March 15, 2016 – Nigeria has agreed to sign the Paris agreement on Climate Change reached at the end of COP21 meeting held in France last December.
Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo made the revelation at the Presidential Villa during a courtesy call by French Minister for the Environment, Power and Marine Affairs, Ms. Segolene Royal.
Incidentally, Royal presided over the COP21 meeting in Paris.
The Vice President disclosed that Nigeria will work together with the legislative arm of government in signing the agreement and ensure that it is ratified.
“COP21 outcome is important for everyone, it is the largest landmark agreement on climate change,” says Osinbajo adding that Nigeria was pleased with the meeting and its outcome.
Vice President who also highlighted the need for the rehabilitation of Lake Chad which is threatened by climate change said Lake Chad is also important from the point of view of security and economic factors.
He thanked the French minister for making a stop in Nigeria, expressing the hope that Nigeria and France would continue to expand diplomatic and economic relationships, especially as the federal government is now confronting a number of economic issues including diversification and development of infrastructure.
The Vice President who was joined at the meeting by Nigeria’s Environment Minister, Ms. Amina J. Mohammed, commended the effort of Royal in her role as COP21 president and pledged Nigeria’s continued support.
Earlier Ms. Royal told the Vice President that she is visiting Nigeria and a number of other African countries to ensure that the Paris Agreement is established through the signing and ratification process, and also beyond to encourage the signatories take concrete actions in line with the agreement.
