Nigeria has called for improved inter-agency coordination, better data sharing mechanisms, and enhanced capacity building among stakeholders to meet the requirements of the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement in Africa’s climate fight.
This appeal was made by the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS), Dr Nkiruka Maduekwe, in a message to a four-day regional workshop hosted in Lagos for Anglophone African countries. The workshop focused on sharing experiences and strategies for preparing and submitting the first Biennial Transparency Reports (BTR), due under the ETF.
Dr Maduekwe, represented by an Assistant Chief Scientist at the Secretariat, Ms Adesola Efiwatt, noted that Nigeria was one of nine Anglophone African countries that successfully submitted its first BTR before the December 31, 2023 deadline.
“This workshop presents a valuable opportunity for countries to learn from each other, strengthen collaboration, and build capacity toward meeting transparency obligations under the Paris Agreement,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, stressed the urgency for African countries to go beyond policy formulation and take concrete action to mitigate the real and escalating consequences of climate change.
Represented by Director Michael Bankole, the Commissioner revealed that Lagos, a coastal megacity already below sea level, has developed a Climate Change Adaptation Plan to maintain its sustainability and resilience.
“We must stop paying lip service to climate action. Climate change is real, and it is affecting our environment, our economy, and our national relationships,” he stated.
The regional workshop was organised by the Partnership on Transparency in the Paris Agreement (PATPA) to help participating countries in the Anglophone African bloc meet new reporting obligations under the ETF ahead of the 2026 compliance deadline.
The ETF requires countries to regularly submit information on greenhouse gas emissions, climate policies, and progress toward nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
Participants in the workshop included representatives from national climate bodies, environmental ministries, development partners, and technical experts from across the region.