Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume while declaring open the Africa Infrastructure and Climate Change Summit (AICIS) 2025 at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, described Africa as standing “at a defining crossroads,” blessed with abundant resources but faced with climate change, infrastructure deficits, and economic uncertainty.
“Climate change is a profound economic and security challenge. Our farmers face unpredictable seasons, coastal cities battle rising sea levels, and industries must adapt to shifting patterns,” he stated. “We are investing in renewable energy, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and advancing clean technologies in line with the Paris Agreement and Africa’s development agenda.”
He further stated that infrastructure remained the “backbone of any thriving economy,” noting major programmes such as the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund and the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan.
There were goodwill messages from key stakeholders that reinforced the summit’s central themes. The Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, represented at the event by Engr. Mohammed Hashim outlined efforts to align the energy sector with global sustainability goals, highlighting cleaner energy infrastructure, gas sector expansion, and enhanced regulatory transparency.
The Managing Director of the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), Abdulhameed Aliyu, through a representative, spoke on climate-resilient agriculture, innovative insurance schemes, and partnerships to safeguard rural livelihoods.
Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Matthew Adepoju, represented at the summit by Dr. Olajide Aderoju emphasized the use of satellite technology for climate monitoring and environmental management. Also, the representative of Africa Aviation and Aerospace University, Dr Eniola Olaniyan Ajani, Dean School of Postgraduate Studies, stressed the role of scientific research in understanding climate change patterns and developing adaptation strategies.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Climate Change, Hon. Sam Onuigbo, in a goodwill message, reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to the Climate Change Act 2021 and continuous oversight to strengthen national climate governance. Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, represented at the forum, called for innovative financing to drive sustainable transport systems and accelerate Africa’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
A major highlight of the opening ceremony was the unveiling of the 2026 edition of the Africa Infrastructure and Climate Change Summit, scheduled to hold from November 27 to 30, 2026, which will build on the commitments and partnerships initiated this year.
Towards the end of the opening session, a vote of thanks was delivered on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Economic and Political Affairs in the SGF’s office, appreciating the presence of dignitaries, partners, and participants, and urged participants to embrace bold, practical solutions that can be implemented at scale for the benefit of Africa’s future.
Africa Climate Change is organized in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federal and Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The opening session had in attendance diplomats ,top government functionaries, and media.
The AICIS, which run from August 11–12, 2025, serve as a strategic platform for African leaders, policymakers, development partners, and industry experts to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and mobilize investment for climate-resilient infrastructure and green economic growth across the continent.
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