- Advocates for Africa’s sustainable future
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.
He gave the commitment when he delivered his address at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), emphasising Africa’s potential to combat climate change while driving economic growth.
The summit, running from January 12 to 18, serves as a platform for fostering dialogue on sustainable development and energy transition.
Speaking on the theme “Climate Imperatives into Economic Prosperity: Bridging Africa with the Global Energy Future,” he emphasised that climate action is not just an environmental necessity but also a significant economic opportunity for Africa.
Tinubu stated, “The fight against climate change is not merely an environmental necessity, but a global economic opportunity to reshape the trajectory of our continent.”
He said: “Our energy transition plan, like many nations, are aimed at diversifying energy sources and reducing our dependency on fossil fuel, prioritising the transition to cleaner energy sources as a cornerstone of our national development strategy, Nigeria is committed to achieving a net zero emission by 2060 in line with global climate objectives, we are developing the infrastructure to utilize compressed natural gas and electric vehicles.”
He outlined Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, which aims to diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. “Our energy transition plan prioritises cleaner energy sources as a cornerstone of our national development strategy,” he added.
Highlighting the challenges faced by Nigeria, he remarked, “We face serious environmental challenges, including deforestation and desertification. Our government is working with local communities to implement solutions that build resilience against these effects.”
Tinubu called for international collaboration, asserting, “Africa has what it takes to develop itself. We have the resources, the people, and the capacity. We must look inward to improve intra-African trade and collaboration.”
The Nigerian leader emphasised that sustainable development is a global imperative, urging leaders to strengthen international cooperation: “Global solutions will only be effective if we work together in mutual respect for a shared future.”
He urged nations to support Africa’s green economy initiatives, emphasizing that sustainable development should be inclusive and equitable. “We must ensure our policies promote equity and social justice, leaving no one behind,” he added.
The summit features high-level sessions on energy sufficiency, public health, and economic development.
The President concluded with a poignant reminder of the responsibility leaders hold for future generations, saying, “The most impactful image that I’m taking away from here is of those children waving banners asking us to sustain the planet Earth for their future.”
His remarks underscored Nigeria’s readiness to lead in promoting an inclusive and equitable energy transition across Africa.
Invited by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Tinubu joined over 3,500 delegates from 150 countries at the summit, themed “The Nexus of Next: Supercharging Sustainable Progress.” This annual event serves as a platform for global leaders to discuss sustainable development and energy transition.