Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday departed Abuja for Belém, Brazil where he will represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP30, scheduled for November 6–7.
Hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the summit will take place in the Amazonian city of Belém, capital of Pará state, with a focus on “Climate Action and Implementation”, zeroing in on adaptation, biodiversity, forest protection and climate justice.
A statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, said Shettima will join global leaders, development partners, and business executives to advance Nigeria’s climate agenda and deepen partnerships for sustainable development.
On day one of the conference, the Vice President is expected to address the leaders’ plenary on Nigeria’s climate action initiatives, attend the launch of the Tropical Forest Forever Fund, and participate in a high-level roundtable on Climate and Nature chaired by President Lula.
He will also be hosted at an Amazonian cocktail for heads of delegation.
Day two will see Shettima joining two further sessions chaired by the Brazilian leader — one on global energy transition and the other on reviewing the Paris Agreement with emphasis on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and climate financing.
On the sidelines, Shettima will hold bilateral meetings centred on securing Nigeria’s entry into global carbon markets, a move expected to unlock between $2.5 billion and $3 billion annually in climate finance over the next decade.
Following COP30, the Vice President will proceed to Brasília for a reciprocal working visit to Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, who visited Nigeria in June. That visit yielded MoUs in defence, agricultural technology, energy cooperation and cultural exchange.
Shettima, who is travelling with senior government officials, is expected back in the country after his engagements.
