From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja

The platform was announced following a high-level meeting on Tuesday in Abuja between the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and a delegation comprising officials from the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

This was disclosed in a statement issued by Spokesperson for the Ministry, Mohammed Manga, on Wednesday.

According to the statement, Edun expressed confidence in the NSIA’s capacity to lead the initiative, citing its credibility and proven track record.

He said: “If accreditation is the last hurdle, I’m confident they’re ready. The global economic environment demands that we leverage all opportunities, climate finance included, to drive growth, boost export competitiveness, and support sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, and digital innovation.”

The NCIP is designed as a country-led platform to attract both domestic and international climate-linked capital. It is also part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in sustainable finance, especially as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) opens new economic frontiers.

NSIA Director-General, Mr. Aminu Umar-Sadiq, noted that the Minister’s challenge to create a credible investment platform had catalyzed the initiative. “We’ve worked with the GCF and local stakeholders to develop a structure that can attract both international and domestic capital,” he said.

Representing the GCF, Mr. Soji Omisore noted that the country currently lacks a standalone GCF project and stressed the importance of the new platform. “We are here to co-create a country platform that aligns with Nigeria’s climate strategy,” he said.

Also speaking, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, Director-General of the NCCC, emphasised the urgent need to improve Nigeria’s access to international climate funding.

According to Maduekwe, “Countries far smaller than Nigeria have multiple accredited entities. That needs to change. We are pushing for the NSIA, NASRDA, and even the Ministry of Finance to pursue accreditation.”

The launch of the NCIP marks a critical step in Nigeria’s climate finance journey, signaling a commitment to green growth and positioning the country as a leader in Africa’s transition to a sustainable economy.

The success of the initiative will hinge on effective collaboration among all stakeholders involved. However, the potential economic and environmental benefits for Nigeria are significant.