Tinubu appoints Ajuri Ngelale as special envoy on climate action

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a significant step towards advancing his administration’s climate and green economic initiatives by appointing Chief Ajuri Ngelale as the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action.

This move is part of the broader establishment of the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions, which Tinubu will chair personally.

Chief Ngelale, who will also continue his role as the Official Spokesperson of the President and Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, will serve as the Secretary and Special Presidential Envoy within this committee.

The committee’s primary mandate is to coordinate and oversee all policies and programmes related to climate action and green economic development, ensuring a cohesive and efficient approach across government institutions.

The committee’s composition includes high-ranking officials and representatives from various federal ministries and agencies, reflecting a whole-of-government approach to achieving Nigeria’s climate action goals. The key members include:

1. President Bola Tinubu – Chairman
2. Balarabe Abbas Lawal (Minister of Environment) – Vice-Chairman
3. Ajuri-Obari Ngelale (Special Adviser) – Secretary/Special Presidential Envoy
4. Lazarus Angbazo (CEO, InfraCorp) – Member
5. Salisu Dahiru (CEO, NCCC) – Member
6. Michael Ohiani (CEO, ICRC) – Member
7. Aisha Rimi (CEO, NIPC) – Member
8. Aminu Umar-Sadiq (CEO, NSIA) – Member
9. Yusuf Maina-Bukar (CEO, NAGGW) – Member
10. Abdullahi Mustapha (CEO, ECN) – Member
11. Abba Abubakar Aliyu (CEO, REA) – Member
12. Uzoma Nwagba (CEO, CrediCorp) – Member
13. Khalil Halilu (CEO, NASENI) – Member
14. Fatima Shinkafi (CEO, SMDF) – Member
15. Bala Bello (Deputy Governor, CBN) – Member
16. Lolade Abiola (UN SE4ALL) – Member
17. Teni Majekodunmi (NCCC Adviser) – Member
18. Representatives from various federal ministries and agencies, including Finance, Power, Industry, Trade & Investment, Water Resources, Agriculture & Food Security, Federal Inland Revenue Service, and Nigeria Customs Service.

The committee’s functions encompass a range of responsibilities, including:

1. Developing and implementing innovative climate action initiatives.
2. Coordinating activities of federal institutions to meet climate action and green economic objectives.
3. Collaborating with government and non-government entities to achieve climate goals.
4. Engaging with national and multilateral institutions for carbon market objectives.
5. Monitoring and guiding climate action and renewable energy projects.
6. Tracking initiatives from the Energy Transition Working Group.
7. Overseeing the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.
8. Preparing half-yearly updates on green ambitions and climate action achievements.

This comprehensive approach aims to streamline efforts and maximise the impact of Nigeria’s climate initiatives, reinforcing the country’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.