UK: We’re committed to supporting Nigeria tackle climate change

Sean Melbourne, head of climate change and energy West Africa, British High Commission, says the UK government firmly stands with Nigeria on its efforts to tackle climate change.

Melbourne said this in Abuja, on Thursday during the national assembly launch of policy and research materials to support REDD+, Natural Capital Accounting and the Great Green Wall project. 

He said the publication of the materials aligns with other national initiatives to boost climate action, protect and preserve Nigeria’s biodiversity.

“I am delighted to be here to celebrate the launch of materials to support, develop and strengthen three key climate policies namely REDD+, Natural Capital Accounting and the Great Green Wall initiative,” he said. 

“As we stand on the cusp of one of the most important UN Summits in history, COP26, it’s brilliant to see that Nigeria is not just talking about climate action, but walking the talk and finding practical solutions to the climate change phenomena.

“The publication of these materials follows hot on the heels of other welcome national initiatives to boost climate action and to protect and preserve Nigeria’s biodiversity.”

Melbourne appreciated Nigeria for its giant steps taken to pass the climate change bill, enhance the role for nature based solutions in the revised nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and Nigeria’s role in the Pan-African Agency of the Great Green Wall.

He however said more is needed to be done.to effectively tackle climate change in the country and that Nigeria can always count on the UK’s support of its efforts toward a better planet.  

“All of these developments put nature, and ultimately people too, at the heart of a comprehensive strategy that supports multiple sustainable development goals, including national goals for climate, food security, water security, disaster risk reduction and livelihoods,” Melbourne said.

“There is of course much more to do. The science tells us that despite recent pledges by numerous countries the world remains off track to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.  We need urgently to translate political will into concrete action on the ground.

“The UK stands steadfast with Nigeria on its efforts to tackle climate change and indeed all the other Sustainable Development Goals. Last month, we launched our flagship climate mitigation programme UK PACT in Nigeria. It attracted massive interest from entrepreneurs and CSOs. I’m confident that the UK PACT programme will support numerous worthy green projects in Nigeria, ultimately benefiting thousands of people.”