- Calls for United Continental Climate Compact to Close Transition Gaps
Nigeria has renewed its call for African nations to unite under a comprehensive Africa Climate Compact that harmonizes carbon markets, enhances transparency, and strengthens the continent’s collective voice in global climate negotiations.
The call was made at the Africa Climate Forum (ACF) 2025, themed “Bolder, Greener, and Better Steps: Closing Transition Gaps in Africa,” which focused on translating ambitious climate commitments into measurable, inclusive, and sustainable actions.
Representing Nigeria at the forum, Mr. Michael Ivenso, Director of Energy, Transportation, and Infrastructure at the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), who stood in for the Director-General, Mrs. Omotenioye Majekodunmi, reaffirmed Nigeria’s leadership in promoting regional cooperation, policy alignment, and transparent climate governance across Africa. “Africa stands at a pivotal moment where the success of our climate agenda depends not only on ambition but on delivering real, inclusive solutions that address our economic vulnerabilities, promote diversification, and build resilience,” Ivenso said.
“It is imperative that no community or sector is left behind in this transition.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s progress, Ivenso noted that the country has taken bold steps to close its transition gaps and advance toward net-zero emissions by 2060, guided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He cited the enactment of the Climate Change Act, the strengthening of the National Council on Climate Change, and the implementation of the Energy Transition Plan—initiatives aimed at expanding renewable energy access, reducing fossil fuel dependence, and promoting sustainable industrial growth.
In the aviation sector, he added, Nigeria is aligning with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 through sustainable aviation fuel development and energy-efficient operations—achievements that earned Lagos Airport the Level 2 Airport Carbon Accreditation, the first in West Africa.
Calling for a unified continental approach, Ivenso urged African nations to adopt a transition strategy that is “bolder in ambition, greener in innovation, and better in collaboration.” “Africa’s climate transition must be inclusive and just—ensuring that communities, women, and youth all share in the opportunities of a greener economy,” he said.
“Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to climate action, not as an obligation, but as an opportunity to build resilience, create green jobs, and secure a sustainable future.”
Also delivering a goodwill message, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, called for urgent action to bridge Africa’s climate transition gaps, describing the moment as “defining for the continent.” “Africa is richly endowed with human capital and biodiversity, yet profoundly vulnerable to the disruptions of climate change,” he said.
“Gaps in finance, technology, and policy have held us back. Closing these gaps is essential—not just to meet our global obligations but to protect the lives and livelihoods of our people.”
Similarly, Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, emphasized that climate transition must be people-centered and innovation-driven. “Our response to climate change must be both inclusive and transformative,” he said.
“The labour and employment sector plays a crucial role by ensuring that green transition creates decent jobs and empowers workers with the skills needed for a sustainable economy.”
In his remarks, Kenya’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Isaac Parashina, said Africa’s climate crisis now extends beyond the environment to questions of sovereignty, security, and development. “Africa does not lack vision—it lacks cohesion between aspirations, institutions, and the resources to sustain them,” he said.
“The question is no longer what Africa needs, but what it will decisively choose to do differently.”
The forum concluded with a renewed continental commitment to foster solidarity, accelerate climate innovation, and ensure Africa’s climate transition is just, inclusive, and transformative—anchored in shared prosperity and resilience.
