Top 100 Sustainability Professionals Honoured in Lagos
By Bunmi Yekini
The 2025 edition of the Nigeria Environment Outlook has brought together top government officials, industry leaders, and sustainability advocates to chart a course for Nigeria’s green transition and environmental resilience.
The high-level conference, themed “Shaping a Greener Present for a Sustainable and Resilient Future,” was convened by Environment Africa Magazine in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment. It focused on practical strategies to strengthen environmental governance, accelerate green innovation, and promote partnerships across public and private sectors.
In his opening remarks, Convener and Editor-in-Chief of Environment Africa Magazine, Mr. Sam Nwosu, said the forum serves as both a reflection of Nigeria’s environmental progress and a roadmap for future action.
“We gather not only to assess Nigeria’s environmental landscape but to honour the Top 100 Environmental and Sustainability Professionals who are shaping the future of sustainability in our nation,” Nwosu said.
“This platform is data-driven, policy-focused, and solution-oriented, a rallying point for collaboration between government, business, and civil society.”
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Top 100 Environmental and Sustainability Professionals in Nigeria (2025 Edition), an honour celebrating exceptional individuals driving policy innovation, green growth, and environmental resilience nationwide.
Representing the Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director of the Department of Climate Change, commended the organisers for their consistent efforts in advancing environmental protection and sustainability.
“The Ministry remains fully committed to supporting all stakeholders and professionals here today,” she said.
“Our shared resolve and unity of purpose will be the foundation for building a more sustainable and resilient country.”
Dr. Abiola-Awe praised the Nigeria Environment Outlook platform for promoting collaboration aligned with Nigeria’s climate goals, assuring continued ministerial engagement in advancing environmental governance.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Eugene Itua, Executive Director of the African Green Economy Strategy Institute (AGESI) and member of the UNDP Africa Green Business Advisory Board, called for bold policy reforms and incentives to support circular economy investments.
“Our ecosystems are under siege,” Itua warned. “We face threats to our homes, food security, and our children’s future. For too long, we’ve treated the environment as a problem to be managed rather than an opportunity to be maximized.”
He urged Nigeria to harness what he described as its “undiscovered Green Wealth”, including forests, water bodies, solar potential, and youthful innovation, to drive sustainable prosperity.
“Environmental governance must evolve from reactive regulation to proactive innovation. The gap between policy and implementation remains our greatest weakness,” he added.
In a goodwill message, Chief (Mrs.) Anita Nana Okuribido, President of the Women in Renewable Energy Association (Nigeria), highlighted the vital role of women in climate resilience and innovation.
“Women’s ingenuity and resilience are at the forefront of environmental progress,” she said.
“Energy poverty has the face of a woman, from cooking to small businesses, women are the most affected. Gender inclusion must be central to climate action.”
Among those recognised in the Top 100 Environmental Professionals (2025 Edition) were:
Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary for Health and Environment Services, FCTA;
Chief Akpabio Essien, General Manager (Safety), NNPC Ltd;
Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources;
Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, Director-General, NOSDRA;
H.E. Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Minister of Environment;
Prof. Joseph T. Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation;
Prof. Charles Anosike, Director-General, NiMet; and
Dr. Alex Akhigbe, Founder, Africa Clean Up Initiative.
The 2025 Nigeria Environment Outlook was powered by NatureHedge and supported by the Federal Ministry of Environment, with participation from academia, civil society, and the private sector.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Nwosu described the event as a growing movement for environmental accountability and transformation.
“Let this be more than an event, let it be a spark that ignites partnerships, influences policy, and elevates Nigeria’s environmental agenda across all sectors,” he said.
The forum reaffirmed a shared vision among participants: that Nigeria’s path to a resilient and sustainable future depends on innovation, inclusion, and collective commitment to a greener tomorrow.