By Faith Obams, JKNewsMedia Intern
NIGERIA HAS positioned itself as West Africa’s climate action leader following its submission of the region’s first Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The move marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to translate its climate commitments into practical projects and investment opportunities, as Vice President Kashim Shettima prepares to unveil Nigeria’s green transition roadmap to world leaders at the ongoing thirtieth Conference of the Parties (COP 30) in Belém, Brazil.
Director General of Nigeria’s National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Tenioye Majekodunmi, disclosed this during an interview with journalists ahead of the summit’s opening ceremony, noting that the submission solidifies Nigeria’s leadership role in climate governance within the subregion.
Majekodunmi said Nigeria’s pioneering submission to the UNFCCC marks a “turning point” for the nation’s climate diplomacy and readiness to mobilise climate finance and technology partnerships.
According to her, “This is particularly what we call the implementation COP that we have all been waiting for here in Belém, and we are very excited that it has come. COP 30 is particularly important for us in Nigeria because of the momentum that we have gathered in the last two months leading up to the summit.
“First with the submission of our NDC 3.0 and us being the first West African country to submit, this is a turning point for Nigeria.”
The NCCC chief highlighted three key outcomes Nigeria expects from the summit, stating that COP 30 provides an ideal platform to convert policy commitments into actionable programmes and attract tangible investments.
“One of the main things we are hoping to take away is to turn all the deliverables in our NDC 3.0 into pipeline projects, partnerships, and pay-for-performance mechanisms because we need to start turning from paper to projects, and COP 30 is where Nigeria would be doing this,” she said.
She added that Nigeria’s recent approval of the National Carbon Market Framework and the operationalisation of the National Climate Change Fund signal strong government commitment to advancing the country’s green economy.
“Just a few days ago, the Nigerian government approved the National Carbon Market Framework and also moved for the operationalisation of our National Climate Change Fund. That decision really gives investors a clear policy direction and signals that Nigeria is open for high-integrity carbon investments which deliver real mitigation and community benefits,” she explained.
Majekodunmi stressed that COP 30 presents a unique opportunity for Nigeria to activate its new market frameworks and consolidate its position as a destination for sustainable investment.
“Belém gives us the right global matchmaking platform to be able to achieve this, and we are quite excited about what is going to happen,” she said.
The NCCC Director General further noted that Nigeria will use the conference to deepen its South-South cooperation, particularly in advancing forest conservation and ecosystem protection across tropical regions.
“It is something that has never happened before. We are here in the Amazon, we are in the forest, and this collaboration with the Amazon, Congo, and Guinea region forest dialogue, building on what Brazil’s forest protection initiatives have put in place, really just strengthens the Belém agenda.
“We are excited to be able to see how we can improve on this collaboration and take a lot of things home,” she said.
Ten years ago, 196 Parties to the UNFCCC adopted the Paris Agreement at COP 21 in France, establishing a global framework for climate action.
“Central to that agreement are the NDCs, through which each Party must outline its greenhouse gas reduction targets and adaptation plans every five years. Nigeria’s NDC 3.0 represents its third commitment cycle under this mechanism.
Presidential spokesperson Stanley Nkwocha, who serves as Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the President in the Office of the Vice President, stated that Nigeria’s presence at COP 30 reflects its steadfast commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement, and the pursuit of Goal 13 on climate action.
“For us as a country, it is not just about our participation at COP 30 in Belém, Brazil, but it shows clearly the President’s commitment to the 2016 Paris Accord, to which Nigeria is a signatory, and ensuring that article 13 of that accord, which talks about climate change, is duly pursued and being implemented to the letter,” he said.
Nkwocha added that Vice President Shettima will use his address at the leaders’ plenary to present Nigeria’s roadmap for climate adaptation, energy transition, and emissions reduction targets as outlined in NDC 3.0.
“So, here in Belém, the Vice President of Nigeria will definitely be speaking to the spirit and body of Nigeria’s intent with particular emphasis on the country’s Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0),” he noted.
He affirmed that Nigeria remains committed to its goals of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 32 per cent by 2035 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, aligning with the nation’s long-term development and energy transition plans.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, is expected to join other world leaders, development partners, and private sector representatives at the official opening of COP 30, which carries the theme “Climate Action and Implementation.”
The conference is expected to focus on adaptation, forests, biodiversity, and climate justice, reflecting the urgency of turning climate pledges into measurable results.
According to the Office of the Vice President, Shettima’s participation underscores Nigeria’s readiness to demonstrate leadership in balancing sustainable development with environmental stewardship, and to showcase the country’s expanding portfolio of green initiatives.
The thirtieth session of the Conference of the Parties is being hosted by the Government of Brazil in Belém, a symbolic location within the Amazon rainforest, bringing together global leaders to discuss practical pathways for implementing climate targets.
Nigeria’s delegation to COP 30 includes key government officials, climate policy experts, and private sector stakeholders who will engage in negotiations, bilateral meetings, and investment forums aimed at driving green growth and climate resilience at home.
By leading West Africa with its early submission of NDC 3.0, Nigeria aims to position itself not only as a regional climate policy pioneer but also as a credible hub for sustainable financing and international cooperation.
Majekodunmi concluded that Nigeria’s active participation in Belém sets a new tone for Africa’s engagement in global climate dialogue.
“This is the beginning of a new chapter for Nigeria in the global climate space,” she said.
