The 2025 edition of the Nigeria Environment Outlook, convened by Environment Africa Magazine in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment, brought together top government officials, industry experts, and sustainability advocates in Lagos on Friday to drive Nigeria’s transition towards a greener, more resilient future.
The conference, themed “Shaping a Greener Present for a Sustainable and Resilient Future,” focused on practical strategies for strengthening environmental governance, accelerating green innovation, and promoting public–private partnerships across key sectors.
Delivering his opening remarks, the Convener and Editor-in-Chief of Environment Africa Magazine, Mr. Sam Nwosu, said the event serves as both a mirror and a compass for Nigeria’s environmental journey — reflecting the nation’s progress while charting a path for action.
“We gather not only to assess Nigeria’s environmental landscape but to honour the Top 100 Environmental and Sustainability Professionals who are shaping the future of sustainability in our nation,” Nwosu said.
“This platform is data-driven, policy-focused, and solution-oriented — a rallying point for collaboration between government, business, and civil society,” he added.
A key highlight of the programme was the unveiling of the Top 100 Environmental and Sustainability Professionals in Nigeria (2025 Edition) — a recognition honouring exceptional individuals advancing green growth, policy innovation, and environmental resilience nationwide.
Ministry of Environment Reaffirms Support for Collaboration
Also speaking, Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director, Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, congratulated the organizers for their consistent efforts in promoting environmental protection and sustainability across Nigeria.
She emphasized the need for deeper collaboration and knowledge sharing to strengthen climate action, clean energy innovation, and the responsible management of natural resources.
“The Ministry remains fully committed to supporting all stakeholders and professionals here today,” she said.
“Our shared resolve and unity of purpose will be the foundation for building a more sustainable and resilient country.”
Dr. Abiola-Awe commended the Nigeria Environment Outlook platform for fostering partnerships that align with the national climate agenda and pledged the ministry’s continued engagement in advancing environmental governance and sustainability.
Itua Calls for Radical Incentives to Unlock Nigeria’s Green Wealth
Delivering the keynote address, the Executive Director of the African Green Economy Strategy Institute (AGESI), Dr. Eugene Itua, called for bold policy reforms and radical incentives to support businesses investing in the circular economy.
Dr. Itua, who also serves on the Advisory Board of the UNDP’s Africa Green Business and Financing Initiative, said Nigeria’s forests, water bodies, sunshine, and innovative youth represent an “undiscovered Green Wealth” that must be harnessed for sustainable prosperity.
“Our ecosystems are under siege,” he said. “We face threats to our homes, food security, and our children’s future. For too long, we’ve treated the environment as a problem to be managed rather than an opportunity to be maximized.”
He urged that environmental governance evolve from “reactive regulation to proactive innovation,” stressing that the gap between policy formulation and implementation remains the nation’s greatest weakness.
Women’s Leadership and Inclusion in Climate Action
In her goodwill message, Chief (Mrs) Anita Nana Okuribido, President of the Women in Renewable Energy Association (Nigeria), highlighted the crucial role of women in advancing climate resilience and innovation.
“Women’s ingenuity and resilience are at the forefront of environmental progress,” she said.
“Energy poverty has the face of a woman — from cooking to small enterprises, women are the most affected by energy deficits. Therefore, gender inclusion must be central to climate action.”
Recognition of Environmental Excellence
Among those honoured in the Top 100 Environmental Professionals (2025 Edition) were:
Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary for Health and Environment Services, FCTA;
Chief Akpabio Essien, General Manager (Safety), NNPC Ltd;
Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources;
Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, Director-General, NOSDRA;
H.E. Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Minister of Environment;
Prof. Joseph T. Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation; and
Prof. Charles Anosike, Director-General, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
Dr. Alex Akhigbe, Founder, Africa Clean Up Initiative.
Outlook as a Catalyst for Change
The 2025 Nigeria Environment Outlook was supported by the Federal Ministry of Environment and powered by NatureHedge, with participation from the private sector, academia, and civil society.
In his closing remarks, Nwosu described the initiative as a growing movement for environmental accountability and transformation.
“Let this be more than an event — let it be a spark that ignites partnerships, influences policy, and elevates Nigeria’s environmental agenda across all sectors,” he said.
