Nigeria has made an important step by validating its National Adaptation Plan (NAP). This plan is now set to be submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) ahead of COP30, happening from November 10 to 21, 2025, in Belem, Brazil.
The validation event took place in Abuja, where representatives from various governmental departments and organizations came together. They appreciated the inclusive nature of the planning process. Environment Minister Balarabe Abbas Lawal emphasized the challenges Nigeria faces, like droughts and rising sea levels. He noted that if the country does not act now, future impacts will be harder and more expensive to manage.
Lawal explained that adapting to climate change means taking steps to prepare for current and future effects. The NAP, backed by the Green Climate Fund, focuses on thirteen key areas outlined in the National Adaptation Strategy and Plan of Action (NASPA). A significant part of this effort is the Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA), which identifies community weaknesses and offers ways to address them.
During the validation, stakeholders identified areas for improvement, such as gender considerations and conflict sensitivity. These aspects have now been included in the document.
Gift Gewona, Task Manager for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Nigeria, described the NAP as a living document. This means it will help Nigeria plan short-term and long-term actions to build community resilience. He reassured participants that his team is committed to tackling Nigeria’s urgent climate challenges.
Dr. Angelina Ugben from the Global Disabilities Green Initiative highlighted the importance of an inclusive climate adaptation framework. She stressed that people with disabilities, often the most vulnerable during environmental crises, should be active participants in climate planning, not just beneficiaries. This inclusion, she noted, must be reflected in both strategy and implementation.
In summary, the timely validation of the NAP positions Nigeria within the global movement towards a greener economy. This document aims not only to address climate challenges but also to ensure that all Nigerians are considered in the nation’s response to climate change.
For further insights on Nigeria’s climate strategy, you can check the Green Climate Fund.
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climate change,National Adaptation Plan (NAP),Nigeria
