In a move to enhance Nigeria’s health systems, officials are advocating for faster implementation of policies, investments, and innovations aimed at creating climate-smart and energy-resilient healthcare. Pavel Ursu, the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Nigeria, highlighted these needs during the Legislative Roundtable on Climate, Environment, and Sustainable Health in Abuja on Monday. He stressed the urgency of fortifying Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure against climate threats, which exacerbate existing health challenges and strain resources.
Ursu emphasized that climate change disproportionately affects marginalized communities, resulting in serious health, social, and economic ramifications. He called for the establishment of sustainable financing mechanisms to support these climate-resilient healthcare systems, encouraging both domestic resource mobilization and international cooperation.
The WHO representative praised Nigeria’s existing initiatives, such as the National Health Act and the National Climate Change Policy, while urging policymakers to integrate climate-health resilience into development strategies and budgets. He reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to assist Nigeria with technical support and advocacy for equitable access to essential health services.
Rita Michael-Ojo, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Environmental Summit Group, echoed the call for unified national commitment, stating that without clean energy and a sustainable environment, economic growth would be severely hindered. She pointed out that Nigeria loses over $100 billion annually due to climate change effects, highlighting the urgent need for action.
The upcoming Nigeria Environmental Summit in March 2026 aims to convene global leaders to drive Nigeria’s green agenda, seeking to tap into the country’s €20 billion green economy potential. Michael-Ojo underscored that addressing these interconnected challenges offers a chance for Nigeria to innovate and transform its economy sustainably.