The European Union has extended its support to Nigeria in its bid to reduce emissions in the country.
This is as Nigeria has submitted its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) under the Paris Agreement, setting out an updated and more ambitious climate commitment ahead of COP30 in Brazil.
Nigeria becomes the first country in West Africa to submit its NDC, positioning it to better align its climate goals with long-term development priorities.
Speaking at the EU–Nigeria NDC roundtable on Tuesday in Abuja, Inga Stefanowicz, Head of Green and Digital Economy Section at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said the dialogue reflects the shared commitment of both parties to advance climate ambition through partnership.
She said, “The Green Diplomacy Week is something we celebrate every year, bringing together our partners to discuss climate change, the environment, and our shared objectives. This year is particularly important, as it marks ten years since the adoption of the Paris Agreement. For us at the European Union, it is an opportunity to reflect on collective progress while recognising that much more still needs to be done.”
She noted that while the EU has made significant progress in reducing emissions, global cooperation remains essential.
Stefanowicz said, “Within the EU, we have reduced emissions by nearly 40% since 1990 and are on track to achieve our 2030 target of a 55% reduction. But this is not something we can achieve alone. As we push forward within the EU, we are also working closely with our international partners.
“We are here to support, to collaborate, and to share experiences that strengthen trust and accountability in the global process.”
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, reaffirmed Nigeria’s determination to translate ambition into measurable action.
Lawal, who was represented by Mrs Halima Bawa-Bwari, an official from the ministry, said: “Ambition alone is not enough. We must demonstrate progress with clarity and confidence. For Nigeria, a robust Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system ensures accountability by tracking emissions, converting targets into measurable outcomes, and unlocking climate finance by assuring partners of real impact. It also enables data-driven policies that deliver smarter interventions and maximise socio-economic benefits.”
The minister added that addressing institutional challenges requires strong partnerships and sustained collaboration.
He said, “We have a unique opportunity to co-create a world-class MRV architecture that reflects Nigeria’s realities while meeting global standards. We recognise the progress already made by the National Council on Climate Change and other ministries and agencies. But we also acknowledge the remaining gaps, such as fragmented data, weak coordination, and limited capacity. Overcoming these requires a holistic approach and the continued support of partners such as the European Union.”
Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Omotenioye Majekodunmi, noted that technical systems must be underpinned by cooperation and inclusivity.
Majekodunmi said, “We are here to make progress in implementing the Paris Agreement and our NDC commitments. To do this, we need MRV systems that effectively track progress across Nigeria’s diverse governance and economic structures. Cooperation at all levels, national, subnational, and international, is essential. Strengthening capacities, building skills, and ensuring sustained support are all critical to meeting evolving global climate reporting requirements.”
The EU–Nigeria exchange, held as part of Green Diplomacy Week, provided a platform for dialogue between the EU, Nigerian government institutions, civil society, and the private sector on how to effectively prepare and implement the new NDC.
It also explored how Nigeria’s commitments can be further aligned with the Paris Agreement, the National Development Plan, and its long-term net-zero vision.
With NDC 3.0, Nigeria is taking concrete steps to raise its climate ambition. The EU’s ongoing support ensures the process is anchored in real data and widespread coordination, signalling a shared commitment to a healthier, more secure, and prosperous future.
