Ejiro Efenudu
The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has reiterated the urgent need for collective global action to address pollution and climate change, as she commissioned a fleet of electric buses in Abia State.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Okonjo-Iweala described climate change and environmental pollution as major threats to sustainable development, public health and economic growth, noting that their impacts are already being felt across communities worldwide.
Promoting Clean and Sustainable Transportation
The electric buses, introduced by the Abia State Government as part of its urban transport reform, are aimed at reducing carbon emissions, lowering fuel costs and promoting environmentally friendly mobility. The initiative represents a shift from traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles to cleaner energy alternatives.
Okonjo-Iweala praised the Abia State Government for embracing green transportation, describing the project as a practical step toward reducing air pollution and mitigating the effects of climate change.
According to her, transportation is one of the major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in urban areas, and investments in clean transport systems can significantly improve air quality and quality of life.
Climate Change a Shared Global Challenge
The WTO Director-General stressed that climate change is a global problem that requires shared responsibility and cooperation among nations. She noted that environmental degradation does not respect borders, making collective action essential.
She called on governments at all levels to prioritise policies that promote renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure and climate-resilient development. She also urged the private sector and development partners to support investments that align economic growth with environmental protection.
Okonjo-Iweala emphasised that tackling pollution and climate change should not be viewed as a burden but as an opportunity to create jobs, improve public health and drive innovation.
Linking Trade, Development and the Environment
Drawing from her role at the WTO, Okonjo-Iweala explained that trade can be a powerful tool in advancing environmental sustainability when guided by the right policies. She noted that global trade frameworks can help facilitate the transfer of clean technologies and environmentally friendly goods to developing countries.
She added that aligning trade policies with climate goals would enable countries to grow their economies without compromising the environment. According to her, sustainable trade practices can help reduce emissions while enhancing competitiveness and resilience.
Commendation for Abia State’s Vision
At the event, Okonjo-Iweala commended Abia State for demonstrating leadership in climate-conscious governance. She described the electric bus project as an example of how sub-national governments can contribute meaningfully to global climate action.
She encouraged other states and cities across Nigeria to adopt similar initiatives, stressing that local actions, when replicated widely, can have a significant cumulative impact on reducing emissions.
The WTO Director-General also urged authorities to ensure proper maintenance and long-term sustainability of the electric buses, including investment in charging infrastructure and technical capacity.
Government’s Commitment to Green Development
Officials of the Abia State Government said the introduction of electric buses aligns with the state’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability and modern urban transportation. They noted that the project is expected to create jobs, reduce noise pollution and offer commuters safer and more efficient transport services.
The government assured residents that the buses would be deployed across key routes to ease congestion and improve mobility within the state capital and surrounding areas.
A Call to Action
In her closing remarks, Okonjo-Iweala appealed to citizens, policymakers and businesses to embrace environmentally responsible practices in their daily activities. She stressed that combating pollution and climate change requires not only government action but also individual commitment.
She expressed optimism that with sustained collaboration and innovation, Nigeria and the global community can build a cleaner, healthier and more resilient future for generations to come.
