Nigeria and UK pledge to cooperate on climate action ahead of COP28
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria met with King Charles III of England, the Head of the Commonwealth, on Thursday to discuss the urgent issue of climate change and the need for global collaboration.
The meeting, which took place at the Buckingham Palace, was described by President Tinubu as “a productive and cordial exchange of views” on his social media platform ‘X’. He praised King Charles as “a passionate climate advocate” and expressed his optimism about the positive impact of their joint efforts on the planet’s future.
The two leaders agreed to strengthen the partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and to work together to set an equitable global standard for environmental stewardship at the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, in November 2023.
President Tinubu said that Nigeria, as the most populous and largest economy in Africa, has a vital role to play in addressing the climate crisis and promoting sustainable development. He also highlighted the challenges and opportunities that Nigeria faces in transitioning to a low-carbon and resilient economy, such as diversifying its energy sources, enhancing its agricultural productivity, and protecting its natural resources.
King Charles, who has been a vocal supporter of environmental causes for decades, commended President Tinubu for his leadership and vision on climate action. He also reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria and other developing countries in achieving their climate goals and adapting to the impacts of climate change.
The meeting was seen as a sign of the close and friendly relations between Nigeria and the UK, which share historical, cultural, and economic ties. The two countries are also members of the Commonwealth of Nations, a voluntary association of 54 sovereign states that cooperate on matters of common interest.
The meeting also came ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which will be hosted by Rwanda in June 2023, and where climate change is expected to be a top agenda item. President Tinubu and King Charles expressed their hope that the CHOGM will provide an opportunity for the Commonwealth to demonstrate its solidarity and leadership on the global stage, and to contribute to the success of COP28.
