By Awyetu Asabe Hope
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to attract private and international investment to support environmental sustainability, climate action and economic resilience.
Speaking at the 2026 Nigeria Environmental Summit (NESt) on Thursday in Abuja, Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal said Nigeria must leverage climate funds, carbon markets, public-private partnerships and other innovative financing mechanisms to accelerate its green transition.
Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Salihu Usman, the Minister noted that climate change continues to manifest through flooding, drought, coastal erosion, biodiversity loss and growing pressure on livelihoods and ecosystems.
He stressed that environmental sustainability is closely linked to public health, food security, energy transition, economic diversification, job creation and national security, adding that traditional environmental management and funding approaches are no longer sufficient.
Stakeholders at the summit called for stronger collaboration, sustainable financing and innovative solutions to unlock Nigeria’s green economy, strengthen environmental governance and build climate resilience.
Representatives of the World Health Organization, United Nations Population Fund and National Space Research and Development Agency highlighted the health, social and economic impacts of climate change, urging greater investment in people-centred and gender-responsive climate policies.
The two-day summit brought together policymakers, investors, development partners, academics, civil society groups and youth innovators to explore practical pathways for advancing climate action and sustainable development in Nigeria.