Vice President Kashim Shettima has officially departed Abuja for Brazil, where he is slated to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 30th session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30). This highly anticipated international summit brings together world leaders, policymakers, climate experts, and civil society organizations to deliberate on urgent climate issues and chart actionable solutions for sustainable development.
The COP30 conference is being hosted by Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in partnership with international stakeholders, and will take place from November 6 to 7 in Belém, the capital of Pará State, located in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon. The Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth,” makes the location symbolically significant, highlighting the critical need for global climate action, conservation efforts, and biodiversity protection.
The primary objective of COP30 is to foster stronger international collaboration in addressing climate change, accelerating the implementation of the Paris Agreement commitments, and scaling up climate finance for vulnerable countries.
Nigeria to Advocate for Climate Justice and Sustainable Action
During the conference, Vice President Shettima will engage with global leaders, representatives of international organizations, development partners, and top business executives under the conference theme, “Climate Action and Implementation.” The discussions will cover a wide spectrum of critical topics, including adaptive strategies for climate resilience, sustainable forest management, renewable energy deployment, biodiversity conservation, and ensuring climate justice for countries disproportionately affected by environmental changes.
Nigeria’s delegation is expected to strongly advocate for equitable financing mechanisms to support climate adaptation and mitigation, increased investment in renewable energy projects, and the provision of advanced technology and capacity-building support to developing countries most vulnerable to climate change. The delegation’s efforts will reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while addressing the climate crisis with actionable and measurable policies.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations Between Nigeria and Brazil
Following his active participation in COP30 sessions, Vice President Shettima will proceed to Brasília for a formal bilateral engagement with his Brazilian counterpart, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin. This visit follows Alckmin’s landmark three-day trip to Nigeria in June, during which both countries explored collaboration opportunities in trade, agriculture, renewable energy, and clean technology development. The meeting aims to further consolidate Nigeria–Brazil relations and explore actionable strategies for enhancing economic and environmental partnerships.
Nigeria’s National Climate Address
On his first day in Belém, Senator Shettima will attend the leaders’ general plenary, where he is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national climate action address. His presentation will outline the Tinubu administration’s comprehensive strategies for reducing carbon emissions, advancing renewable energy infrastructure, and safeguarding Nigeria’s diverse natural ecosystems. The address will emphasize the importance of collaborative international efforts, technology transfer, and financial support to enable developing nations to meet climate goals effectively.
Vice President Shettima’s participation in COP30 is a key demonstration of Nigeria’s proactive engagement in global climate diplomacy. Through these interactions, Nigeria aims to reaffirm its position as a leading African voice in the international climate arena, influence global climate policy decisions, and strengthen strategic partnerships to drive sustainable development, environmental protection, and economic resilience across the continent.
By leveraging this platform, Nigeria seeks to contribute meaningfully to shaping global climate action agendas while highlighting domestic initiatives that promote sustainability, social equity, and long-term economic growth for its citizens and the African region at large.