Nigeria’s participation at the just-concluded Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026 has been described as a critical step toward deepening the country’s climate action agenda, attracting green investments, and strengthening its voice in global sustainability discussions.
A leading climate change advocate and sponsor of Nigeria’s Climate Change Act of 2021, Honourable Sam Onuigbo said the global event provided Nigeria with a valuable platform to consolidate its climate gains while aligning national development priorities with global solutions.
Speaking to journalists in an interview, Onuigbo dismissed claims that Nigeria’s participation was unnecessary, stressing that ADSW goes beyond rhetoric to deliver real investment, innovation, and actionable outcomes.
“ADSW is not just another international conference for Nigeria. It is a strategic space where climate ambition meets real investment, innovation, and action,” he said.
Onuigbo commended President Bola Tinubu for his sustained engagement in global sustainability discussions, noting that the President’s presence and addresses at ADSW in 2025 and 2026 significantly boosted Nigeria’s international credibility, strengthened partnerships, and improved investor confidence.
He particularly praised the President for announcing that Nigeria will co-host Investopia with the United Arab Emirates in Lagos this February, describing it as a bold step toward attracting global investors and accelerating sustainable investment inflows.
Onuigbo also highlighted the unveiling of Nigeria’s Carbon Market Framework at ADSW, stating that it sent a strong signal that the country was ready to attract large-scale investments into its green economy, including renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, and sustainable infrastructure.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s development choices carry continental importance, noting that participation at ADSW allows the country to present its climate challenges, such as flooding, desertification, and energy access gaps, while contributing African perspectives to global policy discussions.
Pathways for Funding
According to him, Nigeria’s engagement at ADSW opens pathways for funding solar and wind projects, waste-to-energy initiatives, and sustainable transport systems, with potential benefits including job creation, improved power supply, and inclusive economic growth.
Onuigbo explained that Nigerian policymakers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and youth delegates at ADSW gain exposure to global best practices in clean technology, climate resilience, artificial intelligence, and sustainable urban development, strengthening local capacity and innovation.
He further stressed that Nigeria’s active participation at ADSW reinforces its commitment to the Paris Agreement, its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), describing the engagement as a decisive step toward building a resilient and inclusive Nigeria.
“Nigeria’s participation is boosted by the physical presence and address by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His speech clearly signalled Nigeria’s readiness to partner with the rest of the world and reaffirmed our commitment to a green and inclusive transition that aligns climate action with energy access, economic growth, and social development,” Onuigbo stated.
Economic Value
Highlighting the economic value of the event, the former Nigerian lawmaker said ADSW attracts global financiers, development partners, and technology providers focused on renewable energy, water security, green infrastructure, and climate-smart solutions.
“Nigeria’s engagement creates direct pathways for funding solar and wind energy projects, waste-to-energy initiatives, and sustainable transport systems,” he said.
He added that access to investors seeking bankable green projects in emerging markets could translate into jobs, improved power supply, and inclusive economic growth.