As Nigeria moves forward in updating its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) under the Paris Agreement, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Simon Stiell, has engaged with Nigerian civil society organisations (CSOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in a high-level roundtable discussion on how to address climate financing, transparency, and grassroots engagement in Nigeria’s climate policy.
Hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria, on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at the United Nations House, in Abuja, the discussion was moderated by Geoffrey Omedo, UNDP technical specialist, who emphasised the significance of strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration to drive Nigeria’s climate commitments forward.
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Malick Fall, provided a united remark, underscoring the need for a concerted effort in implementing Nigeria’s climate policies.
Also, Elsie Attafuah, Resident Representative of UNDP Nigeria, delivered a welcome address, reaffirming UNDP’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s transition towards a sustainable and resilient future.
Simon Stiell, in his highlight address, stated the critical importance of transparency, accountability, and financing in the implementation of NDCs.
He stressed that Nigeria’s economic growth and climate ambition must go hand in hand, stating, “Nigeria has an astonishing opportunity to prosper through its climate leadership, adding that green growth in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture will drive economic opportunities and attract foreign investments into the country.
Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, Director General of the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat, emphasised the indispensable role of NGOs and CSOs in climate action.
“Civil society organisations are the foot soldiers of government, reaching areas that policies often fail to impact directly,” she said, advocating for stronger integration of grassroots perspectives into national policies.
Speaking on behalf of the NGOs/CSOs in the room, Dr. Mike Terungwa of the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) outlined key concerns regarding the delayed submission of Nigeria’s NDCs.
“Few countries have submitted their NDCs, and Nigeria is yet to do so. We need clarity on the level of transparency and accountability, will there be any penalties for countries that miss submission deadlines?” he asked.
He also highlighted financing as a major challenge, calling for clear mechanisms to support the implementation of NDCs.
Key Issues raised by NGOs/CSOs
The roundtable discussion provided a platform for NGOs and CSOs to voice pressing concerns, focusing on agriculture, energy, education, gender inclusion, and the role of persons with disabilities (PWDs). Among the critical issues raised by NGOs and CSOs were:
1. Finance and Accountability – Participants inquired about the enforcement mechanisms for countries that pledge climate action but fail to meet their commitments. They also sought clarity on the implementation strategies for monitoring these pledges to ensure compliance.
2. Grassroots Engagement and Representation – A recurring concern was the limited reflection of grassroots realities in global and national climate strategies. Participants emphasised the need for climate policies that genuinely incorporate local voices, including rural communities that face the direct impacts of climate change.
3. Gender and Climate Action – Discussions explored the intersection of climate change and gender-based violence, emphasising the importance of female representation in functional leadership roles rather than relegating women to minor administrative positions. Participants also called for targeted training programmes to equip women and youth with negotiation skills in climate diplomacy.
4. Technology and Climate Monitoring – The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in tracking and monitoring climate activities was highlighted as a potential game-changer. Calls were made for Nigeria to integrate AI-driven solutions into its climate-tracking mechanisms to enhance data accuracy and policy effectiveness.
5. Climate Education and Cultural Beliefs – one of the significant challenges identified was the persistence of traditional beliefs that hinder climate adaptation efforts. Many communities still attribute climate events to ancestral influences rather than scientific causes. Those in attendance also advocated for robust climate education initiatives to address these misconceptions, ensuring that local populations understand the realities of climate change.
6. Women-Led Climate Solutions – There was a strong push for innovative incentives to support women-led climate approaches, particularly in the areas of sustainable agriculture, clean energy, and environmental conservation. Participants urged for gender-responsive strategies in just transitions, ensuring that women are not left behind in the shift towards greener economies.
Key takeaways and the way forward
The meeting yielded three major takeaways that will shape Nigeria’s climate agenda moving forward:
1. Finance and Accountability: Nigeria faces significant financial constraints in meeting its NDCs. Stakeholders emphasised the need for transparent financial mechanisms to track the flow of climate funds and ensure effective utilisation.
2. Amplifying Local Voices: Greater collaboration between UNFCCC, the Nigerian government, CSOs, and NGOs is required to ensure grassroots communities are actively engaged in climate policy design and implementation.
3. Inclusive Leadership and Education: Climate leadership should focus on tangible action rather than mere commitments. The proposal for a simplified “Child’s NDC” aims to empower young people to understand and participate in climate solutions.
In addressing these concerns, Simon Stiell stressed the need for quantifiable and verifiable climate action, stating, “We must shift our focus from rhetoric to results. There is an opportunity to redefine global leadership by filling the gaps left by past shortcomings.”
The UNFCCC executive secretary reiterated that financing and technical support are crucial in pursuing climate solutions and that the global stock take would ensure accountability among nations.
Following the event, Simon Stiell shared reflections on his visit via LinkedIn, underscoring Nigeria’s immense potential for green growth.
He wrote, “Nigeria has an astonishing opportunity to grow and prosper through its climate leadership. Green growth from renewable energy and sustainable agriculture will drive economic opportunities, attract foreign investment, and improve living standards.”
He reiterated the need for swift climate financing, emphasising that the future of Nigeria’s sustainable growth depends on strong climate policies backed by adequate funding.
Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe hinted that the idea of a Child’s NDC, which would simplify climate commitments for younger generations, making it easier for them to grasp and contribute to climate solutions.
The roundtable discussion marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s climate governance, reinforcing the essential role of multi-stakeholder engagement in advancing the nation’s NDC 3.0 process. With continued collaboration, Nigeria is poised to take bold steps toward a greener, more resilient future.
As Nigeria advances its NDC3.0 process, the roundtable discussion reinforced that while challenges persist, opportunities for impactful action are within reach. Stakeholders remain committed to ensuring that Nigeria not only meets its climate commitments but also leverages climate action for economic growth and sustainable development.
By Olatomide Ojajune , Abuja