COP30: HONOUR $100BN CLIMATE FINANCE PLEDGE... Tinubu Tells Global Leaders In Brazil

"We recognize the critical importance of well-structured climate finance alongside technology transfer and capacity building in attaining sustainable development. We believe these are essential pillars for achieving climate resilience, inclusive growth, and a just transition to a low-carbon future." President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR 

Nigeria's President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has congratulated the good people of Brazil for their hosting of the historic Thirtieth Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP30) which took place in the city of Belém. 

President Tinubu, whose speech was  presented at the occasion by the Honourable Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, commended the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change UNFCCC Secretariat for its steadfast leadership at this critical moment.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister disclosed that "Nigeria is among the countries most vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change. The effects of this phenomenon are evident across all regions of our nation." He said.

"In the arid and semi-arid zones, we face desert encroachment, loss of arable land, and declining livelihoods, while in the coastal areas, erosion and land degradation continue to threaten communities, infrastructure, and vital ecosystems." He further disclosed.

Balarabe Abbas Lawal, in the speech of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stated that, "To confront these challenges, Nigeria is implementing decisive and coordinated measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change both domestically and across Africa. 

"We recognize the critical importance of well-structured climate finance alongside technology transfer and capacity building in attaining sustainable development. We believe these are essential pillars for achieving climate resilience, inclusive growth, and a just transition to a low-carbon future.

"In Nigeria, we have taken decisive steps to move from pledges to practical implementation. This year, Nigeria is the first country in West Africa to submit a comprehensive and enhanced Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0). The NDC 3.0 aligns with our national development priorities which enhance resilience, energy access, adaptation, and emission reduction across key sectors. 

"Nigeria’s National Development Plan remains the backbone of our growth strategy, embedding climate resilience and sustainable development across all sectors. We are also expanding protected and conserved areas to safeguard biodiversity and strengthen nature-based solutions for carbon sequestration.

The representative of the Nigerian leader noted that, "To promote green growth and sustainable financing, Nigeria has issued its third Sovereign Green Bond. The proceeds of the bonds are dedicated to green projects that will advance our NDC commitments. 

"In partnership with international initiatives such as the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), the Great Green Wall, and the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), we are restoring degraded lands, protecting watersheds, and improving livelihoods across the country.

"Nigeria continues to pursue pragmatic emission-reduction measures while safeguarding energy security, industrial growth, and job creation. Through the Green Economic Empowerment (GEE 774) initiative, our nation is advancing e-mobility and sustainable transport systems. We have assembled and distributed electric tricycles under a lease-to-own model, thereby creating green jobs and economically empowering women and youth across the country.

"In addition, through the National Flood Management and Resilience Programme (NFM-RP), Nigeria is investing in hydraulic infrastructure, river training, shore protection, and desilting works to protect vulnerable communities and restore degraded catchments. We are also advancing climate resilience in rural and urban areas to protect public health, enhance productivity, and sustain livelihoods.

"In the Sahel region, Nigeria continues to advance its transboundary water cooperation through the Niger Basin Authority and the Lake Chad Basin Commission to strengthen climate resilience, ecosystem restoration, and peacebuilding. 

"We are prioritizing data harmonization, groundwater management, and early warning systems in order to address flooding, drought, and resource-related conflicts. Additionally, we are expanding the deployment of nature-based solutions while advocating for measurable indicators and dedicated financing to strengthen water and sanitation resilience under the Global Goal on Adaptation." He further read to the audience.

Minister Balarabe Abbas Lawal, while reading the address of President Tinubu, further told the audience that; "​We (Nigeria) have approved and operationalized the National Carbon Market Framework, designed to ensure integrity, transparency, and national benefit-sharing while positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for high-quality carbon markets. At the same time, we are implementing transformative initiatives to promote sustainable resource management and low-carbon growth. 

"The Nigeria Farmers Soil Health Scheme enhances soil productivity; Smart Mining Technologies improve efficiency and land reclamation; while the Nigeria Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS) embeds climate resilience, methane reduction, and sustainable livestock practices supported by real-time emissions monitoring through Close Carbon technology.

"Nigeria remains steadfast in strengthening data systems and inclusive governance that prioritize women, youth, and vulnerable communities. Our nation continues to champion the ozone–climate nexus through the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment, advancing sustainable cooling and Low Global Warming Potential (GWP) technologies under the Nigeria Cooling Action Plan (N-CAP)." The Minister read.

In conclusion, addressing the audience which included the Brazilian President, Minister Lawal said; "Nigeria urges all nations that pledged the $100 billion annual climate finance to honor their commitments and ensure the timely delivery of resources which would support adaptation, mitigation, and other priorities, particularly for vulnerable developing countries. 

"We stand ready to collaborate with bilateral, multilateral, as well as private partners to mobilize resources, share knowledge, and accelerate innovative solutions for a just and sustainable transition. We also call for greater access to climate grants and technology transfer to strengthen local innovation and resilience.

He noted that "addressing climate change is a shared responsibility. This gathering of COP30 presents yet another opportunity for us to collectively strengthen global solidarity, scale up ambition, and translate our commitments into concrete actions that will safeguard our planet for present and future generations. Let us remember that our actions here will echo in eternity." He concluded.