The National Council on Climate Change Secretariat, NCCCS, is collaborating with stakeholders to advance Nigeria’s climate finance landscape.
The Director, NCCCS and Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Change, Dr Nkiruka Maduekwe stated this in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital at a two day “Hybrid Stakeholder’s Engagement on Climate Change Fund.”
According to her, the collaborative effort will drive Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy, securing a sustainable future for all.
Dr Maduekwe, stressed the urgency of establishing the Climate Change fund, which remains inactive despite being mandated by the 2021 Climate Change Act.
“The Climate Change Fund is very important, And so for us as the Secretariat, this is a long time coming. The Secretariat was established by the 2021 Climate Change Act and the Council was inaugurated in 2022.
“But from 2022 to date, one of the key things is operationalising the Climate Change Fund and that hasn’t happened yet. And so for us, it is important, it is urgent that the Climate Change Fund is operationalised.
“But how do you operationalise something with nothing? And so this stakeholder engagement is very key to taking the feedback, co-creating the pathway for the Climate Change Fund and understanding that this is the path that Nigeria wants to take with regards to the architecture of the fund, the different windows, with satellite innovation, adaptation, operations.” She stated.
She explained that the Climate Change funds would be used for a variety of climate-related activities.
“Including, Administrative purposes of the NCCCS investment in green projects and initiatives, Research and development of innovative approaches in climate action
Awareness creation on climate change Capacity building of youths on green skills
Energy transition initiatives
Strengthening institutions. She said.
Nigeria Project Coordinator, Green Protocol, Deborah Anumenechi, said that the establishment of the National climate change fund is not just a policy objective, but a crucial steps for Nigeria’s climate ambitions.
She urged stakeholders to work together to ensure the climate change fund is transparent.
“By working together, we can ensure that the climate change fund is transparent, impactful and aligned with Nigeria’s broader climate and economic goals.” She said.
High Commissioner, Rwanda to Nigeria, Christophe Bazivamo explained that climate crisis is not just a national challenge, but a continental and global emergency and Africa despite contributing the least to global emissions, suffers most from Desertification in the Sahel to rising sea levels along the Atlantic coast.
“From biodiversity losses to extreme weather level we see first hand how poorest and most vulnerable communities pay for highest price for crisis they did not create, in fact in many areas in Africa, we witness droughts, witness floodings, we witness veey negative impact wwre we loss alot of infrastructure.’” He said.
He noted that Rwanda is committed to working with Nigeria and other African partners, especially knowledge exchange on climate finance, governance, revelation on Rwanda Green Fund model.
“We are ready to collaborate full capacity building for carbon markets and taxation frameworks growing from Rwanda’s international partnerships, and we are ready to join conservation and Green Economy Initiative, ensuring Africa benefits from Climate Fund. ” he said.
Ambassador Bazivamo, urged all stakeholders to focus on implementation and impact, adding that Finance alone is not enough.
“We must ensure these funds drive sustainable projects that uplift communities, create jobs and protect our environment. Climate Finance must be accessible, not just to large scale projects, but to support small water farmers, entrepreneurs and local communities.” He remarked.
He further noted that no single country can solve climate crisis alone, but together, Africa can set for Global Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“Rwanda strongly believes in South South cooperation, where African nations collaborate to share knowledge, complement each other strength and co-develop solutions full Rwanda cooperation.” He stated.
He commended, Nigeria’s leadership in climate finance and reaffirm Rwanda’s commitment to deepening both countries partnership,
“together we can turn today’s Challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities.” He added.
Speaking during a panel session, the Infrastructure Finance Lead at the UK Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility, Abdul Oladapo, outlined strategies for developing climate change funds.
He stressed the importance of differentiating between climate finance and development finance, urging Nigeria and other Global South nations to adopt a development-first approach in accessing climate funds.
The Stakeholders’ Engagement Workshop aimed at a collaborative design and robust governance structure, identify key elements of its operational framework, foster a shared understanding of its role in achieving Nigeria’s climate action goals, and develop a preliminary framework for a climate finance taxonomy.
Oyenike Oyeniyi
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