The Federal Government has concluded plans to formally inaugurate the National Climate Change Council and its Secretariat, pursuant to the Climate Change Act 2021.
The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), had in November 2021, signed the Climate Change Bill into law. This was the basis for the establishment of the climate change council.
A statement released by the presidency revealed the government’s approach to mobilising Nigerians to transition the country to a low-carbon economy and society in line with global best practices.
It read, “The Climate Change Act 2021, signed into law by President Buhari in November 2021, provides an overarching legal framework to achieve Nigeria’s long-term climate goals. These goals include meeting Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions; among which is President Buhari’s pledge, at the COP 26, for Nigeria to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2060.
“In addition to making provision for National Climate resilience, the Act institutionalises climate reporting, auditing, finance and funding through fiscal and other mechanisms and incentives, while also mainstreaming climate change actions into national development priorities, and imposing climate obligations, including reporting, on both public and private sector institutions.
“The act thus requires a whole-of-government approach to mobilise all Nigerians to transition our country to a low-carbon economy and society. The NCCC is the implementing body charged with superintending the CCA and coordinating government and society in transitioning to a low carbon economy.
“Given the existential import if its mandate, it necessarily transcends any single government ministry, department or agency. The council is thus a reflection of this. It comprises broad membership from government, organised labour, the private sector and civil society. The NCCC is supported by a secretariat that is headed by a Director General.
“As part of the process of putting this implementing mechanism into effect, the government is aware of the need to promptly appoint a director general to lead the secretariat upon inauguration. Hence the president’s directive to screen the recommended candidates, from whom the pioneer director general will be unveiled and announced.” The statement concluded.
