The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a press statement addressing public concerns regarding the representation of the country at the ongoing 28th Conference of Parties (COP-28) in Dubai.
Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Finer, delivered the statement with the goal of enhancing transparency and clarity regarding Nigeria’s engagement in the global climate summit.
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As per the announcement, the comprehensive delegation, supported by both Federal and State Governments as well as non-government entities, comprises 422 individuals, underscoring Nigeria’s dedication to confronting climate challenges.
“As the biggest economy and most populous country in Africa, with a substantial extractive economy and extensive vulnerability to climate change, Nigeria has a significant stake in climate action, and our active and robust participation at COP is therefore not unwarranted,” the statement reads.
The statement also outlined significant outcomes from Nigeria’s active involvement at COP-28:
“Nigeria and Germany signed an accelerated performance agreement to expedite the implementation of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) to improve Nigeria’s electricity supply. The agreement was signed by Mr. Kenny Anuwe, the Managing Director and CEO of FGN Power Company, and Ms. Nadja Haakansson, Siemens Energy’s Senior Vice President and Managing Director for Africa, at a ceremony witnessed by President Tinubu and Chancellor Scholz.
“President Tinubu hosted a high-level meeting with stakeholders and investors on the Nigeria Carbon Market and the Electric Buses Rollout Programme on the margins of the COP28 climate summit.
“The President unveiled the Nigeria Carbon Market Activation Plan, co-chaired by the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Zacch Adedeji, and the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Dr. Dahiru Salisu.
“The Electric Buses program is only the first step in a series of innovative, clean, modern, and sustainable initiatives across diverse sectors, all aimed at simultaneously addressing climate change-related challenges, reducing carbon footprint, modernizing infrastructure systems, and positioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for global investments.
“Nigeria stands to benefit from the Loss and Damage Fund established during COP-27 in Egypt and formally operationalized at the opening plenary of COP-28 in Dubai. The Fund will provide substantial non-debt financing to support countries most affected by the impact of climate change. Hundreds of millions of dollars have already been pledged as contributions to the Fund.
“The President also met the President of UAE to concretize engagements between the two countries. This is aside from the bilateral talks held with several countries and multilateral partners.”
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Idris also highlighted that President Tinubu participated in discussions with the President of the UAE and engaged in bilateral talks with various countries and partners, strengthening international collaborations; the declaration underscores President Tinubu’s persistent advocacy for Africa, emphasizing the necessity of significant Western funding and investment for alternative energy solutions.
He reiterated that President Tinubu and the Nigerian delegation are in Dubai for substantial endeavors, dispelling any notion of frivolity, with the statement aiming to reassure Nigerians that Nigeria’s presence at COP-28 is purposeful, aligning with the nation’s dedication to global climate action.