EU Partners With Nigeria To Strengthen Climate Negotiating Skills Ahead Of COP29

Abuja, THE NEWSHAUS –  The European Union (EU) is actively supporting Nigeria’s climate negotiators to effectively advocate for national interests and build consensus at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), which is scheduled to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024.

Training for Effective Engagement: The EU, in partnership with the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), has initiated a training program for Nigerian negotiators.

The programme aims to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate complex international climate negotiations, ensuring that Nigeria’s voice is heard and its priorities are effectively represented.

EU Acknowledges Nigeria’s Leadership: Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, emphasised Nigeria’s leadership role in climate action, citing their early support for the EU’s global pledge to triple renewable energy sources and double energy efficiency by 2030. He also praised the establishment of the NCCC as a crucial step in advancing Nigeria’s climate agenda.

Focus on Nigeria’s NDC Implementation: The EU is collaborating with the NCCC to review and support the implementation of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in key sectors like waste, energy, and the circular economy.

This partnership aims to ensure that Nigeria’s climate actions are effectively implemented and contribute to global efforts to mitigate climate change.

Nigeria’s Commitment to Climate Action: Dr. Nkiruka Madueke, Director-General of the NCCC, underscored the importance of Nigeria taking a leading role in climate change conversations at COP29. She stressed the need for a strong and well-prepared negotiating team to represent Nigeria’s interests effectively.

Methane Emissions Reduction Efforts:  In a related development, the EU supported a capacity-building workshop on reducing methane emissions in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

The workshop provided stakeholders with knowledge on measuring and monitoring methane emissions, highlighting its significance as a potent greenhouse gas.

Nigeria’s Commitment to Reducing Methane Emissions: Dr. Madueke emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to reducing methane emissions, stating that the country has committed to eliminating routine gas flaring by 2030 and reducing fugitive methane emissions by 60 percent by 2031. This commitment is supported by three regulatory frameworks developed by the NCCC.

COP29: A Defining Moment for Global Climate Action:  The training program for Nigerian climate negotiators, along with the focus on reducing methane emissions, demonstrates a shared commitment from the EU and Nigeria to tackling climate change.

As COP29 approaches, these efforts will play a crucial role in ensuring that Nigeria’s voice and contributions are heard and acknowledged on the global stage, contributing to a more sustainable future.