Nigeria Sets Ambitious Climate Target for 2035
Nigeria is stepping up its climate ambitions with a pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 32 percent by 2035. The commitment, announced by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Leaders’ Summit, positions the country at the forefront of West Africa’s climate action. The pledge is part of a broader strategy to align economic growth with sustainable practices, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and attract green investment.
Experts say the 32 percent target is achievable with a mix of policy reforms, energy diversification, reforestation, and boosted energy efficiency across sectors. The plan emphasizes a shift from traditional carbon-intensive activities toward cleaner technologies, with a focus on electricity access, transportation, and industrial processes. Officials underscore that the target is conditional on adequate funding, technology transfer, and supportive international frameworks.
What the Green Transition Roadmap Includes
The government announced that a comprehensive green transition roadmap will be unveiled in Brazil, signaling collaborative international engagement. The roadmap is expected to outline concrete steps in several pillars: energy, transport, industry, and resilience. Key elements reportedly include accelerating solar and gas-to-power projects, expanding grid capacity to support renewables, and incentivizing private sector investment in low-emission technologies.
Energy diversification remains central to the plan. Nigeria’s abundant solar resources present a major opportunity to expand off-grid electrification, reduce power blackouts, and support rural development. In parallel, efforts to modernize the power sector could improve efficiency, reduce methane leaks, and cut emissions from electricity generation. The roadmap also aims to strengthen climate resilience in vulnerable communities through green infrastructure and disaster risk reduction.
West Africa’s Climate Leadership
With the Nigeria pledge, West Africa consolidates its position as a region increasingly aligned with global climate goals. The leadership role is underscored by regional commitments to sustainable development, renewable energy deployment, and climate finance access. Analysts note that Nigeria’s target could spur competitive progress among neighboring nations, encouraging shared strategies on methane abatement, reforestation programs, and urban sustainability measures.
Strategic Pathways to Achieve the Target
Achieving the 32 percent cut will require cross-cutting reforms across government, business, and civil society. Policymakers are expected to prioritize:
- Expanding renewable energy capacity, particularly solar and wind, to displace coal and diesel generation.
- Modernizing energy infrastructure, including transmission networks and storage solutions, to reduce losses and enable higher renewable penetration.
- Switching to cleaner industrial processes and promoting energy efficiency in manufacturing and construction.
- Protecting forests and land-use practices to curb emissions from deforestation and degradation.
- Implementing robust climate finance mechanisms to mobilize public and private funds for green projects.
Public engagement, transparency, and accountability will be crucial. The government has signaled intent to involve local communities, industry stakeholders, and international partners to monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed.
Global and Local Implications
The 2035 target aligns with global climate ambitions while addressing domestic growth needs. Nigeria’s plan could attract green investments, create jobs in renewable sectors, and generate data-driven policy insights for other developing economies. However, the path forward will require navigating fiscal constraints, ensuring a just transition for workers in fossil-dependent industries, and maintaining energy security during a shift to cleaner options.
What Comes Next
As the green transition roadmap is unveiled in Brazil, stakeholders will watch for details on timelines, milestones, and funding commitments. If Nigeria can translate its 32 percent ambition into measurable actions and outcomes, it could reinforce its standing as a climate leader in Africa and a reliable partner in global climate governance.
