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By Uche J. Udenka #AfricaVisionAdvancementTrust
The 29th Conference of the Parties – COP29 – under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) represented a critical opportunity for Nigeria to address pressing environmental challenges, secure financial support, and strengthen international partnerships to tackle the climate crisis. The annual COP summits bring together world leaders, policymakers, activists, and scientists to negotiate solutions to mitigate climate change, build on commitments made in previous summits.
During the COP29 summit in Baku, Azaibaijan, a central focus established a new climate finance goal. The new goal, called the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), is expected to involve trillions of dollars to adequately address climate needs, particularly for developing countries, which face some of the most significant climate impacts. Current estimates for global climate adaptation and mitigation needs range from $5-6.9 trillion over five years. Nigeria can benefit from COP summits and maximize its impact for the nation’s economic, environmental, and social wellbeing (Nigeria’s 2025 budget is $27.9). With its position as one of Africa’s largest economies, Nigeria could benefit significantly by advocating for equitable climate finance terms and influencing the design of future funding mechanisms at COP summits and maximize its impact for the nation’s economic, environmental, and social wellbeing. African nations will have a significant increase in climate finance, targeting $1.3 trillion annually to support the continent’s transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient development. This demand addresses Africa’s unique vulnerabilities to climate impacts, from droughts to floods, despite its minimal contribution (around 4%) to global emissions. It is expected that this level of funding to be provided through concessional finance and grants, especially for critical adaptation and loss and damage initiatives, as prior pledges from developed nations have fallen short.
One of the primary goals for Nigeria at COP summits will be to access international climate finance. COP conferences historically focus on mechanisms for climate financing, including the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Global Environment Facility (GEF), and various adaptation funds. Nigeria needs financial support to Mitigate Climate Impacts. By securing funding for renewable energy projects, reforestation programs, and sustainable agriculture initiatives, Nigeria can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve resilience to climate change. Climate finance can help Nigeria build infrastructure that mitigates the effects of climate disasters, especially in vulnerable coastal and agricultural areas. With floods, desertification, and droughts impacting communities, international aid is crucial for building resilience. Nigeria’s agriculture sector employs over 60% of the population, but climate change has caused irregular rainfall, extreme weather events, and soil degradation that threaten crop yields. We can seek funding and technical assistance for sustainable agriculture practices, climate-smart technologies, and capacity-building programs. We face health challenges related to air and water pollution, rising temperatures, and the spread of infectious diseases due to climate change.
There are several significant climate change challenges that affect various aspects of our environment, economy, and society. Here are key areas of concern: Rising Temperatures and Heat Waves: Nigeria has experienced increased average temperatures, leading to heatwaves that impact public health and agriculture. This rise in temperature stresses water resources and amplifies the risks of heat-related illnesses. Drought and Desertification: Northern Nigeria faces severe drought and desertification. This degradation of land reduces agricultural productivity, threatens livelihoods, and often forces people to migrate, exacerbating internal displacement and resource conflicts. Flooding and Erosion: Nigeria experiences frequent and intense flooding, particularly in coastal and riverine areas. Flooding damages infrastructure, displaces communities, and contributes to erosion. This problem has worsened in recent years due to erratic rainfall patterns. Agricultural Vulnerability: Climate change is affecting Nigeria’s agriculture, particularly with erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged dry seasons. Crops and livestock are impacted by changing weather, leading to reduced food production and insecurity. This is particularly challenging for staple crops like maize, millet, cassava, yam, beans, and rice, on which local communities depend.
Coastal Threats and Sea-Level Rise: Nigeria’s coastlines, particularly in the Niger Delta, are at risk from rising sea levels, which can lead to saltwater intrusion, erosion, and the submergence of coastal areas. This not only threatens human settlements but also disrupts local ecosystems and fisheries.
Public Health Risks: Climate change has increased the prevalence of diseases in Nigeria, such as malaria and cholera, which thrive in warmer, wetter conditions. Flooding and poor water management also exacerbate these health issues, posing risks to already vulnerable populations.
