Nigeria has taken a decisive step toward improving climate governance with the inauguration of a Project Steering Committee (PSC) to oversee the implementation of the Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT), a programme supported by the Global Environment Facility.

The initiative, coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Environment, is aimed at strengthening the country’s climate data systems and enhancing accountability in tracking environmental actions, particularly under the Paris Agreement.

Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, Director of Forestry, Halima Bawa-Bwari—represented by Deputy Director Aiwuyo Christopher—described the committee as a strategic mechanism for ensuring effective coordination and oversight. She noted that the PSC would provide policy direction, promote institutional alignment, and address implementation challenges.

According to her, the CBIT programme, established following decisions reached at COP21 in Paris, supports countries in meeting enhanced transparency requirements under global climate commitments.

For Nigeria, the initiative is expected to significantly improve the generation, management, and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions data across key sectors of the economy. It will also strengthen institutional frameworks, build technical capacity among stakeholders, and support the development of a digital platform to ensure accessible and transparent climate data.

Bawa-Bwari emphasized that the project would enhance Nigeria’s ability to meet international reporting obligations with greater accuracy, consistency, and credibility. She also highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration, particularly in Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU), Energy, Transport, Industrial Processes and Product Use (IPPU), and Waste.

Also speaking, Babagana Bukar, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at the ministry and GEF Operational Focal Point for Nigeria, said the committee would play a critical role in aligning the project with national priorities such as the Energy Transition Plan and Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

He described transparency as the backbone of credible climate action, stressing that it is essential for effective environmental governance rather than merely a procedural obligation.

In his remarks, Hussein Gadain of the Food and Agriculture Organization, represented by Adesoji Adeyemi, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting countries in strengthening data systems and meeting transparency requirements through strategic partnerships.

Similarly, Director-General of the Nigeria Conservation Foundation, Joseph Onoja, underscored the importance of collaboration among stakeholders. He noted that coordinated efforts would prevent duplication, enhance synergy, and deliver more sustainable outcomes.

A representative of the National Council on Climate Change, Ann Umas, added that the initiative would help build a strong, data-driven foundation for climate governance, enabling informed decision-making and long-term sustainability.

The inauguration event was organised by the Department of Forestry of the Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with FAO and the Nigeria Conservation Foundation.

With the establishment of the steering committee, Nigeria is positioning itself to strengthen climate transparency, improve data integrity, and enhance its credibility in the global climate space.