Embracing a Greener Future: Experts Call for Full Adoption of Green Economy in Nigeria
As the world grapples with the devastating impacts of climate change, Nigeria has taken a crucial step towards embracing a more sustainable future. At the just-concluded Nigeria Environmental Summit (NESt2026) in Abuja, environmental experts, policymakers, and private-sector stakeholders urged the full adoption of a green economy to build smart cities and promote sustainability in Nigeria. The conference, which brought together key players from various sectors, highlighted the critical role that the combination of climate action and environmental governance will play in advancing the country’s path to development.
The summit, organised by the Nigerian Environmental Summit Group (NESG), served as a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on equity-driven climate action and inclusion in the nation. With the support of several partners, including the Centre for Journalism, Innovation and Development (CJID), the AbdulAzeez Elayo-led Pet A Plant Foundation, Alternative Bank, Lafarge Africa, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and other United Nations agencies, the event provided a unique opportunity for experts to share knowledge and experiences in tackling environmental challenges.
The call for a full adoption of a green economy was echoed by participants, who underscored the need for a system that investors can trust. Building resilient, smarter cities requires creating a system that is not only sustainable but also equitable, with opportunities for all Nigerians to thrive. According to Edwin Isotu-Edeh of the NESG, the green economy sector has a plethora of opportunities that Nigerians could tap into, particularly in addressing youth unemployment and other developmental issues.
“It is no news that our dear nation is suffering from youth unemployment and other issues. Yet, the green economy is undoubtedly an area that can change this situation if we begin to exploit it,” he said. Isotu-Edeh also noted that the summit is imperative for addressing the environmental challenges facing Nigerian communities and exploring solutions. He concluded with a call to action to unlock the $5 billion+ investment pipelines in the green economy sector, saying Nigeria has what it takes to contribute to global development.
The need for climate-resilient infrastructure was also a major highlight of the event. Speakers agreed that building smarter cities requires creating a system that investors can trust, with health and safety being considered when building security in emerging cities. This was the highlight of a panel discussion themed ‘Designing the cities of tomorrow: Climate-resilient infrastructure for Nigeria’s growth,’ moderated by Ronke Apata.
Samuel Steveson, an economist with the Central Bank of Nigeria, stated that money alone is not enough to achieve sustainable development, adding that there needs to be a deliberate effort to build trust that can drive opportunities. “For us to harmonise the country’s fiscal policy, we need to build trust. It is trust that will make people invest and drive policy consistency. Thus, we need to create an inter-generational balance sheet where trust flows from now to the future because people won’t build in an economy that will collapse. So, our policies must be free and confident so that people can invest,” he said.
As Nigeria embarks on this critical journey towards a greener future, it is essential to note that the adoption of a green economy is not just a moral imperative but also a business opportunity. The green economy sector has the potential to create millions of jobs, stimulate economic growth, and promote sustainable development. However, it requires a deliberate effort from all stakeholders, including policymakers, private sector players, and civil society organisations, to create an enabling environment that supports the growth of this sector.
The Nigeria Environmental Summit (NESt2026) has provided a crucial platform for stakeholders to engage in this critical conversation. As the country moves forward, it is essential to build on the momentum generated by this event and work towards creating a green economy that is inclusive, sustainable, and resilient. The future of Nigeria depends on it.
Unlocking Opportunities in the Green Economy
The green economy sector has the potential to create millions of jobs, stimulate economic growth, and promote sustainable development. According to Edwin Isotu-Edeh of the NESG, the sector has a plethora of opportunities that Nigerians could tap into, particularly in addressing youth unemployment and other developmental issues.
“It is no news that our dear nation is suffering from youth unemployment and other issues. Yet, the green economy is undoubtedly an area that can change this situation if we begin to exploit it,” he said. Isotu-Edeh also noted that the summit is imperative for addressing the environmental challenges facing Nigerian communities and exploring solutions.
Building Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
The need for climate-resilient infrastructure was a major highlight of the event. Speakers agreed that building smarter cities requires creating a system that investors can trust, with health and safety being considered when building security in emerging cities. This was the highlight of a panel discussion themed ‘Designing the cities of tomorrow: Climate-resilient infrastructure for Nigeria’s growth,’ moderated by Ronke Apata.
Samuel Steveson, an economist with the Central Bank of Nigeria, stated that money alone is not enough to achieve sustainable development, adding that there needs to be a deliberate effort to build trust that can drive opportunities. “For us to harmonise the country’s fiscal policy, we need to build trust. It is trust that will make people invest and drive policy consistency. Thus, we need to create an inter-generational balance sheet where trust flows from now to the future because people won’t build in an economy that will collapse. So, our policies must be free and confident so that people can invest,” he said.
A Call to Action
As Nigeria embarks on this critical journey towards a greener future, it is essential to note that the adoption of a green economy is not just a moral imperative but also a business opportunity. The green economy sector has the potential to create millions of jobs, stimulate economic growth, and promote sustainable development. However, it requires a deliberate effort from all stakeholders, including policymakers, private sector players, and civil society organisations, to create an enabling environment that supports the growth of this sector.
The Nigeria Environmental Summit (NESt2026) has provided a crucial platform for stakeholders to engage in this critical conversation. As the country moves forward, it is essential to build on the momentum generated by this event and work towards creating a green economy that is inclusive, sustainable, and resilient. The future of Nigeria depends on it.