The federal government and environmental stakeholders have called for increased access to green financing, stronger environmental governance, and sustainable investments as critical tools for tackling climate change, creating jobs, and accelerating Nigeria’s economic growth.
The call was made at the Nigeria Environmental Summit (NESt 2026), themed: “Unlocking Nigeria’s Green Economy: Driving Climate Action and Strengthening Environmental Governance,” in Abuja.
Speaking at the summit, the Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Salihu Usman, said Nigeria must position itself to take advantage of emerging climate and green investment opportunities.
He said climate funds, carbon markets, public-private partnerships, blended finance mechanisms, renewable energy investments, ecosystem restoration, sustainable agriculture, and waste-to-wealth initiatives offer significant opportunities for environmental sustainability, economic transformation, and employment generation.
“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,” Lawal said.
Cluster Lead for Disease Control at the World Health Organisation (WHO) Nigeria, Dr. Mya Ngon, urged policymakers to place health at the centre of climate and environmental decision-making.
She referenced Nigeria’s 2024 Climate and Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment, which indicated that climate-related factors could account for as much as 21 per cent of the country’s disease burden.
In her remarks, the executive secretary of NESUG, Chem. Rita Michael-Ojo, called for stronger collaboration among governments, businesses, development partners, communities and citizens to address Nigeria’s environmental challenges.
“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.
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,” Edeh said.
He highlighted major environmental challenges confronting Nigeria, including flooding, air pollution, poor water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services, inadequate waste management, and pollution associated with oil and gas activities.
Similarly, the Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Olumide Adepoju, said Nigeria’s ecological challenges could be turned into 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, drew attention to the disproportionate impact of climate-related disasters on women and girls, noting that displacement often increases risks of gender-based violence, exploitation and disruptions in reproductive health services.
Also, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, Mrs. Uju Rochas-Anwukah, disclosed that climate change costs Nigeria approximately $1 billion annually.
She reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges and advancing sustainability initiatives across the country.
Participants at the summit stressed the need for collective action to unlock Nigeria’s estimated £20 billion green economy potential and drive climate-resilient development.
The event attracted more than 1,450 physical and virtual participants, including senior government officials, development partners, regulatory agencies, academics, environmental professionals, youth groups and private sector representatives.
A major highlight of the summit was the Nigeria Environmental Sustainability Merit Awards (NESMA), which recognised individuals and institutions for their contributions to environmental sustainability and governance.
Among the award recipients were Prof. Oladele Osibanjo, Dr. Ngeri Benebo, Chief Dr. Iganya Agene, SAN Augustine Ebisike, Rev. Nnimmo Bassey and Ms. Amina J. Mohammed, while Lagos, Akwa Ibom and Jigawa states were honoured for excellence in environmental sustainability.
