Nigeria has officially bid to host the COP32 climate summit in Lagos in 2027. This announcement was made during the visit of UN climate chief Simon Stiell. Nigeria aims to boost its climate leadership and economic opportunities by hosting the summit, with decisions on the hosting responsibilities to be made collectively by African nations at COP30 in Brazil.
Nigeria has officially announced its bid to host the COP32 United Nations climate summit in Lagos in 2027, as highlighted during the visit of Simon Stiell, head of the UN’s climate arm. Nkiruka Maduekwe, chair of Nigeria’s climate change council, expressed that Lagos possesses the necessary capabilities to host such a significant event, emphasizing Nigeria’s leadership role in climate action.
Lagos state’s environment commissioner, Tokunbo Wahab, reinforced the commitment to hosting COP32, pointing to Azerbaijan’s successful hosting of COP in Baku as a precedent. The Nigerian environment ministry underscored that hosting the summit would enhance the nation’s climate leadership and visibility, as well as promote economic opportunities.
Decisions regarding which African nation will host COP32 will be made collectively by African countries at COP30 in Brazil this November, with consensus required at the conference for final approval. Simon Stiell welcomed Nigeria’s bid, acknowledging that while there would be other contenders, he intends to encourage Nigeria’s efforts in the selection process.
COP summits bring together representatives from 198 governments that have ratified the UN climate change convention to negotiate agreements concerning climate change. The hosting rights of COP events rotate among the UN’s geographic blocks, and it is Africa’s turn for COP32, following Egypt’s hosting of COP27 in 2022.
Nigeria stands as the only African nation to have legally committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2060, a target established in 2021. As Africa’s largest oil producer, Nigeria relies heavily on oil and gas revenue, representing nearly half of its government budget, amidst global shifts towards phasing out fossil fuels in energy systems.
On the international stage, Nigeria, alongside other African nations, advocates for greater financial contributions from wealthy countries to assist developing nations in combatting climate change. President Bola Tinubu, during his 2022 campaign, stressed the importance of developed countries fulfilling their climate finance commitments to ensure compliance by developing nations with climate actions.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s bid to host COP32 in Lagos signifies a strategic move to enhance its climate leadership and visibility on the global stage. The preparations are still in the early stages, as the decision will ultimately lie with a collaborative effort among African nations at COP30. Nigeria’s unique position as a legally committed nation towards net zero emissions and its advocacy for climate finance reflects its dedication to addressing climate change effectively.
Original Source: www.climatechangenews.com
