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.
President Tinubu, represented by the Permanent Secretary for Political and Economic Affairs Engr. Nadungu Gagare made the call at the opening session of the two-days Africa Infrastructure Climate Change Summit (AICIS2025) held in Abuja.
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 noted.
He added that 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.
“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.
According to Engr. Nadungu infrastructure was the backbone of any thriving economy. “From power grids to digital networks, from highways to railways, Nigeria is making unprecedented investments.
“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.
Engr. Nadungu urged 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.
Still at it, Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation said that Africa is at the crossroads amidst the fact the continent is blessed with abundant resources.
“This Summit provides us unique platform to engage, exchange ideas and forge partnerships that will bolster transformative change in Africa.
He urge all stakeholders to engage openly and collaborate, drawing on our collective wisdom.
The 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 commended the Federal Government for prioritising climate change in it’s policy agenda.
“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.
The Chairman urged participants to use this Summit in providing a timely platform to foster stakeholders collaboration, share knowledge and develop actionable strategies for advancing infrastructure.
