The Federal Government and stakeholders have called for increased green financing, stronger environmental governance and sustainable investments to address climate change, create jobs and accelerate economic growth in Nigeria.

The call was made at the Nigeria Environmental Summit (NESt 2026) held in Abuja with the theme: “Unlocking Nigeria’s Green Economy: Driving Climate Action and Strengthening Environmental Governance.”

The Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Salihu Usman, said Nigeria must position itself to benefit from emerging climate and green investment opportunities.

Lawal said climate funds, carbon markets, public-private partnerships, blended finance mechanisms, renewable energy, ecosystem restoration, sustainable agriculture and waste-to-wealth initiatives could support environmental sustainability, economic transformation and job creation.

“We must unlock green finance opportunities and strengthen environmental governance through policy reforms, regulatory enforcement, accountability, stakeholder engagement and strategic partnerships that will accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a climate-resilient and sustainable economy,” he said.

The minister noted that climate change continued to manifest through flooding, drought, coastal erosion, biodiversity loss, pollution and pressure on ecosystems and livelihoods.

He added that innovative financing mechanisms were critical to achieving Nigeria’s environmental and development goals.

Lawal commended the Nigerian Environmental Summit Group (NESUG) for providing a platform that brought together government institutions, development partners, investors, academia, civil society organisations and the private sector to advance environmental solutions.

Also speaking, Dr Mya Ngon, Cluster Lead, Disease Control, World Health Organisation (WHO) Nigeria, stressed the need to place health at the centre of climate and environmental decision-making.

Ngon cited Nigeria’s 2024 Climate and Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment, which showed that climate-related factors could account for up to 21 per cent of the country’s disease burden.

She said the findings reinforced the need to pursue green economy solutions while protecting public health.

In her remarks, NESUG Executive Secretary, Chem. Rita Michael-Ojo, called for stronger collaboration among governments, businesses, development partners, communities and citizens.

“No single institution can solve Nigeria’s environmental challenges alone. NESt represents one platform where stakeholders unite to build a greener, healthier and more prosperous future for Nigeria,” she said.

Michael-Ojo said NESUG had continued to support sustainability initiatives by connecting environmental professionals, businesses, policymakers and development actors.

The Chairman of the NESt 2026 Multi-sectoral Implementation Team, Dr Edwin Isotu Edeh, described the summit as a call to transform environmental challenges into opportunities for resilience, investment and inclusive growth.

“Environmental sustainability is no longer an environmental issue alone; it is an economic, health, investment and national security imperative,” he said.

Edeh said Nigeria faced climate-related challenges, including flooding, air pollution, poor WASH services, waste management challenges and pollution from oil and gas activities.

The Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr Olumide Adepoju, said Nigeria’s ecological challenges also presented opportunities for innovation and sustainable development.

“Within these challenges lie opportunities to build a better future for our youth.

“By pursuing sustainable environmental governance, we can transform ecological risks into valuable green assets and create wealth from environmental resources,” he said.

The Resident Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Ms Muriel Mafico, said women and girls often faced increased risks when communities were displaced by climate-related disasters.

She identified gender-based violence, exploitation and disruption of reproductive health services as some of the challenges associated with climate displacement.

Mrs Uju Rochas-Anwukah, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, said climate change was costing Nigeria about one billion dollars annually.

She assured participants of the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability.

The summit attracted more than 1,450 physical and virtual participants, who emphasised the need for collective action to unlock Nigeria’s estimated £20 billion green economy potential.

A major highlight of the summit was the Nigeria Environmental Sustainability Merit Awards (NESMA), where environmental leaders were recognised for contributions to sustainability and governance.

Award recipients included Prof. Oladele Osibanjo, Dr Ngeri Benebo, Chief Dr. Iganya Agene, San. Augustine Ebisike, Rev. Nnimmo Bassey and Ms Amina J. Mohammed.

Lagos, Akwa Ibom and Jigawa states were also recognised for excellence in environmental sustainability.

The summit featured keynote presentations, technical sessions, policy dialogues, climate-health discussions, youth innovation showcases, exhibitions and networking sessions aimed at promoting green investments.

Participants included senior government officials, development partners, regulatory agencies, academics, environmental professionals, youth groups and private sector representatives.

Notable participants included Mrs Uju Rochas-Anwukah, Dr Mutiu Sonmonu, Commissioners of Environment, development partners, regulatory officials, Nigerian Environmental Sustainability Green Ambassador and Nollywood actress, Matilda Lambert, as well as industry leaders led by Lafarge Africa Plc.

The Federal Ministry of Environment reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the summit’s outcomes and working with stakeholders to advance climate action, environmental governance and sustainable development nationwide.