Nigeria has made significant strides in its green transition efforts marked by a series of high-profile meetings led by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action.
These meetings focused on enhancing international collaborations and securing climate financing for sustainable development projects across the country.
The day’s events began with a discussion between Ngelale and Mr. Joseph McMonigle, Secretary-General of the Riyadh-based International Energy Forum (IEF).
They explored potential collaborations for Nigeria’s accelerated drive towards blue hydrogen investment, highlighting the country’s commitment to diversifying its energy sources and reducing carbon emissions.
Shortly after, Ngelale met with Mr. Tony Okpanachi, MD/CEO of the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), celebrating DBN’s accreditation by the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
This milestone positions DBN to access new climate financing opportunities, crucial for advancing President Bola Tinubu’s green industrial growth acceleration programme.
In a subsequent virtual meeting, Ngelale engaged with lead climate negotiators from 119 countries under the UNFCCC framework, discussing strategies for a just transition to sustainable energy practices.
This dialogue underscores Nigeria’s role in the global climate action agenda and its efforts to ensure an equitable energy transition.
Ngelale also hosted Mr. Xavier Muron, Country Director of the French Development Agency (AFD), and his team.
The discussion focused on pathways to economically beneficial decarbonization, emphasizing the importance of leveraging Nigeria’s natural resources to fund the energy transition.
Furthering these efforts, Ngelale and the NCCC leadership held a virtual discussion with the Alberta Carbon Market Collaboration from Canada.
They exchanged views on developing a carbon market ecosystem that benefits Nigeria’s economy and its citizens, aligning with the country’s value chain localization agenda.
The day concluded with a high-level virtual meeting with leaders from the NDC Partnerships Group.
The focus was on updating Nigeria’s NDC framework and converting it into a business-tailored, project-driven plan to ensure the bankability of critical projects across the nation.
Finally, Ngelale attended the Swiss National Day celebration at the Swiss Embassy, engaging in productive informal discussions with the Ambassadors and High Commissioners of Switzerland, Egypt, Turkey, and India.
These meetings reflect Nigeria’s proactive approach to securing international support and financing for its green transition, positioning the country as a leader in climate action within Africa.
Report by Bello Wakili
