… establishes SPEC to lead negotiations, align carbon market initiatives with Nigeria’s plans

… appoints special envoy office, expanded Committee

… hires experts to drive financial, technological aspects of climate action

Oredola Adeola

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, as the interim Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), following the dismissal of Dr. Salisu Dahiru, the council’s former DG, appointed by former President Mohammadu Buhari back in 2022.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, made this announcement in a statement obtained by Advisors Reports on Sunday.

According to the statement, Dr. Maduekwe’s appointment underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s green industrial vision and accelerating climate action.

He said, “Dr. Maduekwe, with an impressive academic background in environmental law and policy, is tasked with spearheading the implementation of Nigeria’s Climate Change Agenda and the National Climate Change Action Plan.

Her mandate includes developing crucial frameworks such as the carbon market and National Adaptation Plan, aligning with the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).

At 39, Dr. Maduekwe brings over 15 years of national and international experience in climate policy development, having previously served as Nigeria’s National Coordinator for Climate Parliament.

Advisors Reports’ check indicated that the NCCC, inaugured in September 2022, was charged with the mandate of ensuring that Nigeria achieves net zero emissions by 2060, in alignment with the Paris Agreement.

Last year, former President Buhari approved the deployment of personnel from key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to the NCCC, aimed at ensuring a smooth take-off and operationalization of the Council’s functions.

The NCCC was charged with developing the Open Market Carbon Trading Framework and Infrastructure (Phase 1), a critical step towards fostering sustainable environmental practices.

Following its take-off, the Council also absorbed the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan and Office, ensuring continuity in initiatives in line with the Climate Change Act of 2021.

As the Designated National Authority for the United Nations Framework Conventions on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Council plays a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s climate policies and commitments on the international stage.

The Council operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Environment, with key contributions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Science and Technology, and State Commissioners of Environment who serve as members of the Council.

Meanwhile, as a part of further action on the Nigeria’s climate change, President Tinubu’s directive confirmed the appointment of Mr. Ibrahim Abdullahi Shelleng as the Senior Special Assistant on Climate Finance & Stakeholder Engagement, and Mr. Olamide Fagbuji as the Senior Special Assistant on Climate Technology and Operations.

He also approved the establishment of the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action (SPEC) tasked with crucial responsibilities within Nigeria’s climate strategy.

SPEC is designated to function as the lead negotiator on climate-related matters, representing the Federal Government of Nigeria and reporting directly to the President.

SPEC’s mandate also extends to spearheading negotiations on the carbon market and management initiatives for the FG.

This includes integrating the efforts of the Intergovernmental Committee on National Carbon Market Activation Plan (NCMAP) into the broader climate action plans of the Federal Government.

Moreover, SPEC serves as the supervision interface between the Secretariat of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) and the NCCC Supervision Council, chaired by President Tinubu, ensuring the coordination, oversight, and alignment of climate strategies and actions at both operational and strategic levels.

President Tinubu also approved the expansion of the membership of the Presidential Committee on Climate Actions and Green Economic Solutions (P-CAGE).

This expanded committee, scheduled for inauguration in July 2024, will include representatives from key entities such as the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Petroleum Gas, Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, as well as stakeholders like NNPCL, the Special Assistant to the President on Energy Transition, and the Energy Transition Office.