Written by Ukpono Ukpon
The Federal Government yesterday expressed strong support for an African-led approach to sustainable infrastructure and climate action ahead of the upcoming 2025 Africa Infrastructure and Climate Change Summit (AICIS).
This reaffirms the Nigerian government’s commitment to regional leadership and inclusive development.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, spoke on behalf of the Permanent Secretary for Political and Economic Affairs at the Stakeholder Engagement and Global Press Briefing held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja. Nadungu Gagare said the summit was a timely and visionary platform for collective action across the continent.
“As the world ramps up its efforts to tackle the twin challenges of climate change and infrastructure shortages, Africa must position itself not as a passive recipient of solutions, but as an active architect of its own sustainable development.
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“This 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,” Akume said.
The SGF commended the African Business Ventures and Investment Group (ABVIG) for organizing the summit to be held in Abuja in 2025, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Environment and other stakeholders.
He noted that the Tinubu administration’s priorities of strategic infrastructure development, energy transition, environmental sustainability and inclusive economic growth are in line with the core pillars of the summit.
“These priorities underscore Nigeria’s readiness to lead and collaborate on a multi-stakeholder approach to climate resilience and development financing,” he added.
He also emphasized the inclusive nature of the upcoming summit, saying, “Today’s efforts are a clarion call to governments, the private sector, development partners, and the diplomatic community to coordinate efforts, pool resources, and harmonize policies.”
He further emphasized that AICIS 2025 provides a platform for Africa to assert its voice and agency in shaping global climate solutions.
Mr. Hon Hany, Chairman of the AICIS 2025 Planning Committee, said in his opening remarks: Mr. Moses Ofaro described the summit as a “landmark gathering that affirms Africa’s unified resolve to address climate change through resilient infrastructure and strategic investments.”
He reiterated that the event brings together governments, development finance institutions, private investors, civil society and technical experts.
According to Ofalo, the summit has three main objectives. One is to explain the structure and goals of AICIS 2025 to the media. Mobilize multilateral and bilateral support. We will also strengthen stakeholder collaboration on the Summit’s pillars of green infrastructure, climate resilience, gender inclusion, and bankable investment partnerships.
He cited President Bola Tinubu’s statement at COP28 that “strategic investments in green infrastructure are a catalyst for inclusive growth and long-term climate security” and noted that AICIS 2025 reflects this vision.
“Africa must not only participate in the global climate change conversation, but also lead with urgency, innovation and collaboration,” Ofalo added.
Both speakers reaffirmed their commitment to gender inclusion and emphasized the active role of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs.
“No transformative agenda can be achieved without empowering women and integrating their voices into development and climate solutions,” Gagare said.
Ofaro stressed that AICIS 2025 is part of a series of strategic initiatives that build on previous forums, including the 2024 International Symposium on Leveraging Green Finance in Abuja and dialogues held in Washington DC and across West Africa.
Furthermore, the two officials called on all stakeholders, government agencies, development agencies, civil society, the diplomatic corps, and the media to work together to make AICIS 2025 a decisive milestone.
“Together, we will move from ambition to action, from rhetoric to resilience,” Mr. Ofaro said.
