Mrs. Omotenioye Majekodunmi,Director General National Council on Climate Change (NCCC)
Mrs. Omotenioye Majekodunmi is an environmental lawyer and a climate finance expert who has worked extensively with global and national institutions on renewable energy. In July, she was appointed as the Director-General, National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) by President Bola Tinubu to drive the affairs of the council.In this interview with Victoria Onehi of 120edgenews.com, she says her vision is to make the Council more people-centred, impact-driven, and results-oriented to make Nigerians feel the impact of the NCCC in their daily lives.
Also,as a climate finance expert, she shares the strategies she hopes to deploy to get more donor funding and investors for the sector to ensure climate investments directly translate into jobs for young people, improved resilience for vulnerable communities, and long-term economic stability; all of which are aligned with the Renewed Hope.
120edgenews: Briefly, tell us what the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) was set up to achieve? What are its goals and vision?
Omotenioye Majekodunmi: The National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) was established by the Climate Change Act of 2021, which is Nigeria’s first comprehensive legal framework on climate governance, and also Africa’s second national legislation on climate change. The Act was born out of years of advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and the recognition that Nigeria needed a centralised institution to coordinate climate action across all sectors. The Council is chaired by the President, with the Vice President serving as Vice Chairman, which underscores the importance the Federal Government attaches to climate action.
The NCCC is domiciled in the Presidency, ensuring that climate policy is mainstreamed into national planning and decision-making. Its vision is to guide Nigeria towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy that delivers sustainable growth, jobs, and prosperity for our people, while also positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa on climate action.
120edgenews: As Director-General of the Council, how do you hope to drive the mandate of the agency to fulfil the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda?
Omotenioye Majekodunmi:The Renewed Hope Agenda is about inclusive growth, prosperity, and opportunities for Nigerians. Climate action fits directly into this vision because it is not just about the environment — it is about people, livelihoods, and economic transformation. I intend to drive the Council’s mandate by deepening inter-ministerial coordination, fostering private sector partnerships, and creating enabling policies for green industries. We will ensure climate investments directly translate into jobs for young people, improved resilience for vulnerable communities, and long-term economic stability; all of which are aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
120edgenews:As an environmental lawyer who has worked extensively with global and national institutions on renewable energy, carbon markets, and climate governance, how do you think Green Economy can drive growth and employment in Nigeria?
Omotenioye Majekodunmi: The green economy is one of the greatest untapped opportunities for Nigeria. Renewable energy can expand access to electricity while creating thousands of new technical and service jobs. Carbon markets can bring in significant foreign exchange and incentivize sustainable practices by businesses and farmers. Climate-smart agriculture can increase productivity and reduce food insecurity. What is important is that we create the right policy and regulatory environment, and a viable skills pipeline so that Nigerians are not left behind, but are instead leading this transition.
120edgenews: As a climate finance expert, how do you plan to get more donor funding for the sector?
Omotenioye Majekodunmi: Climate finance is competitive—funding will naturally flow towards the global destinations that make themselves most attractive—and therefore requires credibility, bankable projects, and effective governance. My strategy is three-fold: first, strengthen Nigeria’s climate finance framework so that donors and investors see transparency and accountability; second, work with States and the private sector to develop strong project pipelines; and third, leverage innovative financing instruments like blended finance, carbon credits, and green bonds. As long as donors see seriousness, capacity, and tangible impact, Nigeria will definitely be a preferred destination for climate funding.
120edgenews: Having served as the NCCC’s Financial Adviser and having played a key role in shaping Nigeria’s climate policies and international engagements, what new thing are you bringing to the table?
Omotenioye Majekodunmi: What I bring is continuity with innovation. Having been part of the Council since inception, I fully understand the institutional journey. But as Director-General, my focus is to make the Council more people-centred, impact-driven, and results-oriented. I am introducing stronger accountability systems, digitising our processes, strengthening communication, boosting staff morale, and building partnerships that bring climate action closer to communities, not just boardrooms. I have no doubt that Nigerians will feel the impact of the NCCC in their daily lives.
120edgenews:How do we combat climate change and its impact in our country?
Omotenioye Majekodunmi: We must adopt a two-track approach: mitigation and adaptation. Mitigation means reducing our emissions through renewable energy, efficient transport, and sustainable industries. Adaptation means preparing our communities for the changes already here — flooding, desertification, erosion, and food insecurity. Importantly, combating climate change requires everyone’s participation — government, private sector, civil society, academia, and ordinary citizens. It is a collective responsibility.
120edgenews: Having previously served under the past administration, some see your appointment as continuity from your predecessor. How would you bring about renewed energy among the staff and what are your plans to boost their capacity and welfare?
Omotenioye Majekodunmi:Continuity is a strength because it means Nigeria does not lose perspective or momentum. However, my leadership will be characterised by a fresh wave of energy and innovation. For our staff, my priority is to strengthen their technical capacity through training, international exposure, and professional development. We will also prioritise staff welfare, ensuring that the Council is not just a workplace but a hub of excellence where people feel motivated and valued.
120edgenews:How do you hope to sharpen Nigeria’s Green industrial vision to boost investors’ confidence?
Omotenioye Majekodunmi:Investors look for stability, clarity, and opportunity. We will sharpen Nigeria’s green industrial vision by providing clear policy direction, reducing regulatory uncertainty, and identifying priority sectors for investment — such as renewable energy, electric mobility, sustainable agriculture, and waste-to-wealth. Nigeria already has immense potential: a large domestic market, and abundant investment opportunities. By aligning our industrial policy with climate commitments, we are sending a strong signal that Nigeria is open and serious, and that green investment is not just possible but profitable here.
120edgenews:Tell us your advice to women entrepreneurs and professionals in the environment sector?
Omotenioye Majekodunmi: My advice to women is to recognise that sustainability is the future, and that their role is central in shaping it. The opportunities are vast — from renewable energy and waste recycling to climate finance and policy leadership. I encourage women to be bold, innovative, and collaborative. Build networks, seek knowledge, and pursue excellence. This sector needs the resilience, creativity, and empathy that women naturally bring, and Nigeria needs more women leaders driving the green economy.
120edgenews: How do you unwind?
Omotenioye Majekodunmi: I believe in balance. I unwind by spending quality time with my family, reading, and enjoying the arts. I also find joy in quiet moments of reflection and prayer. These moments recharge me and give me the clarity I need to take on the complex challenges of climate leadership.
