By: Yusuf Hassan

Climate change is no longer a distant or abstract concern for Nigerians; Nigeria faces severe climate impacts, including the shrinking of Lake Chad by over 90%, desertification in the north, devastating floods displacing over 1.4 million people, rising food insecurity, and temperatures up to ~40°C. it is visible in the shrinking Lake Chad, increasing desertification in the north, devastating floods in the south, food insecurity, rising temperatures, and threats to livelihoods. Nigeria’s participation in the Paris Agreement represents an important moment in its response to climate change and sustainable development.

Against this background, Nigeria joined the global community in adopting the Paris Agreement in 2015, an international treaty aimed at limiting global warming and strengthening countries’ capacity to adapt to climate impacts. Nigeria signed the Agreement in 2016 and ratified it in 2017, formally committing itself to climate action in line with national priorities and global expectations.

One of Nigeria’s notable achievements under the Paris Agreement is the submission and periodic updating of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). According to the NDC Partnership, Nigeria submitted its initial NDC in 2015, updated it in 2021, and further strengthened its commitment with the submission of NDC 3.0 in 2025, reflecting sustained engagement with global climate obligations (NDC Partnership).

According to Nigeria’s NDC 3.0 submitted to the UNFCCC, the country committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 29 percent by 2030 and 32 percent by 2035, using 2018 emission levels as the baseline, while also adopting a long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 (UNFCCC).

Nigeria has also taken steps to address emissions from its oil and gas sector. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Nigeria’s updated NDC includes commitments to end routine gas flaring by 2030 and reduce methane and fugitive emissions, which are major contributors to national greenhouse gas emissions (IEA).

Progress has also been recorded in the energy sector. Nigeria has increasingly embraced renewable energy through initiatives such as solar electrification programmes and its Energy Transition Plan, which seeks to balance economic growth, energy access, and emissions reduction. Efforts to reduce gas flaring in the oil and gas sector have gained attention, with policies encouraging the commercialization of flared gas for power generation and industrial use. These steps not only reduce emissions but also offer economic benefits, including job creation and improved energy supply. Additionally, Nigeria has attracted growing international climate finance and technical support, signaling global confidence in its climate commitments.

Despite these efforts, Nigeria continues to face significant challenges in fully implementing the Paris Agreement. Limited institutional capacity, inadequate climate data, insufficient funding, and weak coordination across sectors remain major constraints. Climate action in the country is often slowed by competing development priorities, policy inconsistencies, and limited awareness at sub-national and grassroots levels. Furthermore, experts and civil society organisations have repeatedly pointed out that Nigeria’s climate commitments are not yet ambitious enough to match the scale and urgency of the climate crisis.

Looking ahead, Nigeria’s prospects under the Paris Agreement depend largely on its ability to strengthen institutions, mobilize climate finance, and adopt more ambitious and inclusive climate policies. Investing in reliable data systems, empowering states and local governments, and deepening collaboration with civil society, the private sector, and international partners will be crucial. Equally important is integrating climate action into national development planning to ensure that economic growth and environmental sustainability go hand in hand.

In conclusion, while Nigeria has taken important steps since becoming a party to the Paris Agreement, much work remains to be done. The years ahead present an opportunity for the country to move beyond policy commitments to concrete, impactful action. With stronger political will, inclusive stakeholder engagement, and sustained investment, Nigeria can position itself as a resilient and responsible player in the global fight against climate change.