The Director General of Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Dr Joseph Onoja, on Friday, December 19, 2025, said COP30’s key outcomes could steer Nigeria and Africa’s climate roadmap forward.
Onoja said this in a statement made available in Lagos.
COP30, held in Belém, Brazil, drew leaders, negotiators, civil society, youth, and scientific communities to a pivotal moment in climate diplomacy.
Onoja described COP30 as a turning point in global climate action, marking a shift from years of negotiation to implementation.
He said that the conference saw nations agree to increase and triple climate finance by 2030, to reach $1.3 billion for developing countries by 2035.
“Finance is the oxygen of climate action, and nature-based solutions are the lungs.
“Africa needs increased adaptation financing.
“The Tropical Forest Forever Facility presents a major opportunity for Nigeria’s forest conservation efforts.
“The NCF’s Green Recovery Nigeria programme provides a strong platform to mobilise funds and strengthen forest conservation,” he said.
He said that Nigeria needed a well-curated national database to drive climate planning and strengthen its negotiating position.
“The NCF is working with partners to implement the Capacity Building Transparency Initiative, which will help five greenhouse-gas-emitting sectors report accurate data,” he said.
Onoja called for synergy among the three Rio Conventions to ensure climate action does not harm biodiversity or land.
“The NCF is positioned to support Nigeria’s climate action through its Green Recovery Nigeria programme, technical advice, and implementation of climate projects on the ground.
“Environmental conservation is human conservation, people must be at the heart of climate action,” Onoja said.
He praised Nigeria’s negotiators for improved preparation and clarity on national priorities.
“I hope to see more young negotiators equipped with knowledge and energy to transform agreements into action.”
By Olaitan Idris