The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) Resource Centre, a prominent environmental justice and anti-corruption organization in Nigeria, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reverse or review the recent appointment of Mr. Ajuri Ngelale as the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action (SPEC). The organization argues that this appointment violates the provisions of the Climate Change Act 2021, which established the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC).
In a letter addressed to the President and signed by HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Sulaimon Arigbabu, the civil society group highlighted that Mr. Ngelale’s new role conflicts with the responsibilities legally assigned to the Director-General of the NCCC, the body mandated to lead Nigeria’s climate governance efforts under the Climate Change Act.
HEDA acknowledged Mr. Ngelale’s commendable work as the President’s official spokesperson but expressed strong reservations about his suitability for the highly technical role of Designated National Authority (DNA) on Climate Action. According to the organization, the DNA position requires extensive expertise in international climate change policies, negotiations, and science—a background that is typically acquired over many years within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
“The assignment of Mr. Ngelale as the National Focal Point (NFP) for climate action is an aberration of the international system and ethos, given that DNAs are expected to possess deep technical knowledge and experience,” the letter states. HEDA further argues that it would be practically impossible for Mr. Ngelale to effectively perform the duties of the DNA while also serving as the Presidential Spokesperson.
The Climate Change Act 2021, which HEDA references as the principal legislation governing climate action in Nigeria, specifically empowers the NCCC, chaired by the President, to lead the country’s climate governance efforts. The Act designates the Director-General of the NCCC as the primary administrator of climate policies and initiatives, making the creation of the Special Presidential Envoy position redundant and potentially conflicting with the NCCC’s mandate.
HEDA’s letter stresses the importance of adhering to the existing legal framework, which has been recognized both locally and internationally as a robust foundation for Nigeria’s climate governance. The group cautions that the appointment of Mr. Ngelale, along with the attached Terms of Reference (ToR), undermines the authority of the NCCC and could lead to inefficiencies and duplicative costs, especially given Nigeria’s current economic challenges.
In light of these concerns, HEDA urged President Tinubu to withdraw or dissolve the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and the associated Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions. The organization suggests that if the President wishes to retain Mr. Ngelale in a special envoy role, the ToR should be revised to avoid overlapping with the legally defined responsibilities of the NCCC.
HEDA concludes its appeal by emphasizing the need for the President to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s climate governance institutions and prevent potential international embarrassment. The organization expresses confidence that President Tinubu, known for his commitment to fairness, rule of law, and democratic values, will reconsider the appointment in the nation’s best interest.
