In line with his dedication to realizing Nigeria’s green industrial vision, enhancing investor confidence, and unlocking sustainable economic value through various climate finance mechanisms, President Bola Tinubu has appointed Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe as the interim Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), pending confirmation by the NCCC Supervisory Council.
Additionally, Dr. Maduekwe, 39, who holds a Bachelor of Law degree, a Master’s in Environmental Law & Policy from the University of Dundee (UK), and a Doctorate in Law from the University of Hull (UK), will serve as Co-Chairperson of the Intergovernmental Committee on National Carbon Market Activation Plan (NCMAP).
Dr. Maduekwe brings over 15 years of national and international experience in climate policy development and project implementation. She previously served as Nigeria’s National Coordinator for Climate Parliament, an international, multi-partisan network of legislators dedicated to addressing the climate crisis and promoting renewable energy. She was also the legal adviser to the NCCC Director-General.
Furthermore, President Tinubu has appointed Mr. Ibrahim Abdullahi Shelleng, 40, as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Finance & Stakeholder Engagement, seconded to the NCCC Secretariat. He will manage all matters related to Climate Finance & Stakeholder/Donor Relations. Mr. Shelleng will also serve as Secretary of the Intergovernmental Committee on National Carbon Market Activation Plan (NCMAP) and as a member of the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions, as well as the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen. He holds an MBA from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and has served in senior roles in various financial institutions, most recently as Head of Business Development for the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company PLC (NMRC).
President Tinubu has also appointed Mr. Olamide Fagbuji, 44, as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Technology and Operations, seconded to the NCCC Secretariat. He will oversee the digitalization of a new open procurement process and a cross-departmental procedural optimization initiative. Mr. Fagbuji, who previously served as Special Assistant to the President on Economic Matters and as Technical Adviser to the Director-General of the NCCC on Policy Research and Strategy, is a policy analyst and computer scientist.
These appointments are effective immediately. The President expects the new appointees to leverage their expertise and discipline in advancing the nation’s goals for green industrial development and climate action, driving sustainable growth and national prosperity.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
June 9, 2024