Restoration of NCCC:Nigeria recently made headlines for the right reasons with the Federal Government’s approval of a National Carbon Market Framework, the operationalization of the Climate Change Fund, and the restoration of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) budget line, with telecoms now strategically positioned to drive climate finance, writes REMMY NWEKE in this edition of Telecoms Clinic@ITREALMS.
Nigeria recently made headlines for the right reasons with the Federal Government’s approval of a National Carbon Market Framework, the operationalization of the Climate Change Fund, and the restoration of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) budget line, with telecoms now strategically positioned to drive climate finance.
The development followed the second meeting of the National Council on Climate Change, held last week at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to Shettima, the meeting was a critical step toward Nigeria’s preparation for the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), slated for Brazil next year.
Turning Point for Nigeria’s climate agenda:
The approval of a National Carbon Market Framework marks a major step in aligning Nigeria’s development priorities with global climate finance systems. The framework is designed to establish mechanisms for carbon trading, emission reduction, and green investment, enabling Nigeria to potentially unlock between $2.5 billion and $3 billion annually in carbon finance over the next decade.
At the same meeting, the Climate Change Fund was operationalized; a move expected to serve as a dedicated pool for green projects, renewable energy innovation, and adaptation initiatives, particularly in sectors vulnerable to environmental degradation.
Equally significant is the decision to restore the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) to the national budget line, ensuring steady funding and institutional continuity. The Council’s Director-General, Mrs. Omotenioye Majekodunmi, presented the policy proposals that led to these approvals.
Telecoms and hidden catalyst in carbon markets:
While these policy reforms appear environment-focused, the telecommunications sector stands at the heart of enabling them. The emerging carbon credit ecosystem depends heavily on data integrity, digital monitoring, and transparent reporting systems, areas where ICT infrastructure plays a decisive role.
From satellite mapping and IoT-based emission tracking to AI-powered environmental analytics, telecoms networks provide the backbone for monitoring and verifying carbon activities. Nigeria’s broadband expansion and digital transformation initiatives offer a ready platform to support climate-related data collection, emissions tracking, and real-time reporting for carbon trading.
Beyond connectivity, telecom operators have the capacity to host carbon registries, deploy blockchain verification systems, and facilitate mobile-based participation for rural farmers and small enterprises engaged in carbon offset projects such as reforestation or renewable energy adoption.
Bridging climate policy and digital inclusion:
The intersection between digital infrastructure and climate governance is no longer theoretical. Countries with advanced digital ecosystems are already leveraging telecoms-driven platforms to manage carbon credits and green investments efficiently.
Nigeria’s telecommunications operators, including MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile now T2; can extend their digital reach beyond commerce to climate resilience. Through mobile money and digital ID frameworks, the telecom sector could facilitate transparent disbursement of carbon finance to local communities participating in verified emission reduction projects.
By integrating carbon market data into the National Digital Economy Policy, Nigeria could establish a Green Digital Infrastructure Initiative that links climate accountability with connectivity expansion, especially in underserved regions most affected by desertification and flooding.
While these policy reforms appear environment-focused, the telecommunications sector stands at the heart of enabling them. The emerging carbon credit ecosystem depends heavily on data integrity, digital monitoring, and transparent reporting systems, areas where ICT infrastructure plays a decisive role.
From satellite mapping and IoT-based emission tracking to AI-powered environmental analytics, telecoms networks provide the backbone for monitoring and verifying carbon activities. Nigeria’s broadband expansion and digital transformation initiatives offer a ready platform to support climate-related data collection, emissions tracking, and real-time reporting for carbon trading.
Beyond connectivity, telecom operators have the capacity to host carbon registries, deploy blockchain verification systems, and facilitate mobile-based participation for rural farmers and small enterprises engaged in carbon offset projects such as reforestation or renewable energy adoption.
Bridging climate policy and digital inclusion:
The intersection between digital infrastructure and climate governance is no longer theoretical. Countries with advanced digital ecosystems are already leveraging telecoms-driven platforms to manage carbon credits and green investments efficiently.
Nigeria’s telecommunications operators, including MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile now T2; can extend their digital reach beyond commerce to climate resilience. Through mobile money and digital ID frameworks, the telecom sector could facilitate transparent disbursement of carbon finance to local communities participating in verified emission reduction projects.
By integrating carbon market data into the National Digital Economy Policy, Nigeria could establish a Green Digital Infrastructure Initiative that links climate accountability with connectivity expansion, especially in underserved regions most affected by desertification and flooding.
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Climate finance and business opportunity:
Unlocking $2.5 to $3 billion annually in carbon finance is not merely an environmental target; it is a new revenue frontier for Nigeria. However, accessing these funds requires robust data systems, credible verification, and transparent digital infrastructure, all anchored in ICT.
Telecom companies that align their business models with climate goals could tap into emerging opportunities in green financing, carbon auditing, and renewable energy deployment. For example, installing solar-powered base stations contributes directly to emission reduction and qualifies as a verifiable carbon-saving activity.
Similarly, telecom infrastructure sharing and energy-efficient networks can significantly reduce carbon footprints while enhancing profitability. In essence, sustainability is fast becoming a business advantage, not just a moral imperative.
Towards a digital-climate synergy:
Nigeria’s approval of a carbon market framework comes at a time when global demand for data-driven environmental transparency is rising. Telecoms will serve as both enabler and beneficiary of this transition.
For a country grappling with revenue diversification, integrating ICT into climate finance management could deliver measurable economic returns.
However, policy harmonization is key. The Ministries of Environment, Digital Economy, and Finance must collaborate to ensure synergy between climate governance and digital transformation.
However, policy harmonization is key. The Ministries of Environment, Digital Economy, and Finance must collaborate to ensure synergy between climate governance and digital transformation.
Establishing a National Green Data Hub under the NCCC could provide a unified system for climate data verification and reporting, reducing duplication and enhancing investor confidence.
Climate dividend of connectivity:
Nigeria’s journey toward climate finance is as much about technology as it is about environmental justice. With the telecom sector as an enabler, digital systems can transform climate action from policy rhetoric into measurable progress.
As the world prepares for COP30 in Brazil, Nigeria’s message should be clear: climate action and digital innovation are not separate agendas, they are two sides of the same sustainable future.
Climate dividend of connectivity:
Nigeria’s journey toward climate finance is as much about technology as it is about environmental justice. With the telecom sector as an enabler, digital systems can transform climate action from policy rhetoric into measurable progress.
As the world prepares for COP30 in Brazil, Nigeria’s message should be clear: climate action and digital innovation are not separate agendas, they are two sides of the same sustainable future.
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