The Nigerian government is gearing up for an important climate milestone. They have started preparing their second Biennial Transparency Report (BTR2) and Fourth National Communication (NC4) for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This initiative shows Nigeria’s commitment to combating climate change on a global scale.
The kickoff for this new reporting cycle took place at a workshop in Abuja, organized by the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). It brought together various stakeholders to discuss and streamline national climate data reporting.
Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, the director-general of the NCCCS, emphasized Nigeria’s responsibilities as a UNFCCC signatory. The country is required to report on its greenhouse gas emissions, reduction strategies, and the support needed or received for climate initiatives. These reports are crucial for Nigeria’s transparency and accountability regarding its climate actions.
In previous years, Nigeria has successfully submitted three national communications and two biennial update reports. The most recent was the First Biennial Transparency Report (BTR1) submitted on December 30, 2024. This effort marks Nigeria as a leader in Africa for timely climate reporting.
Maduekwe highlighted that the new reports will enhance transparency, build trust, and ensure that stakeholders engage actively in this critical process. This isn’t just paperwork; it’s about creating a framework that supports effective climate action in Nigeria.
Rasack Nayamuth, the UNDP’s lead consultant for the BTR2/NC4, explained that these biennial reports allow countries to communicate their progress on climate strategies to the UNFCCC. They also help identify the technical, financial, and knowledge support needed to meet climate targets. He praised Nigeria’s ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, recognizing it as both commendable and challenging.
During the workshop, Ann Umar from the Transparency Desk at NCCC emphasized collaboration among stakeholders. She noted the importance of aligning data with UNFCCC standards and ensuring all sectors contribute accurately. This focus on collective effort aims to fill gaps identified in previous reports and improve future outcomes.
One participant, Philip Bankole, highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change. His organization, the Great League of Pioneers for Community Sustainable Development, is keen on ensuring that these reports provide a complete picture of Nigeria’s environmental issues and the strategies required for adaptation and mitigation. He noted the direct impact of climate change on agriculture, water resources, and food security, stating, “Climate change is no longer an abstract threat – it is happening around us.”
The BTR2 and NC4 are not just about meeting global standards. They represent a chance for Nigeria to protect its communities and ecosystems. The collaboration among various stakeholders will ensure that these reports reflect diverse viewpoints and real-world challenges.
This commitment aligns with Nigeria’s nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and strengthens its capacity to access international support for climate initiatives. As the country moves forward with its reporting process, these efforts will lay the groundwork for a more sustainable future and greater resilience against climate impacts.
For more on Nigeria’s climate action efforts and broader statistical insights, you can check the UNFCCC website and the latest reports from the United Nations on environmental sustainability.
Check out this related article: Is the Climate Action Plan Losing Momentum? Exploring the Gaps in Ambition for a Sustainable Future
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