AICIS Flags Off Summit on Climate Change in Abuja
By Raphael Ekpang
Africa Infrastructure, Climate Change, and Green Investment Summit (AICIS) has flagged off a two-day summit in Abuja bringing together the representatives of the government, diplomatic communities, leaders of industries, policymakers as well as private sector, in order to brainstorm on the escalating threat of climate change.
Leading the discussion at the inaugural summit, the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF) Senator George Akume represented by the Permanent Secretary for Political and Economic Affairs in the OSGF, Gagare Nadundu called on African nations to confront the escalating threat of climate change through innovation, strategic investment and stronger collaboration, warning that the continent’s future prosperity depends on urgent, united action.
Akume described the summit as a unique platform to engage, exchange ideas, and develop partnerships that would drive transformative change across the continent. He urged Governments, private sector players, and global partners to scale climate finance, share knowledge, and deliver solutions tailored to Africa’s unique challenges.
He also reiterated the government of Nigeria’s commitment to championing climate action, sustainable infrastructure, and green investment across Africa. While acknowledging the presence of delegates from within and outside Africa reflected a shared commitment to advancing sustainable development, fostering resilient economies, and building a greener and more prosperous future for all.
He pointed out that Africa stood at a defining moment, facing threats ranging from an infrastructure gap and resource constraints to the worsening effects of climate change. Revealing that climate change was not merely an environmental issue but also a profound economic and security challenge, citing unpredictable farming seasons, rising sea levels in coastal cities, and industries adapting to shifting realities.
According to him, Nigeria is implementing a robust climate action framework aligned with the Paris Agreement and Africa’s Agenda 2063, with investments in renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, and clean technologies.
“The goal was to build resilience for communities, empower youth, and create green jobs, while urging African nations and global partners to scale climate finance, share knowledge, and develop innovative adaptation solutions that reflect Africa’s unique realities”, he emphasised.
He urged all partners to work together for a greener, more resilient and prosperous continent.
The Executive Director, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed reaffirmed the agency’s role in aligning Nigeria’s energy sector with global sustainability goals.
He outlined ongoing initiatives, including prioritising natural gas as a transition fuel, supporting the Dangote Refinery’s LPG production, and modernising infrastructure through regulatory reforms and technology-driven transparency tools.
He noted that the agency was committed to reducing reliance on high-carbon fuels while expanding energy access for millions of Nigerians.
Meanwhile, while delivering his welcome remarks, Convener, Mr. Moses Owharo was overhwelmed with the turn up of participants to the event, while expressing optimism that the discussions would yield actionable strategies to be implemented before the AICIS 2026 Global Summit.
On her part, the Ambassador of Cuba to Nigeria, Miriam Palmero commended the focus on green investment, sharing details of Cuba’s “Tarea Vida” (Life Task) climate action plan, which protects coastlines, promotes renewable energy, and fosters sustainability.
She called for deeper cooperation between Africa and Cuba in technology exchange and clean energy, noting that Africa holds an essential part of the world’s future.
