The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has called for increased investment in Nigeria’s green economy, stating that stronger environmental governance and climate action are essential for the country’s long-term development. He made this appeal on Monday ahead of the Nigeria Environmental Summit Day 2026, an annual conference scheduled for later this month. The summit will bring together policymakers, development partners, investors, and stakeholders to discuss climate action, environmental governance, and sustainable development.
Green Economy as a Path to Prosperity
“The future of Nigeria’s prosperity depends on how effectively we protect our environment, build resilient communities, create green jobs, and mobilise investments into sustainable development,” Mr Lawal said during a press briefing in Abuja. He emphasised that Nigeria must leverage emerging opportunities within the green economy by implementing policies that support environmental sustainability.
The minister also noted that climate action should not be viewed solely as an environmental issue but also as an economic opportunity capable of generating jobs and attracting investment. The summit is expected to provide stakeholders with opportunities to chart a path for aligning policy, finance, and innovation to achieve sustainable development objectives. Mobilising financing for environmental and climate-related initiatives will be a central focus of the event’s discussions.
Collaboration for Climate Goals
Potential participants include environmental experts, development partners, researchers, private-sector representatives, civil society organisations, and youth groups. Achieving the country’s environmental and climate goals will require sustained collaboration among stakeholders and long-term investment in sustainable development initiatives, the minister noted. He added that stronger synergies between government institutions, development partners, and the private sector are critical to accelerating Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
The briefing also featured the launch of the Annual National Tree Planting Campaign, an initiative aimed at promoting environmental restoration and addressing the impacts of climate change. The Federal Ministry of Environment is optimistic that the campaign will encourage ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, and climate adaptation across the country.
