By Abbas Nazil
The International Centre for Energy, Environment and Development (ICEED) has partnered with the National Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) to strengthen the capacity of Nigerian legal practitioners in climate law, with a focus on reviewing the Climate Change Act and improving the country’s participation in global climate negotiations.
The collaboration is aimed at addressing gaps in Nigeria’s climate policy framework and ensuring that lawyers have the technical knowledge required to support national interests during international climate discussions, including the upcoming Conference of Parties (COP).
The partnership was announced during the Pre-COP Legal Training Workshop and capacity-building programme organised by ICEED and NIALS, held in Abuja from July 27 to July 31, 2026, where stakeholders highlighted the need for stronger legal expertise to navigate the increasingly complex nature of global climate agreements and regulations.
Executive Director of ICEED, Ewah Eleri, said climate negotiations have become more technical since the passage of Nigeria’s Climate Change Act, making it necessary to update the country’s legal framework and strengthen the skills of professionals involved in climate governance.
He explained that developing adequate legal capacity would enable Nigeria to negotiate effectively on critical issues such as climate finance, technology transfer and other commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Eleri noted that the training followed an earlier preparatory session held in May ahead of the June subsidiary bodies meeting in Germany, adding that the current programme was designed to further improve the ability of lawyers to contribute meaningfully to international climate processes.
He disclosed that the initiative would establish a permanent legal working group that would provide continuous support to Nigeria’s official climate negotiation teams and serve as a technical resource for implementing the Climate Change Act.
The Director-General of NIALS, Professor Abdulqadir Abikan, represented by the Director of Research, Professor Emmanuel Okon, said Nigeria’s existing climate legislation may require further improvement to align with global standards and better protect the country’s interests.
He observed that Nigeria often faces challenges during international climate negotiations due to limited legal and technical expertise, adding that the training would help bridge the gap by preparing professionals who understand both domestic laws and international climate frameworks.
Abikan explained that the focus of the legal working group is not simply to amend the Climate Change Act or introduce new regulations, but to identify specific areas requiring improvement and develop practical solutions that will strengthen climate governance.
Director of Climate Change at the Kano State Ministry of Environment, Umar Saleh Anka, stressed the importance of the programme for states developing their own climate policies and legislation.
He said Kano State currently has a climate policy and an ongoing climate bill, noting that legal professionals involved in drafting such laws must understand the technical language and requirements of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Anka warned that without adequate knowledge of climate science and international agreements, lawyers may struggle to develop effective policies and legislation capable of addressing environmental challenges.
The Special Assistant to the Abia State Governor on Climate Change and Sustainability, Esther Ajah, described the initiative as timely, especially as countries face emerging global climate regulations and increasing demands for sustainable investment.
She said strengthening the knowledge of legal practitioners would help create confidence among investors and support states in aligning development plans with climate objectives.
Ajah noted that Abia State is already incorporating climate considerations into its 25-year development plan as part of efforts to attract sustainable finance and promote long-term resilience.
The partnership between ICEED and NIALS is expected to provide Nigeria with stronger legal expertise in climate governance, improve representation at international negotiations and support the effective implementation of climate policies at national and subnational levels.