Writing By Shindong Bala; Editing By Godwin Duru
Federal Government has expressed determination of translating its National Climate Action Plan to job creation, poverty reduction, improved public health, and sustainable economic development.
Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Climate Finance and Stakeholders Engagement Mr. Ibrahim Shelleng stated this at the official validation of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution NDC 3.0 in Abuja.
The NDC is a collective promise made by every country to reducing greenhouse gas emissions also refered to as the Paris Agreement.
According to Mr. Ibrahim Shelleng , the validated NDC 3.0 is pivotal to Nigeria’s inclusive approaches at ensuring that every voice is heard towards meeting national targets that are both ambitious and realistic.
He emphasized that NDC 3.0 seeks to build on the gains of previous versions, incorporate recent developments in climate science and policy, and align with Development Strategy in the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan.
Director General of the National Council on Climate Change, Barrister Teni Majekodunmi who welcomed the high powered delegation at the event, noted that Climate action is a collective responsibility and not be left for government alone.
“We recognize that climate action is not the responsibility of government alone. It demands the active participation of all stakeholders — from ministries and agencies, to civil society, private sector, development partners, youth groups, women’s organizations, and our academic and research institutions. Your presence here today demonstrates the power of partnership, and the seriousness with which we all approach the urgent challenge of climate change. As we move into today’s validation process, I encourage frank, constructive discussions and feedback. Let us ensure that the final NDC 3.0 document that emerges reflects our national priorities, technological capacities, financial realities, and our commitment to a just and equitable transition.”
Resident representative of United Nations Development Program Nigeria, Mrs. Varsha Redkar-Palepu acknowledged that Nigera’s NDCs Journey which started from the scratch has laid a solid foundation.
Mrs. Varsha stated that Climate Action requires unity of purpose and not division.
“The world is at a tipping point. The decisions we make now will shape the climate trajectory, for generations. Nigeria’s 3.0 arrives at a time when global trust in multilateral processes is wavering. Yet the urgency for climate action demands unity, not division. The Paris Agreement and the NDCs remain our greatest opportunity for global action And Nigeria’s leadership sends a powerful signal that the Global South is not waiting, it is leading.”
The African Development Bank representative Mr. Gerard spoke on finance mobilization point of view towards a realistic implementation of the NDC.
” We have already provided support for countries to develop their long-term strategies and we consider this an opportunity for nigeria as well to benefit so we we think that we are open to support nigerian anyway in terms of developing the NDC 3.0 investment plan and then also for the end itself i think we have also provided a lot.”
The Nationally Determined Contributions which represent each country’s highest possible ambition on Climate Action is updated every five years, forming the backbone of global climate progress for sustainable development.
Cov/Shindong Bala
