The Director-General of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Dr. Joseph Onoja, has declared the recent COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, a pivotal turning point for global environmental action. He asserts that the event, which concluded in early January 2026, marks a decisive shift from endless climate talks to a crucial new phase focused on tangible implementation.
Climate Finance as Oxygen for African Action
Dr. Onoja emphasised that climate finance has now emerged as the central engine driving global efforts, a development of particular importance for Africa. He stressed that while the continent contributes minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, it suffers disproportionately from climate impacts. For Onoja, finance is the "oxygen" of climate action, enabling the deployment of nature-based solutions which he describes as the "lungs" that restore ecosystems and protect livelihoods.
The summit's location in Belém, at the gateway to the Amazon, powerfully underscored the role of forests. This focus culminated in the launch of the Tropical Forest Forever Facility, a new global mechanism designed to provide long-term funding for forest conservation. Onoja identified this as a major opportunity for Nigeria, which still possesses significant tropical forest ecosystems despite deforestation pressures.
A Tailored Path for Nigeria's Energy Future
While COP30 did not produce a strict new agreement on phasing out fossil fuels, Onoja views this not as a failure but as strategic flexibility for Nigeria. As a petro-state, Nigeria can now design a just, equitable, and locally-driven energy transition. He acknowledged that natural gas remains central to the national transition plan but cautioned that its use must be carefully managed.
He also warned that the global push for renewables must not create new environmental or social problems, especially in biodiverse regions targeted for mining critical minerals. Onoja noted that Africa entered COP30 with a united front demanding more finance, particularly for loss and damage, and largely succeeded in establishing clearer funding structures.
Building Capacity for Bankable Projects
The next critical step, according to Onoja, is for Africa and Nigeria to develop compelling, data-driven projects linked to development goals. He highlighted the importance of robust data systems using satellite imagery and ground monitoring. In Nigeria, this effort is advancing through the Capacity Building for Transparency Initiative, implemented by NCF with the Federal Ministry of Environment, the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), UNDP, FAO, and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Nigeria is also preparing to leverage emerging carbon markets. With the recent approval of the Nigerian Carbon Market Policy, Onoja stated that COP30 outcomes bolster the country's ability to scale carbon trading for climate finance and sustainable development. He called for stronger alignment between Nigeria's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), biodiversity strategies, and adaptation plans, ensuring synergy among climate, biodiversity, and land degradation efforts.
Reflecting on Nigeria's participation at COP30, Onoja expressed cautious optimism, noting improved preparation among negotiators. He concluded by stressing the need to empower young negotiators further and ensure global agreements translate into local action, with conservation remaining people-centred to secure human wellbeing.
