Beyond climate talks, Nigeria must build a green economy that works

The conversations at the 2026 Nigeria Environmental Summit (NEST) should not end as another collection of lofty speeches and well-crafted communiqués. For a nation already grappling with devastating floods, desertification, erosion, pollution and rising temperatures, climate action is no longer an environmental campaign; it is an economic necessity. The call by HBM Nigeria for accelerated climate action and sustainable infrastructure development deserves attention because it speaks directly to one of Nigeria’s greatest development challenges: how to build a resilient economy in an era of climate uncertainty.

Nigeria, with one of Africa’s fastest-growing populations, increasing urbanisation and an expanding infrastructure deficit, cannot continue building cities, roads, bridges and industries using yesterday’s methods while expecting tomorrow’s prosperity. Every rainy season brings painful reminders of poor urban planning and inadequate drainage systems, while prolonged dry seasons continue to threaten agriculture and food security. The cost of climate inaction is becoming increasingly evident in lost livelihoods, damaged infrastructure and reduced economic productivity.

“Nigeria’s booming housing and infrastructure demands provide an opportunity to adopt cleaner technologies, promote local recycling industries and reduce environmental degradation. This is not merely an environmental choice; it is also an economic strategy capable of creating thousands of jobs while reducing dependence on imported construction inputs.”

The theme of NESt 2026, “Unlocking Nigeria’s Green Economy: Driving Climate Action and Environmental Governance”, is particularly significant because it recognises that climate responsibility and economic development are not mutually exclusive. In reality, nations that have embraced green technologies and sustainable infrastructure are attracting greater investments, creating new industries and generating quality employment. Nigeria should not be left behind.

HBM Nigeria’s emphasis on collaboration among government, industry, academia, development partners and civil society reflects an important reality. Climate change cannot be solved by government policies alone, just as private-sector investments cannot thrive without supportive public institutions. The green economy demands coordinated action, regulatory certainty and long-term planning. Investors are increasingly directing capital towards nations with credible sustainability frameworks, transparent governance and measurable environmental commitments. Nigeria must position itself as one of those destinations.

Equally compelling is the call for a transition from the traditional linear construction model to a circular economy where building materials are recycled and reused. The construction sector remains one of the largest consumers of natural resources and one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions globally. Nigeria’s booming housing and infrastructure demands provide an opportunity to adopt cleaner technologies, promote local recycling industries and reduce environmental degradation. This is not merely an environmental choice; it is also an economic strategy capable of creating thousands of jobs while reducing dependence on imported construction inputs.

The summit’s discussions on carbon finance also deserve serious policy attention. As nations and corporations pursue net-zero emissions, carbon markets are emerging as significant sources of investment capital. Nigeria possesses enormous potential in renewable energy, reforestation, sustainable agriculture and climate-smart infrastructure. Properly regulated carbon credit programmes could unlock billions of naira in fresh investments for communities, businesses and governments while supporting environmental conservation. Nevertheless, this opportunity requires strong institutions, credible monitoring systems and transparent governance to earn international confidence.

The emphasis on health, safety and environmental standards is equally timely. Sustainable infrastructure should never sacrifice human welfare in pursuit of economic gains. Buildings, roads, factories and industrial facilities must prioritise worker safety, environmental protection and community well-being. Development that destroys lives or ecosystems cannot be described as sustainable.

But translating summit resolutions into practical outcomes remains Nigeria’s greatest challenge. The nation has produced numerous climate policies, environmental action plans and sustainability frameworks over the years. Implementation has often lagged behind ambition because of inadequate funding, policy inconsistency and weak institutional coordination, which must change.

The federal government should heed the minister of environment’s call for expanded green finance through public-private partnerships, blended finance and functional carbon markets. State governments should integrate climate resilience into their urban development plans, while financial institutions should develop innovative financing instruments that encourage businesses to adopt cleaner technologies. Educational institutions must also produce the technical skills required for emerging green industries.

Ultimately, climate action should no longer be viewed as a burden imposed by international agreements. It is an investment in Nigeria’s future competitiveness. Every climate-resilient road, energy-efficient building, renewable energy project and recycling initiative strengthens the nation’s economy while protecting future generations.

The message from NEST 2026 is unmistakable: Nigeria cannot afford to delay its green transition. The time for conferences alone has passed. What the nation now requires is decisive implementation, sustained investment and political will.