By Amodu Danjuma | January 26, 2026
As the world marks the International Day of Clean Energy, Nigeria is poised to make significant strides in its transition to renewable energy sources. The country’s efforts, driven by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, are gaining momentum, with a focus on sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.
The Federal Ministry of Environment is leveraging on financial instruments like Green Bonds to fund projects focused on environmental and climate-related initiatives.
Nigeria’s first Green Bond, worth ₦10.69 billion, was issued in 2017, followed by a second tranche of ₦15 billion in 2019. The latest issuance plans include a ₦300 billion ($200 million) Green Bond in 2025, aimed at funding clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate-resilient infrastructure projects. The planned ₦500 billion green bond issuance in 2026 will fund projects in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and environmental protection.
Honourable Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, praised the success of Nigeria’s Green Bond programme, saying, “By focusing on renewable energy, climate resilience, and conservation, the initiative supports Nigeria’s efforts to meet its climate targets while fostering job creation in green sectors.”
The Ministry of Petroleum Resources, through the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), has made significant strides in commercialising gas flares in Nigeria. The Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP) aims to reduce gas flaring, promote clean energy, and create jobs. So far, 42 permits have been issued to companies to access flare gas, with 49 flare sites auctioned, attracting up to $2 billion in investments.
Nigeria’s renewable energy targets are ambitious, aiming for 10 GW of renewable energy by 2030 and 30 GW by 2050. The country is focusing on renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and infrastructure development, including green buildings and eco-friendly urban transport systems.
These initiatives are expected to have significant economic benefits for Nigeria, including job creation, investment attraction, revenue generation, and environmental impact. The commercialisation of Gas Flares and Green Bond-funded projects will generate significant revenue for the government and promote clean energy, aligning with Nigeria’s commitment to the Paris Agreement.
The Going Greener campaign by the Ministry of Environment is driving Nigeria’s transition to clean energy, focusing on renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and waste management.
Nigeria’s Sovereign Green Bond, oversubscribed by 82%, showcases the market’s confidence in the country’s green initiatives. The Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) programmes aims to provide over 17 million Nigerians with new or improved access to electricity through solar mini-grids and solar home systems.
As UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasised, “A clean energy future is within reach. Let us seize the moment and bring the renewables revolution to every corner of the world.”
In this strides, NNPC Limited’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, will headline a high-level fireside chat on Nigeria’s energy future at the 9th edition of the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2026, themed “Energy for Peace and Prosperity: Securing Our Shared Future”.
The International Day of Clean Energy, observed annually on January 26, was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2023 to promote the adoption of clean energy sources and raise awareness about the importance of transitioning to renewable energy. The day aims to accelerate progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7, which seeks to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
