The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has teamed up with the Ford Foundation to support members of the Nigeria Climate Justice Alliance (NCJA) in bolstering their influence on climate justice in Nigeria.
Dr. Joseph Onoja, the Director-General of NCF, expressed in a statement that seven selected members of the Alliance would be actively engaging at the upcoming 28th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai, UAE, scheduled from November 30 to December 12, 2023.
Highlighting the establishment of the Nigeria Climate Justice Alliance in July 2023, Onoja reiterated its aim to fortify and amplify CSOs’ voices on climate justice by executing climate actions that benefit the most vulnerable groups equitably.
He emphasised the immense opportunity for Alliance members to convene with global leaders and delegates from 192 countries, along with numerous observer organisations and international governmental bodies. Their presence at COP28 is poised to resonate on a global platform, holding leaders accountable for national commitments and advocating for heightened climate ambitions.
NCF, serving as the secretariat of the NCJA, is set to provide comprehensive support, coordination, and guidance to these delegates throughout their involvement in the conference. Onoja underscored that the Alliance members would actively participate in various events, fostering mentorship forums and spearheading climate justice campaigns, while emphasising the prioritisation of nature in climate negotiations.
“This experience marks a pivotal moment for several recipients, being their inaugural COP engagement. Their enthusiasm is palpable as they embark on this life-changing journey,” Onoja expressed.
He shed light on the significance of COP28, particularly in conducting the final global stock-taking after the Paris Agreement’s inception in 2015. This assessment aims to evaluate the efficacy of worldwide climate action, urging global leaders to intensify commitments to keep global temperatures within the 1.5°C limit.
Onoja also emphasised the eagerly awaited finalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund framework established in Sham El-Sheikh, further emphasising the global anticipation for a substantial outcome from COP28. He urged for unified multilateral action among climate negotiators for the betterment of the planet.