Energy and Resource Scarcity: The availability of resources like water and energy is becoming strained due to climate impacts, affecting hydroelectric power generation and access to potable water. This impacts both urban and rural areas, making it harder to meet growing energy demands.
Conflict over Resources: Climate impacts in Nigeria contribute to competition for scarce resources like water and arable land, especially between farmers and herders. These tensions have been linked to increased violence across Nigeria, and are complicated by climate-induced migration. Addressing these challenges will require coordinated policy responses, investment in adaptation, and community-based resilience strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change across Nigeria.
Through COP Summits, Nigeria can also explore joining global carbon markets, where companies and countries offset their emissions by investing in renewable projects. This could create new revenue streams for Nigeria’s economy, as the country has ample potential for reforestation and renewable energy projects that can sell carbon credits. A carbon credit is a tradable certificate that represents the right to emit one ton of carbon dioxide (CO₂) or an equivalent amount of other greenhouse gases. These credits are part of a larger effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing an economic incentive for companies to reduce their environmental impact. Carbon credits work when Governments or regulatory bodies set a cap on the total amount of emissions allowed for certain sectors or companies. This cap decreases over time, pushing for lower emissions. Companies receive or purchase carbon credits, which they can use to “cover” their emissions. For every ton of emissions, a company must hold an equivalent credit. If a company emits less than its allowance, it can sell its excess credits to other companies that exceed their emission limits. This creates a market where credits can be bought and sold, incentivizing lower emissions across the industry. Companies can also purchase carbon credits from projects that reduce or absorb CO₂, such as reforestation or renewable energy projects. These projects generate credits by capturing or avoiding emissions. Carbon credits are one approach to achieving climate goals by putting a price on emissions, effectively making pollution more expensive and rewarding companies that take action to reduce their environmental impact.
Nigeria has substantial renewable energy potential, especially in solar and wind power, yet most of its energy still comes from fossil fuels. Nigeria can push for partnerships and investments that could help it transition to renewable energy sources. This transition can offer huge benefits. Expanding Nigeria’s renewable energy sector can create jobs in green energy industries, reduce the cost of energy imports, and enhance energy security. Transitioning to renewables can diversify Nigeria’s energy mix, reduce reliance on fossil fuel exports, and position the country as a leader in Africa’s clean energy transition. Air pollution in Nigeria is one of the worst in the world, largely driven by emissions from transportation, industry, and energy production. By advocating for resources to tackle air pollution, Nigeria can improve public health and reduce healthcare costs. Nigeria can seek for Climate-Resilient Healthcare Infrastructure to strengthen health systems to withstand climate-induced pressures. This includes investing in clean water systems, preventing the spread of waterborne diseases, and improving access to healthcare in vulnerable regions. Partnerships that will be formed at these summits can promote Public Health Awareness and can help Nigeria create climate and health awareness programs, educating the public about protective measures against extreme heat, flood-related illnesses, and air pollution. With an emphasis on the links between climate change and health, COP summits offer Nigeria a platform to address these challenges comprehensively. Promoting Environmental Education by integrating climate change into school curricula, Nigeria can raise awareness among young people and empower them to become future climate leaders. Including climate change in school curricula will advance Green Innovation and Technology, presenting opportunities to attract international companies interested in expanding green technologies, such as electric vehicles, waste management, and clean energy, into the Nigerian market. With such Environmental Education Programs, Schools can foster a knowledgeable, innovative workforce that is well-equipped to drive the country’s climate action agenda forward.
COP summits offer Nigeria a strategic platform to address its climate challenges while reaping numerous economic, social, and environmental benefits. By actively participating in negotiations and forming strategic partnerships, Nigeria can secure the resources and support needed to implement sustainable solutions. Prioritizing climate finance, renewable energy, agricultural resilience, health impacts, education, and regional collaboration at COP summits can empower Nigeria to lead Africa’s climate action efforts and build a more resilient, prosperous future.
