The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has called on the newly formed Intra-Ministerial Preparatory Committee to work diligently in developing the Ministry’s position for the upcoming 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29).

The event, scheduled to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, will focus on the theme “In Solidarity for a Green World.”

Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Environment, representing Minister Lawal at the inauguration, emphasized the importance of crafting a strategy that aligns with the national objectives and ensures effective participation at COP29.

He highlighted the need for inclusivity, equity, and a holistic approach in addressing climate change, urging the committee to advocate for financial mechanisms that support both climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.

Minister Lawal stressed that the committee’s work should be guided by a vision for a sustainable future, and that their decisions would have long-lasting impacts on the nation’s climate commitments.

He noted that COP29 would serve as both a negotiation platform and an opportunity to strengthen international collaboration on climate action.

Dr. Salako, who chairs the committee, called on members to reflect on the outcomes of previous UNFCCC conferences, particularly COP28 in Dubai, which underscored the necessity of financing to address loss and damage from climate change.

He encouraged the committee members, drawn from various professional departments within the Ministry and its agencies, to collaborate effectively to achieve the committee’s objectives.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Iniagbon Abiola-Awe, Director of Climate Change and Vice-Chairman of the committee, reminded members that their work is a national priority.

 She underscored that the success of Nigeria’s participation at COP29 depends on the timely submission of the committee’s report.

The last two COP conferences were held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, and Dubai, UAE, respectively.