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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
A former member of the House of Representatives, Sam Onuigbo, has described Nigeria’s participation in the ongoing Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) as not only a great opportunity to consolidate its gains, but also a crucial step towards advancing the country’s climate action agenda.
Onuigbo, who sponsored Nigeria’s signature Climate Change Act in 2021, praised President Bola Tinubu’s continued participation in the sustainability dialogue, stressing that the President’s engaging interest has helped to strengthen international partnerships and accelerate sustainable development.
Onuigbo, who is attending the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, told journalists on the phone that the significance of the global event, apart from being one of the world’s leading sustainability platforms, is that it provides Nigeria with a rare opportunity to align its national priorities with global climate solutions.
He remarked that the approval of the country’s carbon market framework, which was unveiled at the Abu Dhabi meeting, shows that Nigeria is ready to attract much-needed investment into green sectors of the economy.
Dismissing suggestions in some quarters that the event was not worth Nigeria’s attendance, Onuigbo, who is a member of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), maintained that ADSW 2026 is not just another international conference for Nigeria, stressing that it is a strategic space where climate ambition meets real investment, innovation and action.
He stated: “Nigeria’s presence signals our readiness to transition to a greener economy while addressing energy poverty, unemployment, and climate vulnerability.
“Nigeria’s participation is boosted by the physical presence and address by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu both in 2025 and 2026.
“It is heart-warming that the President in his speech mentioned Nigeria’s readiness to partner with the rest of the world and even extended open invitation to them.
“Not that alone, the President signalled Nigeria’s firm commitment to a green and inclusive transition, declaring that the country is aligning climate action with energy access, economic goal and social development.
“I want to commend Mr President for announcing that Nigeria will co-host Investopia with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Lagos in February as part of efforts to attract global investors and accelerate sustainable investment inflows into the country.”
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Onuigbo disclosed that Nigeria’s attendance will strengthen its influence in global climate and sustainability discussions, stressing: “As Africa’s most populous country and largest economy, Nigeria’s development choices have far-reaching implications for the continent.
“Participation at ADSW allows our country to clearly present its climate challenges ranging from flooding and desertification to energy access gaps, while contributing African perspectives to global policy conversations.”
According to him, the investment potential of the event is huge. “Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week attracts global financiers, development partners and technology providers focused on renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, water security and green infrastructure.
“Nigeria’s engagement creates direct pathways for funding solar and wind energy projects, waste-to-energy initiatives, and sustainable transport systems.
“At a time when Nigeria is pushing for energy transition that leaves no one behind, ADSW provides access to investors who are actively seeking bankable green projects in emerging markets, and this can translate into jobs, improved power supply and sustainable economic growth.”
On what Nigeria stands to benefit, Onuigbo, who was listed in 2023 by the New York-based Business Insider as one of the top 30 global leaders in climate action and sustainability, disclosed that Nigerian policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs and youth delegates attending ADSW are expected to gain exposure to global best practices in clean technology, climate resilience, artificial intelligence and sustainable urban development.
His words: “These insights are vital for strengthening local institutions and improving policy implementation back home.
“Nigeria’s participation reinforces its commitment to meeting international climate obligations, including its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” adding that “active engagement at ADSW enhances Nigeria’s credibility and improves access to climate finance and technical support.”
He stressed the importance of showcasing Nigerian innovation on a global stage, insisting that since the country has a growing community of climate-focused start-ups and innovators, ADSW gives them visibility, partnerships and the chance to scale their solutions beyond our borders.
“Nigeria’s participation in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026,” he reiterated, “is a message of hope and responsibility,” stressing: “It tells the world that Nigeria is serious about sustainability and tells our young people that climate action is central to our future. This is a step in the right direction for a resilient and inclusive Nigeria.”
