The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has commended Nigeria for taking the issues of climate change seriously, noting that among the 15 member countries of the regional economic bloc, Nigeria alongside Benin and The Gambia are the three counties to have submitted their Strategy to the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Speaking at the National Workshop on Socialization of Nigeria’s Long-Term Low Carbon Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS).in Abuja, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs. Massandjé Toure-Litse said: “As part of the Paris Agreement, ECOWAS Member States have all submitted their revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the implementation of which calls for the mobilisation of all national actors in each country and the support of regional and international partners.

“Alongside these NDCs, countries are called upon to develop their long-term low- carbon emission development Strategy. To date, out of the 15 ECOWAS Member States, only three (3) countries (Benin, The Gambia, and Nigeria) have submitted their Strategy to the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. I would like to commend the Federal Republic of Nigeria for submitting this important document to fulfill its obligations under the Paris Agreement.”

Toure-Litse, who was represented by one of the Commission’s Director, Kofi Bernard noted that: “This achievement is in line with the declaration of the ECOWAS Head of States and Government adopted on Climate Change in December 2021, which also calls on Member States to develop their Long-term low-carbon emission development Strategy.”

She said: “The Commission is delighted to support the socialization of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s long-term low emission development strategy for the socialization with a view to ensuring better ownership and effective contribution of all national stakeholders in its implementation.”

On his part, the Director General of the
National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Dr. Salisu Dahiru said: “The LT LEDS is comprehensive and serves as a vehicle for transitioning Nigeria to its Net-zero Pathway by 2060. In particular, it identifies actionable programmes and policies that aim to accelerate the uptake of measures and technologies in and around a climate-resilient development pathway while working towards long-term quantifiable GHG emission reductions across Nigeria’s priority sectors.”

He said: “In November 2021, Nigeria passed the Climate Change Act that seeks to achieve low greenhouse gas emissions, green and sustainable growth by providing the framework to set a target to reach net zero between 2050 and 2070. With this regulatory framework, the Act established the National Council on Climate Change with the sole responsibility for the coordination and harmonization of national climate actions among several roles.

“The journey to net-zero emissions has thus begun, and it is already clear that the road will be rough. Nigeria’s position is balancing its socioeconomics with climate change initiatives. It is to be noted also that in order to mobilize adequate climate finance into the country, there is need for adequate regulatory frameworks and its implementation.”

He noted that: “Today, we have come together to socialize and present this decisive strategy, and so we have the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogues, share insights, and build partnerships that will drive the successful implementation of the LT-LEDS. This workshop will serve as a catalyst for change, a space for learning, and a forum for collective action, as we strive to shape a future where Nigeria thrives as a global leader in low-emission development and climate resilience.”

He said: “The demonstrated leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in ensuring the reduction of Nigeria’s carbon footprint can be seen in the launch of several initiatives such as the Electric Buses Rollout Programme, the Carbon Market Activation Programme etc.. The present administration is providing all the necessary support to implement robust, enabling policies and frameworks.”