The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure has expressed confidence that Nigeria can meet its target of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2060, despite the considerable effort and long-term commitment required to attain the ambitious goal.
The agency made the assertion on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ workshop on renewable energy and environmental sustainability held in Abuja, where experts, policymakers, industry leaders and environmental advocates gathered to discuss pathways for accelerating Nigeria’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
Speaking on behalf of NASENI, Engr. Edith Aja said Nigeria’s pursuit of net-zero emissions is consistent with the growing global movement toward low-carbon development and environmentally responsible economic growth.
The workshop was organised by AtoB Technology Limited in collaboration with NASENI as part of efforts to promote awareness, innovation and stakeholder participation in renewable energy adoption across the country.
Addressing participants, Aja noted that countries around the world have adopted varying timelines and strategies in their efforts to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions. According to her, while the road ahead may be challenging, Nigeria’s target remains achievable if all stakeholders remain committed to implementing sustainable environmental policies and embracing renewable energy solutions.
“Different countries have set different timelines for achieving net-zero emissions. Countries such as China, India and others have established their own targets and implementation strategies,” she said.
“Nigeria also has its own target, which is 2060, and achieving it will require significant effort, but it is feasible.”
Aja emphasized that climate action cannot be left solely to government institutions, stressing that businesses, communities and individual citizens all have critical roles to play in reducing emissions and promoting environmentally sustainable practices.
According to her, achieving net-zero emissions will require a collective effort involving energy efficiency measures, investments in renewable technologies, sustainable industrial practices and increased public awareness about environmental responsibility.
She highlighted the importance of educational and awareness campaigns, noting that many people remain unaware of how their daily activities contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation.
“Awareness programmes such as this one are essential because people need to understand their role in reducing emissions and supporting renewable energy adoption,” she added.
The NASENI representative explained that transitioning to cleaner energy sources is not merely an environmental necessity but also an economic opportunity that could create jobs, stimulate innovation and strengthen Nigeria’s energy security.
She noted that renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, hydro and bioenergy have the potential to expand access to electricity, particularly in underserved rural communities, while simultaneously reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Aja further observed that climate change has become one of the most pressing global challenges of the 21st century, with its effects increasingly evident through extreme weather events, rising temperatures, flooding, desertification and disruptions to agricultural productivity.
For Nigeria, she said, the consequences of climate change have become particularly visible in recent years through recurrent flooding, changing rainfall patterns and environmental pressures affecting livelihoods across various sectors.
She argued that embracing renewable energy and sustainable development practices would help mitigate these impacts while positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the emerging global green economy.
Participants at the workshop also discussed the need for stronger collaboration between government agencies, private sector investors, research institutions and development partners to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy infrastructure.
Experts noted that while Nigeria possesses abundant renewable energy resources, including significant solar potential due to its geographic location, greater investment is needed to unlock these opportunities on a large scale.
Several speakers highlighted the importance of innovation and technology in driving the country’s energy transition, calling for increased support for local research and development initiatives capable of producing homegrown solutions to environmental challenges.
The event also examined the role of engineering and scientific institutions in supporting sustainable development through technological advancements and environmentally friendly infrastructure.
Stakeholders stressed that achieving the country’s climate objectives would require policy consistency, improved regulatory frameworks and incentives designed to encourage investment in renewable energy projects.
Industry leaders present at the workshop argued that businesses have a responsibility to adopt greener production methods and invest in technologies that reduce carbon footprints.
They noted that corporate sustainability initiatives are becoming increasingly important globally, not only for environmental reasons but also for long-term competitiveness and investor confidence.
Participants further emphasized the need to involve young people in climate action, pointing out that Nigeria’s youthful population represents a significant resource for driving innovation and supporting environmental sustainability efforts.
As discussions progressed, there was broad agreement that Nigeria’s 2060 net-zero target is ambitious but attainable if the momentum toward renewable energy adoption continues and stakeholders remain committed to long-term action.
The workshop concluded with calls for greater public engagement, stronger partnerships and sustained investments in clean energy technologies as part of a comprehensive strategy to address climate change and promote sustainable development.
For NASENI, the message was clear: while the journey toward net-zero emissions will require substantial effort, determination and collaboration, Nigeria possesses the resources, talent and capacity needed to achieve its climate goals and build a more sustainable future for generations to come.
