Federal government on Tuesday in Abuja said that Nigeria would attain the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) target ahead of time 2030.
Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, said this at a workshop on: “unpacking the outcomes of the 58th sessions of the subsidiary bodies of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).”
NDCs are countries’ self-defined national climate pledges under the Paris Agreement.
It details what they will do to help meet the global goal to pursue 1.5°C, adapt to climate impacts and ensure sufficient finance to support these efforts.
Nigeria was among the few developing countries to set an economy-wide target.
The NDC, updated in 2021, pledged an unconditional contribution of 20 per cent below business-as-usual by 2030 and a 47 percent contribution conditional to international support.
Shettima said that at the onset of this administration, President Bola Tinubu, took the bold steps to end petrol subsidy, adding that the action had contributed to reducing pressure on climate.
“Preliminary analysis conducted by the National Council on Climate Change on the co-benefits of fuel subsidy removal indicates that there has been about 30 per cent reduction in daily fuel consumption.
“This amounts to about 20 million litres, equivalent to an estimated daily saving of 42,800 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2e) emissions.
“When projected over a period of one year, it amounts to over 15 million tons of CO2e saved.
“This represents about 40 percent Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction from the baseline projection of 45 million metric tons of total GHG CO2e by 2030.
“Our vision and expectations for COP 28 will include increased climate action on many fronts, particularly increased and available climate finance,” he said.
Shettima said this would make Nigeria attain its NDCs target ahead of time.
“Nigeria is gravely impacted by the negative effects of climate change.
For instance, Nigeria is ranked as one of the 10 most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change in the world.
“This is despite our negligible contribution to overall global carbon emissions responsible for climate change. In fact, Africa as a whole, accounts for less than four per cent of total global carbon emissions.
“In addition, Nigeria is committed to achieving Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2060 to address the adverse impacts of climate change and foster effective implementation climate change activities.
The V-P said that under our NDC, a novel Climate Change Act (2021) was signed, essentially focusing on the entirety of government approach in partnership with private sector to mainstream climate change actions.
“The Act also provides an all-inclusive regulatory and legal framework for achieving Nigeria’s long term climate goals that includes net zero carbon emissions by 2060.
“It also includes adequate climate financing, as well as ensuring environmental and economic sustainability.
“The plan for decarbonising our energy systems highlights the key role that natural gas will play in transitioning our economy across sectors.
He said the plan was to lead the ECOWAS sub region by example, leveraging Nigeria’s accomplishments in championing the cause for regional climate actions.
According to him, 2023 Africa Climate Week and Africa Climate Summit, both holding in September in Nairobi, Kenya, will provide platforms to reiterate the call for continued partnership towards tackling climate change.
“Our shared destiny as a global community is ultimately dependent on the successes we are able to achieve together,” he said.
Shettima further noted that as Nigeria prepares for the UN Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP 28), the country would continue to build on the success of COP 27,
“The country’s vision and expectation of the COP 28 will be hinged on the operationalisation of the loss and damage funding as we continue to intensify efforts to mobilise additional climate finance.
“Climate change is now inter-disciplinary, multi-layered and inter-connected system. It therefore requires good governance and high-level coordination.
“So, by all means, do ensure that our national priorities are escalated and showcased here and in the negotiations at Dubai later in the year,” he said.
Mr Salisu Dahiru the Director-General National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) said Nigeria has the ability to harness its resources for towards mitigating climate change.
He commended international partners such as UNDP the British High Commission, the German Agency doe International Cooperation for their support on climate change.
Mr Ahmad Salihijo, Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency said that the workshop is a reflection of high level of collaboration required to deliver on climate change mitigation.
