Nigeria Proposes Lagos as Host for COP32 Climate Summit in 2027

Nigeria aims to host the COP32 climate summit in Lagos in 2027, with government officials asserting the city’s preparedness. They highlight Nigeria’s leadership role in climate action and push for international climate financing to support developing nations. The selection process for the host will take place at COP30 in Brazil this November.

Nigeria has officially expressed its desire to host the COP32 United Nations climate summit in Lagos in 2027. This announcement coincided with the visit of Simon Stiell, the head of the UN’s climate division, to the bustling city. Nkiruka Maduekwe, who leads Nigeria’s climate change council, emphasized that Lagos is well-equipped to host such a significant event, asserting the need for Nigeria to assume a leadership role in climate action.

In support of the bid, Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State’s Environment Commissioner, stated that Lagos would undertake necessary preparations to host the summit. He drew a comparison, questioning how Azerbaijan was able to hold COP in Baku and suggesting that Nigeria could similarly host COP32 in Lagos. The Ministry of Environment also shared on social media that hosting the summit would enhance the nation’s climate leadership, raise global visibility, and present economic opportunities.

The decision regarding the host nation for COP32 will be made by African nations collectively during COP30 in Brazil this coming November, and must subsequently receive consensus approval from all participating countries. Stiell acknowledged Nigeria’s bid positively but reminded that there would be a comprehensive selection process involving other contenders.

The COP conferences bring together the 198 governments that have ratified the UN’s climate change convention for negotiations on climate change agreements. As the right to host rotates among the UN’s five geographic regions, it is Africa’s turn for COP32, following Egypt’s successful hosting in 2022.

In terms of commitments related to climate regulations, Nigeria is notable for being the first African nation to legally bind itself to a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target by 2060, a goal articulated in 2021. As the largest oil producer on the continent, it relies heavily on oil revenues to fund nearly half of its governmental budget, complicating its climate aspirations amidst global calls for a transition from fossil fuels.

Additionally, Nigeria’s government has advocated for increased financial contributions from wealthier nations to support climate change mitigation efforts in developing countries. President Bola Tinubu highlighted this issue during his 2022 campaign, insisting that compliance with climate agreements is contingent upon adequate climate financing from developed nations. Maduekwe further criticized the insufficient climate finance agreement, which proposed $300 billion annually from developed countries, emphasizing that such a figure falls woefully short of what is needed.

In conclusion, Nigeria is seeking to host the COP32 climate summit in Lagos, emphasizing its capabilities and commitment to climate leadership. The eventual decision will be made collectively by African nations, with Nigeria advocating for increased international support for climate action. The nation’s unique legal commitment to achieving net-zero emissions and its significant oil dependency pose challenges that will require balancing economic imperatives with environmental responsibilities as it prepares to host this pivotal summit.

Original Source: www.climatechangenews.com