Nigeria Futures Summit Sets Agenda for Nigeria’s COP29 Outing

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The Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative also known as the Nigeria Youth SDGs Network (NGYouthSDGs), with support from the German Missions in Nigeria, recently hosted the maiden Nigeria Futures Summit in Abuja, Nigeria, which sought to shape Nigeria’s climate action priorities ahead of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Annett Günther, Ambassador of Germany to Nigeria and ECOWAS with the 15 selected CSOs working in the area of climate action at communities and states level



Themed: “Climate Action for a Stronger Nigeria,” the Nigeria Youth SDGs Network’s Nigeria Futures Summit highlighted the critical contributions of young people in driving climate action and advocating for sustainable development in Nigeria and sought to shape Nigeria’s climate action priorities ahead of the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (UNFCCC) better known as COP29 slated for November 11-22, 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The Summit, supported by the German Missions in Nigeria, was part of a larger NGYouthSDGs project aimed at empowering youth-led Nigerian CSOs to take an active role in climate action including contributing to Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The project provided capacity building for 150 Nigerian youth CSOs through the train-the-trainer model as well as supporting 300 young people to understand Nigeria’s NDCs and how they can take action towards attaining the NDCs in their communities and states.

The two-day Summit had in attendance key stakeholders including climate activists, policymakers, multilateral organizations, and private sector representatives who explored the role of young people in shaping the country’s climate priorities ahead of COP 29, ensuring that youth voices are integrated into the national policy framework and implementation towards a sustainable and resilient future for all Nigerians.

The Summit also showcased the achievements of youth-led CSOs who have been at the forefront of grassroots climate action across Nigeria. These efforts have led to widespread community engagement, fostering a better understanding of how local communities can contribute to achieving the country’s climate goals. Discussions at the Summit also facilitated knowledge-sharing and collaboration among young innovators, government officials, and private sector actors.

Mr Joshua Alade, Founder of NGYouthSDGs, while delivering his welcome remarks

“Nigerian Youth CSOs at the Forefront of Grassroots Climate Action” – NGYouthSDGs Founder

Mr Joshua Alade, Founder of NGYouthSDGs, while delivering his welcome remarks underscored the central role of young people in achieving Nigeria’s climate goals. He reflected on the recent Summit of the Future (SoTF) held September in New York, where young people from around the world including Nigerians gathered and contributed to shaping the future of global climate action. In Nigeria, he said, similar efforts are underway to ensure young people play a pivotal role in the country’s climate action and larger sustainable development agenda.

Mr Alade recalled the Network had in July issued a call for expression of interest for youth CSOs interested in contributing to Nigeria’s NDCs and out of over 300 applicants 15 CSOs were selected from five states, namely Nasarawa, Kaduna, Enugu, Delta, and Ondo. “The selected CSOs stepped down the training to other CSOs, eventually reaching over 165 youth CSOs. In addition, community dialogues were held with religious leaders, government officials, and private sector actors to explore how local communities could adapt to climate change.”

The NGYouthSDGs Founder who stressed the importance of empowering young people with the capacity to influence policies that affect their future given that they constitute 65% of Nigeria’s population adding that in the coming months, the trained youth CSOs will be working on local adaptation plans, showcasing innovation and grassroots efforts to build sustainable communities.

“The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat; it is an urgent reality. With a population of 200 million people, Nigeria is already feeling the impacts of climate change, from rising temperatures to food insecurity and displacement. Since Nigeria’s median age is 18.5 years, young people are crucial in shaping the country’s future. Young people are well-placed to contribute to Nigeria’s NDCs,” Alade echoed.

“We need to raise our ambition and show the government that young people are ready, prepared, and interested in changing Nigeria’s future. We have the ideas, we have the technology, and we can make meaningful impact on Nigeria’s climate change priorities. This not about party politics, it’s about our future. And only with strong words and actions can we make a difference. It’s about our future, and we need to take on the issue head-on.”

