President Bola Tinubu is set to present Nigeria’s position on global climate change and sustainability at the ongoing Sustainability Summit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists in Abuja, saying the president would engage world leaders on Nigeria’s climate agenda, sustainability goals and development priorities.
According to Tuggar, the president will use the global platform to clarify Nigeria’s stance within the international climate discourse, emphasising that climate action must be pursued alongside sustainable development.
“It’s not just about averting climate change, but doing it in such a way that it is sustainable,” the minister said.
Tinubu is attending the summit at the invitation of the UAE President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and is expected to make a formal presentation before global leaders at the annual event.
“All I can tell you is that he is going to talk about Nigeria’s focus in terms of deliverables vis-à-vis climate change,” Tuggar added.
Beyond climate advocacy, the minister said the president would also use the summit to strengthen economic relations between Nigeria and the UAE, including the signing of key bilateral agreements with the Emirati government and prospective investors.
He explained that Nigeria intends to leverage the summit to address gaps in project preparation and attract international funding for clearly defined climate and sustainability projects.
“This presents an opportunity to come with identified projects and try to source funding from some of the countries and organisations that will be in attendance,” Tuggar said.
The minister noted that Nigeria’s participation at last year’s summit resulted in new partnerships and that this year’s engagement is expected to deepen existing collaborations.
As part of the visit, Tinubu is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during which discussions will include the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
“One of the things to be discussed is the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which is expected to be signed during that bilateral engagement,” Tuggar disclosed.
He said the agreement would provide investment protection for both Nigerian and UAE investors, boost investor confidence and safeguard the interests of Nigerian businesses operating in Dubai and other parts of the UAE.
“For us, we want to ensure that the dignity of Nigerians is upheld and Nigerians are respected wherever they go to invest or visit,” the minister said.
