President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria is leading efforts to expand local manufacturing, agri-processing, and technology-driven enterprises, However, industrialization can not be at the expense of the environment.
Tinubu stated this on Monday, while delivering his keynote address at the 2025 Africa Infrastructure Climate Change and Investment Summit (AICIS2025) held in Abuja.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs, Engr. Nadungu Gagare, he noted that Africa was standing at a crossroad with respect to climate change.
“Today, Africa stands at a defining crossroads. Our continent is rich with human and natural resources, vibrant cultures and boundless innovation. Yet, we face great challenges as climate change threatens our ecosystems and communities”, he said.
Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s role as a catalyst for transformation across Africa, adding that the nation recognizes that climate change was not merely an environmental concern but a profound economic and security challenge.
“Our farmers face unpredictable seasons. Our coastal cities confront rising sea levels, while our industries adapt to shifting realities. That is why Nigeria is implementing a robust climate action framework aligned with the Paris Agreement and Africa Agenda 2063.
“We are investing in renewable energy, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and advancing clean technologies. Our goal is to build resilience for our people, empower our youth, and create green jobs that will prosperity”, he said.
The President therefore, invited other African nations and global partners to join hands in scaling climate finance, sharing knowledge, and developing innovative adaptation solutions that are uniquely African.
He noted that infrastructure was the backbone of any thriving economy. “From power grids to digital networks, from highways to railways, Nigeria is making unprecedented investments to bridge our infrastructure deficit.
“Through the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund and the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan, we are accelerating projects that connect communities, reduce poverty, and drive trade across borders. We believe infrastructure must be sustainable”, he said.
He further informed that, Nigeria welcomes public-private partnerships, regional cooperation, and global expertise to deliver projects that will not only transform the nation but uplift the entire continent.
“Industrialization is key to Africa’s economic independence. Nigeria is leading efforts to expand local manufacturing, agri-processing, and technology-driven enterprises. Our focus is on adding value to our resources, promoting export diversification, and supporting small and medium enterprises.
“However, we cannot industrialize at the expense of our environment. That is why Nigeria champions green industrialization relating to harnessing renewable energy, enforcing environmental standards, and prioritizing cyclical economic principles. We urge international investors and development partners to align their support with African vision for a resilient, green, and inclusive industrial future.
“As Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, Nigeria is determined to drive regional integration, promote intra-Africa trade, and foster innovation. We are committed to the African continental free trade area and the Pan-African climate initiatives that unify our destinies”, the President said.
He therefore urged the participants to seize the moment together to build a continent where every child has opportunity, where every community is protected from climate risk, and where Africa leads the world in sustainable development.
On his part, Chairman of AICIS 2025, Hon. Moses Ovwahro said Africa stands at a defining moment, facing challenges that range from infrastructural gaps, climate change and resource constraints to economic uncertainty and famine levels.
Ovwahro informed that these challenges present unprecedented opportunities for innovation, strategic investments and inclusive growth to further forge a stronger public-private partnership that drives a transformative and lasting progress across Africa and the international world.
He however said, “our role as a private institution is to complement government development policy implementation to increase impact in the life of the citizens”.
According to him, the summit provides a timely platform to foster collaboration, share knowledge and develop actionable strategies for advancing infrastructure, combating climate change and accelerating good investment across our continent.
“Nigeria is fully committed to the goals and objectives of this summit. As a nation, we recognize the urgency of building climate resilient communities, modernizing infrastructure, strengthening partnerships and creating an enabling environment that empowers our people and attracts responsible investment. Our collective mission is to leave a legacy of sustainable and prosperity for present and future generations”, he said.
The Chairman therefore, urged participants to use the occasion to develop practical solutions and lasting networks that will drive transformative progress, not only for Nigeria but for the entire African continent.
