Nigeria launches net zero project to tackle climate crisis, biodiversity loss

Nigeria has launched the net zero nature-positive project (NZNP), a national initiative designed to tackle climate change, restore degraded ecosystems, and accelerate the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy by 2060.

The project was inaugurated in Abuja during an inception workshop on Monday.

Halima Bawa-Bwari, director of forestry at the federal ministry of environment, described the NZNP as “a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s collective journey toward a climate-resilient and inclusive future”.

She said the initiative would strengthen institutional coordination, enhance biodiversity, and attract investments that prioritise nature-positive and low-carbon growth.

“Today marks a pivotal moment in our collective journey toward a future that is not only climate-resilient but also rich in biodiversity and inclusive in its development,” Bawa-Bwari said.

“Nigeria’s commitment to a net-zero, nature-positive future is not just aspirational, it is grounded in action from updating our newly submitted Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).”

Bawa-Bwari said the NDCs is part of efforts to invest in nature-based solutions that deliver both mitigation and adaptation benefits.

She added that the project offers a “transformative opportunity” to integrate emissions reduction with environmental restoration and community development.

Elsie Attafuah, resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria, said the NZNP reflects Nigeria’s “bold and necessary commitment” to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.

Attafuah said the project aims to conserve 30 percent of Nigeria’s land and marine ecosystems by 2030, particularly focusing on vulnerable regions like the Niger Delta.

She noted that climate change is disrupting lives and livelihoods, as well as accelerating biodiversity loss.

“Through this project, we will work with state governments in Rivers and Bayelsa to integrate net-zero and nature-positive strategies into development planning,” she said.

“We will partner with women’s cooperatives and youth networks, ensuring they are not only beneficiaries but leaders of the green transition.”

The NZNP is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and jointly implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Nkechi Aneke-Agnes, director of planning, research and statistics at the environment ministry, said the NZNP accelerator is part of the 11 integrated programmes under the GEF-8 cycle, designed to scale up investments in nature-based and technological climate solutions.

She noted that the initiative represents “a significant step” in Nigeria’s path to achieving its net-zero and nature-positive targets, expanding access to clean energy, and de-risking sustainable investments.

Government officials from Rivers and Bayelsa state ministries of environment also pledged their support, noting the project’s importance for regional biodiversity conservation.