President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated the Renewed Hope Climate Change Awareness Tour (REHCCAT), calling on governors, the private sector, development partners and young Nigerians to take the lead in driving the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja, the President — represented by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal — described the tour as a nationwide movement aimed at transforming climate awareness into measurable action, strengthening resilience and unlocking green investment opportunities.
Tinubu warned that climate change is already taking a toll across the country, from struggling farmers in the North to coastal communities in the South, while businesses grapple with rising energy costs.
“Climate change is not only about risk; it is about opportunity. Nigeria stands at a defining moment. The nations that position themselves wisely today will lead tomorrow, and we intend to be one of them,” he said.
According to the President, the tour will take climate engagement directly to communities, involving governors, traditional rulers, students, entrepreneurs and financial institutions in identifying viable climate projects.
He stressed that Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) must be matched with concrete action and investment, declaring that climate finance should be seen as strategic capital rather than aid.
“Climate finance is not charity; it is strategic investment. Climate resilience is national security,” he added.
Lawal highlighted the growing threats of desertification, flooding, coastal erosion and erratic rainfall, noting that while the Climate Change Act 2021 provides a legal framework for carbon budgeting and achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, more robust implementation at the subnational level is critical.
He disclosed that the ministry is collaborating with state governments to appoint Directors of Climate Change and establish climate desks across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), alongside youth-focused initiatives promoting environmental education and green entrepreneurship.
Chairman of the REHCCAT Committee and Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters, Yussuf Olatunji Kelani, said the tour would span the six geopolitical zones, beginning with two states per zone.
Planned activities include policy dialogues, town hall meetings and technical sessions aimed at aligning state-level action with Nigeria’s climate and energy transition goals.
Climate expert Babajide Alo called for stronger subnational capacity, clearer climate funding frameworks and locally driven adaptation strategies to ensure sustainable impact.
Also named as co-chairmen of the tour committee are the Senior Special Assistant on Climate Change Matters, Ibrahim Shelleng, and the Special Assistant on Climate Change Financing, Olamide Fagbuji.
The Renewed Hope Climate Change Awareness Tour is expected to serve as a rallying platform for coordinated climate action, positioning Nigeria to compete in the emerging global green economy.