Nigeria has emerged as West Africa’s frontrunner in climate action following its submission of the region’s first Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), officials said on Thursday.
The development comes as Vice President Kashim Shettima prepares to unveil the nation’s green transition roadmap to global leaders at the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil — a move aimed at converting climate pledges into investment-driven projects.
Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Dr. Tenioye Majekodunmi, said Nigeria’s early submission places the country in a strong position to secure climate finance, partnerships, and pay-for-performance investment initiatives.
Speaking ahead of the summit’s formal opening, Majekodunmi described COP30 as a crucial turning point for the country.
“COP 30 is the implementation COP we have been waiting for. With our NDC 3.0 submission — the first in West Africa — Nigeria has built significant momentum. This is where we move from paper to projects,” she said.
Majekodunmi further highlighted three key advantages Nigeria expects from the event: activating its newly approved National Carbon Market Framework, operationalising the National Climate Change Fund, and strengthening South-South climate collaboration, particularly with Amazon and Congo rainforest regions.
“These decisions provide clear policy direction and assure investors that Nigeria is open for high-integrity carbon investments that deliver real community benefits,” she noted.
Presidential aide and spokesperson for the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, said Shettima’s participation signals President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to global climate targets, including emission reductions under the 2016 Paris Agreement.
Nkwocha reaffirmed Nigeria’s pledge to cut emissions by 32% by 2035 and achieve net-zero by 2060.
Vice President Shettima will join world leaders at the COP30 opening ceremony themed “Climate Action and Implementation,” with a focus on adaptation, forests, biodiversity and climate justice.
He is also scheduled to deliver Nigeria’s national climate statement during the leaders’ plenary session.