The Nigerian government has reiterated its call for a fair and balanced approach to the global energy transition, one that safeguards the interests of developing economies.
Representing President Bola Tinubu at the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO), Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, delivered this appeal during high-level deliberations in Khankhendi, Azerbaijan.
Speaking at the summit themed “New ECO Vision for a Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Future,” Senator Bagudu underscored the urgent need for climate action in the face of intensifying environmental challenges.
He noted that Nigeria, rich in both fossil and renewable energy sources, is firmly committed to supporting a just transition to cleaner energy.
He called upon ECO member states to work collaboratively in advancing access to clean energy technologies, sharing technical knowledge, and investing in regional electricity grids to bring power to underserved communities.
Referencing the outcomes of COP29, the minister warned that climate change is no longer a distant concern but a present crisis.
He pointed to the widespread human suffering caused by droughts, floods, desertification, and extreme heat, all of which have fuelled displacement, food insecurity, and economic instability.
In response, he pledged Nigeria’s readiness to work with fellow ECO nations to embed climate adaptation, mitigation, and green industrialisation in all forms of economic cooperation.
Senator Bagudu further highlighted Nigeria’s internal efforts to combat climate change, citing the nearing completion of the country’s National Development Plan (2021–2025) and the groundwork for a successor plan stretching to 2030.
He explained that the alignment of this timeline with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is intentional, aiming to ensure Nigeria remains focused on achieving global development targets.
In his remarks, the minister stressed that sustainable development cannot be realised in isolation.
He advocated for enhanced regional trade links and infrastructure, arguing that resilient economies must be interconnected.
As such, Nigeria is pushing for a revitalised ECO-Africa Trade Corridor to harmonise tariffs, streamline customs processes, and create integrated logistics networks that efficiently link Africa with global markets
He also announced Nigeria’s support for policies that promote energy interoperability and ensure a smooth, equitable transition away from fossil fuels for emerging economies.
President Tinubu’s message at the summit placed a strong emphasis on inclusivity.
He urged ECO countries to empower marginalised groups through equitable access to trade, transport, and energy.
He called for youth empowerment via skills and entrepreneurship, gender equity in trade and energy access, and greater public-private collaboration to fund grassroots climate adaptation and innovation.
Describing the moment as pivotal, he appealed for collective ambition within ECO, encouraging the bloc to become a global leader in climate justice, fair trade, and sustainable financing.
He concluded by expressing Nigeria’s commitment to supporting climate action and protecting vulnerable communities.
The summit also featured an address by Azerbaijani President Heydar Oghlu Aliyev, who welcomed delegates and praised the country’s active role in ECO affairs.
He highlighted the hosting of several ECO forums this year and revealed plans to establish a Research Centre and Clean Energy Centre under ECO’s umbrella.
President Aliyev celebrated the selection of Shusha as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2026 and affirmed Azerbaijan’s dedication to fostering regional economic cooperation.
He noted that the country has attracted around $350 billion in investments over two decades and now exports natural gas to 12 countries through an extensive pipeline network.
Additionally, he pointed out the strategic importance of Azerbaijan’s transport corridors, which serve as vital links for several ECO member states.
The Economic Cooperation Organisation, founded in 1985 by Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey, seeks to promote economic, technical, and cultural collaboration among its member nations.
The bloc now includes Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.
