Tinubu launches climate revolution: “Lead or Lag” in Nigeria’s green race

2026-03-03 - 17:38

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru ABUJA – President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday inaugurated the Renewed Hope Climate Change Awareness Tour (REHCCAT), calling on governors, private sector leaders, and stakeholders to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a resilient, low-carbon economy. Represented by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, at the Old Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja, the President described climate action as both urgent and opportunistic. “Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it’s here, affecting northern farmers with drought, southern coastal communities with erosion and flooding, businesses with energy disruptions, and the future of our youth,” Tinubu said. “This is not just risk; it’s opportunity. Nations that position wisely today will lead tomorrow. Nigeria intends to be one of those nations.” The President urged state governments to turn Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) into actionable projects, stressing that commitments must be matched by investments. He tasked governors as “engines of green growth,” the private sector to “innovate boldly,” and youth to take ownership of the transition, aligning the effort with the Renewed Hope Agenda for sustainable development, energy, and food security. “Climate resilience is national security. Nigeria chooses leadership over hesitation,” he added. Ministry of Environment Highlights Subnational Action Minister Lawal, represented by Federal Director of Forestry Halima Bawa, highlighted the urgency of local climate interventions, citing desert encroachment in the North, flooding in riverine areas, and coastal erosion in the South. He noted that the Climate Change Act 2021 provides a legal framework for carbon budgeting, net-zero emissions by 2060, and coordinated climate governance. Lawal emphasized the need to domesticate climate action at subnational and grassroots levels, including appointing Subnational Directors of Climate Change and establishing Climate Change Desks across state Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. The Minister also stressed youth involvement, highlighting initiatives like: Eco-School Initiative – mainstreaming environmental education in schools. Youth Climate Innovation Hub – fostering climate entrepreneurship and practical solutions. Uni-Go-Green Initiative – mentoring young Nigerians in green skills, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and digital climate services. Tour Aims to Democratize Climate Knowledge Comrade Yussuf Olatunji Kelani, REHCCAT Committee Chairman and Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change, outlined the tour’s objectives: Democratize climate knowledge – ensuring citizens understand both risks and opportunities. Align federal and state action – implement NDCs, Energy Transition Plans, and National Adaptation Plans. Mobilize partnerships and investment – unlock green jobs, innovation, and climate finance. “The tour is about activation, not speeches alone. It brings climate action to communities, markets, farms, classrooms, and policy chambers,” Kelani said. He also highlighted the Sustainable Climate Resilience and Initiative for People and Transformation, a national program promoting climate-smart farming, ecological restoration, and green jobs. Empowering Communities for Climate Resilience Guest Speaker, Professor Babajide Alo, emphasized locally led adaptation as essential to building a climate-resilient Nigeria. He urged governments at all levels to empower communities through indigenous knowledge, capacity building, and inclusive decision-making. “To secure our climate future and foster sustainable, adaptive communities, states must improve climate education, resources, and grassroots engagement,” Alo said. Committee Leadership In addition to Kelani, President Tinubu appointed Ibrahim Shelleng, Senior Special Assistant on Climate Change Matters, and Olamide Fagbuji, Special Assistant on Climate Change Financing, as Co-Chairmen of the REHCCAT Committee. The tour signals a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, pushing climate action from policy rooms to communities across Nigeria.