Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal has affirmed that the forthcoming 30th Session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) will further deepen bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Brazil.
He said the conference, scheduled to take place in Belém, Brazil, from November 10 to 21, 2025, will strengthen collaboration, particularly in Climate change action under the Paris Agreement.
The Minister made this known during an official working visit by the Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Carlos Garcete, and his delegation to the Federal Ministry of Environment in Abuja.
Mr Lawal highlighted the longstanding bilateral ties between Nigeria and Brazil, which span over six decades and cover diverse sectors including trade, culture, tourism, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
He expressed optimism that COP30 would present new opportunities for collaboration between both nations, particularly in climate change adaptation and mitigation, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, and sustainable development.
“The COP30 in Brazil presents a unique opportunity for both countries to strengthen our shared commitments to environmental sustainability and climate action. Nigeria looks forward to exploring areas of mutual benefit, especially in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes sustainable economic growth, climate resilience, and ecosystem health,” the Minister stated.
Mr Lawal also commended the Government of Brazil for the recent resumption of direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, describing it as “a strategic move that will boost trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchange.”
In his remarks, Ambassador Carlos Garcete noted that Brazil was the only South American country present at Nigeria’s independence celebrations in 1960 and that both nations have enjoyed a strong and evolving partnership ever since.
He emphasised the importance of strengthening trade relations—particularly in the non-oil sector—and assured the Minister of his Embassy’s full support in facilitating visa processing for Nigerian delegates attending COP30.
“The Embassy of Brazil is committed to supporting Nigeria’s active and successful participation at COP30. We also celebrate the resumption of direct flights as a step toward even greater cooperation between our nations,” Ambassador Garcete said.
Both parties reiterated their commitment to enhancing cooperation in addressing global environmental challenges and leveraging multilateral platforms like COP30 to achieve shared sustainable development goals.