By Faridat Salifu
As Nigeria gears up to host the Africa Climate Change Summit from July 8 to 11, 2025, the Federal Government has renewed its commitment to positioning the country as a key player in driving climate action across the continent.
Mr. Nadungu Gagare, Permanent Secretary for Political and Economic Affairs at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), made the announcement at a Solar Power CSR Dinner held in Abuja on May 27, 2025.
The event, organised by PROFOH Nigeria and V&F Solutions Germany in partnership with several stakeholders including ABVIG and Aidez Small Project International (ASPI), highlighted the growing collaboration between Nigeria and Germany in the renewable energy sector.
It also served as a platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Nigeria’s power infrastructure.
Gagare emphasized that the summit’s postponement to July was strategic, allowing more comprehensive planning to ensure the event’s success.
He stressed the Federal Government’s dedication to encouraging both foreign and local investments through public-private partnerships, recognising that effective climate policies require strong cooperation between the government and the private sector.
“The summit represents a crucial step towards addressing climate-related challenges that affect not just the environment, but the economy and the wellbeing of communities,” Gagare said.
He noted that invitations have been widely distributed, aiming to attract global stakeholders and investors to Nigeria.
Moses Owharo, Chairman of the Africa Infrastructure Climate Change and Investment Summit (AICIS) Planning Committee, praised the government for placing climate change at the forefront of its agenda.
He pointed to active participation by states such as Osun, Kwara, and Niger as evidence of growing regional commitment to renewable energy projects and sustainable development.
The discussion also revealed significant hurdles in Nigeria’s energy sector. Matthias Vierheilig, founder of V&F Solutions Germany, pointed out that poor electricity distribution and lack of reliable data are major obstacles to scaling renewable energy projects.
According to him, precise information about grid connectivity is essential for the successful integration of new power plants.
“Understanding where and how to connect renewable energy sources to the national grid is vital. Without accurate feasibility data, projects risk delays or failure,” Vierheilig said, urging local institutions to improve data transparency.
As Nigeria prepares to host this high-profile summit, the event is expected to catalyse investment, strengthen partnerships, and chart a more sustainable path for energy and climate action across Africa.