The United Kingdom Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (UK PACT) has initiated a major national project in Nigeria. Its goal is to empower the private sector to combat air pollution and significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions originating from the country's transport industry.
Urgent Call for Private Sector Action in Enugu
Officially launched in Enugu on 4 December 2025, the project is titled “Transport Climate Action: Boosting Business Leadership for Clean Air in Nigeria.” Speaking at the event, the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, emphasized the critical need for private-sector-driven solutions. He detailed the severe climate challenges facing the state, including erosion, land degradation, and deteriorating urban air quality.
Prof. Onyia cited stark data, revealing that more than 200,000 Nigerians die prematurely each year due to air pollution. He stressed that the transport sector is a key contributor, responsible for over 15 per cent of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions. "Enugu is not exempt from this reality," he stated, but pointed out that these challenges also present opportunities for innovation, new business models, and job creation in green industries.
Equipping Businesses for a Low-Carbon Future
Isabel Wilson, the UK PACT Nigeria Lead at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, explained that the programme is the UK government's flagship climate-capacity initiative. It targets countries with high potential for emissions reduction. She noted that transport was chosen due to its dual role as a major polluter and a vital engine for trade and development.
The project will provide Nigerian companies with practical support, including:
- Training and skills development for adopting cleaner technologies.
- Assistance in accessing climate finance and understanding regulatory frameworks.
- Support to develop finance-ready Climate and Clean Air Action Plans.
- Guidance on participating in voluntary carbon markets.
Dr. Emmanuel Onwodi, Project Lead at Escher Silverman Global (ESG), highlighted the sector's current limitations, citing a lack of technical expertise, unclear regulations, and restricted finance for clean tech as major barriers the project aims to overcome.
A Collaborative Push for Health and Economic Resilience
Gari Haq, Consortium Lead from the University of York and the Stockholm Environment Institute, described cleaner transport as a fast track to healthier populations and stronger businesses. The 15-month programme will also integrate principles of gender equality and social inclusion to ensure equitable solutions.
Mr. Ibrahim Shelleng, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Finance, stated that climate change is a lived reality across Nigeria. He asserted that the private sector must be central to transitioning the nation to a cleaner, more competitive economy. This platform, he said, is crucial for building capacity, strengthening collaboration, and exploring instruments like green bonds and carbon markets.
The project is implemented by a consortium including the University of York/Stockholm Environment Institute, Consulting Engineers Group (CEG), SLOCAT Partnership, ESG, and AP3 Advisory. It aligns with Nigeria's NDC 3.0 targets and its commitments under the Paris Agreement.
