Nigeria has firmly committed to combating climate change by targeting a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. This commitment supports the country’s obligations under the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C, pursuing efforts to restrict it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Central to Nigeria’s climate action are the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC).
The NSIA has strategically invested in renewable energy projects, particularly solar and wind farms, to reduce fossil fuel reliance. For instance, NSIA’s partnership with private renewable developers has supported the commissioning of over 300 MW of solar capacity nationwide since 2023.
The NCCC, through its National Climate Change Policy and Strategy (NCCPS), provides a comprehensive roadmap for climate-resilient development.
“Our National Climate Change Policy binds all sectors to integrate adaptation and mitigation, ensuring we protect our people while achieving sustainable growth,” said Dr. Muhtari Aminu-Kano, Director of Climate Change at the NCCC.
Renewable Energy Growth: The government aims to reach 30% renewable energy penetration in the national grid by 2030. Solar mini-grid projects, supported by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), have expanded rapidly, with over 100 mini-grids serving an estimated 500,000 people in remote areas in 2024 and 2025.
Forestry and Agriculture: Nigeria’s REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) programs in Cross River and Ondo states have sequestered approximately 5 million tonnes of CO2eq since 2022, involving over 10,000 smallholder farmers. These initiatives directly contribute to emission reductions and rural livelihoods.
Clean Transport Policies: Lagos and Abuja have launched electric and compressed natural gas (CNG) transportation schemes, with Lagos alone registering over 2,000 CNG vehicles by mid-2025, yielding measurable reductions in urban air pollution.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima stated, “Our transport reforms are pivotal for climate and health; cleaner fuels and EV adoption will transform cities and reduce harmful emissions.”
Climate Finance: The Nigeria Climate Change Fund, operational since 2024, has disbursed nearly $100 million to small and medium adaptation projects, including flood defences and drought-resistant farming technologies. This Fund mobilises both domestic and international resources to support climate-smart investments.
Legislation and Monitoring: The Climate Change Act 2021 established a legal framework for enforcing climate targets. Improved greenhouse gas inventory systems enable Nigeria to report emissions accurately under international frameworks. An August 2025 progress update confirmed Nigeria’s improved data transparency and reporting fidelity.
Despite successes, challenges persist. Diesel generators remain responsible for nearly 40% of Nigeria’s CO2 emissions due to unreliable grid power, hampering broader decarbonization. Similarly, methane emissions from oil and gas flaring—estimated at over 7 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually—remain a persistent problem despite policy efforts and voluntary agreements.
Dr. Ifeoma Ajayi of the Nigerian Climate Research Institute said, “Nigeria must accelerate efforts to phase out fossil fuel generators and address methane leaks to meet its climate ambitions and protect vulnerable communities.”
Nigeria’s transition demands enhanced grid capacity, expanded renewable deployment, and robust enforcement of gas flaring bans. Public-private partnerships and international climate finance remain critical to funding this large-scale transformation.
By intertwining economic growth with environmental stewardship through resilient policies and investments, Nigeria sets a precedent for Africa’s climate leadership.
“Nigeria’s path to net-zero is firmly established,” President Bola Tinubu stated in a recent address. “We will harness innovation, invest in clean energy, and build a prosperous future for all Nigerians.”
