Oluwafunbi Bello 
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Simon Ortuanya
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria positions itself to unlock up to $2.5 billion in green investment through high-integrity carbon markets, as a newly established regulatory framework shifts the country from climate ambition to execution.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Professor Simon Ortuanya, discloses this at a stakeholder validation workshop in Abuja, where policymakers, researchers and development partners examine Nigeria’s readiness for voluntary carbon trading.
“Nigeria is now positioning itself to capture a sizable share of high-integrity carbon credit investment by 2030, in line with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement,” Ortuanya says.
The workshop, organised by the Resources and Environmental Policy Research Centre, marks a turning point. When the research began 18 months ago, Nigeria lacked a functional carbon market framework. That gap has now closed, driven by sustained engagement with regulators and stakeholders.
Carbon markets allow countries and companies that cut or remove emissions to sell verified credits. While compliance markets remain limited across Africa, voluntary carbon markets are expanding rapidly. Global markets were valued at $2 billion in 2022, with Africa projected to unlock $1.5 trillion by 2050 if governance is strong.
Nigeria’s forests, wetlands and peatlands underpin its appeal. By December 2025, more than 120 carbon projects are registered nationwide, with investor interest rising.
Professor Nnaemeka Chukwuone, Director of REPRC-EfD, says carbon trading can reduce emissions, generate revenue and lift rural incomes. But Ortuanya warns weak oversight risks carbon leakage and community harm.
“Strong regulation, transparent verification and community participation are non-negotiable,” he says.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
Korede Abdullah 
