Abstract

Nigeria’s engagement in global climate diplomacy has evolved alongside its broader foreign policy objectives, yet the alignment between these domains remains fragmented. This review examines the structural and policy-level disconnects between Nigeria’s foreign policy agenda and its commitments to international climate governance frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and Agenda 2063. It proposes a Policy Alignment Model (PAM) designed to integrate national interests, sustainable development priorities, and global environmental obligations into a cohesive diplomatic strategy. The paper explores the historical underpinnings of Nigeria’s foreign policy, identifies gaps in cross-ministerial coordination, and evaluates how geopolitical, economic, and institutional factors influence climate diplomacy outcomes. By synthesizing literature from environmental policy, international relations, and sustainable development studies, the review provides a conceptual framework that links domestic policy coherence with Nigeria’s external climate engagements. The proposed PAM emphasizes interagency collaboration, evidence-based negotiation strategies, and alignment with regional blocs such as ECOWAS and the African Union. Ultimately, this study contributes to the discourse on adaptive foreign policy mechanisms in the Global South, advocating for a unified, sustainable approach that enhances Nigeria’s credibility, leadership, and effectiveness in global climate diplomacy.