FG begins COP29 preparation, seeks stakeholder collaboration on environment goals

Balarabe Lawal, minister of environment, says ahead of the 29th session of the United Nations climate change conference (COP29) in November, it is imperative that stakeholders collaborate to advance Nigeria’s environmental goals.

Lawal said this on Tuesday, while delivering a statement at the national workshop to review COP28 outcomes, in Abuja.

He said the workshop aims to unpack the significant outcomes of COP28, while setting the stage for Nigeria’s active participation at COP29 in Azerbaijan.

He said there is need for stakeholders to collectively identify and prioritise key areas that will drive Nigeria’s environment agenda in the future.

“This gathering symbolises our shared commitment to confronting one of the greatest challenges of our time which is climate change,” Lawal said.

“We are also here to unpack the significant outcomes of COP28, as well as set the stage for Nigeria’s active participation at the 29th Conference of parties in Azerbaijan.

“During this review today, we will also collectively identify and prioritise key focus areas that will drive our nation’s environmental agenda in the future.

“The 28th UNFCCC conference marked a milestone in our global efforts to address climate change. It provided a platform for dialogue, negotiation and consensus-building among nations.

“COP 28 reaffirmed our collective determination to tackle the existential threat caused by climate change. The outcomes of COP28 have far-reaching implications for the future of our planet.”

He encouraged stakeholders at the workshop to “foster a spirit of collaboration, unity, shared responsibility and commitment”.

He added that the review of COP28 outcomes should serve as a pedestal to critically assess and identify successes, shortcomings, and areas for improvement.

“Nigeria, like most other countries, is feeling the adverse impacts of climate change ranging from extreme weather events, rising sea levels, loss of biodiversity and other negative effects that affect our daily lives,” he added.

“As a nation, we have a responsibility to take action and to work towards a more sustainable and resilient future for our people and our environment.

“The workshop will provide us with valuable opportunity to engage in purposeful dialogue, exchange innovative ideas, and co-create actionable strategies that will steer Nigeria towards the path of sustainable development and environmental integrity.”

He encouraged participants to actively engage in the workshop, with a view to shaping a future where Nigeria’s natural resources will be reserved, ecosystems thrive and its communities flourish.