Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has called for unified international efforts to combat the escalating climate crisis, emphasizing the need for “collective, courageous, and sustained leadership” during a high-level virtual dialogue co-hosted by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The event, aimed at accelerating climate ambition ahead of November’s COP30 summit in Brazil, highlighted Nigeria’s strategy to align economic growth with environmental sustainability.
Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 through its Energy Transition Plan, a comprehensive framework targeting five sectors: power, cooking, transportation, oil and gas, and industry. The plan requires an estimated $410 billion in financing, with initiatives designed to expand renewable energy access and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. “Climate action is not a cost to development but a strategic imperative,” Tinubu stated, underscoring Nigeria’s view of environmental policy as a driver of economic resilience.
As a key participant in the Mission 300 initiative—a collaboration with the World Bank and African Development Bank—Nigeria aims to provide electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030. Tinubu also referenced the Dar es Salaam Declaration, which outlines Nigeria’s National Energy Compact, detailing reforms and investments to scale clean energy and cooking solutions.
Central to Nigeria’s strategy is the proposed Global Climate Change Investment Fund, intended to attract public and private capital for green infrastructure. The fund would support projects such as renewable energy mini-grids, electric mobility networks, regenerative agriculture, and industrial hubs focused on sustainable practices. “This platform will de-risk green investments and position Nigeria as a leader in climate-smart solutions,” Tinubu said.
The virtual dialogue comes amid growing pressure on developing nations to balance industrialization with decarbonization. Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, faces particular scrutiny over its energy policies but has recently intensified efforts to diversify its economy through solar projects and methane reduction pledges.
Nigeria’s push for climate-smart investment reflects broader African priorities, where nations seek international funding to mitigate climate impacts while addressing energy poverty. The success of initiatives like Mission 300 and the Energy Transition Plan hinges on global cooperation, particularly as COP30 approaches. However, challenges persist, including securing sufficient financing and navigating geopolitical tensions over fossil fuel dependencies. Tinubu’s appeal underscores a critical juncture for climate diplomacy: without equitable partnerships and sustained commitment, the gap between climate pledges and actionable progress risks widening further.
