MIKTA countries have asked Nigeria to back efforts to make climate finance easier to access for nations facing climate change challenges. This plea comes as the COP31 climate conference approaches in Türkiye.
Representatives from Mexico, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Türkiye, and Australia made this request at a meeting in Abuja on Tuesday. They see Nigeria as a key partner in pushing for reforms in climate finance.
In her opening remarks, Leilani Bin-Juda, the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, stated that Nigeria's input would help push for meaningful changes ahead of COP31. She said, "Nigeria’s voice would carry particular weight. Its support would demonstrate solidarity with African Least Developed Countries, while strengthening the broader case for a climate-finance system that is simpler, more responsive and more accessible."
Ms Bin-Juda pointed out that the climate issues faced by Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries in the Pacific are similar to those in Africa. This is why they are calling for better access to climate finance that suits the realities of different countries.
Omotenioye Majekodunmi, the director-general of the National Council on Climate Change, represented by Jummai Vandu, responded to Ms Bin-Juda. She said Nigeria is ready to collaborate with MIKTA to focus on practical results at COP31. Ms Majekodunmi mentioned Nigeria's priorities, which include adaptation finance, decentralized climate action, and a fair transition.
She said, "We must scale up direct, predictable, and accessible adaptation finance that matches the scale of ecological shocks we face, ensuring that vulnerable communities are not left behind."
Adaptation finance is a key concern for the African Group of Negotiators. They argue that Africa's vulnerability to climate change deserves more international support, despite the continent's small share of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Ms Majekodunmi emphasized that Nigeria will not just sit back in global climate discussions anymore. Instead, Nigeria wants to help establish strong foundations for climate action.
Mehmet Poroy, Türkiye’s ambassador to Nigeria, noted that Türkiye, as the host of COP31, is working with Australia to ensure this conference focuses on implementing commitments made earlier. He also recognized Nigeria as a crucial partner.
He said, "We believe that climate finance should therefore not be considered separately from development finance. Our message from Türkiye is that climate investments must deliver tangible results for people."
Mr Poroy added that COP31 in Antalya should not be a one-off event; it should keep the momentum going toward COP32 in Ethiopia. He described Africa as a central partner in achieving real climate action.
Jeong Yo-an, Korea’s ambassador to Nigeria, expressed Korea's eagerness to work with all MIKTA partners and Nigeria to achieve their goals.
Bambang Suharto, the ambassador of Indonesia to Nigeria, said Indonesia is ready to work with Nigeria, MIKTA partners, the United Nations, and others with mutual respect. He urged for teamwork to ensure that climate finance is not just a promise but a real tool for resilience and sustainable growth for everyone.
The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) will take place at the Antalya Expo Centre in Türkiye from November 9 to November 20. In a unique arrangement, Türkiye will lead COP31 while Australia will handle negotiations at the conference.
This conference is being called the Implementation COP, as Türkiye aims to shift the focus from discussions to actual implementation. Key areas of focus will be electrification, zero waste, food security, resilient cities, green industrialization, youth participation, health and education, as well as oceans and seas.
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