President Bola Tinubu has appointed the Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria (InfraCorp) as the Lead Arranger and Developer of Evergreen City, Nigeria's new green industrial zone. This significant step aligns with his administration's goals for sustainable industrial development. Additionally, President Tinubu has established a Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions, appointing his official spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, as the special presidential envoy on climate action.
A statement from Ngelale, issued on Sunday, highlighted the importance of Evergreen City in meeting current and future industrial demands. Dr. Lazarus Angbazo, CEO of InfraCorp, will oversee the development of Evergreen City, focusing on renewable energy technologies and green solutions.
InfraCorp's Responsibilities:
- Selection of partners and consultants for project design, environmental impact assessments, feasibility studies, financial modelling, and market engagement.
- Raising private funding for city development.
- Coordinating with partners, development institutions, and other capital and technical assistance providers.
- Reporting to the Supervisory Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.
Dr. Angbazo's impressive background includes a first-class Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from the University of Iowa, and a Doctorate in Corporate Finance from New York University. He previously doubled General Electric’s revenue as President and CEO in Nigeria.
Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen:
- Ajuri Ngelale, Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, Chairman
- Lolade Abiola (UN SE4ALL), Secretary
- Lazarus Angbazo (CEO, InfraCorp), Member
- Salisu Dahiru (CEO, NCCC), Member
- Aminu Umar-Sadiq (CEO, NSIA), Member
- Khalil Halilu (CEO, NASENI), Member
- Abba Abubakar Aliyu (CEO, REA), Member
- Fatima Shinkafi (CEO, SMDF), Member
- Uzoma Nwagba (CEO, CrediCorp), Member
- Bala Bello (Deputy Governor, CBN), Member
- Teni Majekodunmi (NCCC), Member
- Nana Maidugu (NSIA), Member
- Michael Ivenso (NCCC), Member
- Suleiman Yusuf (Blue Camel Energy), Member
- Chidi Ajaere (Jet EV), Member
In addition, President Tinubu has formed the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions, chaired by the President himself, with Ajuri Ngelale serving as the Secretary. This committee comprises members from various federal ministries, agencies, and organizations, aiming to remove coordination constraints and foster a whole-of-government approach to climate action.
Committee's Mandates:
- Identify, develop, and implement innovative non-oil and non-gas climate action initiatives.
- Coordinate activities of federal institutions towards climate action and green economic objectives.
- Collaborate with subnational governments, non-government, and civil society entities.
- Monitor and evaluate climate action and renewable energy projects.
- Track the implementation of initiatives by the Energy Transition Working Group.
- Supervise the work of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.
- Prepare a half-yearly green ambitions update.
