President Bola Tinubu has called on global leaders to rise to the challenge of climate change with urgency, courage, and unity, declaring that the time for decisive action is now—not tomorrow.
Addressing a high-level virtual dialogue on climate and just transition on Wednesday, Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria does not view climate action as a hindrance to development, but as a “strategic imperative” for sustainable growth. The event was co-hosted by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, ahead of COP30, set to hold in Brazil.
“The global climate emergency demands our collective, courageous, and sustained leadership. For Nigeria, the urgency of this moment is clear,” Tinubu said from Abuja.
He showcased Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP) as a “bold, pragmatic roadmap” toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, targeting five priority sectors—power, cooking, transportation, oil and gas, and industry. The plan requires over $410 billion in investment.
Highlighting Nigeria’s role in driving energy access across Africa, Tinubu pointed to its leadership in the Mission 300 initiative—developed with the World Bank and the African Development Bank—which aims to provide electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.
He also referenced Nigeria’s groundbreaking National Energy Compact and the Dar es Salaam Declaration, outlining measurable reforms and investment opportunities in clean energy and cooking solutions.
“We are working to build capacity and ensure we meet these targets, reflecting not just our ambition but our commitment to deliver measurably,” Tinubu said.
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As part of sweeping energy reforms, Tinubu announced the March 2025 finalisation of Nigeria’s Carbon Market Activation Policy, aimed at unlocking up to $2.5 billion in carbon credit investments by 2030.
Nigeria is also updating its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the UNFCCC, with a comprehensive revision scheduled for presentation by September 2025.
To drive climate-smart investment, Tinubu revealed plans for a Global Climate Change Investment Fund to de-risk green infrastructure and finance clean energy at scale. The fund will back projects in green industrialization, electric mobility, regenerative agriculture, and rural energy access.
“Our strategy is not just regulation and planning—it’s rooted in market reform,” Tinubu concluded, reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness to lead Africa’s green transition.