Nigeria has proposed to host the COP32 climate summit in Lagos in 2027, asserting its leadership in climate action. Lagos state officials believe the city is equipped to host such an event, emphasizing benefits for economy and visibility. The decision on the host will be made at COP30 in Brazil, with Stiell welcoming Nigeria’s bid while noting the competitive process ahead.
Nigeria has officially expressed its intent to host the COP32 United Nations climate summit in Lagos in 2027, as announced by the government during the visit of Simon Stiell, chief of the UN’s climate arm. Nkiruka Maduekwe, head of the national climate change council, emphasized Lagos’ capabilities to serve as a host, highlighting Nigeria’s role as a leadership figure in climate action.
The Lagos state environment commissioner, Tokunbo Wahab, reinforced this sentiment by questioning why Nigeria should not be able to host COP32, given that Azerbaijan successfully held COP in Baku. The Nigerian Ministry of Environment has asserted that hosting the summit would enhance the country’s climate leadership, visibility, and economic opportunities.
Africa will collaboratively determine which nation will move forward to host COP32 at the upcoming COP30 in Brazil this November, with Nigeria being the first to declare its interest. At a media briefing, Stiell acknowledged this bid and emphasized that while there will be competing offers, he encourages Nigeria within the African group.
The COP summits assemble all 198 governments that have ratified the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change to negotiate climate agreements. The hosting rights rotate among the UN’s geographic blocks; thus, COP32 will be Africa’s opportunity, five years following Egypt’s COP27 hosting.
Notably, Nigeria is the sole African nation to have enacted a net zero greenhouse gas emissions target within its laws, pledging to achieve this by 2060. Despite being Africa’s largest oil producer, relying heavily on oil and gas revenues, the government has advocated for accountability among wealthy nations in providing climate finance towards developing countries’ challenges.
Presently, many view Nigeria’s commitment to climate-related goals critically, particularly in light of President Bola Tinubu’s statement regarding developed countries’ responsibilities for climate finance. Maduekwe previously attracted attention during COP29 for her critical stance on insufficient climate finance commitments made by wealthier nations in the wake of significant global climate discussions.
Overall, Nigeria’s bid to host COP32 underscores its aspirations for greater participation in international climate initiatives and emphasizes its leadership in climate action, despite existing economic dependencies on fossil fuels.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s proposal to host the COP32 climate summit in Lagos is a significant move towards positioning the country as a leader in climate action. The official declaration reflects Nigeria’s commitment to addressing climate change and enhancing its global visibility. However, challenges remain in balancing economic reliance on fossil fuels with ambitious climate targets. The decision at COP30 in Brazil will further clarify Nigeria’s standing among potential host countries for COP32.
Original Source: www.climatechangenews.com
