Michael Olugbodine Abuja
Nigeria has announced its commitment to host the African Infrastructure and Climate Change Investment Summit (AICIS) from August 11 to 14, 2025.
The Nigerian government also said that as the world steps up action to tackle the twin challenges of climate change and infrastructure deficit, Africa, including Nigeria, must position itself as an active architect of its own sustainable development, rather than a passive recipient of solutions.
The government’s commitment was disclosed on Monday in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
Akume, who was represented at a press conference by the Permanent Secretary for Political and Economic Affairs, Office of the Secretary of State to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Nadung Gagare, reiterated the Federal Government’s determination to host the summit scheduled for August 11 to 14, 2025 at the Nikon Luxury Hotel, Abuja.
He commended the African Business Ventures and Investment Group (ABVIG) for its bold and visionary initiatives in collaboration with ministries and other stakeholders in leading Nigeria in addressing climate change challenges across Africa.
He said the government supports the Summit’s efforts and encourages all stakeholders to adhere to the common mission of building a prosperous and climate-resilient Africa based on inclusive infrastructure.
“As the world ramps up efforts to tackle the twin challenges of climate change and infrastructure deficits, Africa must position itself not as a passive recipient of solutions, but as an active architect of its own sustainable development,” he said.
“The upcoming summit is therefore not only timely, but also provides a continental platform to articulate, coordinate and galvanize cooperative strategies for resilient infrastructure and climate action across Africa.
“President Tinubu’s administration has prioritized strategic infrastructure development, energy transition, environmental sustainability and inclusive economic growth under the New Hope Agenda.
“These priorities are consistent with the goals of this summit and underline Nigeria’s readiness to lead and collaborate on a multi-stakeholder approach towards climate resilience and development finance.
“Today’s effort is a clarion call to governments, the private sector, development partners and the diplomatic community to coordinate efforts, pool resources and harmonize policies,” he said.
He reiterated that this would reaffirm Africa’s voice and ownership in the global climate change debate and ensure that Africa’s unique challenges and comparative advantages are reflected in shaping global solutions.
Meanwhile, the African Infrastructure and Climate Change Investment Summit (AICIS) Planning Committee Chairman, Mr. Moses Ofaro, commended Nigeria for leading the way in addressing climate change-adjacent issues across the continent.
Ms Ofalo explained that the event was organized by ABVIG in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and the Ministry of the Environment, with a focus on preparations for AICIS-2025.
Mr O’Fallo said: “AICIS-2025 is a landmark gathering that affirms Africa’s unified determination to address climate change through resilient infrastructure and strategic investments.
“This summit represents a continental platform to advance Africa’s sustainable development vision through climate-smart solutions.
“It will bring together governments, development finance institutions, private investors, technical experts, civil society, the United Nations system, and the diplomatic community to build viable partnerships around Africa’s infrastructure transformation and climate adaptation imperatives.
“This gathering is an opportunity to reflect on the vision expressed by President Bola Tinubu at COP28 that Africa must not only participate in the global climate change debate, but also lead with urgency, innovation and collaboration.
“Strategic investments in green infrastructure are a catalyst for inclusive growth and long-term climate security. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the leadership of Ambassador Yusuf Tugar, will continue to champion Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts to attract climate finance and foster multilateral collaboration towards development goals.”
He said AICIS 2025 is the culmination of ongoing efforts, including the 2024 International Symposium on Leveraging Green Finance in Abuja, strategic dialogues in Washington DC and across West Africa.
