Mixed Reactions As Tinubu Approves Mandate For Office Of Envoy On Climate Action, Expands Green Economy Committee Membership

President Bola Tinubu has approved the mandate for the newly established Office of the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action (SPEC).

This office will lead Nigeria’s climate-related initiatives, aiming to streamline and enhance the country’s efforts in addressing climate change and advancing a green economy.

The SPEC will be responsible for negotiating climate-related matters on behalf of Nigeria, managing carbon market initiatives, coordinating climate action activities across various government bodies, and representing Nigeria in international climate discussions. The envoy will also work closely with the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) and oversee the implementation of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

In addition to establishing SPEC, President Tinubu has expanded the membership of the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions (P-CAGE). The committee now includes representatives from the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas), the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), and the Special Assistant to the President on Energy Transition, Ms. Yasmin Mohammed.

Speaking on the approval, President Tinubu emphasised the importance of diligence and dedication in achieving Nigeria’s climate goals. “This is a critical national assignment. We must ensure that our efforts in climate action and green industrial growth benefit the Nigerian people and Africans at large,” he said.

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The announcement, has, however, sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians, especially on social media platforms like Twitter. Many users expressed their concerns about the expansion of committees and the potential increase in government expenses.

Iyamu Elvis Efosa tweeted, “Make una dey play. You guys are expanding committees thereby increasing the already over-bloated cost of governance. Yet you’re pricing workers’ salaries like tomato and pepper in this harsh economy. It is well.”

Another user, @obiuzonwa, highlighted the disparity between government actions and the realities of many Nigerians. “This shows that the administration is strictly for the high and mighty, because how can we explain this to millions of citizens living in rural areas and making daily meals with charcoal and firewood and don’t even have access to electricity, Mai suya or iya Basira on the Street,” he tweeted.

Criticism also came from Comrade for New Nigeria, who tweeted, “He continues to share appointments to his loyalist.” This sentiment reflects a growing frustration among citizens who feel that government positions are often allocated based on loyalty rather than merit.

Emmanuel Francis, another concerned citizen, tweeted, “Keep expanding the over blotted agencies after deceitfully claiming adoption of Oronsaye reports on downsizing govt.” This comment refers to previous government promises to reduce the size of the government, which critics feel are being contradicted by the current administration’s actions.

Not all reactions were negative, though. Some Nigerians see the establishment of the SPEC and the expansion of P-CAGE as a positive step towards addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. “It’s a necessary step. Climate change is real and we need all hands on deck,” said a user who preferred to remain anonymous.

However, the overarching sentiment among netizens seems to be one of skepticism and concern about the practicality and cost of these new initiatives. The ongoing economic challenges in the country have made many Nigerians wary of government actions that could potentially increase expenses without tangible benefits for the average citizen.

The Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions will be inaugurated in July, and the success of these new initiative, will be closely watched by both supporters and critics. As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic and environmental challenges, the effectiveness of these measures will be crucial in determining the administration’s ability to address climate change and promote sustainable development.

The SPEC’s role as the lead negotiator on climate-related matters and coordinator of climate action activities is expected to bring more coherence to Nigeria’s climate strategy. By integrating the work of various government bodies and engaging with international organizations, the office aims to advance global climate goals in line with Nigeria’s national interests.

As Nigeria prepares for the inauguration of the new committee and the full operationalisation of the SPEC, the focus will be on how these changes impact the country’s climate policies and green economy efforts. The government’s ability to deliver on its promises and address the concerns of its citizens will be key to gaining broader support for these initiatives.