Tinubu To Address World Leaders On Climate Change In Abu Dhabi

President Bola Tinubu is set to present Nigeria’s position on global climate change and sustainability at the ongoing Sustainability Summit in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this on Monday while addressing journalists in Abuja, noting that the president would engage world leaders on Nigeria’s climate agenda and sustainable development priorities.

According to Tuggar, Tinubu will use the global platform to clarify Nigeria’s position in the international climate discourse, stressing that sustainability must go hand-in-hand with climate action.

“It’s not just about averting climate change, but doing it in such a way that it is sustainable,” the minister said.

Tinubu is attending the summit at the invitation of the UAE President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and is expected to make a formal presentation before global leaders at the annual event.

“All I can tell you is that he is going to talk about Nigeria’s focus in terms of deliverables vis-à-vis climate change,” Tuggar added.

Beyond climate advocacy, the minister revealed that the president would leverage the summit to strengthen economic ties between Nigeria and the UAE, including the signing of key bilateral agreements with the Emirati government and interested investors.

He explained that Nigeria intends to use the summit to address gaps in project preparation and attract international funding for well-defined climate and sustainability projects.

“This presents an opportunity to come with identified projects and try and source funding from some of the countries and organisations that will be in attendance,” Tuggar said.

He noted that Nigeria’s participation at last year’s summit led to the formation of new partnerships, adding that this year’s engagement would deepen existing collaborations.

As part of the visit, Tinubu is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during which discussions will include the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

“One of the things to be discussed is the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which is expected to be signed during that bilateral engagement,” Tuggar disclosed.

He said the agreement would provide investment protection for both Nigerian and UAE investors, boost investor confidence, and safeguard the interests of Nigerian businesses operating in Dubai and other parts of the UAE.

“For us, we want to ensure that the dignity of Nigerians is upheld and Nigerians are respected wherever they go to invest or visit,” the minister said.