NESG Radio

The United Nations General Assembly, designated 26 January as the International Day of Clean Energy to raise global awareness and accelerate action towards a just and inclusive clean energy transition. This transition is essential for climate stability, sustainable development, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as current energy systems remain heavily reliant on fossil fuels.

Renewable energy sources solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal offer sustainable, low-emission alternatives. Beyond environmental benefits, these technologies can catalyse economic growth, create jobs, and enhance energy access, especially in underserved communities.

Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, confronts a profound energy access crisis. Over 140 million Nigerians (71% of the population) lack reliable electricity, compelling widespread use of expensive, polluting diesel and petrol generators.

Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP) sets a clear pathway to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, balancing socio-economic realities with climate imperatives. Central to this plan is scaling renewable generation to account for 50% of the electricity mix by 2030, alongside universal energy access goals. Achieving these targets demands comprehensive regulatory reforms, increased capital investment, and strong private-sector engagement.

Installed renewable capacity is expanding, with solar capacity exceeding 1,200 MW, largely through off-grid and rural electrification initiatives. Programs like the Nigeria Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) supported by a $750 million World Bank credit and over $1 billion in leveraged capital aim to deliver clean energy to 17.5 million Nigerians via mini-grids and standalone solar systems (World bank 2023).

Regionally, West Africa faces similar energy challenges. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 85% of the global population without electricity, despite substantial renewable potential. However, the region attracts a disproportionately small share of global clean energy investment, underscoring the urgent need for robust policies and financing mechanisms to enable equitable energy transitions.

The United Nations General Assembly, designated 26 January as the International Day of Clean Energy to raise global awareness and accelerate action towards a just and inclusive clean energy transition. This transition is essential for climate stability, sustainable development, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as current energy systems remain heavily reliant on fossil fuels.

Renewable energy sources solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal offer sustainable, low-emission alternatives. Beyond environmental benefits, these technologies can catalyse economic growth, create jobs, and enhance energy access, especially in underserved communities.

Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, confronts a profound energy access crisis. Over 140 million Nigerians (71% of the population) lack reliable electricity, compelling widespread use of expensive, polluting diesel and petrol generators.

Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP) sets a clear pathway to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, balancing socio-economic realities with climate imperatives. Central to this plan is scaling renewable generation to account for 50% of the electricity mix by 2030, alongside universal energy access goals. Achieving these targets demands comprehensive regulatory reforms, increased capital investment, and strong private-sector engagement.

Installed renewable capacity is expanding, with solar capacity exceeding 1,200 MW, largely through off-grid and rural electrification initiatives. Programs like the Nigeria Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) supported by a $750 million World Bank credit and over $1 billion in leveraged capital, aim to deliver clean energy to 17.5 million Nigerians via mini-grids and standalone solar systems (World Bank 2023).

Regionally, West Africa faces similar energy challenges. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 85% of the global population without electricity, despite substantial renewable potential. However, the region attracts a disproportionately small share of global clean energy investment, underscoring the urgent need for robust policies and financing mechanisms to enable equitable energy transitions.

The International Day of Education, observed annually on 24 January, serves as a global platform to reflect on the role of education in peacebuilding, sustainable development, and inclusive growth. In 2026, UNESCO marks the Day under the theme “The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education,” spotlighting young people not merely as beneficiaries of education systems, but as active contributors to shaping how learning is designed, delivered, and governed.

Globally, youth under the age of 30 make up more than half of the world’s population. Yet, despite being the primary users of education systems, young people remain significantly underrepresented in education policy formulation, curriculum design, governance structures, and reform processes. This gap has contributed to persistent misalignment between education outcomes and the realities of today’s labour markets, civic life, and digital economies.

In Nigeria, where the youth population is both a demographic advantage and a development challenge, the urgency of youth-inclusive education reform is even more pronounced. Issues such as skills mismatch, youth unemployment, learning poverty, and low engagement in policy processes underscore the need to rethink education as a co-created system—one that meaningfully integrates youth voices, innovation, and lived experience.

The 30th Conference of the Parties (COP 30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), taking place in 2025 in Belém, Brazil, marks a defining moment in global climate governance. With less than five years to 2030—the target year for most climate and Sustainable Development Goals—this milestone conference is expected to focus on accelerating implementation of climate commitments and strengthening accountability mechanisms across countries.

For Nigeria and other developing economies, the urgency of climate action extends beyond policy dialogues to practical implementation that safeguards livelihoods, builds resilience, and fosters sustainable economic transformation. Although Nigeria has made several high-level commitments—such as the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the Energy Transition Plan (ETP), and the National Climate Change Act—the gap between ambition and implementation remains wide.

This podcast seeks to stimulate a national conversation on how Nigeria can transition from commitment to concrete action. It will explore:

· The state of Nigeria’s climate implementation efforts, including institutional coordination, financing, and stakeholder engagement;

· The role of innovation, private investment, and local communities in delivering measurable climate results; and

· The policy priorities for ensuring that Nigeria’s climate ambitions align with economic growth and inclusive development.

