By Abbas Nazil
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Mrs. Omotenioye Majekodunmi as Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), the highest governance body of Nigeria’s climate action.
A statement issued by the Presidency on Thursday night disclosed that Majekodunmi takes over from Dr. Nkiruka Madueke, who was appointed as DG, barely a year ago.
President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the outgoing Director-General for her dedicated service and the firm foundation she laid during the Council’s formative period.
Dr. Madueke was the second DG of the Council, having succeeded the pioneer DG, Dr. Salisu Dahiru, in June 2024.
The new DG and CEO, Mrs. Majekodunmi is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost experts in climate finance and environmental law.
With over 17 years of experience, she has worked closely with international and national organizations on renewable energy, carbon markets, and sustainable environmental policy.
Before her new appointment, she served as the Council’s Financial Adviser, playing a central role in shaping Nigeria’s climate financing strategy and its position in international climate negotiations.
Her elevation comes at a time when the federal government is accelerating efforts to meet global climate obligations while advancing local sustainability goals.
The Council, under her leadership, is expected to deepen collaboration across government institutions and the private sector to drive the nation’s climate agenda forward.
She is also expected to oversee the development and implementation of national carbon budgeting, greenhouse gas regulations, and the efficient administration of the Climate Change Fund, which finances projects designed to build resilience and reduce emissions.
The National Council on Climate Change remains a key institution in Nigeria’s transition toward a greener economy as it is chaired by the President himself, with the Vice President serving as Vice Chairman.
Its mandate, derived from the Climate Change Act of 2021, includes the formulation of comprehensive climate policies and coordinating their implementation across ministries and agencies.
Membership of the Council also includes nine Ministers, and representatives of other critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s green ecosystem.
Mrs. Majekodunmi’s appointment, according to the Presidency, reflects the administration’s recognition of climate change as both an environmental necessity and an economic opportunity.
Her experience and leadership style are expected to inspire a more inclusive, ambitious, and results-driven approach to climate action in Nigeria.
In a reaction, Editor-in-Chief of NatureNews, Aliu Akoshile, who said Mrs Majekodunmi’s profile indicates she is a good fit for the job, expressed optimism that she will enhance the Council’s role in delivering policies that balance ecological integrity with social and economic development.
He noted that the change of leadership of the Council signifies President Tinubu’s renewed commitment to strong climate leadership and sustainable development in Nigeria.
He said NatureNews will support the Council in creating climate awareness and amplifying climate actions that stimulate national resilience, adding that the new DG needs to consolidate the gains of her predecessors in office.
As Mrs Majekodunmi assumes office, expectations are high that she will steer Nigeria’s climate agenda with renewed energy, deepen institutional reforms, and position the country as a continental leader in climate resilience and green growth.
Analysts have expressed cautious optimism that the new DG’s success will be measured by tangible actions, not just promises, as she is expected to focus on policy implementation, resource mobilization, and collaboration with stakeholders.
“While past efforts have fallen short, we remain cautiously optimistic. Climate change is a ticking clock, and Nigeria’s future depends on decisive leadership”, said a stakeholder.
Another analyst in climate finance warned that the road ahead is challenging, but with commitment and action, Nigeria can turn the tide on climate change. “We’ll be watching closely, holding the NCCC accountable, and advocating for a greener, more resilient future for all Nigerians”, he said.
