Nigeria is set to participate in the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) with a focus on translating climate commitments into measurable development outcomes. The country's approach aims to improve livelihoods, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth. This shift in focus was announced by the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Mrs. Tenioye Majekodunmi, at a pre-COP31 press conference in Abuja. Nigeria's priorities ahead of the global climate summit, scheduled to take place in Antalya, Türkiye, were also outlined.
According to Majekodunmi, Nigeria's climate strategy will prioritize access to climate finance, green investments, institutional strengthening, and partnerships that support sustainable economic development. The country's climate action will be assessed not only by its contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also by its impact on employment, incomes, and the overall well-being of Nigerians. This approach marks a significant shift from making climate pledges to implementing practical measures that deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
Majekodunmi identified policy consistency, credible institutions, bankable projects, and predictable regulations as critical to attracting long-term private-sector investment into Nigeria's climate and energy transition sectors. She emphasized that capital follows certainty and stressed the need for Nigeria to present viable projects and investment opportunities to development partners and private investors at COP31. The NCCC director-general outlined the four Ds of climate finance and implementation: dollars, deals, deliveries, and dividends.
Under the four Ds approach, climate finance commitments must translate into actual funding, support viable projects, deliver measurable results, and generate economic benefits for Nigerians. Majekodunmi also disclosed that Nigeria's negotiators are identifying the country's priorities, potential areas of compromise, and red lines to ensure that its national interests are protected during negotiations. The NCCC has sustained its Structured Mentorship Programme and introduced the Nigeria Climate Negotiator Network and a Digital Resource Repository to strengthen negotiation capacity and preserve institutional knowledge.
The NCCC director-general announced the launch of the NCCC Annual Media Training Programme to improve journalists' understanding of climate change, climate finance, energy transition, and the economic opportunities associated with climate action. Majekodunmi urged journalists to expand climate reporting beyond environmental impacts and emissions to include carbon markets, adaptation, green industrialization, employment, and investment opportunities. This move aims to enhance public understanding of climate-related issues.
Other stakeholders, including the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters, Mr. Yussuf Kelani, and the NCCC Assistant Director, Mr. Okebugwu Chukwuemeka, emphasized the importance of accurate and comprehensive reporting of Nigeria's participation in international climate negotiations. They advocated for journalists to work closely with the NCCC to improve public understanding of critical areas, such as climate finance, energy transition, and loss and damage funding.
Nigeria is strengthening its participation in Sustainable Development Goals processes and international climate negotiations, particularly on adaptation, mitigation, and just transition. The country is deepening its engagement through regional platforms, including the Economic Community of West African States, to ensure that Nigeria's priorities are adequately represented in regional and global climate discussions. This move is expected to enhance Nigeria's negotiation capacity and promote its national interests.
Key points
- Nigeria shifts focus from climate pledges to practical measures for development at COP31.
- The country prioritizes access to climate finance, green investments, and institutional strengthening.
- Nigeria aims to present viable projects and investment opportunities to development partners and private investors at COP31.
