In a proactive move to ensure Nigeria’s robust representation at the upcoming COP28 Climate Change Conference in the United Arab Emirates, Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima has convened a meeting with stakeholders at the Presidential Villa.
The gathering included a delegation from the Global Energy Alliance Partnership.
During the meeting, Vice President Shettima announced the formation of an ad hoc committee tasked with harmonising Nigeria’s agenda for COP28.
He said the objective is to present a strong and well-prepared position that will yield tangible benefits for the country. He emphasised the need for the committee to develop a comprehensive roadmap that ensures Nigeria maximises its participation in the international conference.
“We need to be proactive and see to it that we go to the conference prepared and sure of what we want to get. It will not be a joke; we need to come back with some tangibles so we can tell the Nigerian people that these are the benefits we got from our participation at COP28,” the Vice President asserted during the interaction with stakeholders.
In response to a proposal for Nigeria to sign onto the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) at COP28, the Vice President commended the initiative.
He recognised the proposal as offering a greenfield opportunity for Nigeria’s energy sector to adopt environmentally friendly, affordable, and accessible energy solutions for the nation.
“Our energy needs are huge, but they also provide us with a vista of opportunities to transform the entire sector for the benefit of our economy and the wellbeing of the people,” he added.
Anticipating technical assistance, funding opportunities, and other benefits that may accrue from joining the BESS consortium, Vice President Shettima expressed his enthusiasm for the potential positive impacts on Nigeria’s energy landscape.
The ad hoc committee, chaired by the Minister of Environment, Mr. Balarabe Abbas Lawal, comprises key figures such as the Minister of Power, Dr. Adebayo Adelabu, the Special Adviser to the President on Climate Change, the Special Adviser to the President on Power Infrastructure, and the Director General of the National Council on Climate Change.
The committee is expected to play a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s agenda and negotiating favourable outcomes at COP28.
