- Officials reaffirmed their commitment to advancing energy-resilient policies that integrate sustainability into healthcare systems and national development plans.
- Nigeria’s leaders also agreed that energy-resilient policies must prioritise clean power for hospitals, reliable infrastructure, and equitable access to healthcare for all citizens.
Officials have intensified calls for energy-resilient policies, strategic investments, and innovative solutions to build climate-smart and well-financed health systems across Nigeria. The renewed effort focuses on legislative accountability and stronger institutional partnerships. It aims to protect public health from the growing impacts of climate change.
During the Legislative Roundtable on Climate, Environment, and Sustainable Health in Abuja, Dr Pavel Ursu, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative to Nigeria, stressed the urgency of action. Represented by Dr Alexander Chimbaru, he stated that Nigeria must strengthen its healthcare infrastructure to withstand the rising climate threats that harm both people and the environment.
Climate change, he warned, continues to worsen health risks and damage essential infrastructure. It also deepens existing inequalities in both rural and urban areas. Rising temperatures, floods, and severe weather events are already increasing disease burdens and weakening healthcare services.
Dr Ursu said investing in climate-resilient healthcare is both a moral duty and an economic necessity. He called for sustainable funding, local resource mobilisation, and innovative international partnerships to close healthcare financing gaps. Additionally, he emphasised the importance of robust legislation to ensure accountability and achieve long-term results.
He praised Nigeria’s National Health Act and the National Climate Change Policy for promoting resilience and sustainability. Furthermore, he urged policymakers to equip all healthcare facilities to respond quickly and effectively to climate-related emergencies.
Dr Ursu reaffirmed WHO’s continued partnership with Nigeria. He pledged technical assistance, capacity building, and support for sustainable health financing. He also restated WHO’s commitment to help Nigeria achieve universal health coverage and climate-resilient health systems.
Meanwhile, Rita Michael-Ojo, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Environmental Summit Group (NESUG), said solving Nigeria’s environmental and energy problems requires unity and transparency. She warned that hospitals cannot function without clean, reliable energy. Moreover, economic progress depends on a healthy and stable environment.
Ms Michael-Ojo revealed that Nigeria loses more than $100 billion each year due to climate change. The losses stem from flooding, deforestation, desertification, and air pollution. She added that more than 150 million Nigerians face poverty, energy shortages, and unsafe water. These challenges slow national progress.
However, she noted that they also offer opportunities for innovation and reform. She announced that the Nigeria Environmental Summit (NESt 2026) will take place from March 25 to March 26, 2026. The event will bring together global leaders to unlock Nigeria’s €20 billion potential in the green economy and position the nation as a leader in Africa’s energy transition.
Ultimately, officials agreed that by fast-tracking energy-resilient policies and sustainable investments, Nigeria can create a cleaner, stronger, and health-resilient future for generations to come.