Tinubu Was Advised To Reconsider Ajuri Ngelale’s Appointment Before His Dismissal…CONTINUE READING....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE
The appointment of Ajuri Ngelale as the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action (SPEC) has been mired in controversy. The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), a leading NGO specializing in climate policy, has formally urged President Bola Tinubu to reconsider this appointment In a letter dated August 10 and obtained by FIJ, HEDA’s executive secretary, Sulaimon Arigbalu, expressed concerns about Ngelale’s suitability for the crucial climate role.
The NGO argues that Ngelale’s appointment conflicts with the 2021 Climate Change Act, which could undermine the authority of the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC). Arigbalu pointed out that the role of climate envoy demands specialized skills, competencies, and networks that Ngelale, who is primarily a media and public relations expert, may not possess. HEDA believes that such an appointment not only disregards established protocols but may also weaken Nigeria’s climate leadership on the global stage. Additionally, they argued that Ngelale’s dual role as a presidential spokesperson and climate envoy is impractical and likely to lead to conflicting responsibilities. HEDA stated, “The first challenge is the assignment of Mr. Ngelale as the National Focal Point (NFP), a highly technical responsibility that requires deep expertise in the international climate change regime under the UNFCCC. This role involves complex and sophisticated issues, which should not be handled by a non-technical entity. Furthermore, combining this demanding role with that of a presidential spokesperson is impractical. “The Climate Change Act 2021 specifically assigns this responsibility to the Director-General of the NCCC, who is expected to have the technical competence and understanding necessary for this role. The Act outlines the framework for climate governance in Nigeria and mandates that the NCCC, chaired by the President, ensure the objectives of the Act are achieved. HEDA acknowledged the president’s authority to make appointments but stressed that Ngelale’s role as SPEC and his involvement in the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economics Solutions conflict with NCCC regulations.
The NGO urged the President to adhere to the Climate Change Act by withdrawing the SPEC position and the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economics Solutions, arguing that these appointments are inconsistent with the Act. They also suggested that if President Tinubu wishes to retain Ngelale, the Terms of Reference undermining the NCCC’s powers should be revised.
This report follows Ngelale’s recent request for indefinite leave due to family health reasons.
