The Federal Government on Monday in Abuja launched its national policy on climate change, just as Dr. Pa Lamin Beyai, the Country Representative, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), stressed the need for Nigeria to play leadership role in the negotiations for the global climate change agreement.

Mrs. Nana Mede, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, launched the document at the opening of a two-day workshop for Nigeria’s core negotiators for the forthcoming Climate Change agreement.

The policy would serve as guide for the implementation of actions on climate change in the country.

Mede said the policy would be implemented across all sectors.

The new global agreement on Climate Change is expected to be adopted during a conference in Paris, in November/December under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The agreement is aimed at limiting global warming to below two degree centigrade.

Declaring the workshop open, Mede said Nigeria desired a global objective for adaptation and mitigation in the agreement which would limit global warning to below two degree compared to pre-industrial levels.

Beyai, who also speak at the same training workshop, said the UNDP would support the country to increase its presence and influence on international politics, notable with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Beyai said that Nigeria needed a strong deal in the expected agreement to assist it to meet its international obligations, eliminate poverty, and improve health and living standards of its people.

He said strong deal would make the nation’s agriculture a sector to flourish.

Beyai also said it would help Nigeria to increase its investment opportunities, especially in clean and renewable energy solutions, and develop its much needed human and institutional capacities.

“We in Africa and especially Nigeria would need to ensure that a favourable outcome is obtained as a befitting reward.”

He stressed the need for Nigeria and other African countries to develop a common position to address climate change challenges and adverse effects on their people’s livelihood.

“We need to develop a strong legal framework, with clear rules, a central role for equity and with very strong linkage to the 2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Hopefully, with these elements in the new deal, we are well on our way toward tackling the impacts of climate change on the continent.”

The UNDP country representative said that this would enable the country to build conditions for mitigation and adaptation to climate change.

About 196 countries are due to sign the new climate change agreement. (NAN)

*Photo shows Nigeria's Coat of arms.