By Abbas Nazil
Nigeria has expressed the need for strategic action and financial access to drive Africa’s climate agenda.
Representing President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, outlined Nigeria’s climate initiatives at the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC).
The minister acknowledged the leadership of Kenya’s President, Dr. William Samoei Ruto, in advancing the continent’s climate strategy and stressed the urgency of securing pledged climate funds from developed nations.
A key component of Nigeria’s approach, Lawal said, is leveraging the carbon market system under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which was adopted at the UNFCCC COP29 in Baku.
This mechanism is expected to help Nigeria and other African nations monetize carbon reductions, attracting investment for climate-resilient projects.
The minister said government is focusing on mobilizing domestic financing through instruments like Sovereign Green Bonds, which have been used to fund renewable energy, afforestation, and other environmentally sustainable projects.
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Beyond financial strategies, Nigeria is committed to enacting well-defined policies tailored to the country’s unique environmental and socio-economic landscape.
The minister highlighted the need for policies that not only align with global climate goals but also address local challenges, ensuring that climate action remains effective and inclusive.
He said the country is also working toward an optimal utilization of its vast natural resources while maintaining a just transition, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of environmental sustainability.
Lawal reaffirmed Nigeria’s alignment with Africa’s broader climate objectives, emphasizing the need to curb greenhouse gas emissions, reduce pollution, and combat deforestation.
The minister stressed the importance of biodiversity conservation, recognizing that ecosystem degradation exacerbates climate vulnerabilities.
He said addressing the pressing challenges of flooding, food insecurity, and energy scarcity also remains a priority, with Nigeria advocating for a comprehensive approach to climate adaptation and resilience-building across the continent.
As climate risks continue to threaten African nations, Nigeria remains committed to collaborative efforts aimed at achieving sustainable development while mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.
The government’s position at CAHOSCC reflects a broader strategy of integrating climate considerations into national planning and ensuring that Africa’s voice remains strong in global climate negotiations.
