By Favour Ulebor

The Nigeria Climate Change Forum (NCCF) 2025, which held recently at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, brought together policymakers, industry leaders, climate activists, and international partners to discuss transformative solutions for Africa’s growing climate crisis.

Organized by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, the forum emphasized the urgency of climate resilience, carbon reduction, and sustainable development.

Africa’s Climate Crisis: A Defining Moment for Nigeria

Despite contributing only 4% of global emissions, Africa remains one of the most climate-vulnerable regions.

Nigeria, in particular, faces severe flooding, droughts, and desertification, threatening agriculture, livelihoods, and urban infrastructure.

President of the Society for Planet and Prosperity, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, stressed the need for localized climate solutions.

He described climate change as one of Nigeria’s most urgent developmental challenges, warning that the country’s pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 would remain unattainable without radical policy shifts.

He emphasized the need for momentum, financing, innovation, policy reforms, and strategic planning.

He also highlighted the media’s role in driving climate awareness, particularly in rural communities, ensuring that climate change is not perceived as an urban issue alone.

Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Resilience

Founder of CarbonFree Africa Network, Dr. Austine Sadiq Okoh, underscored the significance of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) such as afforestation, reforestation, and soil carbon management in mitigating climate change and restoring ecosystems.

He stated that nature-based solutions strengthen ecosystem resilience and provide long-term socio-economic benefits.

He called for continuous monitoring and assessment to ensure these initiatives drive sustainable climate adaptation and economic development.

Financing Africa’s Green Future

One of the biggest challenges in Africa’s climate response is access to climate finance.

The Executive Director Access Bank, Gregory Ovie Jobome, emphasized the critical role of financial institutions in supporting sustainable development.

He noted that Africa has a $6 trillion economic opportunity in green industries by 2050 and that with 70% of Africa’s population under 30, the continent has the potential to leapfrog traditional industrialization through clean technology, renewable energy, and climate-smart agriculture.

He reaffirmed Access Bank’s commitment to financing renewable energy entrepreneurs, securing international funding for green projects, and fostering sector-wide collaboration.

Kenya’s Climate Transition: A Model for Nigeria

Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC), Joseph Murabula, shared insights from Kenya’s transition to clean energy and decarbonization.

He explained that Kenya is on track to achieve 100% clean energy by 2030, with 93% of its electricity already generated from renewable sources. By 2028, the country aims to achieve universal access to clean cooking solutions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

He advised Nigeria to diversify its energy sources and set clear milestones toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.

Canada’s Commitment to Nigeria’s Climate Resilience

Representative of the Canadian government, Arash Irantalab Tehrani, reiterated Canada’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s climate goals.

He noted that Africa is not just a victim of climate change but a leader in shaping global climate solutions.

He emphasized Canada’s pledge to provide financial support, invest in renewable energy, and promote sustainable agriculture initiatives to help Nigeria strengthen climate resilience.

The Role of Climate Literacy

Convener of the Initiative for Climate Literacy, Olatunji Olawepo, stressed the importance of integrating climate studies into Nigeria’s education system.

He noted that achieving climate goals goes beyond government action and requires grassroots education and awareness.

His organization has launched a pilot climate education manual in Abuja and Enugu schools, with plans for national expansion.

Women at the Forefront of Climate Action

Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, emphasized the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and children, particularly in vulnerable and underserved communities.

She noted that women are primary stakeholders in agriculture, water management, and household energy, yet they face the harshest consequences of climate change.

She reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to a gender-responsive approach to climate action, ensuring that women, children, and vulnerable groups are not only protected but also empowered as agents of change.

She outlined Nigeria’s gender-inclusive climate initiatives, including empowering one million women in climate-smart agriculture, training one million households in clean cooking solutions, and supporting 1,000 women-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) focused on sustainable businesses. She also highlighted efforts to empower 10,000 women as community leaders in climate adaptation projects, engage five million women in land restoration efforts, and promote sustainable agriculture through the Nigerian Women Nopal Cactus Plantation Program.

Additionally, she noted investments in green infrastructure, including solar, wind, and hydropower projects to ensure clean energy access for rural women.

A Call for Sustained Action

As the forum concluded, participants agreed that achieving Nigeria’s climate targets requires stronger political will, increased financing, and multi-sector collaboration.

Many called for the Nigeria Climate Change Forum to become an annual event, ensuring continuous engagement between government agencies, the private sector, and civil society.