Clock ticks for Nigeria to sign Paris Agreement

Barely one Month now , Africa's Giant , Nigeria will make history by being among nations to ratify and sign the Paris Climate Change Agreement, thus  increasing the chance for the UN climate pact to enter into force soon.

Nigeria environment minister Amina Mohammed (World Economic Forum/swiss-image.ch/Photo Nicola Pitaro)

Environment minister Amina Mohammed had at a ministerial breakfast meeting, set out the government’s timeline , saying Nigeria would ratify and sign the COP21 document by September, this Year.

For the Paris Agreement to go live, 55 countries responsible for 55% of global greenhouse gas emissions need to ratify.

The largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria accounts for 0.57% of emissions, according to a United inventory.

Seventeen  small states had completed the formalities, with islands vulnerable to rising seas leading the charge.

Science and policy institute Climate Analytics expects another 25 to do so by the end of 2016, including Nigeria, based on national statements or government sources.

Collectively, they produce 52.34% of emissions, coming close to the threshold.