On February 16, 2023, Belinda Archibong, assistant professor of economics, published new research in Brookings, alongside colleague Philip Osafo-Kwaako, titled “Delivering Nigeria’s green transition.” The researchers explore how countries with many citizens who are living in absolute poverty can combat climate change and energy transition while simultaneously addressing poverty, creating jobs, and making progress on other sustainable development goals. The report focuses on Nigeria, discussing a number of interrelated challenges to implementing its green transition objectives, reviewing the Nigerian government’s policies and barriers to support the green transition, and exploring alternate options.
Archibong and her co-author argue that while climate change poses a risk to Nigeria’s development prospects, it also provides opportunities for Nigeria to rethink the design and implementation of its national development programs. A coherent development plan that takes advantage of certain climate investment opportunities could enable Nigeria to improve its development indicators while also pursuing its international climate commitments.