The appointment of Mrs Omotenioye Majekodunmi as the new Director-General/Chief Executive Officer for the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) which was announced on Thursday, July 31, has opened a new chapter in Nigeria’s climate action odyssey.
While the new leadership is expected to bring fresh perspectives and introduce creative innovation, the challenges facing Nigeria’s climate agenda are multidimensional. Hence, the performance indicator and success factor will depend on the DG’s ability to navigate bureaucratic hurdles, secure funding, and drive meaningful policy implementation for Africa’s most populous country.
As we welcome the new NCCC boss, we will emphasise that climate change is a complex, multifaceted issue requiring sustained commitment and action. Floods, rising temperatures, more frequent natural disasters, and devastating environmental degradation are just a few of the many consequences of inaction. The new DG’s success will, therefore, be measured not by sloganeering as we witnessed in the past. We would like to see tangible results and progress toward Nigeria’s climate goals.
NatureNews notes that Nigeria’s climate agenda has been hampered by inadequate funding, lack of coordination, and grossly insufficient public awareness. We urge the new DG to prioritise resource mobilisation, stakeholder engagement, and policy coherence to overcome these challenges. The NCCC under Mrs. Majekodunmi must collaborate with civil society, the private sector, the media, and international partners to leverage resources and expertise.
From our vintage position, NatureNews reckons that one of the key challenges facing the NCCC is the need to balance short-term needs with long-term goals. Climate change mitigation and adaptation require a sustained commitment to policy implementation, investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, and support for vulnerable communities. The new DG has to navigate these complexities while ensuring that climate action is inclusive, equitable, and just.
The NCCC’s mandate includes developing policies, coordinating climate action, and mobilizing resources to support Nigeria’s climate goals. The new DG must work closely with other government agencies, development partners, and stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of Nigeria’s Climate Change Act. This requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and strategic partnerships, all of which the new DG could boast of.
Today, climate change is viewed as not just an environmental issue; it’s also a development challenge. Nigeria’s economic growth, public health, and social stability are all linked to the country’s ability to manage the impacts of climate change. The new DG must recognize the interconnectedness of these issues and develop policies that address the root causes of climate vulnerability.
In recent years, Nigeria has made some progress in addressing climate change, including the development of a National Climate Change Policy and the establishment of the NCCC. However, much remains to be done. The new DG must build on these efforts, leveraging international best practices and local expertise to drive meaningful action.
As the NCCC embarks on this new chapter, we urge the DG to prioritise transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. Climate action must be people-centered, taking into account the needs and perspectives of vulnerable communities, women, and youth. The DG should also ensure that climate policies are evidence-based, drawing on the latest scientific research and data.
With this new appointment, remain cautiously optimistic about the potential for positive change. If the new DG can deliver on promises and drive effective action, Nigeria’s climate agenda could gain momentum. We’ll be watching closely, holding the NCCC accountable, and advocating for policies that prioritize the environment, public health, and sustainable development.
NatureNews believes Nigeria’s climate future depends largely on the leadership and vision of the NCCC’s new DG. We look forward to seeing bold action, tangible results, and a renewed commitment to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development. Only through collective effort can we build a climate-resilient future for all Nigerians.