ABUJA, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to deliver a national statement at the upcoming 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, where he will passionately advocate for heightened financial and technical support for developing nations grappling with the impacts of climate change, a senior presidential spokesman said Tuesday.
Ajuri Ngelale, the country's main presidential spokesman, said in a statement that Tinubu will also highlight Nigeria's stance on various thematic issues, including renewable energy and climate financing, at the world leaders' summit, which will take place on Dec. 1-2, under the theme "Unite, Act, and Deliver."
"Mindful of the severe impact of climate change on Nigeria, such as desertification, flooding, erosion, drought, and national security risks arising therefrom, President Tinubu will maximize the opportunity afforded by the platform to advocate increased financial and technical support for developing nations, while reminding developed countries of their public pledge to provide 100 billion U.S. dollars annually for support to localized initiatives to address climate change-related challenges," Ngelale said.
According to him, the Nigerian president's message will also focus on holding businesses and institutions accountable while reflecting Nigeria's dedication to sustainable and responsible practices.
Nigeria, like many other developing countries, has been significantly affected by the adverse effects of climate change, including extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and disruptions to agriculture. The COP28 Summit is expected to bring together leaders, policymakers, and experts from around the world to discuss and strategize solutions to the pressing climate crisis.
Tinubu's call for increased financial and technical support aligns with the broader theme of COP28, which centers on global solidarity and collaboration in the face of the climate crisis, Dotun Adekanmbi, an Abuja-based global affairs analyst, told Xinhua. "The summit aims to build on the achievements of previous conferences and set the stage for enhanced climate action and ambition."
Ngelale said the Nigerian delegation to COP28 will actively explore establishing new and deeper bilateral partnerships to implement Nigeria's energy transition, among others.
"While in Dubai, President Tinubu will actively participate in key sideline events, which will further support the advancement of his avowed commitment to aggressively attract foreign direct investment for enhanced wealth creation and revenue expansion in the country, in addition to other events hosted by the Nigerian delegation," he added. ■
