The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched the Nigerian Climate Investment Platform (NCIP), a bold initiative aimed at unlocking up to $500 million in green finance to support the country’s infrastructure, resilience, and climate adaptation efforts.
The platform, unveiled during a high-level meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, brings together key stakeholders including the Ministry of Finance, the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, who chaired the meeting, described the NCIP as a strategic tool to catalyze climate finance and drive inclusive economic development.
“NSIA has the trust and track record to lead this,” Edun stated. “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.”
Designed as a country led and transparently governed vehicle, the NCIP aims to attract both international and domestic capital to support Nigeria’s climate priorities.
Director General of the NSIA, Mr. Aminu Umar-Sadiq, noted that the platform was born out of a challenge issued by the minister to deliver a credible climate investment mechanism. “The Honourable Minister’s challenge to conceptualize and implement a credible investment platform has catalyzed this effort,” he said. “We’ve worked with the GCF and local stakeholders to develop a structure that can attract both international and domestic capital.”
From the Green Climate Fund’s perspective, the initiative represents a turning point in its engagement with Nigeria. “We currently have no standalone project focused solely on Nigeria. That needs to change,” said Mr. Soji Omisore of the GCF. “We are here to co-create a country platform that aligns with Nigeria’s climate strategy.”
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change, emphasized the importance of increasing Nigeria’s access to international climate finance. “Countries far smaller than Nigeria have multiple accredited entities. That needs to change,” she asserted. “We are pushing for the NSIA, NASRDA, and even the Ministry of Finance to pursue accreditation.”
The NCIP aligns with Nigeria’s broader strategy to position itself as a regional leader in sustainable finance. As global trade shifts and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) opens new economic pathways, officials say the platform will play a crucial role in enhancing the country’s climate resilience while attracting long-term capital.