Lead, Abir Ibrahim, for an extensive deliberation on Nigeria’s value chain localization initiative. We explored how we can create linkages between the Organised Private Sector in developed markets and critical Nigerian stakeholders. Very exciting prospects here. We will follow up on the agenda items discussed soon.”
Later in the day, SPEC welcomed Hakeem Jimo, Country Director of ProVeg International, to explore ways to generate value by reviewing food systems, which globally contribute up to 25 percent of greenhouse gas emissions.
Establishing that nearly 50 percent of all meat consumed in Nigeria being imported, the discussions highlighted opportunities for sustainable agricultural practices and food system alignments to minimize forest destruction and biodiversity loss. The talks also focused on creating a new industrial ecosystem for biomass in collaboration with technical partners and investors.
Thereafter, Ngelale met with Khalil Halilu, Executive Vice-Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), to align approaches for strengthening Nigeria’s renewable energy drive.
Ngelale emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach to achieving national objectives, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s team-centered approach to problem-solving and service delivery.
“Our collaborative approach to achieving national objectives for the benefit of all Nigerians is in conformity with H.E. President Bola Tinubu’s team-centered approach to problem-solving and service delivery. Nigerians have so much to look forward to,” he stated.
