By Sebastine Okafor

Nigeria has positioned itself as a country at the forefront of climate resilience and food security innovation, setting a model for other developing nations grappling with climate change.

Addressing the world leaders and experts recently in London during the Commonwealth Roundtable on Climate Finance and Food Security, the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, said Nigeria’s commitment to integrating science, technology, and sustainable finance is key to overcoming environmental and agricultural challenges.

Chief Nnaji who shared the sentiment with the Deputy Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, Dr. Arjoon Suddhoo, at the meetings stated that science and technology  have a crucial role to play in shaping sustainable development, especially for nations facing tough realities on climate change.

According to Nnaji, “Our resolve is to leverage innovation as a driving force to secure food systems, protect our environment, and build climate-resilient communities. We are demonstrating that science and technology have a pivotal role in shaping sustainable development, especially for nations facing the harsh realities of climate change,” Nnaji said.

He also stated that the country’s comprehensive strategy, anchored on the Nigeria Living Lands Initiative (NLLI), which aims to restore 50,000 hectares of degraded land while boosting agricultural productivity, can make a lot of difference when properly put into work.

“The initiative is projected to generate between $2,000 to $3,000 in farmer income per hectare, positioning Nigeria as a beacon of climate-smart innovation within the Commonwealth. Through the Nigeria Living Lands Initiative, we are restoring degraded lands while empowering local farmers. This project is not only about environmental renewal but about giving farmers the opportunity to earn sustainable income and build better futures for their families.”

Nnaji also highlighted the urgent need for action on desertification, while also calling on Commonwealth nations to prioritize climate finance and leverage technological innovations to address food insecurity across vulnerable regions.

“With desertification advancing in the North at 0.6 kilometers per year and coastal erosion swallowing 30-40 meters of land annually in the South, we cannot afford to let climate inaction dictate our food security future. The speed of desertification and coastal erosion threatens the livelihoods of millions. Only by combining science, finance, and international cooperation can we protect our environment and ensure sustainable food systems.”

The Minister also described some initiatives of the Federal Government on climate change as “transformative solutions that merge environmental protection with economic empowerment.”

“Among Nigeria’s groundbreaking innovations are climate-smart greenhouses for year-round crop production, bamboo value chain development for eco-friendly construction, and integrated biodigester networks that transform organic waste into clean energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 300,000 tons annually. Our climate-smart greenhouses and biodigester networks are designed to promote sustainable food systems, generate clean energy, and create jobs—proving that innovation can address both climate challenges and economic development at the same time.”

On climate finance, Nnaji revealed that Nigeria is scaling its projects through Green Bonds and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). He urged the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub (CCFAH) to simplify access to international funding for climate adaptation projects, especially for developing countries.

“Climate finance is not just about funding projects—it is about giving vulnerable communities a fighting chance. Our green bonds and partnerships are critical to unlocking the investments needed to transform our agricultural sector and improve the lives of millions across Nigeria and the Commonwealth.”

“Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria has aligned its national policies with global sustainability goals. Executive Order No. 5,” the Minister said, “serves as a governance framework to accelerate technology adoption in agriculture, energy, and industry, fostering inter-ministerial collaboration for effective policy implementation. Our Renewed Hope Agenda aligns our national vision with global sustainability priorities. Through Executive Order No. 5, we are currently fostering technological innovation, enhancing inter-ministerial cooperation, and ensuring that sustainability becomes a central part of our national development strategy.”

Nnaji proposed the establishment of a Commonwealth Centre for Climate-Smart Agriculture—a knowledge-sharing hub to promote innovative farming techniques, while also advocating for youth and women empowerment through agritech startups and sustainable agricultural enterprises, which he said will position them as drivers of future climate resilience.

Chief Uchenna Geoffrey Nnaji, however, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to leading climate-resilient development, adding that the country will partner with other Commonwealth nations to ensure proper execution of this.
“This is a shared responsibility. Nigeria is ready to lead by example, but we cannot do it alone. We are going to work together with other Commonwealth nations, as a Commonwealth family, in driving climate action, securing food systems, and building a prosperous future for all our people.”

Among the representatives from Nigeria that joined Chief Nnaji are
Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NABRDA), and
Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN).

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Former Anambra State Governor, Mr Peter Obi; and Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, have consoled Vanguard’s Saturday Editor, Mr Onochie Anibeze, his brother, Prof. Chike Anibeze and their paternal and maternal families over the demise of their mother, Lady Cordelia Ogbonne Anibeze( nee Ezeilo).

Lady Anibeze, who passed on at 94 on December 24, 2024, will be interred on February 8 at her family compound at Onuata, Ozom Aguobu-Owa, Ezeagu LGA, Enugu State.

In a condolence message to the Anibeze and Ozo Ezeilo families, Obi, who was the Labour Party, LP, candidate in the 2023 presidential poll, said: “The loss of a mother is deeply painful and leaves an irreplaceable void. However, we take comfort in knowing that God’s will is perfect.

“Lady Cordelia’s legacy of service to God and humanity, particularly her impactful leadership as president of the Catholic Women Organisation CWO, will continue to inspire. Her dedication to family values and sound motherhood remains a beacon of hope.

“As we mourn her absence, we pray for her eternal rest in God’s Kingdom and for strength and peace for the family during this difficult time.”

In like manner, Chief Nnaji, in a condolence message to Professor Chike Anibeze, said late Lady Anibeze’s “remarkable life of 94 years is a testament to her enduring legacy as a mother, grand-mother, great-grand mother, aunt, and guiding light to her family.”

He urged the Anibeze and Ezeilo families to draw strength from the wonderful memories they shared with her and take solace in the profound impact she made throughout her life.

Obi and Nnaji mourned as St Mary’s Catholic Church, Trans Ekulu, Enugu, where Lady Anibeze was once leader of the Catholic Women Organisation and many church societies like St Anthony Society, and Sacred Heart of Jesus Society, fixed February 1 to 3 for Prayers at her Residence in Trans Ekulu, Enugu by 5.00 pm each day for the repose of her soul.

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