President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday in the United Arab Emirates, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to collaborating with other nations to build a resilient, equitable, and sustainable world.
Addressing a global audience on the second day of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the president spoke on the theme, “From Climate Imperatives to Economic Prosperity: Bridging Africa with the Global Energy Future.”
He emphasised that no single nation can achieve sustainability in isolation, highlighting that global interconnectedness necessitates collective action, knowledge sharing, and mutual support.
President Tinubu also described the fight against climate change as not just an environmental obligation but a transformative economic opportunity to redefine Africa’s trajectory and reshape the global energy landscape.
“As leaders, stakeholders and citizens of our planet, we stand at a critical juncture in human history. To succeed, we must innovate, collaborate and act decisively as one global community,” he said.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, assuring the audience that the Nigerian government had implemented actionable programmes that align with global expectations while considering Nigeria’s unique economic and political realities.
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The former governor of Lagos State emphasised that Nigeria had adopted a sustainability vision that harmonizes global aspirations with local challenges.
“Our efforts are anchored on three pillars: Energy Transition, Climate Resilience, and Sustainable Development. My administration recognises the importance of reducing carbon emissions and a just transition to clean and renewable energy, promoting environmental sustainability and economic growth.
“Our energy transition plans, like many nations, are aimed at diversifying energy sources and reducing dependency on fossil fuels, prioritising the transition to cleaner energy sources as a cornerstone of our national development strategy.”
He stated that Nigeria is actively developing infrastructure to facilitate the widespread adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric vehicles while leveraging the potential of solid minerals to drive the green energy transition.
The Nigerian leader emphasized that the country is adopting climate-smart agricultural practices to boost food security and reduce harmful environmental impacts.
He highlighted initiatives like the National Clean Cooking Policy, which is designed to promote clean energy, deliver environmental and health benefits, and foster socio-economic development across the African region.
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President Tinubu noted that the government is engaging local communities to implement targeted solutions for mitigating environmental challenges such as deforestation, desertification, coastal erosion, flooding, and pollution.
He warned that these challenges jeopardize the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.
The President urged partner nations to collaborate in mobilizing resources, adopting innovative solutions, and leveraging technology to address these pressing environmental issues.
“To promote a Green Economy in Africa, we must focus on integrating sustainable practices in all sectors of our economy. These investments are capital intensive and require international support from partner countries, including multinational organisations, development partners and individuals who share our vision of a sustainable, prosperous and equitable future”, he said
President Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s pioneering role in Africa as the first country to fund green projects through Sovereign Green Bond proceeds, with the third issuance currently underway.
He encouraged investors to collaborate with the nation in advancing this initiative, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment in Nigeria.
He emphasised that partnerships with global leaders and the adoption of advanced technologies are driving innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
Tinubu also underscored Nigeria’s vast potential, citing its fertile agricultural lands as ideal for advanced technological farming and the promising opportunities Artificial Intelligence presents for the country’s future.
The President expressed gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, for his invitation and vision in hosting the event.
The gathering served as a platform for world leaders to share insights and strategies for collectively addressing pressing global challenges.
