Nigeria Launches GEF-CBIT Project to Boost Climate Action Transparency and Accountability 

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched the Global Environment Facility-Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency (GEF-CBIT) project, aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in reporting the country’s climate action efforts to the global community.

This announcement was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Mahmud Kambari, during an inception workshop held on January 16, 2025, in Abuja. Represented by Dr. Ama Moses, Director of Forestry, Kambari emphasized the project’s alignment with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its critical role in meeting Nigeria’s obligations under the Paris Agreement.

The workshop, themed “Strengthening the Capacity of Institutions in Nigeria to Implement the Transparency Requirements of the Paris Agreement,” brought together key stakeholders to discuss the project’s implementation and objectives.

Key Objectives of the GEF-CBIT Project

According to Kambari, the GEF-CBIT project is designed to:

Build institutional and technical capacities for managing Nigeria’s greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory and Measuring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system.

Strengthen Nigeria’s ability to track the implementation of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

Enhance transparency in climate action reporting, meeting the requirements outlined in Article 13 of the Paris Agreement.

“The transparency provisions of the Paris Agreement mandate developing countries like Nigeria to monitor, analyze, and report GHG emissions and removals while tracking progress towards their NDCs. This includes providing information on climate adaptation, mitigation, and financial support received,” Kambari explained.

Collaborative Efforts for Climate Action

Dr. Adesoji Adeyemi, the National Consultant for GHG and MRV at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), also highlighted the FAO’s commitment to supporting climate mitigation and sustainable agri-food systems.

Adeyemi stated, “FAO recognizes the importance of technical capacity-building for Nigerian institutions to ensure self-sufficiency in compiling, reporting, verifying, and tracking GHG emission data.” He noted that the FAO has partnered with over 40 countries to support similar initiatives, reinforcing the global push for climate transparency and accountability.

This GEF-funded project marks a significant step in Nigeria’s journey toward achieving its climate goals, enhancing institutional frameworks, and ensuring compliance with global climate agreements. As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, Nigeria continues to demonstrate its commitment to combating climate change through strategic action and international collaboration.

By advancing transparency and accountability, the GEF-CBIT project aims to position Nigeria as a leader in climate governance and sustainability on the African continent.