The Environmental Protection and Climate Change (EPCC) Unit of the National Assembly Library Trust Fund‘s Research Department, joined the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Mission to Nigeria: 2025 – an Open Forum with National and Subnational Ministries, Departments and Agencies, held at NIRSAL Conference Hall, Abuja.
The event, which held from May 13th to 15th, 2025, themed around Nigeria’s decarbonization agenda and its broader climate change strategy, was jointly organized by the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) and the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), with sponsorship from the Green Climate Fund (GCF). This symposium served as a vital platform for collaboration among public and private sector stakeholders, both at national and subnational levels, as well as development partners and civil society organizations.
The three-day event was structured into three sessions:
- GCF Consultative Session – This opening session involved discussions with private sector actors, commercial banks, and institutions aspiring to become GCF-accredited entities. The session focused on understanding the GCF accreditation process, financial mechanisms for climate projects, and collaboration opportunities for sustainable development financing.
- Hybrid Symposium with GCF, Private Sector, NGOs, and CSOs – This second session widened the stakeholder engagement, bringing together non-governmental organizations, civil society actors, and international partners to explore emerging technologies in climate change mitigation, including AI and green infrastructure. Emphasis was placed on collaboration models, technology transfer, and capacity building across sectors.
- Open Forum with National and Subnational Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) – The final session featured direct engagement with government entities. A total of 33 participants from various MDAs were in attendance, including representatives of the Green Climate Fund and the Director General of the NCCC, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, who also delivered the opening remarks. The open forum was focused on project briefings, reporting progress on existing climate initiatives, and setting the direction for Nigeria’s decarbonization strategy.
Key Agenda and Discussions
The symposium covered a robust agenda. Major areas of discussion included:
- Decarbonization Projects and Reports – Several MDAs presented reports on ongoing projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The conversation revolved around challenges faced, lessons learned, and strategies for scaling up impact.
- Technology Transfer and Innovation – A highlight of the symposium was the discussion around technological innovation, including the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in climate monitoring, early warning systems, and efficient energy systems. Participants explored how global tech trends could be adapted to suit local needs.
- Climate Change Mitigation – The symposium reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the Paris Agreement. Strategies for forest conservation, renewable energy development, and sustainable agriculture were central to the discourse.
- Capacity Building – Building institutional and human capacity emerged as a core theme, with emphasis on training programs for government personnel, climate advocates, and project implementers.
- Private and Public Sector Engagement – A lively Q&A session concluded each day’s events, where participants raised critical questions about financing, accountability, and project timelines. The need for transparent mechanisms and enhanced public-private partnerships was repeatedly underscored.
The 2025 GCF Mission to Nigeria Symposium was a significant milestone in Nigeria’s climate policy journey. It demonstrated the country’s readiness to engage globally and act locally. With rich discussions, diverse participation, and a focus on tangible outcomes, the event laid the foundation for stronger institutional collaboration, innovative financing, and effective implementation of climate change strategies.
