In a landmark move to advance climate leadership within Nigeria’s corporate sector, the Climate Governance Initiative (CGI) Nigeria has been officially launched as the 34th chapter of the global Climate Governance Initiative, a network guided by the World Economic Forum (WEF). The global initiative is dedicated to equipping corporate boardrooms with the tools and strategies needed to effectively address climate risk and enhance business resilience.
The Nigerian chapter was founded by Adepeju Adebajo, a renowned figure in Nigeria’s sustainability landscape, and is chaired by Dr. Myma Belo-Osagie, who also leads the Advisory Board of CGI Nigeria. The chapter aims to empower local board directors with knowledge and strategies to navigate the growing complexities of climate-related business challenges and opportunities.
During the virtual launch event, Dr. Myma Belo-Osagie, Chairperson of the CGI Nigeria Advisory Board, emphasized that climate change is no longer a distant or purely environmental concern, but a societal issue that directly impacts the long-term value of businesses and communities in Nigeria. She described the Nigerian chapter as a catalyst for innovation, resilience, and growth through approaches such as green finance, clean energy, regenerative agriculture, and circular business models.
“Through CGI Nigeria, we are building a platform for peer learning among board members, fostering cross-sectoral dialogue, and enhancing practical climate competence,” she said. “Let us embed climate change risks into how we govern, how we plan, and how we grow. Nigerian boardrooms must not only prepare for change — we must show that we are ready to lead it.”
In his keynote presentation, Dr. Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, highlighted that climate risk has evolved beyond a compliance issue to become a financial and operational necessity. He pointed out that macroeconomic shifts such as fuel subsidy removal and currency devaluation are driving the urgent need for companies to adopt sustainable and energy-efficient strategies. “The impact of climate change in Nigeria has surpassed the limits of corporate social responsibility,” Toriola said.
Also speaking at the launch, Julie Baddeley, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Chapter Zero Alliance, welcomed Nigeria into the global CGI network, which now spans over 70 countries and engages more than 100,000 board directors worldwide. She praised the initiative’s ability to unite leaders across the globe to tackle climate challenges collectively.
“One of the great strengths of this initiative is its global nature — bringing together diverse perspectives, challenges, experiences, and the courage to act,” she stated. “Our goal is to accelerate the transition to net zero and build lasting climate resilience.”
Founder Adepeju Adebajo reinforced the mission of CGI Nigeria, stating: “Our objective is to position Nigeria as a leader in climate action. We are committed to ensuring that both the private and public sectors take decisive steps on climate issues, and to establish CGI Nigeria as the foremost voice for climate action in the country.”
The launch of CGI Nigeria marks a critical step toward integrating climate considerations into corporate governance and underscores Nigeria’s growing role in the global movement for sustainable business leadership.
