The Federal Government and stakeholders have called for increased green financing, stronger environmental governance, and sustainable investments to address climate change, create jobs, and accelerate economic growth in Nigeria. This call was made at the Nigeria Environmental Summit (NESt 2026) in Abuja, themed ‘Unlocking Nigeria’s Green Economy: Driving Climate Action and Strengthening Environmental Governance.’
Minister Urges Green Investment Opportunities
The Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Salihu Usman, stated that Nigeria must position itself to benefit from emerging climate and green investment opportunities. Lawal highlighted that climate funds, carbon markets, public-private partnerships, blended finance mechanisms, renewable energy, ecosystem restoration, sustainable agriculture, and waste-to-wealth initiatives could support environmental sustainability, economic transformation, and job creation.
“We must unlock green finance opportunities and strengthen environmental governance through policy reforms, regulatory enforcement, accountability, stakeholder engagement, and strategic partnerships that will accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a climate-resilient and sustainable economy,” he said.
The minister noted that climate change continues to manifest through flooding, drought, coastal erosion, biodiversity loss, pollution, and pressure on ecosystems and livelihoods. He added that innovative financing mechanisms are critical to achieving Nigeria’s environmental and development goals. Lawal commended the Nigerian Environmental Summit Group (NESUG) for providing a platform that brings together government institutions, development partners, investors, academia, civil society organisations, and the private sector to advance environmental solutions.
Health at the Centre of Climate Action
Also speaking, Cluster Lead for Disease Control at the World Health Organisation (WHO) Nigeria, Dr. Mya Ngon, stressed the need to place health at the centre of climate and environmental decision-making. Ngon cited Nigeria’s 2024 Climate and Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment, which showed that climate-related factors could account for up to 21 per cent of the country’s disease burden. She said the findings reinforce the need to pursue green economy solutions while protecting public health.
Call for Collaboration
NESUG Executive Secretary, Rita Michael-Ojo, called for stronger collaboration among governments, businesses, development partners, communities, and citizens. “No single institution can solve Nigeria’s environmental challenges alone. NESt represents one platform where stakeholders unite to build a greener, healthier, and more prosperous future for Nigeria,” she said. Michael-Ojo noted that NESUG has continued to support sustainability initiatives by connecting environmental professionals, businesses, policymakers, and development actors.
The Chairman of the NESt 2026 Multi-sectoral Implementation Team, Dr. Edwin Isotu Edeh, described the summit as a call to transform environmental challenges into opportunities for resilience, investment, and inclusive growth. “Environmental sustainability is no longer an environmental issue alone; it is an economic, health, investment, and national security imperative,” he said.
Opportunities in Ecological Challenges
The Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Olumide Adepoju, said Nigeria’s ecological challenges also present opportunities for innovation and sustainable development. “Within these challenges lie opportunities to build a better future for our youth. By pursuing sustainable environmental governance, we can transform ecological risks into valuable green assets and create wealth from environmental resources,” he said.
The Resident Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Ms. Muriel Mafico, noted that women and girls often face increased risks when communities are displaced by climate-related disasters.
