Abuja: Stakeholders in the environment sector have called for concrete implementation of existing policies and financial commitments to effectively address the global climate crisis. They made the call at the Post COP 30 National Consultative Dialogue on Advancing Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0 and the Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet) Annual General Meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Rep. Sam Onuigbo, CSDevNet Patron, stated that global climate action has entered a new phase, transitioning from pledges to concrete implementation. For Nigeria, the Nationally Determined Contribution under the Climate Change Act 2021 remains the central framework guiding national climate action. He highlighted the importance of ensuring that post-COP 30 priorities respond to the lived experiences of communities facing climate impacts, while promoting equity, inclusiveness, and a just transition.
Onuigbo further identified key opportunities within NDC 3.0 implementation, including strengthening mitigation and adaptation measures, scaling up nature-based solutions, enhancing transparency and accountability in climate governance, expanding renewable energy deployment, and green job creation. He also emphasized the potentials of Nigeria’s emerging carbon market to mobilize climate investment and accelerate emissions reduction, stressing the need for strong environmental integrity and community safeguards.
Dr. Sam Ogallah, Head of Unit, Climate Change Africa Union, expressed concern that Africa did not create the climate crisis but is paying the highest price. He noted that the outcome of COP 30 reinforced long-standing African demands for protection of livelihoods, jobs, and development prospects, fair and just transition pathways, and scaled adaptation loss and damage support. Nigeria’s NDC 3.0 rightly prioritizes emissions reduction of greenhouse gases by 29 percent by 2030 and 32 percent by 2035 (from 2018 levels) and energy transition by 50 percent of national power from renewables by 2030.
Prof. Ibrahim Choji, Chairman of the CSDevNet Board, reaffirmed the Network’s strong commitment to aligning Nigeria’s national climate priorities with global climate processes. He stated that Nigeria has experienced significant climate-related challenges, including devastating floods, rising food insecurity, and increasing vulnerability among communities. Despite these challenges, he highlighted positive developments such as the validation of Nigeria’s NDC 3.0, gradual progress in climate-related policies, and renewed global momentum following COP 30.
Mrs. Anna Kalu, a representative from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, emphasized that COP 30 strongly highlighted the interconnectedness of agriculture, food security, climate resilience, and sustainable development goals. For Nigeria, these outcomes resonate with national mandates to enhance sustainable agricultural productivity, strengthen resilience to climate shocks, and safeguard food production for a rapidly growing population. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to align COP 30 outcomes with national policies, climate adaptation plans, and ongoing agricultural governance reforms.