Buhari Jets out to Scotland, France

By Uche Mbah

President Muhammadu Buhari has left Abuja for the 26th Conference of Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) holding at Glasgow, Scotland.

Garba Shehu, Presidential spokesperson, said in a statement that Buhari is scheduled to deliver a “national statement” at the conference Tuesday, November 2.

“President Buhari’s address is expected to highlight Nigeria’s key priorities and action to tackle climate change as well as progress on the country’s transition to low carbon economy, consistent with achieving the Paris Climate Agreement’, the statement said.

“The Conference, hosted by the United Kingdom in partnership with Italy, will bring parties together to help accelerate action towards the Paris Agreement as well as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

“Given Nigeria’s leading role in taking climate action and as a signatory to the Paris Agreement, COP 26 will afford a unique opportunity for the Nigerian delegation to work with other parties to make progress on the main goals of the conference including securing global net-zero by mid-century and keeping 1.5C within reach; adapting to protect communities and natural habitats as well as mobilising the much-needed finances to meet the set targets.”

While in Glasgow, President Buhari will be part of some side-line events to be hosted by US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron.

On his entourage are the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of State, Environment, Sharon Ikeazor, National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (Rtd) and Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.

After the Summit, President Buhari will move to Paris, France on an official visit.