By Abbas Nazil
Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has expressed optimism that the upcoming 30th Conference of Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) would strengthen bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Brazil, particularly in advancing climate action under the Paris Agreement.
The minister was speaking during the official visit of the Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Carlos Garcete, and his delegation to the Federal Ministry of Environment in Abuja.
He observed that Nigeria and Brazil have long enjoyed cordial relations in trade, culture, tourism, and economic development since Nigeria’s independence.
Lawal said COP30, scheduled to hold in Belem, Brazil, from November 10 to 21, 2025, would provide both countries an opportunity to expand collaboration in areas such as climate change adaptation, mitigation, biodiversity protection, ecosystem management, and environmental sustainability.
The minister commended Brazil’s leadership in environmental conservation, noting the country’s vast forest cover, rivers, and rich biodiversity.
He also praised the resumption of direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, describing it as a major step toward boosting trade and fostering stronger economic ties.
Lawal congratulated Brazil on securing hosting rights for both COP30 and the G20 Summit, adding that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aligns with global goals for sustainable growth, resilience, and a healthy environment.
He expressed optimism that the two nations would explore more mutually beneficial areas during the global climate conference.
In his remarks, Ambassador Garcete highlighted that Brazil and Nigeria’s diplomatic relationship dates back over 60 years, recalling that Brazil was the only South American nation present at Nigeria’s independence in 1960.
He assured that the Brazilian Embassy will facilitate visa processing for Nigerians participating in COP30 and emphasized the importance of boosting non-oil trade between the two countries.
Garcete also commended the renewed direct flight connection as a milestone in strengthening economic and cultural ties, pledging Brazil’s continued support for Nigeria’s active participation in COP30.
