Nigeria Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have appealed to all participating parties in the recently held 28th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to urgently translate the decisions reached during the session into concrete actions to ensure that those most impacted by the climate scourge have a chance to survive.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian CSOs, Ms. Titilope Akosa, Executive Director, Centre for 21st Century Issues (C21st Issues), made the submission during a press conference on the outcome of COP28 in Lagos on Tuesday, December 19, 2023.
COP28 held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from November 30 to December 13, 2023.
Akosa addressed the media in the company of Michael Simire, Director, EnviroNews Development Network (Endenet), and Gboyega Olorunfemi, Project Lead, Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP).
Under a British High Commission (BHC) supported project, C21st Issues, Endenet and SPP mobilised over 250 Nigerian CSOs at COP28, in partnership with the Nigeria Climate Justice Alliance (NCJA).
Titled: “COP28: Strengthening Nigeria’s Civil Society Organisations’ Engagement with Global Climate Change Policy”, the project is aimed at improving the communication, lobbying and advocacy competencies of climate CSOs to ensure a more active participation at the global summit.
Akosa, who disclosed at the media session that the Nigeria CSOs welcomed the final decisions made at COP28, including the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund, Global Stocktake, Adaptation Goal, Climate Finance, the phase-out of fossil fuels, the tripling of renewable energy uptake, declarations on health and climate, declaration on sustainable agriculture, resilient food systems and climate action, and just transition, among others, however said these decisions were seen as positive steps towards addressing climate change.
In her words: “While acknowledging the financial pledges made during COP28 across various negotiation streams, the CSOs recognised that the current level of pledges is insufficient to effectively respond to climate change. They called on developed country parties to increase their financial commitments and promptly fulfill their pledges to accelerate climate action on the ground.
“The Nigerian CSOs firmly believe that the strength of the COP28 decisions lies in the consistent and continuous actions taken by parties to implement these decisions and deliver on their financial commitments. They emphasise the importance of immediate action and urge all relevant stakeholders to prioritise implementation to effectively address the climate crisis.
“Nigeria’s civil society organisations (CSOs) appreciate the commitment of Nigeria’s government in participating actively in COP28. We commend the Nigerian team, led by the President and state governors, for adopting a result-oriented approach in mobilising climate finance and engaging in bilateral negotiations to garner support for climate action in Nigeria.
“Additionally, we strongly urge the Nigerian government to maintain its crucial leadership and political will in the sphere of climate governance. By doing so, Nigeria can create an enabling environment for multi-sector collaboration, which is essential for effective implementation of climate initiatives within the country.”
On the implications of fossil fuel phase out for Nigeria, Akosa opined: “The Nigerian CSOs are acutely aware of the implications of the fossil fuel phase-out for Nigeria and the urgent need to transition to renewable energy sources.
“As one of Africa’s largest oil producers, Nigeria faces unique challenges and opportunities in navigating this transition. Nigeria has long relied on oil revenues, which comprise a significant portion of its GDP.
“Therefore, Nigeria must carefully balance the goal of sustaining its economy while divesting from fossil fuels. This requires comprehensive planning and a multi-faceted approach. However, the phase-out of fossil fuels also presents an opportunity for economic diversification.
“Nigeria can shift its focus towards renewable energy, especially with the recent removal of fuel subsidies. The launch of Nigeria’s Long-Term Mitigation and Low Carbon Development Strategy demonstrates the country’s careful planning for divestment from fossil fuels. These strategies provide a framework for fostering public-private collaborations, which can attract necessary financial resources, expertise, and technological advancements for a successful transition.
“Through the implementation of the Long-Term Mitigation and Low Carbon Development Strategy, Nigeria can attract investment in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power sectors. This will help build a more resilient economy, create employment opportunities, protect the environment, and enhance the well-being of its citizens. Transitioning to renewable energy sources is not only crucial for Nigeria’s long-term economic stability but also essential for addressing climate change on a global scale.
“The phase-out of fossil fuels also underscores the importance of intensifying nature-based solutions to address climate change impacts. Solutions such as reforestation, afforestation, sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, and sustainable land management can effectively tackle various environmental challenges and mitigate climate impacts, while offering multiple benefits to communities and biodiversity to build a resilient future for all. It is important to note that the fossil fuel phase-out is part of a just transition, which requires adequate financing.
“Nigerian CSOs call upon development partners, multilateral development banks, and climate finance institutions to support Nigeria in its transition by providing the necessary financial resources to navigate this transition successfully.
“By receiving support, Nigeria can achieve a just transition that enhances sustainable development and promotes climate resilience” she maintained.
The CSOs also frowened at the destruction of urban forest at Agodi Gardens in Ibadan, saying that they are totally against the destruction of the facility by the Governor Seyi Makinde led Oyo State Government.
“We condemn this wanton destruction of our common heritage. We consider the development regrettable and highly unacceptable.
“The UN Biodiversity had declared this decade as one for Ecosytems Restoration, and we consider the destruction of trees that have been standing for decades as going against the convention Nigeria has signed unto.
“Destroying such a very important habitat in a big city like Ibadan goes against every known norm of living in harmony with nature. While other cities are bringing back greenery into their space for the health benefits, climate change mitigation and environmental restoration, it is regrettable that the Oyo State Government is doing the exact opposite.
“We call on Governor Seyi Makinde to urgently halt this act of environmental degradation,” said Akosa.
By Ajibola Adedoye
