President Tinubu Appoints Ngelale as Chief Negotiator for Nigeria’s Climate Action
President Bola Tinubu has taken a significant step in the fight against climate change by appointing Ajuri Ngelale as the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action. This move marks a major upgrade for Nigeria’s Office of the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action (SPEC), as Ngelale will now serve as the country’s chief negotiator and coordinator for all climate-related matters.
Ngelale’s appointment comes with a comprehensive mandate from President Tinubu, granting the SPEC office sweeping authority to lead Nigeria’s climate diplomacy efforts and manage the nation’s climate action agenda. This decision positions Ngelale as the lead negotiator on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, reporting directly to the President.
In addition to his role as the lead negotiator on carbon market and management initiatives, Ngelale will also oversee the integration of the Intergovernmental Committee on National Carbon Market Activation Plan (NCMAP) into the country’s climate action plans. He will serve as the supervising interface between the Secretariat of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) and the NCCC Supervising Council, chaired by the President.
Furthermore, Ngelale is tasked with coordinating all climate action-related activities across Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as engaging with other nations, international organizations, and non-governmental entities to advance global climate goals in alignment with Nigeria’s national interest. He will also play a key role in Nigeria’s engagement with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and other international climate-related meetings.
As the secretary of the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions, Ngelale will work towards the successful fulfillment of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). President Tinubu’s decision to empower Ngelale and the SPEC office underscores Nigeria’s commitment to combating climate change and promoting sustainable development.