According to Nivo News, Nigeria has set an ambitious target to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 32 percent by 2035. Vice President Kashim Shettima made this announcement while representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Leaders’ Climate Summit during the COP30 conference in Belém, Brazil.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Shettima emphasized that the target reaffirms Nigeria’s leadership in West Africa’s climate action efforts and showcases its firm commitment to global sustainability. He explained that the reduction goal will be achieved through two key initiatives – the National Carbon Market Framework and the Climate Change Fund – both designed to attract multi-billion-dollar clean energy investments and support climate adaptation in vulnerable communities.

The Vice President further revealed that the government has launched a five-year Carbon Market Roadmap aimed at establishing an Emissions Trading System and Carbon Tax Regime to promote sustainable industrial innovation.

Calling on developed nations to translate promises into measurable results, Shettima urged world leaders to ensure that COP30 marks a turning point for genuine climate action. He warned that developing countries could not meet climate goals through goodwill alone and called for a fair and reliable global financial framework that recognizes their realities.

He stated that Nigeria’s Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) outlines comprehensive measures across the energy, transport, agriculture, waste, and industrial sectors. Shettima also reaffirmed the nation’s “Decade of Gas” strategy, which balances gas utilization with solar energy expansion to promote sustainable rural electrification.

According to Nivo News, Nigeria has taken the lead in West Africa’s climate response with the submission of its Third NDC to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This early submission positions the country for new global partnerships and investment opportunities at COP30.

The Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Mrs. Tenioye Majekodunmi, described the development as a major milestone, noting that Nigeria is the first West African country to submit its updated NDC. She described the Belem summit as a “global matchmaking platform” for advancing climate financing and sustainable development.

Majekodunmi added that Nigeria’s approval of a National Carbon Market Framework and the operationalization of the National Climate Change Fund would enhance investor confidence in the country’s green economy. “Nigeria is open for high-integrity carbon investments delivering real mitigation and community benefits,” she said.

She further highlighted Nigeria’s intention to strengthen South–South cooperation on climate matters, especially through collaboration between the Amazon, Congo, and Guinea forest regions.

Also speaking, Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, said Nigeria’s participation at COP30 reinforces President Tinubu’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 on climate action.

Nkwocha affirmed that for Nigeria, participation in COP30 is not just symbolic but an opportunity to demonstrate leadership and transparency in climate responsibility, reaffirming the 32 percent emission reduction target by 2035.

Vice President Shettima is expected to unveil Nigeria’s green transition roadmap during the conference and engage world leaders, investors, and development partners in high-level sessions focused on forests, oceans, and nature-based climate solutions.