The Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal has stated that Nigeria remained steadfast in its commitment to global climate action while advancing national development priorities, through the Climate Change Act, Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC3.0), the National Adaptation Plan, the Energy Transition Plan, the National Clean Cooking Policy, the National Carbon Market Activation Framework, climate-resilient and low-carbon future and other strategic initiatives.
The Minister who was ably represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Salihu Aminu Usman disclosed this in Abuja during stakeholders engagement on socialisation of Nigeria’s National Adaptation Plan for development partners & private sector with the theme: “Mobilizing Partnerships and Investments for Climate-Resilient Development through Nigeria’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP)
The Minister revealed that National Adaptation Plan represents one of the most significant milestones in this journey, which provides a comprehensive framework for identifying climate risks, reducing vulnerability, strengthening resilience and integrating adaptation into national, sectoral and subnational development planning. It establishes clear priorities across critical sectors including agriculture, water resources, health, infrastructure, energy, biodiversity, forestry, disaster risk management, human settlements among others.
He further reiterated that adaptation gap requires new partnerships, innovative financing mechanisms, technology transfer, strengthened institutions and sustained investments. It also requires us to mainstream climate risk into every aspect of development planning and decision-making.
He stated that development partners have been indispensable allies in Nigeria’s climate journey. The support has strengthened institutions, built technical capacity, improved climate data and information systems, facilitated access to international climate finance, and supported the implementation of numerous adaptation initiatives across the country.
Balarabe said federal government remains committed to strengthening the enabling environment for private sector investment through policy reforms, institutional coordination and partnerships that reduce investment risks and encourage innovation.
The Minister disclosed that the workshop presents an important opportunity to deepen collective understanding of the NAP, identify partnership opportunities, strengthen coordination and mobilize the investments required to move from planning to implementation and therefore encouraged all participants to engage actively to identify practical solutions, develop bankable adaptation programmes, strengthen institutional collaboration and establish lasting partnerships that deliver measurable impact.
“Together, let us build a future where every investment strengthens resilience, every partnership accelerates progress, and every Nigerian has the opportunity to thrive despite the challenges of a changing climate” he added
The Permanent Secretary who was also represented at the event by the Director of Climate Change, Dr. Iniagbon Abiola-Awe revealed that the successful implementation of the NAP cannot be achieved through government efforts alone as it requires broad-based partnerships that leverage the comparative strengths of government institutions, development partners, the private sector, financial institutions, research organizations, civil society, and local communities.
Usman stated that development partners have consistently supported Nigeria in strengthening institutional capacity, improving climate governance, mobilizing technical expertise, and financing climate action. This is deeply appreciated and look forward to further collaboration in implementing the priorities identified in the NAP.
He disclosed that the private sector has an indispensable role to play in driving innovation, mobilizing investment, developing climate-resilient technologies, strengthening resilient value chains, expanding climate insurance, financing resilient infrastructure, and supporting nature-based solutions. “Adaptation is no longer solely a public policy issue, it is increasingly a business imperative and an investment opportunity that can deliver economic, social, and environmental returns.” He added.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Director, Climate Change in the Ministry, Dr. Iniagbon Abiola-Awe stated that this workshop been carefully designed to deepen understanding of the (NAP), present its strategic priorities and investment opportunities, and foster dialogue on how we can collectively accelerate it’s implementation.
Dr. Abiola-Awe further revealed that the workshop also provides an opportunity to strengthen coordination, identify areas for collaboration, and mobilize the resources required to translate the Plan into tangible actions that improve the resilience of people, ecosystems, and economy.
She also encouraged all participants to engage actively, share experiences, identify opportunities for collaboration, and contribute practical recommendations that will strengthen the implementation of the NAP. The diversity of expertise represented in this room is one of the greatest assets, and I am confident that the deliberations will generate actionable outcomes that advance Nigeria’s climate resilience agenda” She added.
In her goodwill message, the Chief of Mission, International Organisation for Migration (IOM), of the United Nations, Sharon Dimanche reaffirmed the commitment of IOM in supporting the government of Nigeria in implementing the NAP policy and ensuring that climate action contributes to stronger, safer and more resilient communities across the Country.
The Chief Mission of IOM, ably represented by Hajara Jalo further revealed that the engagement provides a valuable platform to deepen collaborations, identify opportunities and build partnerships needed to translate the vision of NAP into tangible and lasting results for communities across Nigeria.
Participants were drawn from the public sector, private and financial institutions, Academia, CSOs and development partners such as IOM, WHO, UNIDO among others.
Ibrahim Haruna
Director of Information and Public Relations
