Nigeria has officially bid to host the COP32 climate summit in Lagos in 2027, with support from government officials. This aspiration aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to climate action, intending to enhance its global visibility and economic prospects. The decision on the host will be made collectively by African nations at COP30 in Brazil this November before securing consensus from all countries.
Nigeria has officially announced its bid to host the COP32 United Nations climate summit in Lagos in 2027. This announcement coincided with a visit from Simon Stiell, the chief of the UN’s climate arm, who attended a symposium in the bustling West African city. Nkiruka Maduekwe, the head of Nigeria’s climate change council, emphasized that Lagos possesses the necessary capabilities to host such a significant event, asserting Nigeria’s leadership role as a champion of climate action.
Lagos State’s environment commissioner, Tokunbo Wahab, expressed confidence in hosting COP32, suggesting that if Azerbaijan could host the summit in Baku, then Lagos could do the same. The Nigerian government believes that hosting the summit would enhance the nation’s climate leadership, visibility on the global stage, and offer economic opportunities.
A collective decision among African nations regarding the host country for COP32 is expected during COP30 in Brazil this November. Following this, the host nation will need consensus approval from all participating countries.
Stiell acknowledged Nigeria’s bid, indicating he welcomed this initiative while also noting the need for a formal process given that other contenders will emerge. The right to host COP summits rotates among the UN’s five geographic blocks, with COP32 set for Africa’s turn five years after Egypt hosted COP27 in 2022.
According to the Net Zero Tracker, Nigeria stands out as the only African nation with a legally binding commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2060, a target established in 2021. Additionally, Nigeria, as Africa’s largest oil producer, significantly relies on oil and gas revenues, which account for nearly half of its government budget.
At COP28 in 2023, an agreement among governments to phase out fossil fuels was made, yet specific timelines remain unclear. Nigeria, along with its African Group allies, has consistently advocated for increased climate finance from wealthier nations to assist developing countries in addressing climate challenges. During his 2022 campaign, President Bola Tinubu stated that Nigeria would not comply with climate change obligations without the promised financial support from developed countries.
Maduekwe, at the recently concluded COP29 summit, garnered attention by criticizing the inadequate agreements for climate financing, stating that the proposed $300 billion annual target by 2035 from wealthier nations was insufficient and dismissing it as merely rhetorical.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s bid to host COP32 highlights its commitment to climate action and leadership. With an emphasis on local capabilities and the significance of enhancing international support for developing nations, Nigeria seeks to elevate its status on the global climate stage. As African nations prepare to discuss hosting responsibilities, the outcome will be a critical factor in shaping the continent’s climate initiatives going forward.
Original Source: www.climatechangenews.com
