President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed Nkiruka Madueke as Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), appointing Mrs. Omotenioye Majekodunmi to take over the role.
TJ News Nigeria reports that the announcement was made on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga. He noted that the change aligns with the administration’s evolving climate governance priorities.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Mrs. Omotenioye Majekodunmi as the new Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC),” Onanuga stated.
Who Is Omotenioye Majekodunmi?
Mrs. Majekodunmi previously served as the NCCC’s Financial Adviser. She is expected to bring a wealth of expertise in renewable energy policy, carbon market development, and institutional climate governance to her new role.
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Her appointment comes at a time when Nigeria is repositioning its climate change strategy through a more integrated governance approach.
Nkiruka Madueke’s Short Tenure and COP29 Fallout
Madueke was appointed in June 2024, succeeding Salisu Dahiru, who was also relieved of his position before completing his term. Her term coincided with the formation of the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action (SPEC) — a development that created overlapping mandates and internal friction within the climate sector.
Observers had raised concerns over the duplication of functions between the SPEC office, led by Ajuri Ngelale, and the NCCC. Ngelale eventually resigned amid internal disagreements and alleged inefficiencies.
Fallout from COP29
Madueke made headlines during the COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, where she publicly challenged the global climate finance framework. She rejected the $300 billion target under the National Climate Quantum Goals (NCQG), calling it “unattainable.”
“We cannot accept this… The figure of $300 billion is unattainable. We must confront the truth,” she told delegates at the closing session.
Her remarks were seen as bold but controversial, prompting both praise and criticism from within diplomatic and environmental circles.
Implications Ahead of COP30
With Madueke’s exit, Nigeria will now head to COP30 in Belem, Brazil, under new leadership. Majekodunmi’s appointment signals a likely shift in tone and approach as the country continues its climate diplomacy efforts.
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