The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has continued to make significant strides at the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 29), demonstrating Nigeria’s commitment to global climate action and sustainable development.
During the conference, the Minister actively participated in a series of high-level sessions and meetings, including collaborative engagements with his counterparts from the Ministries of Environment, Health, and Women Affairs. These discussions highlighted the interconnectedness of aviation and climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable practices across all sectors.
In a notable development, the Minister held a productive session with Ms. K.O. Barrett, Deputy Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), and her team. This meeting yielded a key commitment from the WMO to provide enhanced technical assistance to Nigeria as one of its Peer Advisors.
This collaboration underscores Nigeria’s pivotal role in shaping global climate resilience strategies, particularly in the aviation sector.
Further showcasing Nigeria’s leadership at COP 29, the Minister addressed a press conference at the Nigerian Pavilion during the celebration of Nigeria Day. In his remarks, he underscored the importance of aligning Nigeria’s aviation and aerospace policies with global climate goals. He highlighted ongoing efforts to integrate sustainable practices into the nation’s aviation infrastructure, including initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and adopting cleaner energy sources.
“Nigeria is fully committed to playing its part in addressing the global climate crisis. Our aviation sector is undergoing transformative reforms to ensure it aligns with international sustainability standards. The commitments we secure here at COP 29 will drive our vision for a resilient and eco-friendly aviation ecosystem,” he stated.
The Minister also used the occasion to engage with international stakeholders and investors, presenting Nigeria as a prime destination for green investment opportunities within the aviation and aerospace sectors.
Nigeria’s participation at COP 29 reaffirms its dedication to global partnerships aimed at achieving the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development remains resolute in its mission to position Nigeria as a leader in sustainable aviation practices.
Similarly, there is great optimism about the outcome of the ongoing 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC).
More commonly known as COP29, this year’s conference is the 29th and is being held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 11 to 22 November 2024.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and the Permanent Representative of Nigeria with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) are among Nigeria’s delegation at COP29.
Barrister Shola Gabriel, Director of Legal Services, and Mrs. Gloria Onyegbule, Director of Applied Meteorological Services at the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), are also attending.
The Minister and the NiMet team held a side meeting with officials of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to discuss areas of mutual interest.
A significant focus of the side engagements at COP29 was the support for Nigeria’s Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL) roadmap, aligning with the United Nations’ initiative to ensure universal early warning systems by 2027.
The WMO’s Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) plays a vital role in this endeavor, providing long-term financing and technical assistance to close weather and climate data gaps.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development expressed appreciation for SOFF’s support and advocated for its expansion to include middle-income countries like Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive data sharing for global weather prediction accuracy.
The meeting highlighted the recent re-accreditation visit by Paul Bujeac to Nigeria’s WMO Regional Center in Oshodi-Lagos. Recall that Bujeac commended Nigeria’s efforts in advancing meteorological services, and Nigeria anticipates a successful re accreditation, reinforcing its commitment to international meteorological standards.
The collaborative efforts signal Nigeria’s dedication to advancing meteorological science within the aviation sector and beyond, aiming to enhance safety, efficiency, and resilience against climate change impacts.
Photo Caption
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, (Middle), Mrs. Gloria Onyegbule, Director of Applied Meteorological Services (left) and Barrister Shola Gabriel, Director of Legal Services (right), both of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), at the ongoing COP29: 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC) holding in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 11 to 22 November 2024.
