Five countries seek Nigeria’s support for climate finance reforms

MIKTA countries have urged Nigeria to support efforts to make climate finance more accessible and responsive to the needs of countries vulnerable to climate change ahead of the COP31 climate conference in Türkiye.

Representatives of Mexico, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Türkiye and Australia made the appeal at a stakeholder meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, describing Nigeria as an important partner in advancing climate-finance reform.

In her opening remarks, the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Leilani Bin-Juda, said Nigeria’s voice would help build momentum for practical reform ahead of COP31.

“Nigeria’s voice would carry particular weight. Its support would demonstrate solidarity with African Least Developed Countries, while strengthening the broader case for a climate-finance system that is simpler, more responsive and more accessible,” she added.

Ms Bin-Juda noted that the climate challenges in the Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries in the Pacific are similar to those experienced in Africa, hence the call for collaboration on better access to climate finance that reflects the distinct realities of countries.

Responding to Ms Bin-Juda’s remarks, Omotenioye Majekodunmi, director-general of the National Council on Climate Change, represented by Jummai Vandu, said Nigeria was ready to work with MIKTA towards an implementation-focused COP31.

She highlighted Nigeria’s priorities to include adaptation finance, decentralised climate action, and an inclusive and just transition.

“We must scale up direct, predictable, and accessible adaptation finance that matches the scale of ecological shocks we face, ensuring that vulnerable communities are not left behind,” Ms Majekodunmi said.

Adaptation finance remains a priority for the African Group of Negotiators, which argues that Africa’s vulnerability to climate change warrants greater international support despite the continent’s relatively small contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions.

Ms Majekodunmi said Nigeria would no longer remain a passive participant in the global climate architecture, but wants to help build its enduring pillars.

Mehmet Poroy, ambassador of Turkiye to Nigeria, remarked that Turkiye, host of COP31, is working with Australia to ensure that this year’s conference delivers on accelerating the implementation of commitments already made.

He also acknowledged Nigeria as an important partner.

“We believe that climate finance should therefore not be considered separately from development finance…Our message from Türkiye is that climate investments must deliver tangible results for people,” Mr Poroy said.

He added that COP31 in Antalya should not be an isolated conference; rather, it should help maintain momentum towards COP32 in Ethiopia.

He further described Africa “not simply as an important stakeholder in this process, but as a central partner in delivering meaningful climate action.”

Jeong Yo-an, Korea’s ambassador to Nigeria, added that Korea looks forward to working closely with all MIKTA partners and Nigeria to achieve this goal.

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“Indonesia stands ready to engage with Nigeria, MIKTA partners, the United Nations, and others in a spirit of mutual respect,” Bambang Suharto, ambassador of Indonesia to Nigeria, said during the event.

Mr Suharto called for collaboration to ensure that climate finance becomes not merely a promise, but a practical instrument for resilience, sustainable development, and prosperity for all.

COP31

The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) is scheduled to be held at the Antalya Expo Centre, Antalya, Turkiye, from November nine to November 20.

In an unusual arrangement, Turkiye holds the COP31 presidency while Australia will lead negotiations at the conference.

It has been dubbed the Implementation COP as Turkiye seeks to move the yearly conference from negotiations to implementation.

Its outlined priority areas include: electrification, zero waste, food security, resilient cities, green industrialisation, youth participation, health and education, oceans and seas.