By Abbas Nazil
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared Nigeria’s readiness to accelerate sustainable development through technology, green finance, and strategic global partnerships at the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in the United Arab Emirates.
Addressing world leaders, investors, and development partners, the President said Nigeria is deploying advanced technologies to improve grid efficiency, modernise energy infrastructure, and deliver sustainable power to under-served communities.
He stressed that the use of Artificial Intelligence to optimise efficiency is no longer optional, noting that Nigeria is actively seeking partnerships that support technology transfer, innovation, and knowledge exchange to ensure reliable energy supply.
Tinubu explained that Nigeria views climate action not as a burden but as a development opportunity capable of unlocking economic growth, jobs, and industrial expansion.
He revealed that the country has launched a Climate and Green Industrialisation Investment Playbook aimed at mobilising between 25 and 30 billion dollars annually in climate finance.
According to him, the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority has also introduced a 500 million dollar Distributed Renewable Energy Fund to support clean energy access nationwide.
He added that the World Bank-backed 750 million dollar Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up programme will expand electricity access to over 17.5 million Nigerians.
The President said Nigeria is deepening access to green finance through multiple initiatives designed to attract domestic and international investors.
He noted that the Climate Investment Platform targets 500 million dollars for climate-resilient infrastructure, while the National Climate Change Fund is working toward a two billion dollar capitalisation.
Tinubu highlighted the success of Nigeria’s green bonds, stating that the 50 billion naira Sovereign Green Bond issued in 2025 attracted subscriptions worth 91 billion naira.
He also said the Lagos State Green Bond was oversubscribed by nearly 98 percent, reflecting strong investor confidence in Nigeria’s green economy.
The President reaffirmed that Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan integrates energy access, climate mitigation, industrial growth, and social development into one coherent framework.
He said the plan targets net-zero emissions by 2060 while ensuring universal access to affordable and reliable energy.
Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria’s pilot electric mobility project is already supporting national energy efficiency goals, reducing emissions, lowering costs, and stimulating green industrial development.
He further emphasised Nigeria’s vast reserves of critical minerals, particularly lithium, which he described as vital for battery production and energy storage.
The President invited investors to partner with Nigeria not only in mineral extraction but also in local processing and value addition to create jobs and strengthen domestic industrial capacity.
He called for reforms in the global financial architecture, urging a shift away from restrictive sovereign guarantees toward blended finance and first-loss capital mechanisms for developing countries.
Tinubu acknowledged Nigeria’s growing strategic partnership with the UAE, especially in renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, climate-smart agriculture, and innovative financing.
He announced the successful conclusion of negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Nigeria and the UAE, describing it as a historic milestone.
The President also revealed that Nigeria will co-host Investopia with the UAE in Lagos in February to attract global investors and innovators.
He concluded by assuring the international business community that Nigeria is ready for business, citing reforms that have driven non-oil export growth, rising capital importation, and over 50 billion dollars in investment commitments.
