Tinubu Fires DG of Climate Council, Appoints Omotenioye Majekodunmi as Replacement
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe as the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), barely a year after her interim appointment. The shake-up, announced on July 31, 2025, marks a significant change in the leadership of Nigeria’s climate policy framework as the country continues to position itself at the forefront of green transition efforts in Africa.
In her place, the President has appointed Mrs. Omotenioye Majekodunmi, a seasoned climate finance expert and former financial adviser to the council. Her appointment is effective immediately.
From Interim to Exit: Maduekwe’s Brief Tenure
Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, a lawyer and environmental policy expert, was appointed in June 2024 to lead the NCCC on an interim basis following the suspension of the former DG, Salisu Dahiru. Her appointment at the time was lauded as a step forward for youth and gender representation in the climate space. At just 39 years old, she brought a legal and policy background to the council’s evolving agenda.
However, her tenure remained unofficial pending Senate confirmation, and recent developments suggest a shift in strategy at the federal level, possibly reflecting new climate priorities under Tinubu’s administration.
Meet the New DG: Omotenioye Majekodunmi
Omotenioye Majekodunmi brings over 17 years of experience in climate finance, environmental law, and carbon market systems. Before her new role, she served as the Financial Adviser to the council, playing a key role in shaping Nigeria’s climate investment agenda and advocating for sustainable financing models in line with international climate goals.
Her appointment is expected to further drive Nigeria’s participation in global carbon trading and green industrial policies, as well as reinforce the country’s commitment to climate resilience and economic transformation through environmental governance.
Why This Matters
The NCCC is central to Nigeria’s climate action strategy. It is responsible for coordinating national efforts to meet international climate commitments, develop low-carbon strategies, and attract funding for climate adaptation and mitigation. With increasing pressure to deliver on promises under the Paris Agreement and COP28 outcomes, Nigeria’s leadership on climate issues is under close scrutiny.
This leadership change could either invigorate progress or pose challenges, depending on the speed and strength of the transition.
What’s Next?
As Nigeria continues its push toward energy transition, green jobs, and sustainable development, all eyes will be on Mrs. Majekodunmi and how she steers the council toward real, measurable climate progress. Her background in finance could also signal a focus on unlocking funding, both locally and globally, to execute Nigeria’s climate plans more effectively.
Conclusion:
President Tinubu’s decision to replace the head of the NCCC highlights the high stakes involved in Nigeria’s climate journey. With a new DG now in place, the next few months will reveal the administration’s true direction in tackling climate change, funding green projects, and meeting its international obligations.
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