Nigeria’s Climate Action Journey: A Visit by the UNFCCC Executive Secretary
From March 4th to 7th, 2025, Nigeria played host to Simon Stiell, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and his delegation. This visit, coordinated by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) and its partners, served as a pivotal moment for reviewing Nigeria’s progress towards its ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) – a commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2060. The visit underscored the UNFCCC’s crucial role in supporting countries like Nigeria in developing climate policies, building capacity, and implementing various climate-related initiatives. Beyond assessing progress, the visit also explored the potential economic benefits that a robust climate action plan can bring to Nigeria.
The visit unfolded in two key locations: Abuja, the nation’s capital, and Lagos, its commercial hub. In Abuja, Stiell engaged with high-ranking government officials and civil society organizations, reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to combating climate change while ensuring that solutions benefit local communities and the environment. This dialogue reiterated the interconnectedness of climate action, sustainable development, and local well-being.
The Lagos leg of the visit centered around a symposium and breakfast meeting hosted at the Lekki Conservation Centre, the headquarters of the NCF. Co-organized by the Lagos State Government, the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat, and the NCF, the symposium formed a crucial component of a broader program running from March 5th to 18th, 2025. Titled "Intersecting Worlds of Climate Change, Mangrove, and Art," this program, a collaborative effort with the National Arts Gallery and Crimson Fusion, highlighted the power of creative industries in promoting climate literacy, raising awareness, and driving behavioral change.
The symposium served as a platform for dialogue, bringing together policymakers, corporate leaders, environmentalists, and media representatives to discuss Nigeria’s pathway toward achieving its economy-wide NDC 3.0. The discussions emphasized the nation’s collective responsibility and the crucial role of the private sector in implementing climate commitments. A key focus was on exploring nature-based climate solutions, particularly the potential of mangrove ecosystems, as a mechanism for enhancing climate resilience. The symposium also showcased a documentary on mangroves, further emphasizing their importance, and featured keynote addresses and a panel session with prominent international and national speakers, reinforcing the commitment to innovative climate action.
Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director-General of the NCF, set the tone for the symposium by highlighting the significance of leveraging Nigeria’s rich natural resources for sustainable development. This underscored the crucial link between environmental conservation and economic progress. The symposium also provided a forum for exploring the intersection of climate change, mangroves, and art. This innovative approach sought to harness the creative power of art to communicate the urgency of climate action and inspire behavioral change.
The visit, in its entirety, served as a crucial platform for renewing Nigeria’s commitment to climate action and exploring innovative pathways to achieve its ambitious NDC 3.0 targets. The engagement with various stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, private sector leaders, and environmentalists, emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach to address the complex challenges posed by climate change. The focus on nature-based solutions, such as the utilization of mangrove ecosystems, highlighted the potential of leveraging natural resources for climate resilience. The integration of art into the broader program demonstrated the power of creative expression in raising awareness and driving behavioral change. The discussions held during the visit further underscored the importance of aligning climate action with sustainable development and ensuring that solutions benefit local communities and the environment. This holistic approach, encompassing policy development, capacity building, private sector engagement, nature-based solutions, and creative expression, sets the stage for Nigeria’s journey towards a sustainable and climate-resilient future. The UNFCCC’s continued support, exemplified by Stiell’s visit, will be crucial in navigating this journey and achieving the nation’s ambitious climate goals. The visit also served as a reminder of the global interconnectedness of climate change and the need for international collaboration in addressing this shared challenge. By sharing best practices, engaging in dialogue, and supporting each other’s efforts, nations can collectively work towards a more sustainable future for all.
