Tinubu harps on collaboration, investment to drive Nigeria’s green energy projects

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to transitioning towards sustainable energy, emphasising the need for global collaboration and increased investment in green energy initiatives.

Speaking on the second day of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) yesterday, Tinubu assured the global audience of Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with other nations.

Addressing the theme: ‘From Climate Imperatives into Economic Prosperity: Bridging Africa with the Global Energy Future,’ he emphasised that global interconnectedness requires collective action, knowledge exchange, and mutual support.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu highlighted that Nigeria is investing in infrastructure to promote the widespread adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric vehicles, while also leveraging the potential of solid minerals to support the green energy transition.

“The fight against climate change is not merely an environmental necessity but a global economic opportunity to reshape the trajectory of our continent and the global energy landscape. As leaders, stakeholders and citizens of our planet, we stand at a critical juncture in human history. To succeed, we must innovate, collaborate and act decisively as one global community,” he said.

Tinubu assured the audience that the Nigerian government had implemented programs aligned with global standards, taking into account the country’s economic and political priorities. He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

He highlighted that Nigeria was the first country in Africa to fund green projects using proceeds from Sovereign Green Bonds, noting that the third issuance is currently underway.

The President called on investors to partner with Nigeria, emphasising his administration’s dedication to creating an enabling environment for businesses to flourish.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and ensuring a just transition to clean and renewable energy, emphasising the importance of promoting environmental sustainability alongside economic growth. He, therefore, urged partner countries to collaborate in mobilising resources to address these challenges while embracing innovation and technology.

MEANWHILE, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has emphasised the need for modernised infrastructure and enhanced global collaboration to optimise renewable energy adoption and accelerate the global energy transition.

The Agency revealed this during the opening session of the 15th IRENA Assembly in UAE, themed: ‘Accelerating the Renewable Energy Transition: The Way Forward, Energy Security, Socio-Economic Development, and Financing Options.’

The 14th President of the Assembly, who also serves as the Minister of Infrastructure for the Republic of Rwanda, Jimmy Gasore, emphasised that modernising and expanding infrastructure by developing robust, scalable, and climate-resilient energy systems is essential for integrating and optimizing renewable energy sources.

He emphasised the need for policies that extend beyond technical solutions, promoting innovation, addressing varied national priorities, and placing renewable energy at the core of global strategies.

Gasore highlighted that unlocking resources for renewable energy projects, especially in developing countries, requires innovative financing solutions and enhanced international collaboration to ensure equitable progress and leave no one behind.

The 15th President of the Assembly, Bojan Kumer, underscored that this is a pivotal moment to intensify efforts to triple global energy capacity, as renewable energy sources are essential for achieving decarbonisation and securing a sustainable future for everyone.

He emphasised the importance of creating synergies between renewable energy projects and addressing energy poverty. He noted that while the green energy transition presents challenges, these can be transformed into significant opportunities, as long-term economic competitiveness is unattainable without modern and sustainable energy systems.

The Director-General of IRENA, Dr Francesco La Camera, stated that this year’s theme was selected to underscore the urgency of shaping policies and strategies that prioritize energy security, promote socio-economic development, and mobilize innovative financing solutions to advance the global energy transition.

He emphasised that global collaboration and engagement, along with the exchange of policies and strategies to foster socio-economic development, are crucial for accelerating energy transitions.