Nigeria has solidified its position as West Africa’s climate action leader, becoming the first nation in the region to submit its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The submission marks a strategic move to attract green financing and deepen global partnerships as world leaders converge at the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP 30) in Belém, Brazil.
The Director General of Nigeria’s National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Tenioye Majekodunmi, announced the milestone ahead of the summit’s opening, describing it as a “turning point” for the country’s climate ambition and investment outlook.
She said Nigeria is now positioned to convert climate commitments into high-value projects, finance pipelines and carbon market opportunities.
“This is the implementation COP we have all been waiting for,” Majekodunmi said. “We are very excited, especially given the momentum we have built over the last two months.
Being the first West African country to submit our NDC 3.0 positions Nigeria to unlock new investments.”
The 2015 Paris Agreement requires all 196 signatory countries to submit updated emissions reduction and climate adaptation plans every five years.
Nigeria’s early submission reinforces its commitment to lead climate action while capturing emerging financial opportunities.
Majekodunmi outlined three strategic goals for Nigeria at COP 30: converting NDC targets into funded projects, operationalising key policy frameworks, and expanding international climate collaboration.
She noted that the recent approval of Nigeria’s National Carbon Market Framework and the launch of the National Climate Change Fund send a strong signal to investors.
“This gives investors a clear policy direction and shows Nigeria is open for high-integrity carbon investments that deliver real community and environmental benefits,” she said, emphasising that COP 30 presents a crucial platform to activate these market structures.
The summit will also see Nigeria strengthening South-South climate cooperation, particularly through new forest conservation dialogues with the Amazon, Congo Basin, and Guinea forest regions.
Majekodunmi described the initiative as “historic,” noting that shared forest protection strategies could bolster global climate resilience while benefiting participating countries.
Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications to Nigeria’s Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, reiterated that the country’s presence at COP 30 reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals.
“It is not just participation, it demonstrates Nigeria’s resolve to implement Article 13 of the Paris Accord to the letter,” Nkwocha said, affirming the country’s pledge to reduce emissions by 32 per cent by 2035.
Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to amplify Nigeria’s climate agenda on the global stage.
He will address a high-level session on forests and oceans and deliver Nigeria’s national statement at the leaders’ plenary, outlining plans to scale climate finance, protect natural ecosystems and strengthen green economic transformation.
With policy frameworks in place, strategic partnerships expanding and investor confidence rising, Nigeria enters COP 30 with momentum and a clear message that its climate ambitions are open for business.
Source: FMINO
Image Credit: Presidential State House
