The federal government has inaugurated a technical working group to develop a national carbon budget for Nigeria.

The initiative is part of efforts to address climate change and meet international commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during a Stakeholders’ Engagement towards the Development of the Carbon Budget.

“Nigeria stands at a crucial juncture in addressing the climate challenges that threaten our environment, economy, and social fabric,” Mr Lawal said.

He emphasised that the move reflects Nigeria’s commitment to fulfilling its climate obligations while aligning national policies with sustainable economic growth, social development, and environmental preservation.

According to the minister, the development of a carbon budget is not merely a technical exercise but a national imperative requiring input from all sectors of society.

He said members of the technical group were drawn from the energy, transport, agriculture, water resources, financial sectors, civil society organisations, academia, youth, and women-led climate groups, among others.

“Nigeria is committed to addressing climate change through ambitious emission reduction targets as outlined in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the implementation of relevant legislation,” he said.

Mr Lawal noted that government agencies would provide strategic oversight, while civil society organisations would serve as advocates and watchdogs to ensure transparency and inclusiveness.

He added that the private sector would play a key role in innovation and sustainable practices, while academia and development partners would provide technical insights, funding, and capacity building.

He said, “A well-structured carbon budget will help Nigeria monitor and reduce greenhouse gas emissions effectively, contribute to global mitigation targets, protect ecosystems, and enhance resilience against climate impacts such as flooding, drought, and desertification.’’

Earlier, a professor of global climate and environmental governance, Chukwumerije Okereke, said a carbon budget is the total amount of greenhouse gases a country can emit within a specified period to remain within a temperature target.

“Scientists have shown that the bulk of the rise in global greenhouse gas emissions stems from human activity,” he said.

Director of Planning and Projects at the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Kenneth Kwujeh, said a carbon budget aligns economic planning with climate goals.

He added that developing a succession plan for Nigeria’s carbon budget between 2026 and 2030 is essential for long-term economic growth.

Special Assistant to the President on Energy Transition, Yasmin Mohammed, called for alignment across ministries, departments, and agencies to make the carbon budget a reality.

On his part, National Project Coordinator for the UN Industrial Development Organisation, Kunle Olusile, assured of the organisation’s support towards the carbon budget initiative. 

(NAN)