Malam Balarabe Lawal, the Minister of Environment said this on Thursday in Abuja during the 2026 Nigeria Environmental Summit (NESt).
Lawal, who was represented by Dr Salihu Usman, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry said a green transition is essential to building resilient societies.
“We must unlock green finance opportunities through climate funds, carbon markets, public-private partnerships, blended finance models, amongst others, that support sustainable development.
“There is emergent need to accelerate Nigeria’s green transition while strengthening climate action and environmental governance for a secure future.
“Nigeria stands at a critical moment in its environmental journey, where climate change continues to manifest through flooding, drought, coastal erosion, biodiversity loss, and increasing pressure on our ecosystems and livelihoods,” Lawal said.
The minister said that environmental sustainability is no longer a standalone issue.
“It directly links to our health systems, food security, energy transition, economic diversification, job creation, and national security.
“Nigeria has also continued to demonstrate leadership through its commitment under the Paris Agreement and sustainable goals.
“However, achieving this vision requires innovations localised to our environment and society, partnerships, technology, and sustainable financing.
“The environmental sector can no longer rely solely on traditional ways of managing the environment and funding mechanisms,” Lawal said.
The Minister commended stakeholders in the environment sector for their contributions to unlock Nigeria’s green economy and build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for Nigerians.
Dr Mya Ngon Cluster Lead Disease Control World Health Organisation (WHO) Nigeria said that WHO puts health at the centre of climate and environmental decisions.
“The assessment in 2024, stated that 21 per cent of the country’s disease burden, comes from climate change.
“So let us unlock the full potential of the Nigerian green economy and create a healthier people,” she retriated.
Dr Olumide Adepoju, the Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) said Nigeria is a big country with different ecological zones.
“But within these massive challenges, there are great opportunities to completely reach and appreciate our future and give our youth a better world to live on.
“For decades, traditional environmental management has struggled to keep pace with rapid ecological change.
“By pathforting towards sustainable environmental governance, we can convert this pressing ecological risk into viable worth generation for green assets,” he said.
Earlier, Mrs Rita Michael-Ojo Executive Secretary Nigerian Environmental Summit Group said that Nigeria is blessed with enormous environmental and natural capital
“Yet we are confronted by increasing climate risk:flooding, desertification, biodiversity loss, pollution, and growing pressures on livelihoods and public health.
“These challenges demand modern conversations. They require collective leadership, innovative solutions, strategic investments, and sustained action.
“This year’s theme, “Unlocking Nigeria’s Green Economy, Driving Climate Action, and Strengthening Environmental Governance,”
comes at a defining moment in our nation’s history,” Michael-Ojo said.
She urged all stakeholder to build a greener, healthier and more resilient Nigeria.
“We are here because we recognise that no single institution, sector, or individual can solve these challenges alone.
“Government must lead. The private sector must invest. Development partners must collaborate. Communities must participate.
“Over the next two days, this summit will explore practical ways for accelerating climate action, strengthening environmental governance.
“Mobilising sustainable finance, promoting climate-resilient health systems, advancing a just energy transition, and unlocking opportunities within Nigeria’s green economy,” she explained.
Michael-Ojo said that NESt has brought policymakers, investors, international organisations, academia, civil society, youth innovators, environmental professionals, and community leaders for collaboration on the environment.
Ms Muriel Mafico, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) worried that when communities are displaced by climate related disasters, women and girls often face increased risks.
“Risks such as gender-based violence, child marriage exploitation and interruption of essential reproductive health services.
“This is why UNFPA strongly believes that climate action should be people-centred and gender-responsive,” Mafico said.
Also, Mrs Uju Rochas-Anwukah, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Health worried that
climate change has cost Nigeria one billion dollars loss, annually.
She assured that the federal government is committed to environmental sustainability and will address every environmental challenge in the country.(NAN)
