The National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS) is teaming up with various partners to improve climate finance in Nigeria. Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, the Director of NCCCS and the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Change, shared this during a recent event in Abuja, called the “Hybrid Stakeholder’s Engagement on Climate Change Fund.”
She emphasized that working together will help Nigeria shift to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy. This change is essential for a sustainable future for all Nigerians.
Dr. Maduekwe also highlighted the need for the Climate Change Fund, which was established by the 2021 Climate Change Act but has yet to be activated.
“The Climate Change Fund is crucial for our mission,” she said. “Since the NCCCS was set up in 2021, one of our main goals has been to get it running, but that hasn’t happened yet. This is urgent.”
Dr. Maduekwe pointed out that the success of the fund relies on gathering input from stakeholders to create a solid plan. “We need to hear your thoughts to shape how this fund will operate,” she explained. “We want to focus on areas like innovation, adaptation, and effective operations.”
The Climate Change Fund will support various initiatives, including:
- Administrative costs for green projects
- Research and development in climate action
- Raising awareness about climate change
- Building skills in youth for green jobs
- Energy transition initiatives
- Strengthening relevant institutions
Deborah Anumenechi, the Nigeria Project Coordinator for Green Protocol, stressed that establishing this fund is vital for Nigeria’s climate goals and urged for transparency in its operations.
“By uniting our efforts, we can ensure that the Climate Change Fund is transparent and benefits both our environment and economy,” she said.
High Commissioner Christophe Bazivamo from Rwanda noted that the climate crisis affects not just Nigeria, but the entire continent. He pointed out that Africa faces significant challenges, from desertification to rising sea levels, despite contributing the least to global emissions.
“The poorest communities bear the brunt of climate change,” Bazivamo argued. “We see droughts and flooding that damage infrastructure and disrupt lives.”
He vowed Rwanda’s commitment to collaborate with Nigeria, sharing knowledge and best practices for climate finance. “We aim to help Africa benefit from climate funds,” he added.
Ambassador Bazivamo called on all partners to focus not just on funding but on achieving tangible outcomes that uplift communities and safeguard the environment. He highlighted that support must extend beyond large projects to help local farmers and entrepreneurs.
“No single country can tackle the climate crisis alone. Together, we can set a sustainable agenda for Africa,” he concluded.
During a panel discussion, Abdul Oladapo from the UK Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility discussed strategies for building effective climate funds. He urged countries to distinguish between climate finance and development finance and to adopt a development-first perspective when accessing funds.
The Stakeholders’ Engagement Workshop aimed to create a collaborative framework for a climate finance structure that aligns with Nigeria’s climate action objectives, ensuring a shared understanding of its role in advancing sustainability.
Check out this related article: Break Down Silos: Supreme Court Urges 8 Ministries to Unite on Climate Change Action
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