Nigeria Seeks to Host COP32 Climate Summit in Lagos
Nigeria seeks to host the COP32 climate summit in Lagos in 2027, emphasizing its capabilities and leadership in climate action. The decision will be made by African nations at COP30 in Brazil. Notably, Nigeria is the first to express interest, and its legal commitment to net-zero emissions by 2060 is distinguished. The country advocates for climate finance from developed nations to balance its fossil fuel dependency.
Nigeria has announced its bid to host the COP32 United Nations climate summit in Lagos in 2027, following a visit from Simon Stiell, the chief of the UN’s climate arm. At a symposium attended by Stiell, Nkiruka Maduekwe, head of the country’s climate change council, emphasized that Lagos possesses the necessary capabilities to host such a significant event, declaring Nigeria a leader in climate action.
Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, expressed the state’s preparedness to meet hosting requirements, questioning why Nigeria should not be capable of hosting the summit given other countries have done so. The environment ministry stated that hosting COP32 would enhance Nigeria’s climate leadership, visibility, and economic prospects.
The decision on which African nation will host COP32 will be determined collectively by African countries, with discussions likely occurring at COP30 in Brazil this November. As the first nation to officially express interest, Nigeria received a positive response from Stiell, who acknowledged the competitive process and pledged support for Nigeria’s candidacy within its African constituency.
The Conference of the Parties (COP) summits encompass all 198 governments that have ratified the UNFCCC, focusing on climate change negotiations. Africa is set to host COP32 following five years after Egypt hosted COP27. Notably, Nigeria is the sole African country with a legal commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2060, despite its status as the continent’s largest oil producer, heavily reliant on oil revenues. While Nigeria pushes for climate finance from wealthier nations, President Bola Tinubu emphasized the importance of financial support for compliance with climate commitments.
Maduekwe gained media attention during COP29 for her concerns regarding wealthy nations’ insufficient financial commitments towards climate initiatives, asserting, “We do not accept this.” This sentiment reflects Nigeria’s ongoing advocacy for substantial climate finance to facilitate its transition to a more sustainable future.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s bid to host COP32 in Lagos represents a significant step in the country’s efforts to enhance its global climate leadership and highlight the responsibilities of wealthier nations in supporting developing countries. As the only African nation to enshrine net-zero targets legally, Nigeria’s ambitions at COP32 could catalyze important conversations about climate financing and sustainable practices in Africa.
Original Source: www.climatechangenews.com
