Tinubu rallies governors, private sector on green transition
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday urged governors, the private sector, development partners, and youths to drive Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon economy. The President spoke during the launch of the
- President inaugurates Renewed Hope Climate Change Awareness Tour
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday urged governors, the private sector, development partners, and youths to drive Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
The President spoke during the launch of the Renewed Hope Climate Change Awareness Tour (REHCCAT) in Abuja.
Represented by Environment Minister Balarabe Abbas Lawal, the President described the tour as a national movement to convert climate awareness into measurable action, deepen resilience and attract green investment.
He said climate change was already affecting farmers in the North, coastal communities in the South, while businesses were facing rising energy costs.
“Climate change is not only about risk; it is about opportunity. Nigeria stands at a defining moment. The nations that position themselves wisely today will lead tomorrow, and we intend to be one of them,” he said.
President Tinubu said the tour would take climate engagement to communities, involving governors, traditional rulers, students, entrepreneurs and financial institutions to identify viable projects.
The President stressed that Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions must be backed by concrete action and investment.
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He added: “Climate finance is not charity; it is strategic investment. Climate resilience is national security.”
Lawal highlighted the impact of desertification, flooding, coastal erosion and erratic rainfall.
The minister noted that while the Climate Change Act 2021 provides a framework for carbon budgeting and net-zero emissions by 2060, stronger subnational implementation is required.
He said the ministry was working with states to appoint Directors of Climate Change and establish climate desks across MDAs, alongside youth-focused initiatives to promote environmental education and green entrepreneurship.
Chairman of the REHCCAT Committee and Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters, Yussuf Olatunji Kelani, said the tour would cover the six geopolitical zones, starting with two states per zone. Activities during the tour will include policy dialogues, town halls and technical sessions to align state action with Nigeria’s climate and energy transition goals.
An expert, Prof. Babajide Alo, called for stronger subnational capacity, clear climate funding mechanisms, and locally driven adaptation strategies.
The Senior Special Assistant on Climate Change Matters, Ibrahim Shelleng, and the Special Assistant on Climate Change Financing, Olamide Fagbuji, were named co-chairmen of the tour committee.
