The Nigerian Conservation Foundation and other partners hosted the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Simon Stiell, and his delegation on a four-day (March 4-7, 2025) visit to Nigeria.
A statement from the NCF stated that the UNFCCC has been pivotal in supporting climate policy development, capacity building, and other initiatives for various countries.
“The maiden visit which included a series of events helped to review the country’s (Nigeria’s) progress to an ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), chief of which is to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2060 and the economic benefits a strong climate action plan can bring.
“The visit started in Abuja where he met with top government officials and civil society organisations on the 4th and 5th of March. The Federal Government restated its commitment to climate change action and sustainable development while ensuring solutions are beneficial to local communities and the environment.
“On the 6th of March, Mr Simon Stiell visited Lagos to participate in a symposium and breakfast meeting hosted at the Lekki Conservation Centre, the Headquarters of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation. The symposium was jointly put together by the Lagos State Government, the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat, and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation,” the NCF stated.
It said the symposium was a critical part of a broader programme, featuring an art exhibition and symposium under the theme: ‘Intersecting Worlds of Climate Change, Mangrove, and Art’, scheduled to run from the 5th of March to the 18th of March 2025.
“It was organised in collaboration with the National Arts Gallery and Crimson Fusion, highlighting the role of creative industries in driving climate literacy, awareness, and behavioural change,” the foundation stated.
According to the statement, the symposium brought together policymakers, corporate leaders, environmentalists, and the media to engage on Nigeria’s path toward an economy-wide NDC 3.0.
It said the symposium was for the nation and the role of the private sector in implementing climate commitments.
“It also featured a documentary on mangroves, keynote addresses, and a panel session comprising high-profile international and national speakers and dignitaries, reinforcing the country’s commitment to exploring nature-based climate solutions as a mechanism for accelerating climate resilience,” the statement added.
In his welcome remarks at the symposium, the Director-General of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Dr Joseph Onoja, emphasised the importance of harnessing Nigeria’s natural resources for sustainable development.
