At the Nigeria Climate Change Forum (NCCF) 2025 held on January 29, Honorable Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, took center stage, delivering a powerful call for a gender-responsive approach to climate action.
The event, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, gathered top government officials, climate experts, and private sector leaders, all committed to advancing Nigeria’s sustainability goals under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
In her opening speech, Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasized the crucial role of women in climate resilience, highlighting that women make up 70% of smallholder farmers in Nigeria and are pivotal to sectors such as agriculture, water management, and energy.
She stressed that climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, particularly women and children in developing nations like Nigeria.
The minister’s speech centered on the need for inclusive, sustainable policies that ensure women and children are not only seen as victims but as active agents of change in the fight against climate change. She stated,
“It is my duty to ensure that the voices of women and children are heard, and their unique needs addressed in climate action and policy development, enabling a more inclusive, sustainable, and just transition.”
Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim also highlighted the Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which seeks to establish a green economy and integrate gender into climate response efforts.
She called for increased collaboration between international partners, development agencies, and the private sector to support women-led climate initiatives, which she believes will empower communities and accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a green economy.
The minister’s remarks underscored Nigeria’s determination to implement concrete climate solutions, stressing the importance of developing policies that marry environmental sustainability with social equity. She concluded with a call for stronger public-private partnerships, urging corporate leaders and stakeholders to take bolder steps toward climate resilience and economic inclusion.
With Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim at the helm, Nigeria’s commitment to a gender-inclusive climate strategy has gained international recognition.
Her leadership at the forum set a tone for future climate action, emphasizing the importance of integrating gender equity into climate policies to ensure that all citizens, especially the most vulnerable, benefit from the country’s green transition.
The NCCF 2025 was not just a forum, it was a platform for bold commitments and transformative actions, with Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim leading the charge for a sustainable and equitable future for Nigeria and Africa at large.