Niger State has signed a memorandum of understanding with My Climate, a Swiss-based non-profit organisation, to explore carbon market opportunities and address climate change challenges. Alhaji Abubakar Usman, the Secretary to the Niger State Government and head of the state's delegation to COP31 in Antalya, Turkey, announced the agreement, which aims to help the state access carbon market opportunities to tackle identified environmental problems.
The partnership is part of Niger State's broader green initiative launched under Governor Mohammed Bago's administration. Usman said the two organisations have been collaborating for the past two years, and the memorandum formalises their relationship to deepen cooperation on climate action and to connect the state with other global climate change initiatives.
Niger State faces particular climate risks due to its geography and infrastructure. The state is home to four hydroelectric dams, making it vulnerable to flooding and water-related disasters. Usman cited the Mokwa flood that occurred about two years before the announcement, as well as climate change effects on farming and other agricultural activities as major concerns requiring urgent mitigation.
Through the new partnership, Niger State and My Climate have identified three thematic areas where the state has potential to benefit from carbon market opportunities. The partners plan to work together to facilitate the state's access to the carbon market and mobilise resources to address the identified challenges in these areas. Usman described the agreement as important for enabling the state to tap into available funds and partnerships for climate mitigation.
For savers, borrowers and business owners in Niger State, this partnership could open pathways to climate finance and carbon credit opportunities that might generate revenue or reduce costs related to environmental projects and agricultural resilience.