Key points
- The Federal Government is accelerating efforts to attract private and international capital for green finance.
- Officials say Nigeria must strengthen climate action, environmental governance and sustainable financing.
- Experts warn that climate change already contributes to about 21 per cent of Nigeria’s disease burden.
- Stakeholders highlighted flooding, desertification, biodiversity loss and pollution as growing threats.
- The Nigeria Environmental Summit called for collaboration across government, private sector and development partners.
Main Story
The Federal Government has said it is intensifying efforts to attract private and international investment to unlock green finance opportunities aimed at advancing environmental sustainability and climate resilience across the country.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, made this known on Thursday at the 2026 Nigeria Environmental Summit (NESt) in Abuja. Lawal, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Salihu Usman, said Nigeria must accelerate its green transition through innovative financing mechanisms such as climate funds, carbon markets, public-private partnerships and blended finance models.
He said climate change is already manifesting through flooding, drought, coastal erosion, biodiversity loss and increasing pressure on ecosystems and livelihoods. According to him, environmental sustainability is now directly linked to health systems, food security, energy transition, economic diversification, job creation and national security. Lawal added that Nigeria’s environmental challenges require innovation, partnerships and sustainable financing beyond traditional funding approaches.
He said the country remains committed to its obligations under the Paris Agreement but stressed that progress depends on locally adapted solutions and stronger collaboration between stakeholders. The minister commended participants at the summit for their contributions toward building a resilient and inclusive green economy. Dr Mya Ngon, Cluster Lead for Disease Control at the World Health Organisation (WHO) Nigeria, said climate change is already having significant health impacts in the country.
She said about 21 per cent of Nigeria’s disease burden is linked to climate change and urged stronger integration of health considerations into climate policy. Dr Olumide Adepoju, Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), said Nigeria’s diverse ecological zones present both challenges and opportunities for sustainable development. He said traditional environmental management approaches have struggled to keep pace with rapid ecological changes, adding that innovation is needed to transform environmental risks into economic value.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Environmental Summit Group, Rita Michael-Ojo, said Nigeria faces increasing climate risks including flooding, desertification, biodiversity loss, pollution and pressure on livelihoods and public health. She called for stronger collaboration among government, private sector, development partners, communities and youth innovators to address environmental challenges. She said the summit would focus on accelerating climate action, strengthening governance, mobilising sustainable finance and promoting a just energy transition.
Muriel Mafico, Resident Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), warned that climate-related displacement increases risks for women and girls, including gender-based violence, exploitation and disruption of reproductive health services. She said climate action must be people-centred and gender-responsive to ensure vulnerable groups are protected.
Uju Rochas-Anwukah, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, said climate change costs Nigeria an estimated one billion dollars annually, reaffirming the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
The Issues
- Limited access to sustainable and green financing mechanisms.
- Rising impacts of climate change on health, livelihoods and infrastructure.
- Gendered vulnerabilities in climate-related displacement.
- Need for stronger environmental governance and innovation.
- Heavy economic losses linked to environmental degradation.
What’s Being Said
- Environment Minister, Balarabe Lawal, said: “We must unlock green finance opportunities through climate funds, carbon markets, public-private partnerships, blended finance models, amongst others, that support sustainable development.”
- He added: “Nigeria stands at a critical moment in its environmental journey, where climate change continues to manifest through flooding, drought, coastal erosion, biodiversity loss, and increasing pressure on our ecosystems and livelihoods.”
- WHO Nigeria’s Mya Ngon said: “The assessment in 2024 stated that 21 per cent of the country’s disease burden comes from climate change.”
- UNFPA’s Muriel Mafico said: “Climate action should be people-centred and gender-responsive.”
What’s Next
- Expansion of green finance mechanisms such as carbon markets and blended finance models.
- Strengthening of climate adaptation and environmental governance frameworks.
- Increased collaboration between government, private sector and international partners.
- Greater integration of climate risks into health and development planning.
Bottom Line
Nigeria is pushing to unlock green finance and strengthen climate action as officials warn that environmental degradation is increasingly affecting health, livelihoods and economic stability, making coordinated investment and innovation essential for long-term resilience.
