By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Nigeria has called for increased climate finance, stronger adaptation measures, and the full operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund as preparations intensify for the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Speaking at the COP31 D-8 International Ministerial Meeting on Environment Programme held in Istanbul, Türkiye, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, said developing countries require concrete support to effectively address the growing impacts of climate change while pursuing sustainable development goals.
The minister, who was represented by the Director of the Climate Change Department at the Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, stressed that Nigeria remains fully committed to the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the implementation of ambitious climate actions aligned with national development priorities.
According to him, climate change continues to threaten livelihoods, infrastructure, agriculture and economic development in Nigeria, underscoring the need for enhanced adaptation, resilience-building and climate finance.
Lawal noted that Nigeria has strengthened its climate governance framework through the enactment of the Climate Change Act, which provides a legal foundation for the coordinated implementation of climate policies and programmes across the country.
He added that the country is advancing the implementation of its National Adaptation Plan and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), while pursuing its Energy Transition Plan aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 through a just and inclusive transition.
The minister highlighted several priority areas receiving government attention, including renewable energy development, climate-smart agriculture, sustainable transportation through electric and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, clean cooking initiatives, ecosystem restoration, afforestation, methane emission reduction and climate-resilient infrastructure.
He also disclosed that Nigeria is developing sustainable finance instruments, including the Nigeria Sustainable Finance Taxonomy, to attract public and private sector investments for low-carbon and climate-resilient development.
Lawal urged the international community to make COP31 an “Implementation COP,” emphasizing that the conference should deliver practical support to developing countries rather than imposing new obligations without adequate financing, technology transfer and capacity-building support.
Among Nigeria’s key priorities for COP31 are accelerated implementation of the Global Goal on Adaptation, improved access to predictable and affordable climate finance, operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, enhanced support for adaptation efforts in Africa, stronger technology transfer mechanisms, and the promotion of equitable carbon market systems.
The minister also advocated strengthened South-South cooperation among D-8 member states through joint research, innovation, technology exchange and sustainable investments, describing the D-8 platform as a valuable mechanism for advancing green industrialization, renewable energy deployment, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation and climate-resilient infrastructure.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to constructive engagement in multilateral climate negotiations, noting that the country would continue to work closely with the African Group of Negotiators, Like-Minded Developing Countries and other international partners to ensure that COP31 delivers balanced, ambitious and equitable outcomes.
Lawal welcomed the Istanbul D-8 Ministerial Declaration and expressed optimism that greater collaboration among member states would advance sustainable development, environmental protection and climate resilience for current and future generations.
