The Federal Government has sought the support of the United Nations (UN) to persuade developed countries to redeem the 100 billion dollars pledge made to support developing countries to attain the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) target.

Dr Mohammad Abubakar, Minister of Environment said this on Tuesday when UN Deputy Secretary-General, Hajiya Amina Mohammed paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

The NDC is at the heart of the Paris Agreement on climate.

NDC embodies efforts by each country to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Abubakar said that Nigeria’s NDC was projected based on a five percent annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increase.

He said the country, unfortunately, was not able to attain up to 2.5 percent steady GDP increase annually amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We also seek for more support through UN agencies in implementing environmental activities in the country.

“We are seeking support for the United Nations Environment Programme to address Ogoni Clean-Up projects which President Muhammadu Buhari is working on.

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“The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation should put more effort in supporting activities of Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria.

“The support will enable the country to implement our activities and projects effectively.

“We are hoping that at the end, there will be qualitative support in terms of finance and technology transfer to support Nigeria’s energy transition,” Abubakar said.

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In her speech, Mohammed urged the ministry to ensure that women, children, and youths should always be put at the center of programmes as they needed to be given adequate attention.

“I also hope to hear from you, honorable minister and the team, on the progress that you have made, to know what we can give to continue our support to Nigeria in its bid for the climate transitions,’’ she said.

Mohammed said that the environment sector was paramount in the United Nations agenda for 2030.

She commended the ministry for its commitment to addressing some of the environmental issues, adding that the effort was a remarkable stride for the country.