VP Kashim Shettima Secures Global Partnerships to Drive Nigeria’s Green Growth

VP Kashim Shettima has departed Belém, Brazil, for Abuja after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), held November 6–7, 2025. Speaking shortly before his departure, Shettima emphasized that Nigeria’s participation signals the country’s readiness to position itself as a key player in global climate deliberations. He disclosed that President Tinubu mandated him to push for increased climate financing for developing nations and ensure Nigeria is not left behind in accessing environmental innovation funds.

VP Kashim Shettima explained that the Nigerian delegation focused on strengthening partnerships that will enable the country to gain access to renewable energy investment and carbon-credit trading opportunities. According to him, the global shift toward decarbonization presents economic advantages in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green manufacturing — areas Nigeria intends to tap into. He highlighted that climate change is already directly affecting food production, rivers, and coastal communities in Nigeria, making proactive engagement a matter of national survival.

While addressing delegates at COP30, VP Kashim Shettima reiterated that African countries contribute the least to global emissions yet suffer the most from climate impacts such as flooding and drought. He called for fairness and insisted that wealthy nations must fulfill their financial commitments, especially climate financing pledges made to developing nations. “Climate change must not deepen inequality,” he stated, adding that Nigeria will continue pushing for equity-driven climate policies.

VP Kashim Shettima Secures International Partnerships to Support Nigeria’s Green Transition

During the conference, VP Kashim Shettima held strategic bilateral meetings with leaders and representatives from Brazil, Canada, and the European Union to discuss investment in clean energy development in Nigeria. These engagements are expected to unlock new funding that will support solar power expansion and rural electrification projects across multiple states. He also met with executives from global renewable energy firms, pitching Nigeria as a major destination for green investments in Africa.

VP Kashim Shettima further revealed that Nigeria intends to leverage its vast natural gas reserves as a transition fuel in the journey to net-zero emissions. He explained that Nigeria is adopting a realistic strategy — one that supports economic growth while gradually integrating green technologies. He stated that climate goals must align with developmental needs, including job creation and industrial growth.

The Vice President also insisted that Nigeria’s forests and carbon-rich ecosystems must be recognized in carbon-credit valuation. According to VP Kashim Shettima, failure to integrate Africa’s rich biodiversity into carbon markets will make global climate targets unattainable. He argued that protecting the environment must come with economic incentives, especially for forest communities and states contributing to carbon capture.

VP Kashim Shettima Returns to Abuja With Renewed Focus on Implementation

After concluding his commitments, VP Kashim Shettima departed Belém late Wednesday and is expected to arrive in Abuja to brief President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council on key outcomes of the summit. His return marks the beginning of a transition from international commitments to national implementation, ensuring that Nigeria aggressively pursues green financing opportunities unlocked during COP30.

The Vice President highlighted that renewed partnerships will accelerate projects on climate resilience, including renewable energy adoption, afforestation campaigns, flood-control infrastructure, and environmentally friendly agribusiness techniques. He reiterated that youths, tech innovators, and the private sector remain central to Nigeria’s green growth roadmap.

With COP30 concluded, VP Kashim Shettima affirmed that Nigeria must sustain its momentum. “The world has moved beyond talk — now is the time for action,” he declared, expressing confidence that Nigeria’s future lies in becoming a leader in climate-smart innovation on the African continent.