By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Nigeria’s President, Bola A. Tinubu, declared on Tuesday that the country is one of the most vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change globally. Speaking at the 29th Session of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29-UNFCCC) in the Republic of Azerbaijan, Tinubu outlined Nigeria’s commitment to addressing these challenges.
The President, represented by the Minister of Environment and Ecological Management, Mr. Balarabe Lawal, explained that Nigeria is stepping up efforts to implement policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing resilience, and integrating climate change solutions into national development plans. He highlighted the country’s investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, afforestation, and other climate-friendly initiatives.
“Nigeria is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to the impacts of climate change,” Tinubu said. “There is mounting evidence that the country is facing widespread challenges due to climate change, which severely limits our sustainable development and growth.”
To combat these issues, the President emphasized that Nigeria is intensifying its policy implementation to reduce emissions and increase resilience. He also pointed out that the country is making significant investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, afforestation, and transportation.
Tinubu further explained that nearly a decade after the Paris Agreement, the world stands at a critical juncture in the transition away from fossil fuels. He noted that Nigeria has embraced several technologies, including renewable energy sources, compressed natural gas (CNG) mobility systems, and electric vehicles (EVs). The country is committed to its Energy Transition Plan and Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy, aiming to increase the use of renewable energy and improve energy efficiency.
“We are open to collaborating to expand our renewable energy mix,” he said, adding that Nigeria is working towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 and enhancing its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The country has developed a framework for implementing its NDC and is eager to partner with others to achieve its goals.
Tinubu also highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to incorporate adaptation measures into national policies, programs, and actions, noting that an Adaptation Compact with project pipelines is in place to build resilience. The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) is being finalized to strengthen the country’s ability to cope with climate change.
“Nigeria advocates for the provision of means of implementation to achieve the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA),” Tinubu stated. He also mentioned the development of a framework for participation in the Article 6 Carbon Market and the establishment of a national carbon registry. Nigeria is pushing for easier access to international climate finance to support mitigation and adaptation efforts, calling for the scaling up of adaptation finance and the operationalization of the loss and damage fund.
Additionally, Nigeria aligns with the Harare Declaration by African Ministers of Health, urging action on the impact of climate change on health.
“Addressing climate change is a shared responsibility,” the President concluded. “This COP presents an opportunity to move from rhetoric to concrete action. The world must act now.”
The Minister extended President Tinubu’s gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan for hosting the first COP in the Caucasus region.
**Caption:**
President Tinubu highlights Nigeria’s vulnerability to climate change and intensifies efforts to combat its effects through policies, investments, and international collaboration.
