The Federal Government has launched the Nigerian Climate Investment Platform (NCIP), an initiative designed to mobilise up to $500 million for climate-resilient infrastructure, adaptation, and resilience projects across the country.
The disclosure followed a meeting in Abuja on Wednesday involving the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and a delegation comprising the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
This meeting is a major step in Nigeria’s plan to attract climate-related funding and become a leader in green finance across Africa, especially as global trade changes and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) opens up new opportunities
Edun expressed confidence in the capacity of the NSIA to anchor the initiative, citing its strong track record and institutional credibility.
“NSIA has the trust and track record to lead this,” he said, noting the urgent need for Nigeria to fully tap into climate finance opportunities as a tool for driving inclusive growth, improving export competitiveness, and strengthening key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and digital innovation.
He added: “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.”
The NCIP has been structured through a collaborative approach involving the NSIA, the GCF, and key domestic stakeholders. The goal is to create a credible platform capable of attracting both international and domestic capital in support of Nigeria’s climate ambitions.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NSIA, Aminu Umar-Sadiq noted that the platform’s formation was triggered by a direct challenge from the Minister.
“The Minister’s challenge to conceptualize and implement a credible investment platform has catalyzed this effort. We’ve worked with the GCF and local stakeholders to develop a structure that can attract both international and domestic capital,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the GCF, Mr. Soji Omisore pointed out the lack of a dedicated GCF project solely focused on Nigeria, describing the NCIP as a timely and necessary shift. “We currently have no standalone project focused solely on Nigeria. That needs to change. We are here to co-create a country platform that aligns with Nigeria’s climate strategy,” he remarked.
Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change, Dr Nkiruka Maduekwe called attention to the need for increased access to climate finance through entity accreditation.
She pointed out that countries with far smaller economies than Nigeria already benefit from multiple accredited institutions. “That needs to change. We are pushing for the NSIA, NASRDA, and even the Ministry of Finance to pursue accreditation,” she said.
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The NCIP is expected to play a central role in Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy, enabling the country to better prepare for the impacts of climate change while positioning itself as a leader in Africa’s green economy.
By targeting a $500 million capital mobilization goal, the platform aims to deliver critical investments in infrastructure and adaptation efforts while supporting job creation and fostering innovation across various sectors.
The success of the NCIP will hinge on coordinated action between government agencies, private sector partners, and international climate finance institutions.
Nonetheless, the platform presents a unique opportunity for Nigeria to integrate climate finance into its national economic strategy and to become a model for other developing nations pursuing climate-compatible growth.
