JUST IN: Tinubu Appoints Omotenioye Majekodunmi as Director-General of National Council on Climate Change

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially approved the appointment of Omotenioye Majekodunmi as the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), ushering in a new chapter in Nigeria’s climate governance structure at a time of intensifying environmental and economic pressures.

The announcement, confirmed by the Presidency this morning, positions Majekodunmi at the helm of Nigeria’s apex climate body, which is tasked with coordinating national policies and strategies on climate adaptation, green growth, carbon trading, and international climate diplomacy. Her appointment comes amid rising global calls for African nations to take stronger stances on climate resilience and decarbonization.

Majekodunmi, a seasoned environmental economist and sustainability strategist, is known for her contributions to the African Climate Resilience Initiative (ACRI) and has previously served as a senior advisor to the UN on renewable energy integration across West Africa. Her appointment signals a potential shift toward evidence-based climate leadership, especially as Nigeria aims to meet its Net-Zero by 2060 pledge made at COP26.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Environment, Majekodunmi is expected to "drive an inclusive climate agenda that balances environmental protection with national development priorities."

Her tenure begins as Nigeria faces heightened scrutiny over its environmental policies, including oil spillage in the Niger Delta, desertification in the North, and urban flooding in coastal cities.

Analysts say she will need to address not only climate adaptation but also how Nigeria can access the $100 billion in international climate finance pledged annually to developing countries under the Paris Agreement.

Reactions have started pouring in from civil society and international climate watchdogs, many welcoming the decision. "This is a bold move by President Tinubu," said Tolu Fagbohun, Director at Climate Watch Nigeria. "Majekodunmi understands both local and international policy mechanisms, which is exactly what the Council needs."

Social media also buzzed with reactions, with hashtags like #ClimateDG, #MajekodunmiAppointed, and #GreenNigeria trending on Nigerian Twitter (X) following the news.

As she steps into this pivotal role, Majekodunmi faces the twin challenge of transforming Nigeria’s climate framework from rhetoric to measurable action and ensuring that vulnerable communities aren’t left behind in the green transition.