- Nigeria’s NCCC DG, Dr Nkiruka Maduekwe, pushed for innovative finance solutions, stressing that climate finance must not add to Africa’s debt burden.
- Nigeria signed an MoU with China on methane reduction, as methane and black carbon emerged as key topics in high-level discussions led by China and the U.S.
- Niger State, led by Secretary Abubakar Usman, reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability, leveraging natural resources and driving initiatives like afforestation and renewable energy.
Week Two of COP29 opens today, November 18, with ministers arriving to tackle complex political negotiations. The focus shifts to finalising crucial deals, especially on climate finance, as the UN climate talks in Baku gain momentum.
Week One made little progress, with distractions overshadowing the talks. The central issue of funding remains unresolved: how much wealthier nations will pay to help developing countries transition from fossil fuels and manage climate impacts.
Africa Pushes for Climate Finance Reform
At a critical side event, Niger State reiterated its commitment to advancing a green economy. Dr Nkiruka Maduekwe, Director-General of Nigeria’s National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), emphasised the demand for Africa’s global financial system reforms. She stressed that climate finance must not increase Africa’s debt.
Maduekwe urged innovative financing methods, such as blended finance, and insisted on clear distinctions between development and climate finance. She highlighted Africa’s ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), reinforcing the continent’s dedication to climate goals.
Methane Takes the Spotlight
Methane emissions have become a primary focus at COP29. China and the U.S. led high-level discussions and numerous side events on cutting methane emissions. Maduekwe emphasised the need to address short-lived pollutants like methane and black carbon, given their significant impact on global warming.
Nigeria signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China to collaborate on methane mitigation in a critical development. Maduekwe hinted at upcoming announcements of additional support.
Nigeria’s Energy Diversification and Just Transition
Maduekwe reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring safety in its nuclear energy program, overseen by the national nuclear regulatory agency. She described clean nuclear power as a viable option for diversifying Nigeria’s energy sources.
Regarding the Just Transition, Maduekwe emphasised the importance of inclusivity, especially in the oil and gas sector. She acknowledged the historic role of fossil fuels in Nigeria’s development and called for collaboration to ensure a fair transition to clean energy. Maduekwe commended the oil and gas sector’s active involvement in COP29 discussions.
Niger State Drives Green Agenda
At another event, Niger State underscored its determination to pursue sustainable development. Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abubakar Usman, outlined Niger’s plans to transition toward a green economy. Usman stated Niger’s ambition to lead Nigeria’s sustainability efforts by leveraging its natural resources.
Environment and Climate Change Commissioner Yakubu Kolo credited the state’s House of Assembly with supporting key initiatives like afforestation, waste management, and renewable energy.
As Week Two of COP29 advances, negotiators aim to make progress on finance, emissions reduction, and a just energy transition. The coming days will prove crucial for finalising critical deals and moving toward actionable climate solutions.