…to drive corporate climate leadership
Africa’s most populous country has become the 34th chapter member of the global Climate Governance Initiative, signalling a growing commitment to sustainable business practices and corporate climate leadership in the country.
This milestone strengthens efforts to integrate climate governance into corporate decision-making and supports Nigeria’s commitment to addressing climate change.
Guided by the World Economic Forum’s Principles for Effective Climate Governance, CGI’s global network now spans over 70 countries and engages more than 100,000 board directors worldwide.
The initiative was founded by Adepeju Adebajo, a respected leader in Nigeria’s sustainability landscape, and is chaired by Myma Belo-Osagie, who leads the Advisory Board of CGI Nigeria.
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“Through CGI Nigeria, we are building a platform for peer learning among board members, cross-sectoral dialogue and practical, strategic climate competence,” said Myma Belo-Osagie, Chair of the Advisory Board, Climate Governance Initiative Nigeria, during the launch.
“I am truly proud of the calibre of leaders who have come together to drive this work, from business, academia, civil society, and government,” Belo Osagie said.
“What unites us is a shared belief that governance in this space matters, and how we lead today will shape what is possible tomorrow,” she added.
According to her, the Nigerian chapter will provide local board directors with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to navigate climate-related business risks and opportunities.
She noted that programs will be tailored to address climate governance topics relevant to various industries and customised to each boardroom’s level of climate knowledge, offering more in-depth engagement for those already active in sustainability.
Julie Baddeley, chair of the Board of Trustees of Chapter Zero Alliance (Global Chapter Network), emphasised the significance of the initiative.
“One of the great strengths of this initiative is that we’re bringing people together from all over the world to share the challenges, opportunities, experiences, learning, and courage to take this sometimes-difficult work forward.”
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“Our membership is dedicated to meeting the urgent challenge of climate change and nature loss by mobilising boards to take action that will accelerate the transition to net zero, and to build climate resilience.”
The Climate Governance Initiative Nigeria was launched with support from partners including MTN Nigeria, UACN, Siemens Energy, Lafarge Africa, BCG, Deloitte, DLA Piper, and Lagos Business School, and in the presence of policymakers, industry leaders, and sustainability advocates.
Speaking on the CGI Nigeria’s objective, Olawunmi Asekun, executive director, said the aim is for the initiative to deliver value for both the government and the private sector.
“Our aim is to create a space where board leaders, alongside regulators, and development institutions work together to strengthen climate governance and support sustainable business in Nigeria.”
The initiative welcomes membership from public limited companies, privately held company boards, and individual directors seeking to enhance climate governance within their organisations.
