By Abdullahi Lukman
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed Abuja on Tuesday for Brazil to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), scheduled for November 10–21 in Belém, the capital of Pará State in the Brazilian Amazon.
Shettima will engage world leaders, development partners, and business executives at the summit, hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, which focuses on “Climate Action and Implementation”with emphasis on adaptation, biodiversity, forests, and climate justice.
According to Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Shettima will advance Nigeria’s participation in global carbon markets, potentially unlocking $2.5 billion to $3 billion annually in carbon finance over the next decade.
During the conference, he is expected to present Nigeria’s climate action plan, attend the launch of the Tropical Forest Forever Fund, and participate in roundtables on Climate and Nature, Energy Transition, and the Paris Agreement Review.
After COP30, Shettima will travel to Brasilia for talks with Brazilian Vice President, Geraldo Alckmin, to further deepen bilateral cooperation in defence, agriculture, energy, and cultural exchange, building on agreements signed during Alckmin’s visit to Nigeria in June.
The Vice President is expected back in Nigeria at the conclusion of his official engagements.