“Youth’s Innovative Climate Action Projects Under-resourced” – Ayodeji Razaq

Mr Ayodeji Razaq, an Advisory Board Member of NGYouthSDGs, while delivering his opening remarks asserted that young Nigerians across the nation were at the forefront of innovative grassroots climate action and climate advocacy campaigns, educating communities about resilience and sustainability. Yet, he said, their efforts are regrettably fragmented, under-resourced, and not sufficiently integrated into the national climate policymaking.

Against this backdrop, Mr Razaq expressed optimism that the Summit would not only serve as a platform or medium to acknowledge these unrecognized efforts but also amplify them, calling for stronger alliances and collaboration among young people to co-create shared priorities that will guide Nigeria’s contributions at COP 29 and beyond. He underlined the need for Nigeria’s voice at global forums like COP 29 to be shaped by its young people.

“Our work today will shape Nigeria’s priorities, not just for COP 29, but for the generations that will follow us. We have less than six years until 2030—the deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The decisions we make today will define whether we meet those goals and whether we leave behind a country resilient to the climate challenges we face.

“As we proceed with the discussions today, let us not forget what is at stake. Let us remain guided by our objectives: to foster collaboration, advocate for youth leadership, and shape clear, actionable climate priorities for Nigeria. Our work today must be bold. It must be decisive. And it must reflect the urgency of the crisis we are dealing with,” Mr Razaq remarked.

Annett Günther, Ambassador of Germany to Nigeria and ECOWAS delivering her keynote address

“Nigerian Youth’s Inventiveness a Cause for Optimism in Climate Action” – German Envoy

In her keynote address, Annett Günther, Ambassador of Germany to Nigeria and ECOWAS, underscored the fact that global and local challenges posed by climate change, particularly the impacts being felt in Nigeria, such as rising temperatures, floods, and food insecurity. These issues, she noted, are not only environmental but also socioeconomic, affecting the livelihoods of millions of people.

Ambassador Günther however expressed optimism in the innovative spirit of Nigerian youth, who she said are already taking significant steps to address climate issues through renewable energy projects and community-led solutions. She acknowledged that while these efforts are commendable, they often lack sufficient resources and are disconnected from larger policy frameworks. “The Sustainable Future Summit offers a valuable platform for these young leaders to share ideas, collaborate, and align with national and global climate goals.”

Amb. Günther said Germany’s commitment to climate action goes beyond their borders as they see it as their responsibility to lead by example and push for greater climate ambition at the global level. Ahead of COP 29 and the 2025 review of Germany’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the German government is advocating for stronger commitments from all countries, particularly from the world’s largest emitters.

“Germany’s commitment to climate action revolves around the three pillars of its foreign climate policy: reducing global greenhouse gas emissions, supporting climate adaptation in vulnerable regions, and promoting a just transition to a low-carbon economy. Germany is not only committed to reducing emissions through renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure, but also to supporting countries like Nigeria in building climate resilience and ensuring that marginalized communities benefit from the green transition.”

Amb. Günther said Germany’s global leadership also means ensuring that the voices of vulnerable nations such as Nigeria including the voices of young people are heard in international climate negotiations. “Youth are not just stakeholders in the process. They are the drivers of innovation, the advocates for justice, and the leaders of the climate movement.”

Mr. Matthias Dold, Head of the Political Section at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Nigeria, delivered a goodwill message

“Developed Countries Primarily Responsible for Reducing Emissions” – German Official

Mr. Matthias Dold, Head of the Political Section at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Nigeria, delivered a goodwill message emphasizing the critical importance of addressing climate change and acknowledged that amidst Nigeria’s pressing challenges such as insecurity, inflation, poverty, and unemployment, some might question if climate change should be a priority.  

Yet Mr Dold stressed that climate change is indeed a priority for Nigeria and pointed out that while it might not be at the forefront of Nigeria’s political discourse, it’s devastating effects are already being felt across the country noting that climate change does not only affect the economy but also deepens Nigeria’s security challenges. As climate-induced conflicts rise, addressing these environmental problems is crucial for Nigeria’s future stability, he added.

