The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, has called for the implementation of a robust national climate plan to drive Nigeria’s economic growth.

During his four-day visit to Nigeria, Stiell engaged with senior government officials, civil society representatives, and business leaders to discuss how climate action could contribute to the country’s development.

This was contained in a statement issued by the UNFCCC on Thursday.

Stiell, who spoke at a symposium hosted by Nigeria’s National Council on Climate Change Secretariat at the Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos, stated that ambitious climate action could help secure not only environmental protection but also economic progress and improved living standards for Nigerians.

He underscored that bold climate action is essential to avoid the devastating effects of global warming while creating substantial human and economic benefits.

“A strong new national climate plan can be the gateway to a new Nigerian era of growth and prosperity, fueled by clean and affordable energy, available to all,” Stiell said.

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He pointed out that investing in clean energy and sustainable agriculture would create jobs, attract foreign investments, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness on both regional and global scales.

The UN chief noted, “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. Clean cooking can protect the health of families.”

With 90 percent of Nigeria’s workforce employed in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, Stiell explained that the ripple effects of green growth would be felt across all local communities.

He also referenced the global investment of USD $2trn in clean energy and infrastructure in 2024, stressing that countries that invest in their people and resources stand to benefit the most.

Stiell noted that Nigeria has the opportunity to benefit from this global clean energy boom through investments in renewable energy, critical minerals, and domestic manufacturing.

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He also highlighted the potential for clean cooking solutions to improve public health and reduce pollution.

The UN climate chief called for more international finance to support Nigeria’s climate ambitions, emphasizing that public and private funding must increase to help the country achieve its goals.

Stiell also drew attention to Nigeria’s vast mangrove forests, the largest in Africa and the third-largest globally. These ecosystems play a critical role in protecting communities from coastal erosion, storms, and rising sea levels, and their restoration could significantly enhance the country’s resilience to climate change.

“Investing in nature-based solutions like mangrove restoration is not just an environmental necessity but an economic opportunity that can pay for itself many times over,” Stiell said.

During his visit to Abuja, Stiell met with Nigerian parliamentarians and senior government officials to discuss how a national climate plan can contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

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The UN chief commended Nigeria’s efforts thus far in addressing climate change but emphasized that more work is needed to ensure the country’s climate policies translate into tangible benefits for its citizens.

Stiell also engaged with civil society groups focused on climate change, women’s empowerment, and youth involvement. He reiterated that Nigeria remains committed to tackling climate change and that the UNFCCC will continue to support the country in its climate endeavors.

As Nigeria looks ahead, Stiell called for sustained collaboration to turn climate policies into actionable outcomes.

“There is much work ahead, to ensure the people of Nigeria 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 implement and benefit from them.

“UN Climate Change will be working with all of you and all other nations – every step of the way,” he concluded.