By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS), Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe has underscored the critical role of accurate and timely data in achieving Nigeria’s climate ambitions.
She made the call in her opening address at the“Stakeholders Consultation, Engagement, and Data Collation Workshop for the Preparation of Nigeria’s NDCs 3.0,” held in Lagos.
The event was organised by the NCCCS with the support of the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP.
The Director-General represented by a Director with the NCCCS, Halima Bawa-Bwari, explained that the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) represent Nigeria’s commitment under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
“As you are aware, data enables parties to access current statuses, enables the setting of ambitious but realistic targets, while enabling monitoring of progress made in the effort to achieving climate action and aligning to the Paris Agreement,”Dr. Maduekwe stated.
She emphasized that“accurate and timely data is therefore a key requirement that will enable government to make evidence-based decisions, track our progress, and ensure transparency and accountability in reporting.”
Dr. Maduekwe highlighted the need for widespread collaboration, saying,“To achieve this, there is a dire need for engagement, collaboration, and partnership between governments, private sector actors, civil society, NGOs, people with disabilities, among others.”
“It is my great pleasure to open this important workshop on the revision of our nationally determined contribution and the collation of data and technical analysis, which are critical pillars of our national climate ambition and policy planning,” she said.
According to Dr. Maduekwe, the NDC revision process is not just an update but “a chance to raise our ambition, align our national plans with the latest science, and present the progress we’ve made since our last submission.
“This series of consultation workshops is particularly significant because robust and credible data underpins effective climate action,” she added.
“This will facilitate the collation of a robust database that can transform our climate change commitments into tangible, progressive action.”
She stressed the importance of inclusivity and economy wide engagement:“As we move forward, let us seize this opportunity to align our NDC with the urgent need for climate action in all the sectors of the economy, as the ambition of this government is an economy wide NDC which has a broadened scope that leaves no one behind.”
“Together, we can pave the way for a future where NDCs are not only policy documents but solutions driving sustainability, resilience, and prosperity for all. I would like to thank all our partners, especially UNDP, for their technical and financial support in making this workshop possible,” she said.
Dr. Maduekwe encouraged participants to collaborate and share insights during the workshop.
“Over the next few days, I encourage you all to engage openly, share knowledge, raise questions, and work collaboratively to ensure that the outcomes of this workshop feed directly into a stronger and more responsive NDC revision process.”
“Together, let us work toward a future that is not only low-carbon and climate resilient but also inclusive and equitable for all. I wish you productive discussions and a successful session. I hereby officially declare this workshop open,” she concluded.
In his remarks, climate change expert Professor Emmanuel Oladapo called for a clear, realistic implementation plan grounded in the country’s current capacity and needs.
Oladapo questioned the feasibility of achieving the NDC targets by 2030, pointing out that “the country’s capacity and needs are limited.”
He advised that “the NDCs should be based on current capacity and needs, rather than a single high-tech goal.”
The event brought together representatives from the NCCC, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), academia, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The workshop is expected to set the groundwork for a more robust, inclusive, and scientifically grounded update to Nigeria’s NDCs, aligning national efforts with global climate commitments.
