In a significant move to strengthen Nigeria’s commitment to climate action and sustainable development, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) recently hosted the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Simon Stiell, and his delegation on a four-day visit to Nigeria. The visit, which took place from March 4-7, 2025, aimed to review Nigeria’s progress toward achieving its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) goals, including net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2060.
The visit was a culmination of efforts by the NCF and its partners to promote climate action and sustainable development in Nigeria. During the visit, Stiell met with top government officials, civil society organizations, and private sector stakeholders to discuss Nigeria’s climate change agenda and the role of international cooperation in achieving its NDC 3.0 goals.
On March 4-5, 2025, Stiell met with top government officials in Abuja, including the Minister of Environment, the Minister of State for Environment, and the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change. The meeting provided an opportunity for the government to restate its commitment to climate change action and sustainable development, while also highlighting the challenges and opportunities facing the country in achieving its NDC 3.0 goals.
On March 6, 2025, a symposium was held at the Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos, featuring a documentary on mangroves, keynote addresses, and a panel session with international and national speakers. The symposium provided a platform for stakeholders to engage on Nigeria’s path toward an economy-wide NDC 3.0, with a focus on the role of nature-based solutions in driving climate resilience.
The symposium emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to exploring nature-based climate solutions, including the restoration of degraded lands, the conservation of biodiversity, and the promotion of sustainable land use practices. The event also highlighted the importance of international cooperation and climate finance in supporting Nigeria’s climate change agenda.
The NCF partnered with the Lagos State Government, the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat, and other organizations to host the symposium and other events during Stiell’s visit. The partnerships demonstrated the importance of collaboration and coordination in driving climate action and sustainable development in Nigeria.
We spoke to Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director-General of the NCF, to gain insight into the significance of the visit and the implications for Nigeria’s climate change agenda. “The visit by the UNFCCC delegation demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in driving climate action and sustainable development,” Dr. Onoja said. “Nigeria is committed to achieving its NDC 3.0 goals, and we look forward to working with international partners to achieve this objective.”
The visit by the UNFCCC delegation to Nigeria marks a significant milestone in the country’s commitment to climate action and sustainable development. As Nigeria continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities of climate change, it is essential that the country remains committed to its NDC 3.0 goals and works closely with international partners to achieve this objective.