COP27: Nigeria prioritises climate finance, partnerships building – Minister

The Minister of Environment, Hon. Mohammed Abdullahi has said Nigeria’s COP27 priorities will focus on exploring options for climate finance and building partnerships that will drive the country’s emissions reduction ambitions, adaptation, and climate change mitigation.

The minister addressed the press at the weekend on preparations by the ministry ahead of the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties (COP) 27 scheduled to be held in Egypt from November 6- November 18.

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He said the focus would enable Nigeria to acquire sustainable funding that would help drive “nature-based solutions such as land restoration, reforestation, combating desertification, climate smart-agricultural practices as well as adaptation strategies.”

“Nigeria will also seek collaboration and support on sustainable waste management, renewable and clean energy provision, and finance for loss and damage,” he said.

While stressing that Nigeria will push for developed countries to fulfill their financial pledges which would help the country in tackling the climate crisis evident in this year’s flooding, Abdullahi said: “The expected outcomes of Nigeria’s participation will include increased partnership building that will help Nigeria achieve its emission reduction targets, address adaptation and mitigation, establish sustainable financing for climate actions, resilience building, poverty eradication, Energy Transition, and sustainable development.

“It is noteworthy to state Nigeria’s political will to push for a holistic Climate Agenda that is sustainable and all-inclusive which has been demonstrated by Mr. President’s action in assenting to the Climate Change Act and the subsequent appointment of the Director General of the National Climate Change Council and the drive by HE, the Vice President of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan. Nigeria will walk the talk at COP27.”

The minister also launched Nigeria’s COP27 National Logo which, he said, represents the country’s alignment with the ideals and objectives of COP27 but distinctively projects Nigeria’s national priorities as a country.