ABUJA — The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched its third Sovereign Green Bond, reaffirming its commitment to climate action and sustainable development through environmentally responsible financing. The announcement was made on Tuesday, June 25, 2025, at a high-level event hosted by the Ministry of Environment in Abuja.
The new green bond issuance, valued at ₦250 billion, is designed to fund eco-friendly infrastructure projects across key sectors, including renewable energy, afforestation, climate-smart agriculture, clean transportation, and water resource management. The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s obligations under the Paris Agreement and the broader objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Environment Balarabe Lawal described the green bond as a critical instrument for bridging Nigeria’s climate finance gap and fostering a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.
“This bond represents our unwavering commitment to addressing climate change through practical, transparent, and inclusive solutions,” Lawal stated. “We are mobilising capital not just for economic returns, but for social and environmental transformation.”
Nigeria made history in 2017 as the first country in Africa to issue a sovereign green bond. The success of the previous two issuances has reportedly enhanced the country’s global reputation for green finance and demonstrated strong investor interest in climate-resilient development.
Officials from the Debt Management Office (DMO), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) confirmed that the new bond adheres strictly to international green bond standards, with mechanisms in place for third-party verification, impact reporting, and investor transparency.
The green bond is also expected to attract both domestic and international investors seeking environmentally responsible investment opportunities.
Representatives from development partners, climate advocacy groups, and the diplomatic community attended the launch and commended Nigeria’s leadership in leveraging sustainable finance to combat environmental challenges such as deforestation, desertification, and urban pollution.
The government has pledged to ensure that proceeds from the bond are directly channelled into projects that deliver measurable environmental impact and promote inclusive development for vulnerable communities affected by climate change.