Stakeholders in Nigeria seek common front ahead of COP28

Stakeholders in the climate sector have held a one day-work ahead of the upcoming Conference of Parties, COP 28, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The meeting is part of its commitment to support climate adaptation initiatives and ensure successful implementation.

The pre-COP28 workshop was organized by the National Assembly Committees on Environment in partnership with OXFAM Nigeria and the National Council on Climate Change.

The Director-General of National Council on Climate Change, Dr. Salisu Dahiru, called for more funding to mitigate the challenges posed by climate change, emphasizing that Nigeria is among the top 10 countries facing the most severe impacts of climate change.

Dr Dahiru said the current budgetary allocation for the council was notably insufficient.

To address this, he said the council had forged a partnership with the UK High Commission in Nigeria to mobilize funds for Nigeria’s climate change initiatives, aiming to reduce the council’s dependence on the national budget.

Also, Mr Terseer Ugbor, Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, emphasized that Nigeria’s role at COP28 extends beyond mere participation.

He said the country was advocating for significant climate initiatives, stating that Nigeria’s efforts is to secure from the $100 billion loss and damage funding.

This ambition was reiterated by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the workshop in Abuja on August 8, 2023 themed ‘Unpacking the outcome of the 58 session of the subsidiary bodies of the United Nations Framework convention on climate change’, he added.

Similarly, OXFAM Representative, Kenneth Akpan said the meeting was an avenue for stakeholders to strategies and present a unified voice at the COP towards advocating for decisions that will be beneficial to Nigeria.   

“We want to know why we are going to COP, what happens after COP. We want to see a common front-line position which aligns with global best practices. We just don’t want to be spectators but make definite decisions that would impact on our people and the world,” Kenneth explained.

SOURCE: FRCN