“Developed countries such as Germany bear the primary responsibility for reducing emissions. Germany has made it a priority to phase out coal and expand renewable energy. We recognize our role and have already contributed 6 billion Euros towards climate initiatives globally and are committed to supporting developing countries. In 2022, we contributed an additional 2 billion Euros to the international Green Climate Fund and committed 100 million Euros to the Loss and Damage Fund,” the German official stated.

Mr Dold said Germany is also working with countries like Nigeria in the area of energy  and have committed over 50 million Euros to support Nigeria’s energy transition. “In 2024, solar power is the cheapest form of energy production. Many Nigerian communities are too remote for grid connection, making off-grid solar the logical solution. It’s not just about reducing emissions, but improving energy access. Your grassroots efforts are vital in spreading awareness about climate change. Let’s continue to preserve our world together.”

The plenary session on defining Nigeria’s priorities for COP 29

“Leveraging Technology will assist in Tackling Climate Change” – Pres Aide

While speaking at a plenary session on defining Nigeria’s priorities for COP 29, Olamide Fagbuji, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Technology and Operations, spoke on the intersection of policymaking and technology in addressing climate change, emphasizing the importance of understanding the scope of the climate crisis occasioned by increased spate of floods and droughts across Nigeria which alter people’s ability to earn their source of livelihoods.

The presidential aide said Artificial intelligence (AI) could play a significant role in gathering climate-related data, which has been a challenge for policy development. “AI can help predict changing weather patterns and improve agricultural productivity. Moreover, it can address the lack of data in Nigeria, enabling policymakers to better understand the impact of climate change on communities and make informed decisions.”

Ahead of COP 29, Fagbuji noted that food security remains a crucial issue, especially as climate change continues to displace farmers and disrupt agricultural productivity. “Nigeria is prioritizing energy transition into renewables. We are making efforts to move away from fossil fuels by using gas as a transition fuel. The introduction of smart grids and solar home systems at scale could boost productivity and create jobs. However, the financing for these initiatives remains a challenge,” he pointed out.

Fagbuji said since financing is a major obstacle in Nigeria’s efforts to adapt renewables and combat climate change, resources must be managed prudently by ensuring they benefit the people most affected by climate change. He stressed the importance of leveraging technology to identify critical areas for investment and urge Nigerian youth to engage with the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), noting that youth are the future of climate action.

“Climate Change Affecting Employment, Labor, Globally” – ILO Rep

Another panelist, Mr Stephen Agugua, National Project Coordinator for the Social Dimension of Ecological Transition Project at the International Labour Organization (ILO), highlighted how climate change is affecting employment and labor globally, noting that the transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources will lead to job losses as certain skills become obsolete.

He also highlighted the potential for energy shortages due to the transition and the associated risks of deforestation as communities seek alternative fuel sources in response to which he said ILO aims to harness opportunities from this shift by promoting green jobs that contribute to climate change mitigation.

Mr Agugua also touched on the issue of social inequality, pointing out that women are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change. “ILO is working to address these challenges through a range of programs, including a four-year initiative in Nigeria aimed at building institutional capacity to respond to climate challenges, supporting policy development, and conducting research to inform climate interventions.”

To this end, he said, the ILO’s Decent Work Country Program, which is in its third phase in Nigeria, is focused on job creation and the protection of workers’ rights in response to the country’s high unemployment rates. “The ILO operates as a tripartite organization working with labor unions, employer associations, and the government to standardize labor laws and improve employment conditions.”

The Nigeria Futures Summit, which took place few months after NGYouthSDGs’ successful International Youth Day 2024 convening, demonstrated the necessity of building global partnerships in addressing the fallout of climate change. Yet, it shows that the innovation, creativity and passion of young people remains vital in building and securing a sustainable future for all. Stakeholders at the event concluded with a call for more integration of youth perspectives in Nigeria’s national climate strategy, ensuring that their voices shape the country’s climate priorities at COP 29 and beyond.

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