NESt marks shift from conservation to green economy strategy

The Nigeria Environmental Summit concluded with a shift in climate action from conservation to a core technological and economic strategy, positioning the country for low-carbon competitiveness.

The Nigeria Environmental Summit (NESt), which concluded on July 18, marked a shift in climate action from simple conservation to a core technological and economic strategy. Stakeholders emphasised that unlocking Nigeria’s green economy will drive sustainable tech innovation, attract investment and position the country for low-carbon competitiveness.

The summit represented a significant evolution in Nigeria’s approach to environmental issues. Previously, climate action was viewed primarily as a conservation issue. The new approach positions environmental sustainability as an economic opportunity, with the potential to create jobs and attract investment. Speakers at the summit highlighted the potential of Nigeria’s renewable energy sector, waste management industry and sustainable agriculture.

This echoes the 2010s renewable energy push, which also sought to position Nigeria as a leader in green technology. The mechanism then was different, but the result was the same: ambitious rhetoric that often outpaced implementation.

The winners: the green economy sector, which gains visibility, and the Nigerian economy, which stands to benefit from investment. The losers: the Nigerian environment, which continues to face challenges, and the government, which must translate rhetoric into action.

Bottom Line: NESt marked a shift from conservation to a green economy. The ambition is right. The question is whether Nigeria will lead or follow.