President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to collaborating with African nations to secure international climate funds, aimed at addressing the pressing challenges of climate change.
Speaking at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Environment and Ecological Management, Balarabe Lawal, underscored the importance of enhancing access to climate financing.
“We are calling for greater and more straightforward access to these funds, including grants, to support the government’s mitigation and adaptation efforts,” Tinubu stated.
The president also stressed the urgency of operationalizing the loss and damage fund, a critical measure to address the adverse effects of climate change on vulnerable nations. Tinubu aligned Nigeria’s stance with the Harare Declaration, advocating for decisive actions to mitigate the health impacts of climate change.
Acknowledging Nigeria’s vulnerability to climate change, he said, “The country is experiencing widespread challenges attributed to climate change and its impacts. To combat these, Nigeria is ramping up policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance resilience, and integrate climate solutions into national development strategies.”
He highlighted Nigeria’s investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, afforestation, and sustainable transportation systems. Tinubu emphasized the pivotal global transition away from fossil fuels, noting Nigeria’s adoption of renewable energy and alternative energy technologies such as compressed natural gas (CNG) systems and electrification solutions.
The president’s remarks reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience, as the country seeks international support to advance its green initiatives.