The discussion aims to raise awareness among policymakers, businesses, and citizens on the collective responsibility to drive climate implementation at scale—building a sustainable, climate-resilient future for all.

International Literacy Day is observed annually on September 8th to raise awareness of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights. In 2025, the theme "Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era" emphasizes the need to reimagine literacy for the 21st century, where digital tools, access to technology, and inclusive learning platforms have become central to literacy acquisition.

As Nigeria grapples with significant literacy challenges—especially among out-of-school children, displaced populations, and rural communities—this podcast aims to spotlight how digital transformation can be harnessed to bridge literacy gaps and promote inclusive foundational learning for all.

The Reform Imperative is Here!

From October 6th–8th, 2025, leaders from government, business, and civil society will gather at the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit to chart a bold course for our nation’s future.

Under the theme “The Reform Imperative: Building a Prosperous and Inclusive Nigeria by 2030”, we will tackle critical priorities:

✅ Driving Industrialisation-led Growth

✅ Building Infrastructure for Competitiveness

✅ Advancing Inclusion for Shared Growth

✅ Strengthening Institutions for Sustainable Impact

✅ Unlocking Investment amid Global Trade Shifts

Join us at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja or virtually to be part of this transformative journey.

Register to attend: nesgroup.org/31

#NES31 #NESG #ReformImperative #Nigeria2030 #InclusiveGrowth

The Reform Imperative is Here!

From October 6th–8th, 2025, leaders from government, business, and civil society will gather at the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit to chart a bold course for our nation’s future.

Under the theme “The Reform Imperative: Building a Prosperous and Inclusive Nigeria by 2030”, we will tackle critical priorities:

✅ Driving Industrialisation-led Growth

✅ Building Infrastructure for Competitiveness

✅ Advancing Inclusion for Shared Growth

✅ Strengthening Institutions for Sustainable Impact

✅ Unlocking Investment amid Global Trade Shifts

Join us at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja or virtually to be part of this transformative journey.

Register to attend: nesgroup.org/31

#NES31 #NESG #ReformImperative #Nigeria2030 #InclusiveGrowth

International Youth Day (August 12) provides an annual opportunity to recognize the potential, innovation, and leadership of young people in shaping a better future. The 2025 theme, “Youth Empowerment for a Sustainable Future,” calls attention to the role of youth in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—from climate action and inclusive governance to digital innovation and economic equity.

With a growing youth population, Nigeria stands at a critical juncture. Young people are not only the most affected by environmental degradation, economic uncertainty, and social instability—they are also the most equipped to lead change. Across the country, youth are launching climate movements, building civic tech tools, creating green enterprises, and advocating for inclusive policies.

This podcast brings together thought leaders from the Youth Community of Practice (CoP) to explore:

· What true youth empowerment looks like in Nigeria today,

· How young people are advancing sustainability across sectors, and

· What systems and policy shifts are needed to accelerate youth-driven impact.

By drawing insights from the areas of climate action, governance, and digital empowerment, the discussion will highlight cross-sectoral approaches for unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s youth.

World Youth Skills Day, observed annually on July 15, is a United Nations initiative aimed at celebrating the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship. The 2025 theme, “Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills,” underscores the urgent need to prepare youth for a fast-evolving, technology-driven future.

In Nigeria, where over 60% of the population is under 25, AI and digital technology offer transformative potential. From education to health, agriculture to governance, digital tools are rapidly reshaping how services are delivered and how young people live, learn, and work. Yet, this transformation also comes with growing concerns around digital inequality, unemployment, and the skills gap between the demands of the global economy and the training many young Nigerians currently receive.

World Youth Skills Day 2025 emphasizes the growing need for young people to acquire future-ready skills—especially in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology—to thrive in the 21st-century economy. As the nature of work continues to evolve, digital transformation presents both a challenge and an opportunity for youth empowerment, especially in developing economies like Nigeria.

As AI tools become more embedded in daily life—through automation, data analytics, and digital platforms—young people must not only be users, but also creators, innovators, and ethical leaders in the space. However, the reality is that many Nigerian youth lack access to quality training, internet infrastructure, or supportive ecosystems to fully benefit from these shifts.

This podcast provides a platform to reflect on:

• The current state of youth digital readiness in Nigeria,

• The potential of AI and digital skills to drive inclusion, productivity, and innovation,

• And the collaborative efforts needed from policymakers, educators, private sector, and youth themselves to close the digital divide.

Today is World MSME Day 2025! Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the engine of Nigeria’s economy. Yet, many MSMEs still grapple with barriers like limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, weak market connections, and low digital inclusion. To commemorate the #MSMEDay2025, we’re spotlighting a special podcast discussion focused on how we can build stronger linkages between MSMEs, support institutions, and market players. This conversation dives into practical strategies and frameworks to better connect entrepreneurs across sectors, regions, and value chains — with the ultimate goal of driving sustainable growth, innovation, and resilience. Tune in and be part of the movement to empower Nigeria’s MSMEs! #WorldMSMEDay #MSMEs #Entrepreneurship #InclusiveGrowth #NigeriaEconomy #NESG