Nigeria’s COP29 Agenda: 5 Urgent Issues to Tackle for a Sustainable Future

Nigeria’s COP29 Agenda: 5 Urgent Issues to Tackle for a Sustainable Future

Nigeria is heading to the 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, with high expectations for climate change discussions. As the global community continues to address climate change, Nigeria aims to secure crucial outcomes to tackle its own environmental challenges.

The country has already earned praise for its Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategy and carbon market programme. Nigeria has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, a promise made at COP26 in Glasgow.

As Nigeria joins other nations, especially African countries and those in Annex II, it faces an urgent task: to secure vital resources and global partnerships to protect its future from climate change. Here are five key areas Nigeria must focus on at COP29:

1. Loss and Damage Fund Climate-related disasters in Nigeria, such as flooding, have left lasting damage to infrastructure and forced people to migrate. The Loss and Damage Fund, established at COP28, aims to support developing countries like Nigeria in coping with such impacts. Nigeria should actively engage in securing a portion of the initial US$400 million allocated for this fund. Addressing the severe climate effects Nigeria has faced in recent years makes this a top priority.”Nigeria qualifies to benefit from the Loss and Damage Fund,” said experts. “It’s crucial that the country gets involved in how these funds are distributed.”
2. Carbon Market Investments Nigeria presented its carbon market programme at COP28, an initiative that allows businesses to buy carbon credits as part of their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. COP29 offers an opportunity to attract investors into this market, helping Nigeria generate revenue and combat climate change.”Carbon markets are a key measure to address emissions and expand Nigeria’s tax base,” experts noted.
3. Gas Market Advocacy With the world shifting towards clean energy, Nigeria’s significant gas reserves—estimated at 202 trillion cubic feet—must be recognised as part of the global energy transition. COP29 should serve as a platform for Nigeria to advocate for gas as a transition fuel, ensuring its energy future remains stable while reducing emissions.”Nigeria must fight for gas to remain part of the clean energy transition,” said energy analysts.
4. Climate Adaptation Funding The need for climate adaptation, especially in Nigeria and across Africa, is urgent. The country must negotiate for increased support from the Adaptation Fund, which received a boost of US$188 million at COP28. This funding will help Nigeria adjust to climate impacts, from shifting rainfall patterns to extreme weather events.”Adaptation is key to mitigating climate change effects,” environmental experts emphasised.
5. Empowering Sub-National Governments At COP28, Nigeria’s state governments made notable strides, with Cross River State signing a deal with Oando on wind energy. COP29 should continue this momentum by providing states and local governments with the support needed to implement their own climate goals. Nigeria’s climate response depends on its states and local governments working together.”Local governments play a vital role in Nigeria’s climate response,” said a political scientist.

As Nigeria faces mounting climate challenges, its delegation to COP29 must return with strong results—enhanced adaptation funding, a thriving carbon market, a commitment to gas in the energy transition, and empowered sub-national governments. Only then can the country ensure a sustainable future for its people.