At the Climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan, Nigeria has called for increased global funding for climate adaptation to address the growing threats faced by vulnerable nations. The country also pressed for strict adherence to the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
“We need to put adaptation at the forefront,” said Nkiruka Madueke, Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change, during the conference’s opening plenary. “It’s time to go beyond pledges and allocate real resources to fight climate change,” she added.
Nigeria’s appeal comes amid rising climate challenges, including annual flooding, droughts, and sea-level rise. While the Loss and Damage Fund established at COP28 marked progress, the long-standing commitment of $100 billion annually for climate finance remains unmet. This gap severely affects nations like Nigeria, where climate-related displacement and economic losses are escalating.
The country highlighted examples of climate impact, such as flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State, which has displaced communities and eroded livelihoods. Madueke underscored the importance of resilience, explaining that adaptation efforts can help affected populations recover and withstand future impacts.
Nigeria also expressed hope for the newly proposed New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) to replace the $100 billion pledge and deliver more substantial and timely financial support. However, concerns persist over whether the proposed funding will be adequate or arrive quickly enough to meet urgent needs.
“We want to leave this COP with concrete financial commitments,” Madueke said. “Africa, including Nigeria, is advocating for the NCQG and demanding more resources to tackle the climate adaptation challenges that threaten millions of lives.”
