In a decisive move to advance Nigeria’s green industrial agenda, President Bola Tinubu has announced pivotal appointments within the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC). These appointments, aimed at enhancing climate finance, boosting investor confidence, and unlocking sustainable economic value, reflect the President’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship.
Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe has been appointed as the interim Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the NCCC, pending confirmation by the NCCC Supervisory Council.
At 39, Dr. Maduekwe brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. She holds a Bachelor of Law degree, a Master’s in Environmental Law & Policy from the University of Dundee, UK, and a Doctorate in Law from the University of Hull, UK.
With over 15 years of expertise in climate policy and project implementation, she has previously served as Nigeria’s National Coordinator for Climate Parliament, an international network of legislators dedicated to climate crisis solutions and renewable energy transitions.
In addition to her role as Director-General, Dr. Maduekwe will co-chair the Intergovernmental Committee on the National Carbon Market Activation Plan (NCMAP), a crucial initiative for developing Nigeria’s carbon market.
President Tinubu has also appointed Mr. Ibrahim Abdullahi Shelleng, 40, as the Senior Special Assistant on Climate Finance & Stakeholder Engagement. Mr. Shelleng, who holds an MBA from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, will be seconded to the NCCC Secretariat. His mandate includes managing climate finance and fostering stakeholder and donor relations. He will also serve as the Secretary of the NCMAP and contribute to the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions, as well as the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen. Mr. Shelleng’s extensive background in financial services and business development positions him as a key player in driving Nigeria’s climate finance strategy.
To spearhead the digital transformation of the NCCC’s operations, President Tinubu has appointed Mr. Olamide Fagbuji, 44, as the Senior Special Assistant on Climate Technology and Operations. With a background in economic policy and computer science, Mr. Fagbuji will oversee the implementation of a new open procurement process and optimize cross-departmental procedures.
His previous roles include serving as a Special Assistant on Economic Matters and as the Technical Adviser to the NCCC Director-General on Policy Research and Strategy.
These appointments, effective immediately, underscore President Tinubu’s strategic vision for a sustainable and prosperous Nigeria. The President expects the newly appointed leaders to leverage their extensive expertise and dedication to drive the nation’s green industrial development and climate action initiatives.