Vice President Kashim Shettima has left Abuja for Belem, Brazil, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference, starting Tuesday, November 6. According to Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communication, Shettima will join world leaders, business executives, and global development partners for the two-day summit, which is hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The event, themed “Climate Action and Implementation,” will focus on adaptation, forest protection, biodiversity, and climate justice. On the first day, Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s climate action address during the general plenary, participate in the launch of the Tropical Forest Forever Fund, and attend a roundtable on Climate and Nature chaired by President Lula. He will also join an Amazonian Cocktail for heads of delegation. On the second day, he will take part in discussions on energy transition and the Paris Agreement, emphasizing countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions and global climate finance. Shettima is also set to hold bilateral talks to secure Nigeria’s role in global carbon markets, potentially unlocking $2.5bn–$3bn annually in carbon finance over the next decade. Following the summit, he will visit Brasília for a diplomatic meeting with Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, focusing on strengthening Nigeria–Brazil cooperation in sectors such as defence, agriculture, energy, and culture. Shettima is expected back in Nigeria after completing his engagements in Brazil.
