By Aliu Akoshile
The 29th edition of the conference of parties of the United Nations framework convention on climate change, famously known as COP29, is billed to hold from November 11 to 22, at Baku, Azerbaijan. Already, countries around the world are in a frenzy to make their voices heard in the hallowed recesses of the global summit. One of the subtle benefits that a nation could derive at the COP is enhanced image, positive reputation, and global influence for taking climate actions in line with SDG 13.
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But as the COP29 draws nearer, Nigeria stands at a crucial intersection in its tortuous but steady journey on the path of sustainable actions. Though rich in biodiversity and natural resources, Africa’s most populous nation is grappling with the dual challenges of climate change and economic development. Hence, the onus is now on Nigeria’s delegation to Baku to be armed with robust agenda for marketing the country’s potentials for a game-changing circular economy, on one hand, and attracting multilateral partnerships for actualisation of its nationally determined contributions to climate actions, on the other hand. This is a good premise for appreciating the enormous responsibility entrusted on the Ministry of Environment headed by the affable Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal.
For, it is now self-evident that Nigeria is not totally immuned from climate change impacts.
Indeed the recent devastating floods in Borno and many states of the country, as well as the fast encroaching desertification, and rising temperatures, are pointers that Nigeria needs to intensify the implementation of its several policies on climate resilience and adaptation in critical areas of the economy including agriculture and water resources. A major plank of the agro-climatic resilience agenda should be the promotion of sustainable farming practices, the development of drought-resistant crops, and improved irrigation systems for all season farming. This is a task already being pursued by the World Bank funded agency, Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL).
Another critical issue that should top Nigeria’s agenda for COP29 is the country’s embarrassing vulnerability despite the early warning systems often issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET). Of course, it is common knowledge that the warnings were usually ignored by those who were expected to act on them, unmistakably the State governors and chairmen of local government areas. The masses of course have a chunck of the blame, in most cases, for breaching the environmental regulations that aggravate natural disasters. Nonetheless, it is not unlikely that the country needs a new pathway for accessing the most modern technology that can guarantee precision forecasting and climate impact enumeration on a large scale. We must pitch for effective support from leading members of the global North.
One critical issue that can not but be on the agenda is Nigeria’s quest for just energy transition. Nigeria has to create compelling narratives to bolster its renewable energy sector which focuses on solar, wind, and hydropower. By highlighting some of the successful pilot projects and attracting partnerships, Nigeria would have paositib3d to position itself as a leader in sustainable energy in Africa. Even though not all Nigerians have access to clean energy as of now, the federal government must package its initiatives aimed at providing electricity to rural communities through off-grid renewable solutions.
Given the growing enthusiasm among Nigerians for energy transition, the country should be attractive enough to mobilize international funding to support its climate actions. This includes accessing funds from the Green Climate Fund and promoting partnerships with private investors to finance green projects. Similarly Nigeria can lead the charge for debt relief initiatives that can free up resources for climate-related investments. And, by aligning financial support with climate goals, Nigeria would be able to accelerate its transition to a sustainable economy.
The COP29 is indeed a great platform for Nigeria to showcase its commitment to protecting its unique ecosystems, including rainforests and coastal areas. Policies aimed at reforestation and conservation must be highlighted as being vital to both climate mitigation and biodiversity preservation. As an influential regional power, Nigeria must seek to collaborate with its neighbouring countries in West Africa to address common climate challenges, such as cross-border migration due to climate impacts. No doubt, the Baku conference presents an ample opportunity for Nigeria to pursue global climate policies that can reinforce its enviable position as a leader in the Global South, pushing for equitable climate solutions that address the needs of developing countries.
As COP29 approaches, the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) which is the country’s highest policy level on climate actions, must articulate a clear-cut agenda that reflects its commitment to climate action, economic development, and social equity. It must prioritise resilience, renewable energy, financial support, biodiversity conservation, and international collaboration. To be taken seriously, Nigeria should not only address its own climate challenges but also contribute to the global dialogue on sustainable development. The world will be watching as Nigeria steps onto the international stage in Azerbaijan to champion Africa’s vision for a greener and more sustainable future.
_Akoshile, an environment journalist and climate policy consultant, wrote via eic@naturenews.africa_
