Abuja — The Federal Ministry of Environment has inaugurated a Project Steering Committee (PSC) for the Global Environment Facility–Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency (GEF-CBIT), in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s climate data systems and enhancing compliance with global reporting obligations under the Paris Agreement.
The inauguration, led by the Department of Forestry, took place in Abuja in collaboration with the Global Environment Facility, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and the Nigeria Conservation Foundation.
The CBIT project, established following decisions at the COP21, is designed to support countries in meeting enhanced transparency requirements under the Paris Agreement. For Nigeria, the initiative is expected to significantly improve the generation, management, and reporting of credible greenhouse gas (GHG) data across critical sectors, including agriculture, energy, transport, industrial processes, and waste.
Speaking on behalf of the Director of Forestry, Deputy Director Aiwuyo Christopher described the committee as a strategic platform for driving coordination and accountability in climate reporting. He noted that the PSC would provide policy direction, ensure oversight, and strengthen inter-agency collaboration to achieve the project’s objectives, including the development of a robust web-based platform for transparent data sharing.
Also speaking, Babagana Bukar, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics and GEF Operational Focal Person for Nigeria, emphasized that transparency is central to credible climate action. He described the PSC as “the engine of ownership” that will guide implementation, address challenges, and align outcomes with national priorities such as Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan and Nationally Determined Contributions.
Representing FAO, Dr. Adesoji Adedoyin reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting Nigeria through data-driven approaches and institutional partnerships, noting that the CBIT initiative aims to strengthen national capacity for monitoring emissions in key sectors.
Director-General of the Nigeria Conservation Foundation, Joseph Onoja, said the organisation’s role as Co-Executing Agency underscores a commitment to building sustainable and coordinated systems that avoid duplication and enhance impact.
Ann Umar, representing the National Council on Climate Change, highlighted the project’s focus on establishing a strong data-driven foundation to support informed decision-making and long-term climate sustainability.
READ ALSO: World Press Freedom Day: Experts to Discuss Role of Independent Media in Peace Building
Xenophobic Attacks: Nigeria, South Africa Govt Signs Early Warning MoU
As Lead Executing Agency, the Department of Forestry will coordinate implementation and provide technical guidance, working closely with ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure the delivery of credible and timely emissions data in line with international standards.
The CBIT project is funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented with technical support from FAO, with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation serving as Co-Executing Agency.
About The Author
