The European Union is teaming up with Nigeria’s National Council on Climate Change to train the country’s climate negotiators ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024.
This training is crucial for Nigeria to effectively advocate for its national interests and build consensus with other countries.
Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, praised Nigeria’s leadership in supporting the EU’s global pledge to triple renewable energy sources and double energy efficiency by 2030. He also commended the establishment of the National Council on Climate Change, calling it a significant move in advancing Nigeria’s climate agenda .
Dr. Nkiruka Madueke, Director-General of the NCCC, emphasized Nigeria’s need to take the lead in Africa and globally in climate change discussions. She stressed that climate negotiation is serious business, requiring a solid team for UNFCCC discussions. “We cannot claim to be the giant of Africa if we are not a major player in climate negotiations,” she said.
The EU will support the NCCC in reviewing three target sectors of the NDC: waste, energy, and the circular economy. This partnership aims to ensure the successful implementation of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions and other climate actions.
Additionally, the EU supported a capacity-building workshop on methane emissions reduction in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. The workshop provided stakeholders with knowledge on measuring and monitoring emissions from the oil and gas sector, agriculture, and waste .
Key Areas of Focus:
- Waste Management: Reviewing and improving waste management practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Energy Efficiency: Doubling energy efficiency by 2030 to mitigate climate change.
- Circular Economy: Promoting sustainable practices and reducing waste in Nigeria’s economy.
- Methane Emissions Reduction: Reducing fugitive methane emissions by 60% by 2031 to minimize environmental impact.
