Nigerian Government Launches Plan For COP29, Evaluates Results Of Previous Session

As the country prepares for the 29th session of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which will be held in Azerbaijan, the Federal Government has emphasised the importance of reviewing the results of the 28th session (COP28), which took place in Dubai.

The government stated that the outcomes of the COP28 negotiations have implications for Nigeria’s development aspirations and climate action across all sectors, and that they should be reviewed and evaluated.

COP of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the supreme governing body that convenes annually to assess progress in dealing with climate change and make plans for climate action within the UNFCCC guidelines.

COP28, held in Dubai last year, outlines the actions required to keep 1.5°C within reach, as per the Paris Agreement’s goal.

At COP28, Nigeria stressed the request for its inclusion in the G7’s climate partnership list for the Just Energy Transition Partnership towards an effective and sustainable framework in addressing the socio-economic effects of energy transition.

Nigeria also called for urgent scaling up of adaptation finance, expansion of adaptation acceleration programmes, and a substantive global goal on adaptation.

On Tuesday in Abuja, stakeholders gathered to review the outcomes of COP28. The meeting was organised by the National Council on Climate Change and the Delegation of the European Union in Nigeria.

Speaking at the one-day workshop, Minister of Environment Balarabe Lawal stated that the 28th session of the Conference of Parties to the UNFCCC serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for decisive action in the face of escalating climate crises and environmental challenges.

He said: “With negotiations focused on crucial issues such as mitigation, adaptation, finance, and transparency, the outcomes of COP28 have far-reaching implications for the future of our planet.”

The Minister continued, “As we prepare for COP29, it is critical that we foster a spirit of collaboration, unity, and shared responsibility, leveraging the collective wisdom, expertise, resources, and firm commitments of all stakeholders to advance Nigeria’s environmental goals.

“Nigeria, like many other countries, is already feeling the impacts of climate change. From extreme weather events to rising sea levels, the effects of climate change are evident in our daily lives.”

He noted that stakeholders need to take action and work towards a more sustainable and resilient future for the people and the environment.

Dr Salisu Dahiru, Director General of the NCCC, stated that as an oil-producing and developing country, the agreements reached at COP28 highlight the need for a strategic review of our national actions and climate goals.

“Hence, this workshop presents a pivotal opportunity for us to reflect on these outcomes and chart a path forward towards sustainable solutions as we speed our transition to a climate-resilient future.

“We seek to facilitate the inclusive participatory process to motivate actions towards more ambitious goals for our transition to a low-carbon economy, as well as to create a forum for government, businesses, states, and other stakeholders to continue shaping and strengthening Nigeria’s climate action processes,” Dr. Dahiru stated.