By Bunmi Yekini
A cross-section of climate experts and development partners have described Nigeria’s third Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) as a bold and inclusive step towards addressing climate change. The appraisal was made at the National Stakeholders’ NDC 3.0 Validation Workshop organised by the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) in Abuja on August 27, 2025.
Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria, Mrs. Varsha Redkar-Palepu, said the updated NDC reflects sharper emission reduction targets and deeper integration of women, youth, and sub-national voices.
“Nigeria’s journey through NDC 1.0 and 2.0 has laid a strong foundation. The validation of NDC 3.0 is a pivotal moment and a milestone that reflects Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to climate action and its leadership in shaping a sustainable future for Africa and the world,” she said.
She stressed that while Africa contributes the least to global emissions, the continent remains disproportionately vulnerable to climate shocks. “Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, carries a unique responsibility and opportunity to lead by example,” she added.
Also speaking, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Finance and Stakeholder Engagement, Ibrahim Abdullahi Shelleng, said NDC 3.0 builds on lessons from previous versions and responds directly to the outcomes of the first Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement.
“This document is not just a climate commitment—it is a developmental blueprint. It reflects our national priorities in energy transition, agriculture, waste management, and resilient infrastructure, all of which are central pillars of the Tinubu administration’s policy direction,” Shelleng said.
In his opening remarks, Director-General of NCCC, Barr. Teni Majekodunmi, urged developed nations to honour their climate finance and technology transfer pledges under the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement.
“Localizing innovation by building the capacity of Nigerian entrepreneurs, researchers, and start-ups to develop technologies suited to our realities is critical,” Majekodunmi noted.
On his part, Niger State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Yakubu Kolo, emphasized the central role of states in designing and implementing NDCs.
“Nigeria’s NDC 3.0 must be ambitious, inclusive, and credible. Financing should be practical and accessible to states, as they remain the burden bearers of climate change vulnerabilities,” Kolo said.
The hybrid event drew participants from UNDP, AfDB, UNICEF, UN Women, GIZ, ILO, FCDO, GDGI, youth groups, NGOs, and CSOs.