Nigeria Targets $30bn Green Finance As Tinubu Signs UAE Agreement

President Bola Tinubu has announced that Nigeria will co-host Investopia with the United Arab Emirates in Lagos in February, in a move aimed at attracting global investors and accelerating sustainable investment inflows into the country.

Tinubu made the announcement on Tuesday while addressing the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), during which Nigeria also concluded a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE to deepen bilateral trade and cooperation.

The CEPA, signed on the sidelines of the summit, covers key sectors including renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics and digital trade. Present at the signing were President Tinubu; UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole; and the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade and Minister in charge of Talent Attraction and Retention, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi.

President Tinubu described the agreement as “a historic and strategic” pact that would also strengthen cooperation in aviation, agriculture and climate-smart infrastructure, creating long-term opportunities for citizens of both countries.

He said Investopia would serve as a global platform bringing together investors, innovators, policymakers and business leaders to convert ideas into concrete investments.

“We warmly invite our partners to join us and help build the next chapter of sustainable and shared prosperity for Nigeria, Africa, and the world,” the President said.

Addressing climate financing, Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria aims to mobilise up to $30 billion annually in climate and green industrial finance as it accelerates energy transition reforms and expands electricity access nationwide.

“The foundation of every modern economy is electricity. As an emerging economy in the Global South, we understand the delicate balance between industrialisation and decarbonisation, ensuring neither is pursued at the expense of the other,” he said.

The President called for reforms in global finance structures, arguing that existing requirements often disadvantage developing economies.

“We are calling for a fundamental shift in the global financial architecture: a move away from the restrictive requirement of sovereign guarantees, which unfairly penalise developing economies.

“Instead, the focus should be on blended finance and first-loss capital mechanisms that allow private sustainable capital flows directly into our green projects without further straining national balance sheets,” he added.

Tinubu noted that Nigeria has strengthened its climate governance framework through the adoption of a National Carbon Market Activation Policy and the launch of a National Carbon Registry, measures he said were designed to boost transparency and investor confidence.

He highlighted the Electricity Act 2023 as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s energy reforms, explaining that it allows for decentralised power generation and distribution, particularly to underserved communities.

According to him, Nigeria’s climate investment drive includes a $500 million distributed renewable energy fund backed by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, as well as a $750 million World Bank programme expected to expand clean electricity access to more than 17.5 million people.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2060 under its Energy Transition Plan, the President said the country was pursuing climate goals alongside industrial growth and universal energy access.

He also invited foreign investors to partner with Nigeria in the lithium and critical minerals sector, stressing the government’s focus on local processing and value addition.

On economic reforms, Tinubu said recent measures were already yielding results.

“These reforms, alongside wider fiscal and monetary measures, are delivering results. Non-oil exports have grown by 21 per cent, supported by a more diversified product base. Capital importation has risen, and Nigeria now has over 50 billion dollars in investment commitments across key sectors.

“We are ready to work with partners across the world to ensure that the next era of development is not only green and inclusive, but just and enduring,” he said.