The Nigeria’s Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action Ajuri Ngelale has On Thursday, concluded a significant bilateral meeting with China’s Ecology Minister, Mr. Zhao Yingmin.
A statement says the meeting, held before Ngelale’s return to Abuja, focused on climate cooperation between the two nations.
Representing China’s Special Envoy on Climate, who was on official duty abroad, Mr. Zhao engaged with Ngelale on strategic areas of mutual concern and collaboration.
Both sides highlighted the need for adequate financing, development, and operationalization of new and clean energy sources, stressing that the development of the new energy sector should complement, rather than replace, traditional energy systems.
The discussions also explored deepening coordinated collaboration within multilateral platforms, particularly regarding the shared impacts of climate change on emerging markets in the global south.
Ngelale communicated Nigeria’s ambitions to develop a circular economy and push for value chain localization in renewable energy technology manufacturing, ensuring Nigerian workers benefit from the energy transition.
A key highlight was Ngelale’s emphasis on China’s Africa Solar Belt programme, advocating for supply chain diversification into developing markets, particularly Nigeria, Africa’s largest market.
The Chinese delegation welcomed this proposal, with plans for further discussions in the future.
The meeting concluded with agreements to advance technical cooperation in afforestation and counter-desertification efforts, aiming to empower vulnerable populations in Nigeria’s Lake Chad region.
These initiatives align with Nigeria’s goal of enhancing climate resiliency and developing active carbon sinks.
By Bello Wakili
