Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Blue Carbon, a United Arab Emirates-based company, to develop sustainable climate change solutions.
The governor, who is presently attending the COP28 United Nations climate change meeting in Dubai, was exploring opportunities for investments in Niger State.
Governor Bago met with Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al-Maktoum, one of the members of Dubai's ruling royal family, who signed on behalf of the company, while Governor Bago signed on behalf of the Niger State Government.
The agreement will see one billion economic trees across one million hectares in Niger State geared towards improving the forestry within the region, a statement by the governor's chief press secretary has said.
Niger State will also benefit from new job opportunities and the promotion of economic development, while the initiative also aligns with sustainable development goals as well as ensuring long-term environmental health and economic prosperity.
The project is also expected to involve local communities and, in the long run, promote awareness about environmental conservation.