By Abdullahi Lukman
Nigeria has been urged to take a leadership role in driving an equitable, homegrown, and economically viable energy transition for Africa, as preparations intensify for a major climate policy workshop in Abuja.
Dr. Olumide Abimbola, Founder and Executive Director of the Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI), made the call on Monday ahead of the two-day workshop jointly organized by APRI, the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat.
The event, which kicks off on Tuesday, April 29, is co-hosted by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and is expected to convene policymakers, researchers, and climate advocates from across the Global South.
“This convening is not just about knowledge-sharing,” Abimbola said. “It is about defining Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa’s climate future and ensuring that our energy transition is equitable, homegrown, and economically sound.”
A key objective of the workshop is to develop a blueprint for Nigeria’s Country Platform for Climate Action (CPCA)—a nationally coordinated framework designed to guide low-emission economic development, attract climate finance, and support a just and inclusive energy transition.
Organizers say the CPCA aims to mainstream climate action across Nigeria’s key development sectors, including energy, agriculture, transport, industry, and finance.
According to Dr. Abimbola, the insights and recommendations generated during the workshop will feed directly into the formulation of Nigeria’s upcoming National Development Plan for 2026–2030.
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The initiative is expected to influence long-term planning and policy implementation, ensuring that climate priorities are embedded across all levels of government and national infrastructure.
In preparation for the event, APRI released a background paper offering practical, evidence-based pathways for Nigeria’s climate and energy transition.
The report draws lessons from global case studies and highlights strategic options for building a robust, inclusive, and fundable national climate framework.
“This document presents bold but locally relevant approaches for transforming our energy systems and aligning development priorities with global climate goals,” Abimbola explained.
The workshop will also examine how countries such as South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Senegal are leveraging Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs) to finance and implement their national climate plans.
These case studies are expected to provide valuable peer-learning opportunities for Nigeria as it seeks to design and operationalize its own model.
Climate policy experts say Nigeria’s leadership is critical in shaping Africa’s response to the climate crisis, particularly as the continent grapples with the dual challenge of sustainable development and rising emissions.
With global climate finance still largely inaccessible to many African nations, the CPCA is being promoted as a tool to help coordinate resources, align policies, and attract international support for Nigeria’s energy transition journey.
As the workshop opens in Abuja, stakeholders are hoping that Nigeria’s actions will inspire broader regional efforts and demonstrate that equitable, climate-smart development is not only possible—but essential.
