Sen. George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, recently emphasized the need for action to tackle climate change in Nigeria and beyond. Speaking at the Africa Infrastructure and Climate Change Summit (AICIS 2025) in Abuja, he highlighted the urgent challenges Africa faces, despite its rich natural resources.
The summit, held from August 11 to 12, aimed to unite African leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to brainstorm ideas and attract investments for climate-resilient infrastructure. Akume stressed that this event was a unique chance for collaboration to drive positive change across the continent.
“Africa is at a crossroads,” Akume said. “We must engage openly and draw on our collective wisdom to find practical solutions.” His words closely mirror a growing consensus on the need for urgent action against climate change. Recent studies show that extreme weather events in Africa have increased by over 60% in the last two decades, reflecting the urgency of the situation.
Mr. Moses Owharo, Chairman of the AICIS Planning Committee, praised the government’s focus on climate change. He pointed out that Africa faces significant infrastructure gaps and economic challenges but also has unprecedented opportunities for innovation and growth. Collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential to leverage these opportunities for sustainable development.
As a historical comparison, the African continent faced similar challenges during the 1980s, when droughts devastated agriculture. Lessons from that period illustrate the importance of strategic planning and cooperation in achieving long-term resilience. Today, climate financing and sustainable practices are more critical than ever, as found in recent reports from the African Development Bank, which indicate a projected need for $100 billion annually to combat climate change.
The summit attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and several universities. The involvement of experts from various sectors indicates a shared commitment to building a greener and more prosperous Africa.
The discussions at AICIS highlight a crucial moment for the continent’s future. As stakeholders come together, the call for collaborative efforts to combat climate change becomes clearer. This isn’t just an African issue; it’s a global challenge that affects us all.
By sharing knowledge and developing actionable strategies, there’s potential to create a significant impact on both local communities and the environment. The conversations at this summit could lead to lasting change, shaping a sustainable future for generations to come.
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Africa Infrastructure and Climate Change Summit (AICIS),climate change,climate change mitigation,Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF),Sen. George Akume