Nigeria eyes green finance to shield food systems from climate shock

In a bid to insulate its agricultural sector from escalating climate risks, the federal government is positioning Nigeria to access global climate finance through green bonds, carbon markets, and sustainable debt instruments.

This funding strategy is expected to power climate-smart agricultural reforms as the country races to protect its food supply chain.

The initiative was spotlighted at a high-level stakeholder dialogue in Abuja, themed ‘Bringing together stakeholders to advance the alignment between food systems transformation and climate action’.

Speaking at the stakeholder dialogue, Doris Uzoka-Anite, minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, reiterated that through coordinated action, evidence-based interventions, and shared accountability, Nigeria has continued to achieve measurable progress geared towards building food systems that are inclusive, equitable, and capable of delivering better nutrition, a better environment, and better livelihoods.

The minister informed participants that Nigeria is being positioned to access climate finance through green bonds, carbon markets, and sustainable finance instruments.

She further disclosed that the Renewed Hope Agenda, under President Tinubu, places high value on food security, poverty reduction, and climate resilience, stressing that the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones, the Green Imperative Project, and the ongoing reforms in fertiliser and input delivery are all designed to increase productivity while reducing environmental degradation.

Uzoka-Anite therefore assured that the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning will continue to provide the coordinating platform and policy direction for the convergence and also ensure that the outcomes of this dialogue are reflected in the successor National Development Plan and in engagements with development partners on climate finance mechanisms.

In his remarks, Aliyu Abdulahi, minister of State, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, bemoaned the rising effect of climate change on Nigeria’s food production and farmlands.

He said climate change is one of the critical drivers of food insecurity in Nigeria, adding that it affects disproportionately smallholder farmers, large farmers, and the like, saying this is called the conversion between agri-food system transformation and climate action.

He revealed that his ministry has developed a ‘National Farmer Soil Health Team’ and the ‘National Soil Information System’ to guide Nigerian farmers to know exactly the health status of their soil.

According to him, the programme aims to achieve soil-specific or location-specific fertiliser recommendations and promote the National Oman Agriculture Programme.

Also speaking at the event, Lara Blancho Rothe, UN Resident Coordinator and Deputy Director, United Nations Food Systems Coordinator Hub, commended the Government of Nigeria, the UN System, and partners for advancing the integration of climate action and food systems transformation.

She emphasised that tackling climate change and transforming food systems were inseparable for achieving sustainable development, resilience, and improved livelihoods. While reaffirming the UN’s commitment to supporting Nigeria through stronger policy coordination, stakeholder collaboration, and locally driven solutions that benefit women, youth, and communities across the country.

For Chike Okafor, Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, there is a need for urgent legislative action to align Nigeria’s food systems with climate change response, warning that climate change has become a major food security crisis threatening agricultural productivity, livelihoods, and national development.

He emphasised that the National Assembly must drive reforms through stronger laws, increased investment in climate-smart agriculture, rigorous oversight, and constituency-based interventions to build resilient food systems.

He stressed that with 25 million Nigerians projected to face acute food insecurity in 2026, integrating food systems into Nigeria’s climate agenda is essential to achieving sustainable development, protecting farmers, and ensuring long-term food security.