Nigeria has expressed its intention to host COP32 in Lagos in 2027, announcing its bid during a visit from UN climate chief Simon Stiell. Nkiruka Maduekwe emphasized Nigeria’s leadership and readiness for the event. The decision will be made at COP30 in Brazil this November, after which it requires consensus approval from all countries. Nigeria’s climate goals and push for increased international financing underscore its commitment to addressing climate change.
Nigeria has officially expressed its intention to host the COP32 United Nations climate summit in Lagos in 2027, as confirmed by the government during a visit from Simon Stiell, the head of the UN climate arm. Nkiruka Maduekwe, chair of the country’s climate change council, stated that Lagos, as Africa’s most populous city, has the capacity to successfully host this major event.
During a symposium attended by Stiell, Maduekwe emphasized Nigeria’s leadership in climate action, arguing that it is time for the nation to hold a COP summit and showcase its efforts in tackling climate change. Lagos state environment commissioner, Tokunbo Wahab, underscored the city’s readiness, questioning why Nigeria cannot host the summit if Azerbaijan successfully hosted it in Baku.
The Nigerian environment ministry announced via social media that hosting COP32 could enhance the country’s climate leadership and global visibility, while also creating economic opportunities. The determination of which African nation will host COP32 will be made collectively by African countries at the upcoming COP30 in Brazil this November, followed by consensus approval from all member states.
Nigeria is the first nation to make a formal bid for COP32, a move welcomed by Stiell, who noted there will be competition and a formal process to follow. He expressed support for Nigeria’s bid within the context of the African group.
COP conferences involve 198 governments that ratified the UN’s climate change convention (UNFCCC) negotiating joint climate change agreements. As part of the schedule, COP32 will mark Africa’s turn to host, following Egypt’s hosting of COP27 in 2022.
With respect to climate goals, Nigeria stands out as the only African country that has legally committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2060, a target established in 2021. As Africa’s largest oil producer, Nigeria derives nearly half of its government budget from oil and gas revenue, primarily from production in the southern Delta region. Although the recent COP28 summit in 2023 addressed fossil fuel transitions, timelines and specifics remain unresolved.
On an international level, Nigeria, alongside the African Group, has advocated for increased climate financing from developed nations to assist in climate change efforts. President Bola Tinubu, during his 2022 election campaign, emphasized that compliance with climate agreements is contingent on receiving adequate climate finance from wealthy countries.
At COP29 last year, Maduekwe garnered international attention for her critique of a proposed agreement for rich nations to provide $300 billion annually in climate finance by 2035, deeming it insufficient and stating, “It is 3am and we are going to clap our hands and say this is what we are going to do – I don’t think so. We do not accept this.”
Nigeria’s bid to host the COP32 climate summit in Lagos highlights its ambition to solidify its climate leadership on the global stage. The country’s commitment to a net-zero target by 2060, despite its economic dependence on oil, demonstrates a significant shift towards climate responsibility. With the decision upcoming at COP30, Nigeria’s proactive stance and push for climate financing reflect the broader needs of developing nations in combating climate change.
Original Source: www.climatechangenews.com
