By Abbas Nazil
Leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, has partnered with the Renewed Hope Climate Change Awareness Tour, a national initiative designed to promote climate resilience and sustainable development across Nigeria.
The initiative was officially inaugurated at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, drawing participation from government officials, environmental experts, private sector leaders and other key stakeholders committed to advancing Nigeria’s climate agenda.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented at the event by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, called on governors, the organised private sector and other stakeholders to take decisive steps in driving Nigeria’s climate transition and converting awareness into concrete action.
Tinubu said the country must accelerate efforts toward building a resilient and low-carbon economy, stressing that climate change should not only be seen as a challenge but also as an opportunity for innovation, economic growth and national development.
According to him, the Renewed Hope Climate Change Awareness Tour represents a national movement aimed at mobilising Nigerians to embrace climate-friendly practices and sustainable development initiatives.
“Today we inaugurate a movement, the Renewed Hope Climate Change Awareness Tour. It is a national call to action, a call to innovation, opportunity and sustainable development for all Nigerians,” he said.
The president noted that Nigeria stands at a critical point as the global shift toward low-carbon development continues to reshape industries, financial systems and international markets.
He explained that global capital is moving toward greener investments, technologies are transforming production systems and countries that adapt quickly will lead the next phase of economic growth.
Tinubu added that the nationwide tour would take climate awareness beyond conference halls into communities across the country, engaging governors, traditional rulers, farmers, students, entrepreneurs, innovators and financial institutions.
Through the engagement, he said the initiative would identify bankable projects, unlock local solutions, strengthen climate finance capacity and mobilise partnerships between the public and private sectors.
The president also emphasised that Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions represent commitments to reduce emissions, strengthen resilience and protect vulnerable communities from climate impacts.
He said those commitments must be backed by practical actions and investments, stressing that the awareness tour would help bridge the gap between policy commitments and implementation.
Tinubu further urged young Nigerians to actively participate in the climate transition, noting that their creativity, technology and entrepreneurial drive would play a crucial role in shaping the country’s environmental and economic future.
He added that climate resilience is closely linked to national security and sustainable prosperity, urging stakeholders to approach the transition with determination and confidence.
Also speaking at the event, the Director of Forestry in the Ministry of Environment, Halima Bawa, highlighted the growing impact of climate change across Nigeria.
She noted that desert encroachment, flooding, coastal erosion and erratic rainfall patterns are already affecting livelihoods, particularly among farmers who depend heavily on predictable weather conditions.
Lawal commended the Climate Change Act 2021, describing it as a landmark legislation that provides a structured framework for climate governance, carbon budgeting and Nigeria’s pathway toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.
Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters, Yussuf Kelani, said the awareness tour represents a broad national movement built on leadership, collaboration and commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s environmental and economic future.
Kelani, who also chairs the Renewed Hope Climate Change Awareness Tour committee, said the initiative seeks to democratise climate knowledge, align federal and state actions with Nigeria’s climate commitments and mobilise green jobs, partnerships and climate finance opportunities.
Guest speaker, Prof. Babajide Alo, emphasised the importance of locally led adaptation in addressing climate challenges, noting that communities must be empowered with the knowledge and capacity needed to manage climate risks effectively.
He stressed that securing Nigeria’s climate future requires a shift in priorities and lifestyles, including responsible consumption, reduced carbon footprints and the integration of sustainability across all sectors of the economy.
Representing Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, the company’s Chief Risk Officer, Shakira Mustapha, reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s climate goals and contributing to initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and net-zero emissions.
