FG SAYS CLIMATE ACTION REMAINS CENTRAL TO NIGERIA’S DEVELOPMENT AGENDA
The Federal Government has reaffirmed that climate action remains central to Nigeria’s nationalu development agenda, as it advances key policies to build a climate-resilient and low-carbon economy.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, stated this in Abuja during a stakeholders’ engagement on the socialisation of Nigeria’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) for development partners and the private sector. He was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Salihu Aminu Usman.
The Minister said Nigeria’s commitment is being driven through the Climate Change Act, NDC 3.0, the National Adaptation Plan, Energy Transition Plan, National Clean Cooking Policy, and the National Carbon Market Activation Framework.
He described the NAP as a major milestone that provides a framework for identifying climate risks, reducing vulnerability, and integrating adaptation into national, sectoral, and subnational development plans.
“The NAP sets clear priorities across agriculture, water resources, health, infrastructure, energy, biodiversity, forestry, disaster risk management, and human settlements,” Balarabe stated.
He stressed that addressing the adaptation gap will require new partnerships, innovative financing, technology transfer, and private sector investment. He added that6 government is strengthening the policy and institutional environment to reduce risks and encourage innovation.`
“Development partners have been indispensable allies in strengthening institutions, building capacity, improving climate data, and facilitating access to climate finance. We look forward to deeper collaboration in implementing NAP priorities,” he said.`
In a statement by Ibrahim Haruna, Director of Press and Public Relations, the Minister also noted that adaptation is now a business imperative. “The private sector has a critical role in driving innovation, financing resilient infrastructure, expanding climate insurance, and supporting nature-based solutions,” he added.
The Director of Climate Change, Dr. Iniagbon Abiola-Awe, said the workshop was convened to deepen understanding of the NAP, present investment opportunities, and strengthen coordination for implementation.
In her goodwill message, the Chief of Mission of IOM Nigeria, Sharon Dimanche, represented by Hajara Jalo, reaffirmed IOM’s commitment to support the government in implementing the NAP for safer and more resilient communities.`
Participants included representatives from the public sector, private and financial institutions, academia, CSOs, and development partners such as IOM, WHO, and UNIDO.`
“Together, let us build a future where every investment strengthens resilience, every partnership accelerates progress, and every Nigerian thrives despite a changing climate,” the Minister concluded.
