By our reporter.
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing climate-smart policies and partnerships that will position Africa as a global leader in sustainable development and green innovation.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ms. Jumoke Oduwole,made this known at the opening of 2025 Africa Climate Forum (ACF) in Abuja on Tuesday, October 14,2025,where key government officials, diplomats, and development experts called for stronger regional collaboration to drive a resilient and inclusive climate agenda across the continent.
According to the minister, Nigeria is determined to move beyond policy declarations to practical investments to unlock opportunities in renewable energy, carbon markets, and sustainable technologies.
“This conversation must not remain at a policy level—it must lead to investment.
“From carbon credits to renewables, sustainability to AI, there are multiple opportunities across sectors, and this forum is leading that conversation in Africa,” she stated.
Oduwole noted that Nigeria, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, is taking a leadership role in promoting climate-smart economic growth, supported by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework to catalyze green investments and enhance continental resilience.
“Africa is not just a victim of climate change—we are builders of the solution, and Nigeria is taking a strategic leadership role,” she added.
Also speaking, the Minister of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo, represented by Dr. Samuel Obafemi Bajomo, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to achieving the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Net Zero target by 2050.
He revealed that the Federal Government had already launched a “Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy for Aviation”, alongside broader initiatives in climate-smart agriculture, reforestation through the “Great Green Wall”, and climate education to strengthen Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
“The aviation sector must also lead in the green transition,” Keyamo said, stressing that all ministries and sectors must align to Nigeria’s climate goals through innovation, accountability, and investment.
In his welcome address,the Director General of the Global Centre for Law, Business and Economy (GCLBE), Prof. George Nwangwu emphasized the need for a holistic and inclusive just transition that centres the continent’s most marginalized communities.
Nwangwu, also the Convener of the Forum, said that the GCLBE with its stakeholders remains steadfast in its mission to drive meaningful progress across the African continent.
“The decisions we make today will shape the world we leave for future generations. Over the next two days, we have the opportunity to refine our strategies, forge new partnerships, and make bold commitments.”
“Let us approach these discussions with a critical mind and an open heart. Let us challenge the status quo, embrace innovation, and demand accountability. Together, we can build a resilient Africa, one that not only withstands the storms of tomorrow but thrives in the face of adversity,” he said.
Nwangwu noted that Africa Climate Forum ACF, 2025 is not merely a forum but a call to action, aimed at closing critical transition gaps across governance, finance, human rights, and energy access.
“These gaps span four key areas: governance, finance, human rights, and energy access. Each represents a piece of the puzzle that, when addressed, will propel us toward a sustainable future,” he said
“As we shift away from fossil fuels, the benefits of this transition must be distributed equitably,” Nwangwu stated.
He said; “Africa’s energy needs are immense. With over 1.5 billion people, balancing rising demand with decarbonisation is a daunting but necessary task.
“Today, as we convene for the third edition, the urgency for decisive climate action has never been greater. The Global Centre for Law, Business, and Economy, alongside its Fellows, Partners with many stakeholders remains steadfast in its mission to drive meaningful progress across the African continent.”
“Now in its third edition, the Africa Climate Forum (ACF) has emerged as a cornerstone of Africa’s climate action agenda since its inception in 2023, bringing together policymakers, business leaders, civil society, and international partners to advance innovative, nature-based climate solutions,” Nwangwu added.
Kenya’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Isaac Parashina, described the green transition as an economic necessity rather than a policy choice, noting that Africa requires about $250 billion annually by 2030 to meet its climate targets.
He called for equitable access to global climate finance and urged African nations to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation.
“Africa must foster ecosystems that reward efficiency, penalise waste, and elevate innovation,” he said.
Parashina also reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to deepening collaboration with Nigeria in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and carbon markets, describing both countries as “strategic partners in Africa’s green future.”
Providing an overview of the Forum, Dr. Benjamin Mukoro said the Africa Climate Forum remains a platform for refining Africa’s transition strategy and amplifying the continent’s voice ahead of COP30.
“The climate policy space is volatile; that’s why we must keep coming back to the drawing board,” he said. “This Forum gives Africa a louder, clearer voice.”
With the theme, “Bolder, Greener, and Better Steps: Closing Transition Gaps,” the 2025 Africa Climate Forum underscored the Federal Government’s resolve to champion inclusive, actionable climate solutions and strengthen cross-border partnerships for a sustainable, climate-smart Africa.
