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By Tracy Moses
Nigeria is positioning itself to attract green investment and deepen global partnerships through its participation in the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), as it intensifies efforts to advance climate action, energy transition, and sustainable development.
This was disclosed by a leading climate change advocate and former member of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sam Onuigbo, while speaking with journalists on the strategic value of Nigeria’s engagement at the global sustainability forum.
Onuigbo explained that Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, widely recognised as one of the world’s foremost sustainability platforms, offers Nigeria a critical opportunity to align its national development priorities with global climate solutions while opening doors to investment in key green sectors of the economy.
According to the former lawmaker, who sponsored Nigeria’s Climate Change Act of 2021, ADSW 2026 goes beyond a routine international conference, stressing that it is a results-oriented platform where climate ambition converges with investment, innovation, and practical action.
In his words, “Nigeria’s presence at ADSW signals our readiness to transition to a greener economy while simultaneously addressing energy poverty, unemployment, and climate vulnerability.”
Onuigbo highlighted the significance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s physical presence and participation at the event in both 2025 and 2026, describing it as a clear demonstration of political commitment at the highest level.
“It is heartwarming that the President, in his address, reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to partner with the global community and extended an open invitation for collaboration,” he said.
He added that President Tinubu clearly signalled Nigeria’s firm commitment to a green and inclusive transition, noting that the administration is deliberately aligning climate action with energy access, economic growth, and social development.
The climate advocate also commended the President for announcing Nigeria’s plan to co-host Investopia with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Lagos in February, describing the initiative as a strategic move aimed at attracting global investors and accelerating sustainable investment inflows into the country.
Onuigbo, who represents the South-East geopolitical zone on the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), said Nigeria’s participation at ADSW would further strengthen the country’s influence in global climate and sustainability discussions.
“As Africa’s most populous country and largest economy, Nigeria’s development choices have far-reaching implications for the continent. Participation at ADSW allows Nigeria to clearly articulate its climate challenges, ranging from flooding and desertification to gaps in energy access, while contributing African perspectives to global policy conversations,” he said.
He further emphasised the significant investment opportunities tied to the event, noting that Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week attracts global financiers, development partners, and technology providers focused on renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, water security, and green infrastructure.
“Nigeria’s engagement creates direct pathways for funding solar and wind energy projects, waste-to-energy initiatives, and sustainable transport systems. At a time when Nigeria is pursuing an energy transition that leaves no one behind, ADSW offers access to investors actively seeking bankable green projects in emerging markets. This can translate into jobs, improved power supply, and sustainable economic growth,” Onuigbo explained.
Providing further insight into the expected benefits, he disclosed that Nigerian policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and youth delegates attending ADSW are expected to gain exposure to global best practices in clean technology, climate resilience, artificial intelligence, and sustainable urban development.
“These insights are vital for strengthening local institutions and improving policy implementation back home,” he added.
Onuigbo also noted that Nigeria’s participation reinforces its commitment to meeting international climate obligations, including its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to him, “Active engagement at ADSW enhances Nigeria’s credibility on the global stage and improves access to climate finance and technical support.”
The Abia State-born advocate further stressed the importance of showcasing Nigerian innovation on a global platform, noting that the country has a growing community of climate-focused startups and innovators. “ADSW gives them visibility, partnerships, and opportunities to scale their solutions beyond Nigeria’s borders,” he said.
He concluded by describing Nigeria’s participation in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026 as both a message of hope and responsibility.
“It tells the world that Nigeria is serious about sustainability and reassures our young people that climate action is central to our future. This is a step in the right direction towards building a resilient and inclusive Nigeria,” he said.