Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, took center stage at the opening of the first West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) International Conference on Climate Change and Just Energy Transition (I3C-JET), held at the Abuja Continental Hotel from October 20 to 22, 2025.
As co-host alongside WASCAL, Minister Lawal reaffirming Nigeria’s leadership in tackling climate change and advancing a just energy transition across Africa.
Read more about WASCAL here: https://wascal.org/
In his keynote speech, Lawal underscored the urgency of the conference’s theme, “Sustainable Climate Resilience and Just Energy Transition in Africa,” emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to a low-carbon, inclusive future. “Africa’s determination to respond to climate change is unwavering,” he declared, stressing the need to protect people, economies, and ecosystems while ensuring no community is left behind.
He highlighted Nigeria’s ambitious Energy Transition Plan, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2060 and universal access to modern energy by 2030, underpinned by the Climate Change Act and the innovative Green Bond Programme. Lawal also noted the recent submission of Nigeria’s NDC 3.0, which strengthens the nation’s climate mitigation and adaptation goals.
Expressing deep appreciation for WASCAL’s partnership, Lawal praised the organization’s role in building climate science capacity across West Africa. “Nigeria values WASCAL as a trusted partner in creating a resilient and low-carbon future that reflects our realities,” he said. The minister commended the National Organizing Committee for their tireless efforts in bringing the conference to fruition and urged participants to move beyond rhetoric to develop actionable frameworks that empower communities and unlock the green economy’s potential.
Lawal positioned Africa as a global leader in climate solutions, despite its minimal contribution to global warming. “The world is watching Africa, and our resolve to be part of the solution is firm and inspiring,” he asserted, calling for a new energy paradigm built on equity and innovation. He encouraged attendees to use the conference as a platform to deepen dialogue, forge partnerships, and translate research into policies that transform societies and enhance resilience.
In a stirring close, Minister Lawal officially declared the I3C-JET 2025 open, welcoming participants to Abuja and expressing optimism for impactful outcomes. “The journey is not easy, but it is noble,” he said, rallying stakeholders to harness the collective expertise at the conference to safeguard Africa’s future.
Abubakar A. Evuti Media
Media and Comms. Assistant
October 22, 2025