President Bola Tinubu has taken a significant step towards enhancing Nigeria’s climate change initiatives by appointing Nkiruka Maduekwe as the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC). Maduekwe’s appointment is in an interim capacity, pending confirmation by the NCCC supervisory council. This development was announced by Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media.
Nkiruka Maduekwe, 39, brings an impressive academic and professional background to her new role. She holds a Bachelor of Law degree, a Master’s degree in Environmental Law and Policy from the University of Dundee in the United Kingdom, and a Doctorate in Law from the University of Hull, also in the UK. With over 15 years of experience in national and international climate policy development and project implementation, Maduekwe is well-equipped to lead the NCCC. She will also serve as the co-chairperson of the intergovernmental committee on the national carbon market activation plan.
In addition to Maduekwe’s appointment, President Tinubu has approved two other key appointments aimed at bolstering the country’s climate action framework. Ibrahim Shelleng, 40, has been appointed as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Finance and Stakeholder Engagement. In this role, Shelleng will be seconded to the NCCC Secretariat, where he will be responsible for managing climate finance and stakeholder relations, including engagement with donors. Shelleng’s expertise is expected to be crucial in mobilizing financial resources and fostering partnerships essential for the country’s climate initiatives.
Furthermore, Olamide Fagbuji, 44, has been appointed as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Technology and Operations. Fagbuji will also be seconded to the NCCC Secretariat, where he will oversee the digitalization of a new open procurement process and a cross-departmental procedural optimization initiative. This role is vital for ensuring that the NCCC operates efficiently and transparently, leveraging technology to streamline operations and enhance productivity.
President Tinubu’s directive stipulates that these appointments take immediate effect. He has high expectations for the new appointees, urging them to bring their expertise and discipline to bear in their respective roles. The president emphasized that their contributions are crucial in pursuing Nigeria’s aspiration for green industrial development and effective climate action, which are essential for sustainable growth and national prosperity.
The appointment of Maduekwe, Shelleng, and Fagbuji reflects a strategic move by the Tinubu administration to strengthen Nigeria’s institutional framework for addressing climate change. By bringing on board individuals with extensive experience and specialized knowledge, the administration aims to enhance the country’s capacity to develop and implement effective climate policies.
Maduekwe’s leadership at the NCCC is particularly significant given her extensive background in environmental law and policy. Her international experience positions her to navigate the complex landscape of global climate governance, ensuring that Nigeria can effectively participate in and benefit from international climate initiatives.
Similarly, Shelleng’s role in climate finance and stakeholder engagement is critical for securing the necessary funding and support for climate projects. His experience in managing stakeholder relations will be invaluable in building robust partnerships that can drive forward Nigeria’s climate agenda.
Fagbuji’s focus on climate technology and operations will ensure that the NCCC’s processes are modernized and efficient. By spearheading the digitalization of procurement and optimizing departmental procedures, Fagbuji will help create a more agile and responsive organization capable of meeting the demands of contemporary climate challenges.
These appointments underscore President Tinubu’s commitment to addressing climate change as a priority for his administration. By empowering capable leaders to drive the country’s climate initiatives, the president is taking concrete steps towards achieving sustainable development and safeguarding Nigeria’s environmental future.
As the new appointees assume their roles, they face the formidable task of steering Nigeria’s climate policies and actions towards greater effectiveness and impact. Their success will be crucial in shaping a resilient and sustainable future for the nation.
