Climate Change: Tinubu calls for resilient, green inclusive industrial future

Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on international investors and development partners to align their support with Affrica’s vision for a resilient, green, and inclusive industrial future saying that Nigeria cannot industrialize at the expense of its environment.

President Tinubu who made this known recently at the Africa Infrastructure Climate Change and Green Investment Summit (AICIS) in Abuja says that Nigeria champions green industrialization relating to harnessing renewable energy, enforcing environmental standards, and prioritizing circular economy principles.

Tinubu represented by the Permanent Secretary, Political & Economic Affairs, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engr. Nadungu Gagare noted that Africa was rich in human and natural resources, vibrant cultures, and boundless innovation, but faces grave challenges as climate change threatens its ecosystems and communities.

Continuing, he said just as our infrastructure gaps limit opportunity all of which was needed was a bold and coordinated response.

“We cannot industrialize at the expense of our environment. That is why Nigeria champions green industrialization relating to harnessing renewable energy, enforcing environmental standards, and prioritizing circular economy principles. We urge international investors and development partners to align their support with Affrica’s vision for a resilient, green, and inclusive industrial future.

“Africa stands at a defining crossroads. Our continent is rich in human and natural resources, vibrant cultures, and boundless innovation. Yet, we face grave challenges as climate change threatens our ecosystems and communities just as our infrastructure gaps limit opportunity all of which demand a bold and coordinated response. In this historic moment, Nigeria reaffirms its role as a catalyst for transformation across Africa.

“Nigeria recognizes that climate change is not merely an environmental concern. It is a profound economic and security challenge. Our farmers face unpredictable seasons; our coastal cities confront rising sea levels; while our industries adapt to shifting realities. That is why Nigeria is implementing a robust climate action framework, aligned with the Paris Agreement and Africa’s Agenda 2063,

“We are investing in renewable energy, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and advancing clean technologies. Our goal is to build resilience for our people, empower our youth, and create green jobs that fuel prosperity. We invite African nations and global partners to join us in scaling climate finance, sharing knowledge, and developing innovative adaptation solutions that are uniquely African” he said.

Also speaking, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume who described the summit as a unique platform to engage, exchange ideas, and forge partnerships that will drive transformative change across Africa said the event reflects shared commitment to advancing sustainable development, fostering resilient economies, and building a greener, more prosperous Africa.

Akume in his speech which was delivered by Engr. Nadungu Gagare tasked stakeholders to deliberate on the urgent challenges and immense opportunities and engage openly, collaboratively, drawing on collective wisdom to chart practical pathways forward.

Chairman of the AICIS Planning Committee, Moses Owharo while hailing Nigerian Government for committing to its climate change policy agenda called for more collaboration from government, diplomatic community and stakeholders in the climate change mitigation to achieve desired results.

His words, “Africa stands at a defining moment, a challenge we face ranging from infrastructure gaps, climate change and resource constraints to economic uncertainty which are formidable.

“This challenge presents unprecedented opportunities for innovation, strategic investment and inclusive growth to further forge stronger public-private partnership that drives a transformative progress across Africa and the world.

“Our role as a private institution is to complement government’s development policy implementation to increase impact in the life of the citizenry.

“This summit provides a timely platform to foster stakeholders’ collaboration, share knowledge and develop actionable strategies for advancing infrastructure, combating climate change and accelerating growth, investment and pre-investment across our continent,” he stated.

The event was attended by Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed and Abdulhameed Aliyu, Managing Director, Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL). Dr Matthew Adepoju, Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and the representative of Africa Aviation and Aerospace University, Dr Eniola Ajani, who is the Dean School of Postgraduate Studies.

Others in attendance were the former Chairman of the House Committee on Climate Change, Sam Onuigbo, Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe and members of the diplomatic community.