VP Shettima Departs Abuja For UN Climate Summit In Brazil

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday departed Abuja for Brazil, where he will represent President Bola Tinubu at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) holding in the South American country.

The high-level summit, convened by Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in collaboration with global partners, will take place from November 6 to 7 in Belém, the capital of Pará State in the Brazilian Amazon.

The event, themed “Climate Action and Implementation,” will bring together world leaders, development partners, and business executives to discuss key issues such as climate adaptation, forest conservation, biodiversity, and climate justice.

Vice President Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national climate action address during the general plenary session on the opening day, highlighting the country’s strategies for achieving net-zero emissions and sustainable energy goals.

“Nigeria remains committed to implementing bold, measurable actions to tackle climate change while protecting livelihoods,” a statement from the Presidency said.

On the sidelines of the summit, Shettima will participate in the launch of the Tropical Forest Forever Fund and attend a roundtable on Climate and Nature chaired by President Lula da Silva.

He will also hold bilateral meetings aimed at positioning Nigeria to participate effectively in global carbon markets—a move expected to unlock between $2.5 billion and $3 billion annually in carbon finance over the next decade.

According to presidential aides, the plan aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to green energy transition, climate-smart agriculture, and sustainable forest management.

On the second day of COP30, the Vice President will join two roundtables chaired by President Lula, focusing on energy transition and a review of the Paris Agreement—particularly the progress on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and climate financing for developing countries.

Shettima is also billed to attend an Amazonian Cocktail for Heads of Delegation, hosted by President Lula, alongside leaders from other tropical forest nations.

At the conclusion of his COP30 engagements, the Vice President will proceed to Brasilia for a reciprocal visit to Brazil’s Vice President, Geraldo Alckmin, who paid a historic three-day visit to Nigeria in June.

During Alckmin’s earlier visit, both countries signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in key sectors including defence, agriculture, energy, and cultural exchange.

In Brasilia, Shettima—accompanied by senior Nigerian government officials—is expected to build on those agreements and further deepen Nigeria’s South-South cooperation with Brazil.

The Vice President is expected back in Nigeria at the conclusion of his official engagements in Brazil.

Officials say his participation underscores Nigeria’s “renewed commitment to climate diplomacy” and strengthens its leadership role among developing nations confronting the global climate crisis.