By Abbas Nazil
Nigeria has stepped up its climate commitments with the launch of an ambitious Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) that sets absolute emission reduction targets and outlines sweeping reforms in energy, land use, and transport.
NatureNews can confirm that Nigeria’s NDC 3.0 document had been submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) ahead of the 30th Conference of Parties (COP30) climate summit slated for November in Brazil.
The ambitious document commits Nigeria to a 29% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and 32% by 2035 compared to 2018 levels.
NatureNews gathered that Nigeria’s long-term goal was to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.
Analysts who spoke to NatureNews expressed delight that, unlike the earlier commitments on greenhouse gas reduction, NDC 3.0 adopts absolute cuts, reflecting Nigeria’s alignment with global calls to limit warming to 1.5°C.
NatureNews notes that energy transition is at the core of the new plan as Nigeria pledges 100% electricity access by 2030, with renewables making up half of the generation.
The 3.0 document indicates that solar and hydro expansion, alongside more efficient gas plants, are expected to drive the NDC 3.0 plans.
According to the document, diesel turbines will be replaced, and kerosene lighting will be phased out, while efficient cooare promoted nationwide.
Also, the oil and gas sector, which is a major revenue source for the country, faces strict new targets.
Still in the energy sector, Nigeria has committed to ending the gas flaring by 2030, while fugitive emissions from leaks and venting are to be reduced by 60% by 2035.
In the transport sector, Nigeria’s NDC 3.0 has outlined major reforms for green house gas reduction.
NatureNews gathered that the new plans had commited Nigeria to a widespread use of electric and compressed natural gas vehicles, stricter fuel standards, and expansion of Bus Rapid Transit in Lagos and Abuja.
As aviation was projected to adopt sustainable fuels to reduce emissions.
Land use and forestry are central to Nigeria’s strategy, providing the biggest share of emission cuts.
Commitments include lowering deforestation by 60%, planting 20 million trees annually, conserving mangroves, and restoring degraded forests.
Community forest projects and agroecological farming will support livelihoods while cutting emissions.
On adaptation, NDC 3.0 recognises Nigeria’s high vulnerability to floods, droughts, and heatwaves.
The forthcoming National Adaptation Plan outlines measures for agriculture, water resources, health, infrastructure, and ecosystems.
Climate-smart farming, flood protection, resilient housing, and insurance schemes for small farmers and businesses will help communities cope with impacts.
The government estimates that US$337 billion will be needed between 2026 and 2035 to fully implement the plan.
Domestic funding will cover US$67 billion, while the rest is expected from international partners.
Nigeria is also banking on carbon markets, projecting up to US$2.5 billion by 2030, and has issued a N50 billion green bond to raise additional funds.
NatureNews reports that the preparation of Nigeria’s NDC 3.0 was highly participatory.
More than 50,000 people took part in consultations across the country, including government officials, civil society, youth, women’s groups, Indigenous Peoples, and the private sector.
Officials stress that success depends on global support, technology transfer, and capacity building.
Still, Nigeria’s shift to absolute emission cuts signals its determination to balance economic growth with climate responsibility, positioning the country as a key African voice in global climate negotiations.
