President Bola Tinubu has named Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe as the interim Director-General and CEO of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), awaiting final approval from the NCCC Supervisory Council.
Presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale announced that this appointment aligns with Tinubu’s vision for a green economy, aiming to enhance investor confidence and leverage climate finance for sustainable economic growth. Dr. Maduekwe, 39, brings a wealth of experience with degrees in law and environmental policy from the UK and over 15 years of expertise in climate policy and project implementation. She will also co-chair the Intergovernmental Committee on the National Carbon Market Activation Plan (NCMAP).
Maduekwe previously served as the Nigeria National Coordinator for Climate Parliament, an international network of legislators dedicated to addressing climate change and promoting renewable energy.
In addition to Maduekwe, Tinubu appointed Mr. Ibrahim Abdullahi Shelleng, 40, as the Senior Special Assistant on Climate Finance & Stakeholder Engagement. Shelleng will manage climate finance and donor relations at the NCCC Secretariat and serve as Secretary of the NCMAP and a member of various presidential committees on climate action.
Shelleng holds an MBA from Ahmadu Bello University and has a background in finance, previously leading business development at the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company PLC.
Furthermore, Mr. Olamide Fagbuji, 44, was appointed as the Senior Special Assistant on Climate Technology and Operations. He will oversee the digitalization of procurement processes and cross-departmental optimization at the NCCC Secretariat. Fagbuji has served as a policy analyst and technical adviser in previous roles.
These appointments take effect immediately, and President Tinubu expects the appointees to leverage their expertise to advance Nigeria’s green industrial development and climate action goals for sustainable national growth.
Victoria Ibiama
