Nigeria Calls for $1 Trillion in Climate Finance at NAM Summit in Kampala, Uganda
Kampala, Uganda | October 16, 2025
At the recent Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit held in Kampala, Uganda, Nigeria issued a strong call for $1 trillion in annual climate finance to support developing nations confronting the escalating impacts of climate change.
Leading the Nigerian delegation was Dr. Umar Ahmed Dunoma, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who delivered a passionate address emphasizing the disproportionate burden borne by Global South countries. He argued that while many nations, including Nigeria, are taking proactive steps, no nation can shoulder the global climate crisis alone.
“Without decisive support and a fair global financing structure, our efforts—however determined—will fall short,” Dr. Dunoma stated.
A Unified Voice for the Global South
Dr. Dunoma used the summit platform to critique the existing international financial and political architecture, calling it outdated and inadequate in addressing the realities of the 21st century. He urged NAM member states to strengthen their collective voice and demand reforms that reflect the current global landscape.
A statement by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that Dr. Dunoma’s remarks included a detailed action plan for closer coordination among NAM countries, particularly in the areas of climate policy, sustainable development, and multilateral diplomacy.
Focus on Climate Finance and Green Investment
Central to Nigeria’s message at the summit was the urgent need for scalable climate finance. Dr. Dunoma emphasized that the $1 trillion annual target is not just aspirational but necessary to support adaptation, mitigation, and sustainable economic growth in developing countries.
Nigeria, he said, is pioneering new strategies to mobilize climate finance through private sector engagement. Key among these is the use of “green guarantees” backed by the recently established National Credit Guarantee Company. This mechanism is designed to de-risk green investments and attract capital by aligning key government ministries around climate goals.
“This model,” he explained, “can unlock five to six times more finance than traditional approaches by creating the confidence investors need to engage in high-impact projects.”
Solidarity on Global Issues
Beyond climate concerns, Nigeria reaffirmed its long-standing support for a two-state solution in Palestine, urging NAM members to press for a peaceful and just resolution to the conflict.
Dr. Dunoma also joined other voices in calling for urgent reforms to global institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to better reflect the demographics and challenges of today’s world.
As the summit concluded, Nigeria’s call served as a reminder that while ambition is growing among developing nations, the global system must evolve—and the world’s wealthier nations must step up—if climate and development goals are to be achieved.
