Experts Urge Increased Climate Action Investment to boost Nigeria’s Economy

During the launch of Climate Action Africa (CMA) Labs, a dedicated research lab driving climate research and innovative solutions, experts from diverse fields converged in Abuja to emphasize the critical importance of heightened climate investment in Nigeria.

This concerted effort, they argued, would not only generate new employment opportunities but also breathe new life into rural areas.

In a panel session, Olivia Rumble, a climate change legal and policy expert renowned for her work in national climate legislative developments, underscored Nigeria’s pressing need to swiftly embrace climate action that simultaneously achieves climate and development objectives.

She maintained that ongoing efforts, while valuable, remain insufficient to comprehensively address the multifaceted challenges of climate change.

To navigate this complex terrain, she stressed the necessity for industry stakeholders to collaborate closely with the government to fortify climate action plans.

Furthermore, she called for a rigorous revision of existing climate plans to effectively address the prevailing climate emergency.

Dr. Michael Ochei, a lecturer at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, highlighted the direct correlation between scaling up climate adaptation and enhancing agricultural productivity.

He underscored the critical importance of augmenting climate action to bolster the resilience of agrifood value chains, thereby ensuring food security and economic stability.

Grace Oluchi, Co-Founder of Climate Action Africa, revealed that the organization has introduced a digital service platform to tackle climate change issues holistically.

This platform facilitates multi-dimensional problem-solving and innovative approaches. With the adverse impacts of climate crises reverberating across Nigeria, Oluchi emphasized the urgency of building resilience through a combination of adaptation strategies and policy actions.

She underscored Climate Action Africa’s multifaceted interventions and media advocacy campaigns, which highlight the detrimental effects of climate change on the economy.

Jiata Ekele, Project Assistant at She Leads Climate Action, highlighted Nigeria’s vulnerability to climate change risks, urging a coordinated response to effectively address these challenges.

Nneka Ukay, a Sustainability Expert, accentuated the need for capacity building and cross-sectoral partnerships to robustly manage climate-related issues.

She encouraged private sector actors to embrace their roles as financiers, innovators, and providers of climate-friendly goods and services.

As Nigeria embarks on a transformative journey towards a decarbonized and circular industry, Folake Salawu, Programme Coordinator & Senior Conservation Manager at the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, emphasized the abundant opportunities for economic growth and market access.

The launch of CMA Labs, in her view, ushers in a historic window for the creation of innovative green products and the deployment of new technologies.

In her concluding remarks, Salawu underscored the importance of amplifying climate finance and investment access, fostering knowledge dissemination, and supporting policy dialogue.

She urged universities to share experiences and research resources while highlighting the need for transformed institutions, collaborative dialogue, and cross-sectoral coordination among ministries, policymakers, and implementers within the sector.

The collective voices of these esteemed experts underscore the urgency of climate action investment, weaving a tapestry of interwoven strategies to drive job creation, enhance rural communities, and fortify Nigeria’s resilience in the face of an evolving climate landscape.