In November 2023, the whole world will once again turn to COP30’s crucial discussion on the climate. However, even before this conference begins, ambitions are emerging for the future with the recent announcement of Nigeria as a pretender to welcome COP32 in 2027. In a context where Africa is foreseen as the host continent of this international meeting, the choice of Nigeria, beyond a simple candidacy, lifts issues that transcend classic environmental debates.
### The quest for climate leadership
Nigeria, a cradle of more than 200 million inhabitants, is not only the largest oil producer in Africa, but it is also positioned as an actor on the global climate scene. Its ambition to reach carbon neutrality by 2060, inscribed in its legislation, marks a significant step in a landscape where many countries, even developed, are struggling to define clear deadlines. COP29 discussions have seen Nigerian representatives forcefully defend a vision where financial support from rich nations in developing countries was not simply a supplement, but a moral obligation. This strengthens the image of Nigeria as a champion of African voices, in search of climate equity.
However, this displayed desire to combat greenhouse gases is paradoxical. The country, while promoting a green vision, faces critical environmental challenges, including polluted hydrocarbon areas, especially in the Niger Delta. This paradox requires a reflection: how can a country become a leader in climate while being simultaneously the greatest contributor to the emissions of the region? Nigeria could capitalize on this duality to make the voices of those who live in extraction areas and who undergo the immediate consequences of these polluting industries heard.
### An opportunity for education and awareness
Welcoming COP32 could offer Nigeria a platform to not only strengthen its image as a climate leader, but also educate the rest of the world on the reality of environmental challenges in Africa. With this in mind, initiatives could be put forward to raise awareness of the effects of climate change and the need for adaptive actions. This could also include the promotion of renewable energies. Nigeria has invaluable solar potential and other renewable resources could be highlighted as examples to follow for other African countries.
Such an approach would have repercussions far beyond the walls of climate conferences. It could encourage local innovation, stimulate investments in sustainable infrastructure and strengthen partnerships between the government, the private sector and civil society. By becoming a hub for climate innovation, Nigeria could inspire other African countries to follow a similar path, while the world will look at how concrete solutions can emerge from developing countries.
### towards climate solidarity
Climate discussions are not just negotiations between nations. They touch on themes of solidarity, equity and shared responsibility. Nigeria, with its proposal, commits the African continent to think about its own place on the worldwide chessboard in terms of climate. This could also arouse inter-African collaborations, where neighboring countries would associate themselves to approach common challenges such as desertification, floods or water shortages-consequences of climate change that spare no nation.
In addition, climate exchanges could strengthen diplomacy between Nigeria and other African nations, thus creating a framework where cooperation becomes crucial. At a time when geopolitical tensions are increasingly marked, such a unit on the international scene could give African countries greater votes during global negotiations, particularly in terms of climate funding or access to green technologies.
### Conclusion: Leadership to be confirmed
By offering its candidacy for COP32, Nigeria is not only trying to become the center of a world event but to release a potential that could transform the country and, by extension, the continent. However, it is imperative that this candidacy is accompanied by a sincere desire to reform and develop practices in the field.
Like any institution, the real climate leadership will require concrete actions and daring commitments. While the international community expects tangible results in the face of climate emergency, Nigeria, as a potential host of COP32, has a unique opportunity to become the symbol of African engagement in favor of a lasting future. It will remain to be seen whether this ambition will result in real actions, propeling Nigeria and Africa at the heart of vital climate discussions.