By Atoyebi Nike
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Brazil to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), scheduled for November 6-7 in Belém, the capital of Pará in the Brazilian Amazon. The conference is being convened by Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva alongside global partners.
According to a statement from the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima will join world leaders, development partners, and business executives for high-level discussions under the theme “Climate Action and Implementation.” This year’s summit will focus on adaptation, forests, biodiversity, and climate justice.
On the opening day, Shettima will attend the leaders’ plenary and deliver Nigeria’s national climate address. He will also participate in the launch of the Tropical Forest Forever Fund and join a roundtable on Climate and Nature chaired by President Lula. Later, he is expected to attend an Amazonian Cocktail for heads of delegations.
On the second day, the Vice-President will take part in two roundtables chaired by Lula, one on energy transition and another reviewing the Paris Agreement, with emphasis on Nationally Determined Contributions and climate financing.
Nkwocha said Shettima will also hold bilateral meetings on carbon markets to support Nigeria’s plan to unlock $2.5-$3 billion annually in carbon finance over the next decade.
After COP30, Shettima will travel to Brasília for a reciprocal visit to Brazilian Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin, who visited Nigeria in June. The meetings aim to strengthen Nigeria’s South-South cooperation with Brazil.
Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria at the end of his engagements.
