President Bola Tinubu has positioned Nigeria’s climate agenda as a development opportunity, outlining a green transition strategy that seeks to balance emissions reduction with energy access, economic growth and social inclusion.
Speaking at the Sustainability Summit in Abu Dhabi, the President said Nigeria is pursuing an integrated approach to climate action, one that connects finance, technology, energy systems and human capital rather than treating environmental challenges in isolation. He noted that climate impacts are now deeply intertwined with public health, food security and economic stability, particularly in developing economies.
Tinubu framed the sustainability transition as a pathway to jobs and inclusive growth, arguing that climate action can help close long-standing gaps in energy access and infrastructure, especially for underserved communities. “Sustainable development requires policy, finance, infrastructure, nature and people to move together,” he said.
A key message from the address was the need for equity in global climate efforts. The President stressed that developing countries must be supported with accessible climate finance, appropriate technologies and robust capacity-building frameworks if they are to meet climate commitments without undermining development priorities.
He highlighted recent policy steps aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s climate governance, including the adoption of a National Carbon Market Activation Policy and the launch of a National Carbon Registry to improve emissions tracking, reporting and verification. These measures, he said, are intended to enhance transparency while unlocking new sources of climate finance.
On energy, Tinubu pointed to reforms under the Electricity Act of 2023, which decentralises power generation and distribution. The law is expected to accelerate the deployment of renewable and sustainable energy solutions to rural communities, off-grid health centres, schools and markets, areas long excluded from reliable electricity supply.
The President also underscored the role of digital innovation, noting that modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, are increasingly central to improving efficiency and modernising Nigeria’s energy infrastructure.
Addressing climate finance and green investment, Tinubu said Nigeria has launched climate and green industrialisation initiatives aimed at mobilising between $20 billion and $30 billion annually. He referenced ongoing World Bank-supported programmes designed to expand access to clean electricity for millions of Nigerians.
He concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to its Energy Transition Plan, which integrates climate mitigation, industrial development and social inclusion within a single framework. According to Tinubu, the approach positions Nigeria as a credible partner in the global sustainability transition and an attractive destination for green investment.
