NCCC, UK Govt Trains Negotiators for COP30

The National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) has trained Nigerian delegates and stakeholders with the requisite technical knowledge, negotiation skills, and policy alignment for effective participation in the forthcoming 63rd Session of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB63) and the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the UNFCCC, scheduled for Belém, Brazil, from November 10th to 21st, 2025.

The training in Abuja was supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement, and the UK International Development.

In her keynote address, the Director-General/CEO of NCCC, Mrs. Omotenioye Majekodunmi, said COP30 is a milestone conference marking a decade since the Paris Agreement.


“For Nigeria, COP30 presents an opportunity to translate global decisions into tangible national benefits, secure finance, technology, and partnerships that support our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategy (LT-LEDS), and the objectives outlined in our Climate Change Act (2021).”

The DG emphasized that the training is part of the council’s continuing effort to professionalize Nigeria’s negotiating corps, ensuring every delegate, sectoral lead, and observer represents the country from an informed, united, and strategic position.


“Approach every negotiation with facts, empathy, and courage. Build alliances, know the red lines, and connect every paragraph of text to Nigeria’s real-world needs and opportunities.

“As we prepare for Belém, every word negotiated, every comma inserted, and every coalition built must translate into climate action at home — into cleaner air, sustainable jobs, resilient communities, and secure livelihoods.

“Let this briefing and training not only sharpen our negotiation skills but also reaffirm our national unity of purpose. Climate action is not the work of one ministry or one agency — it is Nigeria’s collective development strategy


The vision for COP30, she said, is to advance a just, inclusive, and well-financed transition that strengthens resilience, drives low-carbon development, and safeguards the prosperity of Nigerians.

Key priorities Nigeria will champion at COP30 include Climate Finance and Implementation Readiness, Mitigation and Just Transition, Adaptation and Resilience, Loss and Damage, Transparency and Data Systems, Inclusion and Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE), and Partnerships and Coalition.

In a goodwill message, Samantha Harrison, First Secretary, Climate Diplomacy, British High Commission, Abuja, said COP30 must deliver the next step on the global goal of adaptation by bringing practical global indicators and launching the start-up phase of the Loss and Damage Fund.


The UK priorities, she stated, include keeping 1.5 degrees within reach, driving ambition in implementation, scaling finance, building trust, supporting the Baku to Belem roadmap towards a $1.3 trillion goal by 2035, building resilience globally, ensuring adaptation is at the heart of climate action, speeding up the transition, accelerating clean energy deployment, and protecting nature.

She commended Nigeria for clear demonstration of leadership and commitment to tackling climate change.

“This is an important milestone, and the UK stands ready to support Nigeria in turning these ambitious commitments into climate action. The UK has also set out our own 2035 NEC, reflecting our determination to drive global ambition, and we continue to encourage our pioneers to match this level of commitment.

“COP 30 must show that we can rebuild shared resolve to close the ambition gap and keep 1.5 degrees Celsius within reach.


She added that the UK is committed to helping Nigeria attract greater flows of climate finance and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.

“COP 30 must demonstrate that we can rebuild this resolve to close the financial gap and make sure COP delivers all. The training will help you to effectively advocate for Nigeria’s priorities, including access to climate finance, which holds the potential to unlock new funding streams essential for climate resilience and sustainable development.”

The 2-day program covered key topics, including COP29 outcomes, SBSTA/SBI 62 provisional agenda, critical UNFCCC agenda items, climate diplomacy, communication, and negotiation skills.

It also provided a platform for delegates to identify, discuss, and consolidate Nigeria’s specific priorities, concerns, and positions across the various negotiation workstreams in preparation for COP30