By Kehinde Ibrahim, Lagos
The Bank of Nigeria has called for Public, Private, Partnership, PPP, among businesses, policymakers and environmental advocates to address the growing challenges of climate change and accelerate sustainable development, stressing that collective action is essential to securing Nigeria’s environmental and economic future.
The bank made the call during the 2026 World Environment Day Symposium, organised in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, NCF, at the Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos.
The symposium convened environmental experts, corporate executives, policymakers, academics and students to deliberate on practical strategies for tackling climate change, preserving biodiversity and promoting environmental stewardship. Discussions were aligned with this year’s World Environment Day theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”
Union Bank’s Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Mrs. Olufunmilola Aluko emphasised that businesses must move beyond making sustainability pledges by integrating environmental responsibility into their core operations, investment strategies and long-term business models.
According to her, financial institutions occupy a strategic position in driving the transition to a more sustainable and low-carbon economy through responsible financing and investment decisions.
“As a bank that has been part of Nigeria’s story for over a century, Union Bank recognises that sustainable development and environmental responsibility must go hand in hand. We believe businesses have a role to play not only in what they say, but also in what they do,” she said.
Aluko noted that banks play a pivotal role in directing capital towards projects and enterprises that promote sustainable growth, adding that the financing choices made by financial institutions significantly influence the type of economy that emerges over time.
She further stressed that achieving meaningful progress on climate action requires stronger collaboration between the financial sector, government institutions, environmental organisations and other key stakeholders. Such partnerships, she said, are critical to accelerating Nigeria’s transition to a resilient, inclusive and environmentally sustainable economy.
The symposium formed part of Union Bank’s broader commitment to advancing environmental sustainability and promoting responsible corporate citizenship through strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement.
