Akume Backs Africa Climate Summit 2025, Calls for Collective Action on Infrastructure and Resilience

By Iyojo Ameh

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to climate resilience and infrastructure development, urging African nations to take proactive leadership in shaping their sustainable future.

Akume made the call on Monday during the Stakeholders Engagement and Global Press Briefing for the upcoming Bi/Multilateral Africa Infrastructure and Climate Change Summit (AICIS) 2025, held at the Rotunda Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.

In his keynote address as Special Guest of Honour, the SGF commended the Africa Business Ventures and Investment Group (ABVIG) and its collaborative partners for initiating what he described as a “bold and visionary platform.” The summit, scheduled to hold in Abuja, seeks to galvanize continental consensus and investment around climate resilient infrastructure.

“Africa must not be a passive recipient of solutions, but an active architect of its own sustainable development,” Akume stated, adding that the Bola Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes infrastructure, energy transition, environmental sustainability, and inclusive economic growth.

Akume emphasized that AICIS 2025 presents a unique opportunity for stakeholders from governments to development finance institutions and the private sector to align strategies, mobilize resources, and harmonize policies that address Africa’s unique climate and infrastructure challenges.

He also commended the strong emphasis on gender inclusion, particularly the active involvement of the Ministry of Women Affairs, noting that “no transformative agenda can be achieved without empowering women.”

In his welcome address, Hon. Moses O.T. Owharo, Chairman of the AICIS 2025 Planning Committee, echoed similar sentiments, describing the event as a “landmark gathering that affirms Africa’s unified determination to address climate change through resilient infrastructure and strategic investment.”

Owharo outlined the three core objectives of the briefing: To inform local and international media about the summit’s goals, structure, and expected impact; to mobilize bilateral and multilateral support ahead of the summit; and to reinforce alignment with AICIS 2025’s key pillars Green Infrastructure, Climate Resilience, Gender Inclusion, and Bankable Investment Partnerships.

Quoting President Tinubu’s message at COP28, Owharo stressed that “strategic investment in green infrastructure is the catalyst for inclusive growth and long-term climate security.”

He acknowledged the continued support of Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and other key ministries — especially Environment and Women Affairs — in anchoring Nigeria’s diplomatic and policy thrusts on climate justice and equity.

“AICIS 2025 is not a one-off event,” Owharo said, noting that it builds on past engagements including the 2024 International Symposium on Leveraging Green Financing in Abuja, and strategic dialogues held in Washington D.C. and across West Africa.

The briefing brought together a high-profile audience including ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, and representatives from civil society and the UN system.

Organizers reiterated their appeal to all stakeholders to partner in making the summit a “defining milestone for Africa’s climate and infrastructure future.”

“Together, we will transition from ambition to action, from rhetoric to resilience,” Owharo concluded.