The Nigerian government and stakeholders are calling for increased green financing and stronger environmental governance to address climate change and create jobs. At the Nigeria Environmental Summit (NESt 2026) in Abuja, the Minister of Environment highlighted opportunities in carbon markets, renewable energy, public-private partnerships, and blended finance to accelerate the country's transition to a climate-resilient economy. The summit also emphasized the health impacts of climate change, with WHO data showing climate factors could account for up to 21 percent of Nigeria's disease burden. Speakers stressed that environmental sustainability is an economic and national security issue, not just an environmental one. Nigeria faces annual losses of about one billion dollars from climate change, according to a presidential aide. NESUG Executive Secretary Rita Michael-Ojo called for stronger collaboration across government, business, and communities. The event drew over 1,450 participants and focused on transforming environmental challenges into opportunities for investment and inclusive growth.
