The Nigerian Exchange Limited, NGX, has officially launched the NGX Net-Zero Programme, an initiative aimed at supporting listed companies in defining clear net-zero pathways and improving climate-related disclosures in line with global investor expectations.
The launch featured a high-level engagement involving chief executives of listed companies and development partners, including the German Government Investment Corporation, KfW, the German Investment and Development Company, DEG, and the African Foresight Group, AFG, NGX’s implementing partner.
Issuers and investors exchanged views on financing decarbonisation, strengthening sustainability practices, and positioning corporates to attract climate-aligned capital flows.
The engagement provided a platform for dialogue among business leaders, enabling them to explore practical actions and deepen their commitment to integrating sustainability into business strategy and governance. The broader objective is to examine how capital markets can accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon economy while delivering long-term value for businesses and investors.
NGX Net-Zero marks a significant step forward in uniting market leadership around a shared vision and translating climate ambition into actionable pathways for sustainable growth.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the NGX Group, Dr Umaru Kwairanga, said the world must take urgent steps on climate action and sustainable growth, describing the launch of the programme as a concrete step in that direction.
Kwairanga commended the development partners for the extensive work undertaken over the past two years to bring the initiative to fruition and expressed optimism that many listed companies would enrol in the programme in the coming months.
He expressed confidence that through the NGX Net-Zero Programme, the Nigerian Exchange and the broader capital market would advance towards becoming Africa’s premier hub for green and sustainable finance solutions.
“Today is not just about dialogue. It is about leadership, collaboration, and decisive action. In recent years, climate change and sustainability have moved from being peripheral concerns to core business and governance imperatives.
Capital markets globally are increasingly recognised as critical enablers of this transition, mobilising capital, setting standards, and incentivising responsible corporate behaviour,” Kwairanga said.
He stressed that Africa, and Nigeria in particular, must play an active role in shaping the global transition to sustainability rather than remaining passive participants.
“It is against this backdrop that we have convened this roundtable to launch the NGX Net-Zero Programme. This initiative is designed to support our listed companies on their carbon footprint reduction journeys by providing a structured framework for emissions measurement, disclosure, capacity building, and access to sustainable finance opportunities.
Ultimately, our intention is to help companies enhance long-term value, strengthen investor confidence, and align with evolving global ESG expectations, while remaining competitive in their respective industries,” he added.
According to the NGX Group Chairman, the success of the programme will depend on strong corporate leadership and sustained commitment.
He urged chief executives present to view the initiative not as a compliance requirement but as a strategic opportunity to future-proof their businesses, attract long-term capital, and position their organisations as leaders in Nigeria’s sustainable growth agenda.
Kwairanga also reaffirmed the NGX Group’s commitment to working closely with regulators, development finance institutions, listed companies, and other stakeholders to advance sustainable finance, climate resilience, and inclusive economic growth.
He said the Exchange aims to set a new benchmark for Nigeria’s capital market that balances profitability with responsibility and growth with sustainability.
Also speaking, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, Mr Temi Popoola, said climate action has become a business imperative, noting that companies that embed sustainability into their strategy and governance structures are better positioned to attract capital, manage risk, and remain competitive.
From the perspective of the German Investment and Development Company, DEG, a Member of its Management Board, Ms Monika Beck, said,
“At DEG, our corporate strategy is centred on mobilising private capital to deliver measurable development impact, accelerate climate action, and generate sustainable returns. Partnerships such as this enable us to scale solutions that are both impactful and commercially viable.”
The event concluded with a closing gong ceremony held by the NGX to commemorate the roundtable, the official launch of the NGX Net-Zero Programme, and the send-off for the outgoing Regional Director of DEG, Mr Bernd Telemann.