Tinubu approves new leadership for NCCC

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Dr Nkiruka Maduekwe as the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) in an interim capacity, pending confirmation by the NCCC Supervisory Council.

In a statement, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, underscored that the appointment aligns with Tinubu’s commitment to realising Nigeria’s green industrial vision, enhancing investor confidence, and unlocking sustainable economic value through climate finance instruments.

Dr Maduekwe, 39, holds a Bachelor of Law degree, a Master’s degree in Environmental Law & Policy from the University of Dundee (UK), and a Doctorate degree in Law from the University of Hull (UK).

She has over 15 years of national and international experience in climate policy development and project implementation, previously serving as Nigeria National Coordinator for Climate Parliament, an international network of legislators addressing the climate crisis and promoting renewable energy transition.

Additionally, President Tinubu appointed Ibrahim Abdullahi Shelleng, 40, as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Finance & Stakeholder Engagement.

Mr Shelleng, who holds an MBA from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, brings extensive experience from leading roles in financial institutions, including as Head of Business Development for the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company PLC (NMRC).

Furthermore, Olamide Fagbuji, 44, was appointed as Senior Special Assistant to the Tinubu on Climate Technology and Operations. Mr Fagbuji, a policy analyst and computer scientist, previously served as Special Assistant to the President on Economic Matters and Technical Adviser to the Director-General of the NCCC on Policy Research and Strategy.

Both Mr Shelleng and Fagbuji are seconded to the NCCC Secretariat, where Mr Shelleng will also serve as Secretary of the Intergovernmental Committee on National Carbon Market Activation Plan (NCMAP), and Mr Fagbuji will oversee initiatives on digitalization and procedural optimisation.

These appointments, effective immediately, reflect President Tinubu’s directive to advance Nigeria’s green industrial development and climate action agenda for sustainable growth and national prosperity.