ABUJA, Nigeria — At the Nigeria Climate Change Forum (NCCF) 2025 in Abuja on January 29, Minister of Women Affairs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim called for a gender-responsive approach to climate action.
She emphasised the vital role of women in advancing Nigeria’s sustainability efforts.
The high-profile event brought together government officials, climate experts, and private sector leaders to advance Nigeria’s sustainability commitments under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
In her keynote address, Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim underscored the significant contributions of women to climate resilience, noting that they constitute 70% of Nigeria’s smallholder farmers and play essential roles in agriculture, water management, and energy.
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She stressed that climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, in developing nations like Nigeria.
“It is my duty to ensure that the voices of women and children are heard, and their unique needs addressed in climate action and policy development, enabling a more inclusive, sustainable, and just transition,” she stated.
The minister highlighted the Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which prioritises a green economy and the integration of gender considerations into climate response strategies.
She urged international partners, development agencies, and private sector stakeholders to support women-led climate initiatives, which she described as key to empowering communities and accelerating Nigeria’s transition to a sustainable economy.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s remarks reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to balancing environmental sustainability with social equity, calling for stronger public-private partnerships to drive climate resilience and economic inclusion.
Her leadership at NCCF 2025 was widely acknowledged, setting a precedent for future climate policy discussions.
With a focus on gender equity, the forum not only highlighted Nigeria’s climate ambitions but also laid the groundwork for more inclusive strategies that ensure all citizens—especially the most vulnerable—benefit from the country’s green transition.
