The National Policy Advocacy Centre (NPAC) of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) is partnering with the European Union (EU) Delegation to drive green technology and digital innovation.
The ACCI, which said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said that both organisations would drive the partnership by conducting a comprehensive desk study and workshop.
“This initiative aims to drive economic growth, create jobs, promote environmental sustainability, and share research findings with stakeholders, experts, and policymakers.
”It will enhance awareness and understanding of the potential of green technologies and digital innovations in Nigeria.
“This collaboration, initiated through a proposal by NPAC, underscores ACCI’s commitment to identifying alternative energy sources that are both cost-effective and sustainable for the business community.
”The desk study is focused on empowering small businesses by promoting the use of clean energy solutions and implementing strategies for climate change adaptation and mitigation,” it said.
Nigeria is currently facing severe weather events such as flooding, desertification, and erratic rainfall patterns.
These events have a significant impact on small businesses in underserved communities.
The country’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP), developed with support from COP26, highlights Nigeria’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 and presents a 23 billion dollars opportunity for investors and partners.
Meanwhile, the President of ACCI, Emeka Obegolu, commended the initiative and the partnership secured by the Chamber’s policy centre.
Obegolu said that the centre was a think tank established to engage effectively with government agencies, the private sector and international bodies to develop policies that are beneficial for the business community.
He said that the objectives of the study were to assess the current landscape, identify promising technologies, analyse policy and regulatory frameworks, and examine socio-economic and environmental impacts.
Also, the Executive Director of ACCI-NPAC, Mr Chidiebere Onwumere, said that the proposed research aimed to generate evidence-based insights and policy recommendations.
Onwumere said that the recommendations would inform decision-making and policy formulation at the national, regional, and local levels.
“This research will help raise awareness and build capacity among stakeholders on the potential of green technologies and digital innovations to drive sustainable development and economic transformation in Nigeria.
“It will foster partnerships and collaborations among government agencies, private sector entities, academia, and civil society organisations to accelerate the adoption and implementation of these technologies.
“We believe that this partnership with the European Union allows us to leverage their expertise, resources, and networks to maximise the impact and reach of our research.
“Also, this collaboration will significantly contribute to our shared goals of promoting a green and digital economy in Nigeria,” he said.
He said that the desk study was scheduled for September, adding that the workshop was also planned for November.
Responding, members of the EU delegation in Nigeria expressed their enthusiasm for working with ACCI as the voice of the business community from the private sector.
The delegation said that the project would significantly drive international and public-private development.
NAN
