- The Federal Government is negotiating with global financiers to secure over $60 million for green energy hubs, including a hybrid project at a major airport.
- Vice President Shettima urged urgent, inclusive climate action, calling for policy alignment and innovative financing to drive Nigeria’s low-carbon transition.
The Federal Government has begun talks with global financial institutions to secure over $60 million in climate finance to launch pilot green energy hubs in Nigeria.
One of the key projects includes a transformative hybrid energy facility at a major Nigerian airport, designed to serve as a model for clean, affordable, and digitally monitored energy systems across public infrastructure.
Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the initiative on Monday, July 7, during the opening of the Decarbonising Infrastructure in Nigeria Summit, which was held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. The summit focused on unlocking climate finance for sustainable development.
Shettima stressed the urgent need for action, warning that inaction on climate change would severely impact Nigeria’s development and economic future.
“We can no longer delay. Climate action is not just about protecting the environment; it is an economic necessity,” he said. “Over 75% of Nigeria’s greenhouse gas emissions come from infrastructure sectors, energy, transportation, agriculture, and urban development, which are all vital to our economy.”
The Vice President also highlighted the risks of inaction, pointing to Nigeria’s projected population growth to over 440 million by 2050. He warned that this boom could further strain natural resources and worsen environmental degradation without urgent interventions.
“The sectors contributing most to our emissions are the same ones that sustain our livelihoods,” Shettima said. “To decarbonise is to invest in Nigeria’s prosperity.”
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to climate resilience. He outlined several initiatives, including the State Innovation Challenge Park, regional climate engagement clinics, and a new white paper on green growth financing.
“Our transition must not leave anyone behind,” Shettima emphasised. “It must reach every state, every community, and every home. Inclusivity is not an afterthought; it is the foundation. Our goal is net zero, but our journey must be local, inclusive, and urgent. The time for bullet points is over. The time for bold action is now.”
He also urged all government levels to align policies and adopt innovative financing models, such as green bonds and climate investment funds, to support local solutions and scale climate-smart technologies.
With these efforts, Nigeria aims to position itself as a regional leader in climate innovation while safeguarding its economic and environmental future.