The federal government has validated Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0 document, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening resilience against the impacts of climate change.

The validation workshop, which was held on Wednesday in Abuja, had the theme “Driving Ambition, Strengthening Action and Aligning with the Paris Agreement and Global Stocktake”.

It brought together policymakers, development partners and stakeholders from across sectors to shape Nigeria’s climate action pathway.

Remi Majekodunmi, director-general of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), said the NDC 3.0 is the cornerstone of Nigeria’s national efforts under the Paris Agreement.

According to her, the document is a collective commitment to reducing emissions while building resilience against the adverse impacts of climate change.

“The NDC 3.0 seeks to build on the gains of the previous versions, incorporate recent developments in climate science and policy, and align with our Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy and the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan, among other frameworks.

“We recognise that climate action is not the responsibility of government alone. It demands the active participation of all stakeholders,” Ms Majekodunmi said.

She explained that the final document must reflect national priorities, technological capacity, and financial realities, while ensuring that Nigeria’s transition is just and equitable.

Ms Majekodunmi added that Nigeria’s NDC 3.0 outlines a major financing gap that must be addressed if the country is to meet its targets.

She emphasised that access to clean energy technologies such as solar, wind, hydro and hydrogen is critical, alongside energy efficiency measures across industries and households.

“This validation workshop is an opportunity to ensure that Nigeria’s NDC 3.0 is inclusive, realistic, ambitious and implementable.

“Our inputs must be guided by evidence, inspired by shared values, and united by a vision for a climate-resilient Nigeria,” she said.

Varsha Redkar-Palepu, resident representative of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria, said the validation of NDC 3.0 reflects Nigeria’s commitment to climate action and its leadership in shaping a sustainable future for Africa and the world.

She said globally, NDCs are the cornerstone of the Paris Agreement and represent each country’s highest possible ambition in reducing emissions, updated every five years as part of global climate progress.

“In a time when multilateralism is under strain, the NDC process reminds us that climate change knows no borders. Only through cooperation can we overcome this existential threat.

“Africa, though contributing the least to global emissions, remains disproportionately vulnerable to climate shocks. Yet, it is also a continent of immense potential, rich in natural resources, youthful energy and innovative spirit.

“Nigeria, as the largest economy and most populous nation in Africa, carries a unique responsibility and opportunity to lead by example,” she said.

Ms Redkar-Palepu added that NDC 3.0 prioritises renewable energy, agriculture, forestry and water while promoting climate-smart solutions that create jobs and protect vulnerable communities.

She called the document ‘a roadmap for green growth, climate justice and sustainable development’, noting that UNDP remains committed to supporting Nigeria with climate finance, institutional capacity and delivery of results.

Ibrahim Shelleng, special adviser to the president on climate finance and stakeholder engagement, said the NDC 3.0 represents Nigeria’s pathway to green growth, resilience and inclusive development.

“The version of the NDC is also designed to respond to the outcomes of the first global stocktake under the Paris Agreement. It is not just a climate commitment but a developmental blueprint.

“It reflects our national priorities in energy transition, agriculture, waste management and resilient infrastructure,” Mr Shelleng said.

He noted that the workshop was a step towards harmonising Nigeria’s environmental commitments with its national vision, adding that the document would shape the country’s journey to a low-carbon and climate-resilient future.

Also speaking, Duke Benjamin, cluster coordinator of GIZ Nigeria, pledged the support of Germany for Nigeria’s NDC 3.0 implementation, calling it vital for sustainable growth and strengthened collaboration between the two countries. 

(NAN)