NACCIMA ready to support initiatives that promote green jobs, says DG

Sola Obadimu, the director-general (DG) of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), says the association is committed to supporting policies and initiatives that will promote green jobs, attract climate finance, and foster green entrepreneurship.

Obadimu spoke on Wednesday at the Lagos green economy forum.

He described the event as a timely and strategic platform that comes at a critical time for global sustainability efforts.

The NACCIMA DG said Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial and innovation hub, contributes over 30 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and is home to “more than 30 million people”, making it a vital player in the transition to a green economy.

“We reaffirm our support and readiness to collaborate on initiatives that will promote green jobs, attract climate finance, and foster green entrepreneurship,” the DG said.

Obadimu said the forum marks a significant step toward positioning Lagos as a sustainable, climate-resilient, and socio-economic leader nationally.

“It also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7, which emphasises affordable and clean energy, SDG 11, sustainable cities, SDG 12, responsible consumption and production, and SDG 13, which is on climate action,” he said.

Citing data from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), he said the green economy is projected to reach $10.3 trillion by 2050, presenting vast opportunities for economies like Lagos to scale renewable energy, promote eco-friendly construction, and reinvest in efficient transport systems.

“Therefore, let us see this forum not merely as a conversation, but as a call to action to redesign the way we live, the way we work, and the way we grow,” he said.

‘WE PRIORITISE FLEXIBILITY TO HELP SMEs GROW AND THRIVE’

Also speaking at the event, Titilope Oguntuga, director of sustainability at IHS Nigeria, said the company is committed to institutionalising sustainability and supporting the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria.

Oguntuga said IHS believes that sustainability must be embedded within the organisation through strong policies, processes, and frameworks.

On SME engagement, she said the company prioritises flexibility in engaging with vendors and suppliers, including not-for-profits and social enterprises, to ensure inclusivity and adaptability.

“We have quite a number of things also in the pipeline. Education, access to funds: where there are opportunities for SMEs to access funds to do certain things,” Oguntuga said.

“We also encourage them, and share opportunities.”

Oguntuga reaffirmed IHS’s commitment to helping businesses grow and thrive through inclusive engagement, capacity-building, and strategic partnerships.