Minister calls for enhanced climate accountability and transparency at international conference

Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Adeboye Salako, Minister of State for Environment, has emphasized the urgent need for developing countries to prioritize climate actions and strengthen accountability and transparency in climate governance.

He made the call at the inaugural International Anti-Corruption and Climate Change Conference held in Abuja.

The conference, themed “National Stakeholders’ Engagement for Accountability and Transparency in Climate Change, Energy Transition, and Oil Extraction Licensing for Sustainable Development,” was organized by the Human & Environmental Media Development Agency (HEDA) Resource Centre in collaboration with HawkMoth and supported by the MacArthur Foundation.

Addressing the conference, Dr Salako, who was represented by Dr Iniagbon Abiola-Awe, Director of Climate Change at the Federal Ministry of Environment, stated that tackling climate change and managing energy transitions require not only innovative solutions but also a commitment to ethical governance.

He stressed that transparency and accountability are foundational to achieving sustainable development.

Salako highlighted the interconnectedness of climate challenges and the need for a unified approach involving all sectors and stakeholders to address the urgent issues posed by climate change.

He also called on developed countries, which are major contributors to global warming, to demonstrate greater transparency and accountability in climate funding.

In his speech, EFCC Executive Chairman Mr Ola Olukayode addressed the intersection of climate change and anti-corruption efforts, noting that while these issues may appear distinct, they are closely related.

He pointed out that environmental degradation and global warming are often linked to abuses of environmental management laws and regulations.

Olukayode reiterated that the EFCC’s anti-corruption campaign is integrally tied to social and economic sustainability, with the Commission working to enhance prevention frameworks to combat economic and financial crimes.

The conference marked a significant milestone for HEDA, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary since its establishment in 2004.

The event brought together key stakeholders to discuss and promote effective strategies for addressing climate change and corruption, reinforcing the need for collective action and transparent governance.

Recall that EFCC chair, Olukoyede recently advocated for increased collaboration among agencies, organizations, and the global community to combat economic and financial crimes and address corruption.

He made the remarks during a one-day seminar commemorating the International Anti-Corruption Day, held in Abuja.
Olukoyede, speaking through the EFCC’s Director of Operations, Abdulkarim Chukkol, emphasized the necessity of collaborative efforts in the fight against corruption.