Funding to mitigate droughts, insecurity top Tinubu’s agenda at COP28

President Bola Tinubu will, on Wednesday, depart Nigeria on Wednesday to attend the COP28 Climate Summit, where he is expected to make a strong case of increased global funding support for Nigeria and other nations facing severe crises, arising from droughts, caused by climate change.

The Nigeria leader who is expected to present the 2024 budget at the National Assembly on Wednesday, will depart immediately after the presentation. He will head for the summit also known as the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, or Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP28), taking place at Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

A statement by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, said Tinubu will join other World Leaders’ at the Summit, which takes place on December 1 and 2, 2023, under the theme, “Unite, Act, and Deliver”.

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The President will deliver a national statement, highlighting Nigeria’s stance on various thematic issues, including renewable energy and climate financing.

Mindful of the severe impact of climate change on Nigeria, such as desertification, flooding, erosion, drought, and national security risks arising therefrom, President Tinubu will maximize the opportunity afforded by the platform to advocate increased financial and technical support for developing nations, while reminding developed countries of their public pledge to provide $100 billion annually for support to localised initiatives to address climate change-related challenges.

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The President’s message will also focus on holding businesses and institutions accountable, reflecting Nigeria’s dedication to sustainable and responsible practices.

The Nigerian delegation to COP28 will also actively explore establishing new and deeper bilateral partnerships to implement Nigeria’s Energy Transition, Article 6 Projects, Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs), Technology Transfer, Capacity Building, and Methane Mitigation.

While in Dubai, President Tinubu will actively participate in key sideline events, which will further support the advancement of his avowed commitment to aggressively attract foreign direct investment for enhanced wealth creation and revenue expansion in the country, in addition to other events hosted by the Nigerian delegation.

The President, who will be accompanied by senior government officials, is expected to return to Abuja at the conclusion of the summit.