Vice President Kashim Shettima has left Abuja for Belem, Brazil, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), beginning Tuesday, November 6
Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communication, confirmed the trip in a statement titled “VP Shettima Departs Abuja For 30th UN Climate Change Summit In Belem, Brazil.”
Hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in partnership with international stakeholders, the two-day summit in Pará state’s Amazonian capital carries the theme “Climate Action and Implementation,” focusing on adaptation, forest protection, biodiversity, and climate justice.
Shettima will join world leaders, development partners, and business executives for high-level sessions. On the first day, he is scheduled to deliver Nigeria’s climate action address during the general plenary of leaders. He will also attend the launch of the Tropical Forest Forever Fund, participate in a Climate and Nature roundtable chaired by President Lula, and join an Amazonian Cocktail for heads of delegation.
Day two will see Shettima participate in roundtables on energy transition and the review of the Paris Agreement, emphasizing countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions and the global climate finance framework. He will also hold bilateral meetings to secure Nigeria’s involvement in global carbon markets, potentially unlocking $2.5bn–$3bn annually in carbon finance over the next decade to meet emission reduction targets.
Following the summit, Shettima will travel to Brasília for a reciprocal visit to Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, who visited Nigeria in June. The visit will include bilateral talks to strengthen Nigeria–Brazil South–South cooperation in sectors such as defence, agriculture, energy, and cultural exchange.
He is expected to return to Nigeria after completing his engagements in Brazil.
