LAGOS/Nigeria: The 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) has left an indelible mark, with global leaders’ debates shaping the path toward commitments and development. The UN Secretary-General emphasized,”action is what the world needs,” underscoring the call for tangible progress.
On September 20, 2023, President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, addressed six key points: Africa’s development as a priority through partnership, direct investment in critical industries, affirming democratic governance in the ECOWAS region, addressing human trafficking, securing mineral-rich areas in Africa, and confronting climate change.
While some lauded the president’s speech as bold, it fell short in detailing specific steps to combat pressing issues such as the Great Green Wall Initiative, desert encroachment, and flooding. Moreover, it lacked clarity on Nigeria’s strategy to accelerate climate action and meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Recalling former President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitments to climate action at previous UNGAs and COP26, President Tinubu’s administration appears to lack urgency and a clear direction in this critical area.
Despite some positive actions, including the removal of petroleum subsidies and the liberalization of the electricity industry, doubts linger about the administration’s resolve to combat climate change effectively.
UNGA78 presented a missed opportunity for Nigeria to showcase leadership and prioritize climate action, essential for its sustainable economic development plan. President Tinubu’s absence at the Africa Climate Summit further underscored Nigeria’s failure to take a unified stance on climate change issues with African nations.
It’s not too late for the Tinubu administration to course-correct. As COP28 approaches, Nigeria must firm up its climate plans, engage with African negotiators, and lead in global climate discussions.
Committing a significant portion of petroleum subsidy savings to innovative climate action and presenting a sustainable phase-out of fossil fuels plan can send a powerful signal of Nigeria’s commitment to climate leadership.
African countries, led by Nigeria, must make climate action a staple of their governance priorities. Failure to do so would be a disservice to their people.
Contributors: Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, President of the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), and Nnaemeka Oruh, Senior Policy Analyst for the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP).
