Governance & Policy
Nigeria Climate Change Act 2021
Definition
Nigeria's Climate Change Act, signed in November 2021, provides the legal framework for achieving Nigeria's long-term climate goals including net zero between 2050 and 2070. It establishes the National Council on Climate Change chaired by the President, requires five-year carbon budgets and a national climate action plan, obliges ministries and private entities with significant staff numbers to integrate climate plans, and creates a climate change fund.
References
Legal text and council
Implementing institution
Overview
What it means
Africa's most populous country and largest oil producer put net zero and carbon budgeting into statute.
How it is used
The council coordinates budget-setting; companies anticipate sectoral obligations; subnationals develop aligned plans.
Why it matters
Its implementation will test climate governance in a hydrocarbon-dependent economy — a watchpoint for the continent.