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Remarks delivered by UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, at the first session of the Intersecting Worlds of Climate Change, Mangrove and Art Symposium in Lagos, Nigeria, on Thursday, March 6, 2025
I am excited by this event and by the nature and art I see around me. And the very, very warm hospitality that I have received here in Nigeria. They are an inspiration for climate action. Something I want to talk about today.
Being in Lagos for the first time, I am struck by the energy and dynamism of this incredible city.
This is the same energy that has led your government to set the ambitious goal of lifting 100 million people out of poverty.
To pursue a 7% growth rate target, building on the economic and social progress made in recent times.
These are ambitious, transformational targets. They are about changing lives on a huge scale, for the better.
Helping overcome the pressing challenges you face. Including providing power to over 85 million Nigerians who currently lack access to electricity.
Over the last 48 hours I’ve been here in Nigeria I’ve discussed the opportunities you have as Africa’s largest economy.
And I know about the leadership you’ve already shown, taking climate action often without sufficient international support.
So I think strong climate action is key to reaching your goals and setting you up for even better days to come.
Because climate action is not just about averting the disastrous impacts of global heating – which the best science and analysis now shows can wipe up to 5% off GDP and decimate nature.
It can be the gateway to a new Nigerian era of growth and prosperity, fueled by clean and affordable energy, available to all.
Why? Firstly, you are blessed with the resources that are vital for clean energy.
When I say resources, I mean sun and wind, and critical minerals too.
But above all of that though, I also mean your people – they have the dynamism and entrepreneurial drive that makes this city and this country buzz with potential and progress.
It’s abundantly clear now that the countries who will seize the biggest benefits of the $2 trillion global boom in clean energy are those that invest in their people and their strengths.
A new, strong national climate plan – or Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement – can supercharge the Nigerian economy, with green growth and sustainable development.
Clean energy can power up your population – providing clean access for countless millions.
Investing in green buildings, clean infrastructure, and domestic manufacturing can drive economic growth.
Sustainable agriculture is essential for the 70% of Nigerians involved in the sector.
Clean cooking can protect the health of families.
But of course, this isn’t possible without finance. And that was mentioned earlier. And it would be unfair to expect Nigeria to act alone.
We must ensure that Nigeria and countries like it can access more finance from international climate funds, sooner.
Brazil, the COP30 President, is focused on ensuring that we find ways to increase global climate finance for the developing world now and out to 2035.
And we’re working with them to make this happen. Even in the face of real political headwinds.
Because clean energy and sustainable agriculture will create jobs, attract foreign investment, and strengthen Nigeria’s global and regional competitiveness.
With 90% of Nigerians employed in micro, small, and medium enterprises, the ripple effects of green growth will be felt in every community and economy.
As will the impact of resilience measures, which is why a National Adaptation Plan is also so important.
Because, just as clean energy presents a massive opportunity, the risks and costs of climate inaction are already being felt.
From floods in the south to droughts and desertification in the north, climate impacts are already carving up to 5% off GDP.
So, investment in climate change adaptation – in water management, flood protection, and initiatives like the Great Green Wall again mentioned earlier – are not just vital for your economy to survive and thrive, as global heating gathers pace.
They can pay for themselves many times over. And Nigeria already has the solution to so many of these adaptation challenges right across its coastline.
Nigeria boasts the largest mangrove forest in Africa and the third largest globally, covering approximately 7% of the world’s mangrove area.
Acting as a carbon sink.
Protecting people and nature from the impact of waves, from sea erosion, and from destructive storms. And the video we saw earlier outlined that perfectly.
The expansion of these mangroves that have protected the Niger delta since time immemorial, will strengthen more resilient communities, ensuring long-term growth and stability.
Friends, there is much work ahead, to ensure the people of Nigeria, and all countries share in the monumental benefits of bold climate action.
That’s why it’s so essential that people across Nigerian society have a chance to contribute to new national climate plans – to implementing and benefiting from them.
UN Climate Change – will be working with all of you and all other nations – every step of the way.
