UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell has asserted that a strong new national climate plan would “supercharge the Nigerian economy,” while reinforcing the country’s climate leadership and economic progress.
Stiell made these remarks on Thursday, marking the conclusion of his four-day visit to Nigeria.
During his visit, he met with senior government officials, civil society, and business leaders to explore how ambitious climate action can stimulate Nigeria’s economic growth, improve living standards, protect the environment, and foster innovation.
At a symposium hosted by Nigeria’s National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS) at the Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos, Stiell emphasized the importance of bold climate action to avert the disastrous human and economic effects of global heating, while also seizing vast opportunities for Nigeria’s development.
“A strong new national climate plan can be the gateway to a new Nigerian era of growth and prosperity, fueled by clean and affordable energy, available to all,” Stiell said.
He added, “Clean energy and sustainable agriculture will create jobs, attract foreign investment, and strengthen Nigeria’s global and regional competitiveness.
“With 90% of Nigerians employed in micro, small, and medium enterprises, the ripple effects of green growth will be felt in every local community and economy.”
Stiell also pointed out that US$2 trillion was invested in clean energy and infrastructure in 2024 alone, emphasizing that “it’s abundantly clear now that the countries who will seize the biggest benefits of the USD 2 trillion global boom in clean energy are those that invest in their people and their strengths.”
He underlined the enormous potential for Nigeria to capitalize on this global transition through a national climate plan that promotes investments in clean energy, critical minerals, and domestic manufacturing.
“Clean energy can power up your population – providing clean access for countless millions. Investing in green buildings, clean infrastructure, and domestic manufacturing can drive economic growth. Clean cooking can protect the health of families,” he stated.
However, Stiell noted the need for more international finance to flow to Nigeria from both public and private sources to support these initiatives.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s extensive mangrove forests—the largest in Africa and the third largest globally—as a critical natural defense against climate impacts.
“Mangroves are vital for protecting both people and biodiversity. Expanding and restoring these ecosystems can strengthen community resilience and drive sustainable economic growth,” he said.
With climate change already costing Nigeria up to 5% of its GDP, Stiell emphasized that investing in nature-based solutions, such as mangrove restoration, is not just an environmental necessity but also an economic opportunity that can yield substantial returns.
Earlier in the week, Stiell met with Nigerian parliamentarians and senior government officials in Abuja, where they discussed the opportunities available to Nigeria as Africa’s largest economy and how a strong climate plan can drive progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He commended Nigeria’s ongoing climate efforts and the important role its people are playing in the global climate fight.
Stiell also met with civil society representatives focused on climate change, environmental protection, women’s empowerment, and youth involvement.
These groups are doing essential work to translate climate commitments into action on the ground.
Reaffirming the UNFCCC’s support for Nigeria’s climate ambitions, Stiell called for continued collaboration to turn policies into tangible results.
“There is much work ahead, to ensure the people of Nigeria share in the monumental benefits of bold climate action,” he said.
“That’s why it’s so essential that people across Nigerian society have a chance to contribute to new national climate plans – to implementing and benefiting from them.
” UN Climate Change will be working with all of you and all other nations – every step of the way.”
