President Bola Tinubu has again been absent from the World Leaders’ Summit of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31). His absence mar
President Bola Tinubu has again been absent from the World Leaders’ Summit of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31).
However, while several world leaders arrived in Antalya for the high-level engagements, Tinubu, alongside several other world leaders were absent from the gathering.
At COP28, Tinubu was physically present at the World Climate Action Summit but did not deliver his scheduled national statement. He, however, addressed a high-level meeting on methane and other non-CO₂ greenhouse gases, where he reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to tackling methane emissions.
At COP29, Nigeria’s national statement was delivered on his behalf by Balarabe Lawal, then minister of environment and ecological management.
The pattern continued at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, in 2025. Although Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the conference, the president did not personally attend the leaders’ engagements.
At COP31, Tinubu is again absent from the high-level gathering, with Nigeria missing from the list of countries scheduled to deliver national statements during the opening segment on November 11 and 12.
However, countries whose leaders do not deliver statements during the first segment can still do so when the high-level segment resumes on November 17 and 18.
Tinubu’s repeated absence comes against the backdrop of questions about his personal commitment to climate action, dating back to his presidential campaign.
In October 2022, while responding to a question about climate change at an interactive session organised by the Arewa Joint Committee in Kaduna, Tinubu questioned Nigeria’s ability to meet with international climate obligations without financial support from developed countries.
“We need to tell the West; if you don’t guarantee our finances and work with us to stop this, we are not going to comply with your climate change,” Tinubu had said.
The remarks drew criticism, with some questioning Tinubu’s understanding of the climate crisis and his choice of words, — “your climate change”.
However, his supporters defended his position, arguing that Nigeria should not be expected to meet international climate obligations without adequate financial support from developed countries.
Since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu’s administration has made climate-related commitments, including advancing Nigeria’s energy transition and advocating increased international climate finance.
However, his repeated absence from the high-level climate change conferences has raised questions about the importance he personally attaches to the climate action and the level of political attention his administration gives the issue.
The timing is also significant as Nigeria prepares for its January 2027 general election.
