Nigeria Leads Africa’s Climate Action Drive as Vice President Champions Green Diplomacy in Ethiopia

Greening Africa Together: How Nigeria Is Leading the Continent's Climate Revolution

In an era when the planet’s alarm bells ring louder each day, Nigeria is not sitting on the sidelines, it’s striding boldly to the frontlines of Africa’s climate resilience movement. Under the stewardship of Vice President Kashim Shettima and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the country is turning environmental peril into purpose, and purpose into action. Their vision? To craft a greener, stronger, and more sustainable Africa, from the Sahel to the Savannah.

A Moment That Sparked a Movement

In June 2025, the world watched as Vice President Shettima stood shoulder to shoulder with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed at the launch of the Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) in Addis Ababa, a project that dares to plant 20 billion trees across Ethiopia. Nigeria’s presence at the launch wasn’t just symbolic. It was strategic, visionary, and galvanizing.

"We are not mere spectators, we are partners. And we are ready to do our part to keep Africa green," Shettima declared, signaling a continental call to action.

The Nigerian Blueprint for Climate Leadership

Nigeria’s climate strategy isn’t just a declaration, it’s a doctrine of hope backed by data, dedication, and dollar investments. Here are four transformative pillars anchoring the country’s environmental resurgence:

The Great Green Wall Initiative

Stretching across northern Nigeria, this ambitious project is reversing desert encroachment by restoring degraded land and planting hardy, drought-resistant trees. It’s not just a wall of trees, it’s a defense line against poverty and ecological collapse.

Lake Chad Recharge Project

Once a life-giving basin, Lake Chad has shrunk by over 90% in the last five decades. Nigeria’s recharge plan seeks to restore the lake and revive millions of livelihoods in the region. It’s a lifeline for farmers, fisherfolk, and communities who depend on it.

Clean Energy Transition Plan

With a targeted investment of $10 billion, Nigeria is on track to generate 30% of its power from renewables by 2030. This shift toward solar, wind, and hydro is especially game-changing for off-grid and rural populations.

Afforestation Drive: 20 Billion Trees

Inspired by Ethiopia, Nigeria is launching its own epic campaign, planting 100 million trees annually toward a 20-billion total. It's carbon capture in action, community-driven, and climate-smart.

Lessons from Ethiopia: A Tale of Unity and Innovation

Beyond the summit speeches, Shettima’s visit was packed with substance. Touring Ethiopian farms and agro-industrial centers, from Adama Dairy Farms to Biyyo Poultry, the Vice President observed how public will meets private innovation. His goal? To translate those successes into local solutions through Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“I came here to observe and learn. Ethiopia has demonstrated what is possible when citizens rally behind a national cause.”

A Ripple Across the Continent

Nigeria’s bold steps are sparking a domino effect. Rwanda, Ghana, and South Africa are borrowing pages from Nigeria’s green playbook, from afforestation to renewable power. Ethiopia, in turn, has signaled interest in collaborating on clean energy technologies. What we’re witnessing is the birth of green diplomacy, where knowledge exchange becomes as vital as foreign aid.

The Giant of Africa, Greener Than Ever

Climate change may be a global crisis, but Nigeria is reminding the world that African solutions are not only possible, they are powerful. The narrative is shifting: Africa is not just a victim of climate catastrophe; it is a vanguard of environmental innovation.

In the words of Shettima, this is no longer about policies in a binder, it’s about purpose in motion.