Global Collaboration: The Cornerstone of Sustainable Progress, Says President Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu affirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to fostering a sustainable and equitable world during a keynote address at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in the United Arab Emirates. Speaking on the theme, “From Climate Imperatives into Economic Prosperity: Bridging Africa with the Global Energy Future,” the Nigerian leader underscored the indispensability of international cooperation in navigating the path to sustainability.
“No nation can single-handedly traverse the road to sustainability. The interconnected fabric of our global community necessitates unified action, knowledge exchange, and mutual reinforcement,” President Tinubu stated.
Highlighting the economic potential embedded within the climate crisis, he noted, “The fight against climate change transcends environmental imperatives—it presents an unparalleled opportunity to recalibrate Africa’s developmental trajectory and reshape the global energy paradigm. At this pivotal moment in human history, the onus is on us as leaders, stakeholders, and global citizens to innovate, collaborate, and act decisively as one collective entity.”
Nigeria’s Bold Vision for Sustainability
President Tinubu delineated his administration’s three-pronged approach to sustainability—Energy Transition, Climate Resilience, and Sustainable Development—while emphasizing the integration of local realities with global aspirations. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s resolve to reduce carbon emissions and pivot toward renewable energy sources, framing this transition as central to the nation’s developmental blueprint.
“Our energy roadmap prioritizes the diversification of energy sources and a gradual shift away from fossil fuels. By championing clean and renewable energy, we are laying the foundation for both environmental sustainability and economic revitalization,” he declared.
He elaborated on Nigeria’s investments in infrastructure to advance the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric vehicles while leveraging its wealth of solid minerals to underpin the green energy transition. In parallel, climate-smart agricultural practices are being implemented to bolster food security and minimize environmental degradation.
Addressing Environmental Challenges Head-On
The president spoke candidly about Nigeria’s environmental hurdles, including deforestation, desertification, coastal erosion, flooding, and pollution, which jeopardize millions of livelihoods. To tackle these challenges, he emphasized the critical role of local communities, innovation, and technology.
One standout initiative is the National Clean Cooking Policy, which promotes clean energy solutions with a view to enhancing environmental and public health outcomes while driving socio-economic progress across the African continent.
Call for Global Partnerships and Investment
President Tinubu appealed to international partners for resources and expertise to confront Africa’s environmental challenges and champion sustainable development. He pointed to Nigeria’s pioneering use of Sovereign Green Bonds to fund eco-friendly projects, noting that the nation remains a trailblazer in Africa’s green economy efforts.
“We invite global investors to join us in advancing our vision of a sustainable and prosperous future. These initiatives demand significant financial commitments, and international collaboration is pivotal to achieving our shared objectives,” he remarked.
He also highlighted the vast potential of Nigeria’s arable land for advanced farming technologies, as well as the prospects of integrating Artificial Intelligence into agriculture, underscoring the nation’s readiness to lead in innovative sustainability practices.
Acknowledgment of Global Leadership
President Tinubu extended his gratitude to UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his visionary leadership in convening the summit, which served as a platform for world leaders to collectively address pressing global challenges.
Through this message of collaboration, innovation, and shared responsibility, President Tinubu reinforced Nigeria’s role as a proactive player in the global sustainability agenda, embodying the spirit of unity essential for tackling the defining challenges of our time.