Nigeria Takes Bold Steps Towards Sustainable Climate Change Action

The Nigeria Climate Change Forum (NCCF) 2025, held in Abuja, has underscored the nation’s commitment to sustainable climate change action, marking a pivotal moment in its efforts to tackle climate challenges.

The forum brought together key stakeholders, government officials, industry leaders, and climate advocates to drive actionable solutions toward Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) commitments.

As a premier platform for dialogue and collaboration, the NCCF catalysed discussions around policy implementation, private sector engagement, and innovation to accelerate Nigeria’s sustainability agenda.

The event underscored the nation’s unwavering commitment to climate action and its leadership role in shaping Africa’s environmental future.

Tagged ” A Gathering of Visionaries and Leaders”, the forum was graced by the presence of distinguished leaders from both Nigeria and state governments.

Their insights and commitment to climate action set the tone for discussions aimed at bridging the gap between policy and implementation.

Commitment

The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim in her opening remarks reiterated the Nigerian government’s commitment under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu towards a gender-responsive approach to climate change where women, children and vulnerable groups, can be empowered not just as victims, but active agents of change.

Mrs Sulaiman-Ibrahim said; “it is my duty to ensure that the voices of women and children are heard, and their unique needs addressed in climate action and policy development in achieving a more inclusive, sustainable and just transition.

“Climate change increases existing gender inequalities, particularly in developing countries like ours, where women are the primary stakeholders in agriculture, water management, and household energy.”

“It may interest you to note that women represent 70% of small-holder farmers in Nigeria and are making giant strides in the blue economy, digital economy, creative and emerging economy and other sectors,” she explained.

Mrs Sulaiman-Ibrahim listed areas where the ministry has committed to gender inclusive climate change under the visionary leadership President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

She said; “Nigeria has committed to a comprehensive climate action framework and establishment of a green economy as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda. Accordingly, my Ministry is focused on integrating gender lens into Nigeria’s climate change response and energy transition, ensuring that women and children are at the center of our climate resilience efforts.”

The Minister also called on international partners, development agencies, and private sector leaders to join in the efforts to foster effective policy development, research, capacity building, and resource allocation.

She added that supporting women-led initiatives would not only empower communities but also accelerate the transition to a green economy.

The forum brought together representatives from the Federal Ministry of Environment, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Nigerian House of Representatives, Africa Climate Foundation, UNIDO, Nigeria Climate Innovation Center, Kenya Climate Innovation Center, Africa Energy Council, and Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, among others.

This strong coalition of stakeholders underscored the need for a collective approach to climate resilience.

The NCCF 2025 reinforced Nigeria’s resolve to lead by example in climate resilience, innovation, and policy implementation, setting a precedent for other African nations to follow.

Looking Ahead

Speaking on the success of the forum, the conference Director and Representative of the Great Minds Group, organisers of the event, Mr Akinola Solanke appreciated the level of engagement and support the forum received from all key stakeholders and hinted on a second edition in 2026 to keep the momentum going.

He called on all stakeholders and participants stay engaged and build on the outcomes of the forum and take meaningful action in their respective capacities.

Mercy Chukwudiebere