UK PACT Unveils Framework to Help Nigeria's Transport Businesses Access Climate Finance

The United Kingdom Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (UK PACT) has introduced a new Climate and Clean Air Action Framework aimed at helping transport businesses in Nigeria reduce emissions, improve operational efficiency and access climate finance for low-carbon projects.

The framework was unveiled during the close-out webinar of the UK PACT Nigeria: Enhancing Private Sector Capacity for Climate and Clean Air Action in Nigeria’s Transport Sector project, which has engaged more than 200 stakeholders across the country. The framework is scheduled for its official launch in August.

Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) through the UK PACT programme, the project was implemented by a consortium comprising the University of York, Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), AP3 Advisory, Escher Silverman Global (ESG), SLOCAT Partnership and Consulting Engineers Group (CEG).

According to the organisers, the framework was developed through stakeholder consultations and technical workshops held in Abuja and Enugu. It provides transport operators with a six-step roadmap for measuring greenhouse gas emissions, developing climate action plans, preparing bankable projects and improving access to climate finance.

Speaking during the webinar, Gary Haq of the Stockholm Environment Institute and the University of York said the transport sector’s transition to cleaner operations would require stronger private sector participation.

He noted that government policies and public funding alone would not be sufficient to achieve Nigeria’s climate objectives, stressing that transport businesses own and operate fleets, make key operational decisions and have significant opportunities to reduce emissions.

Presenting the framework, Chief Executive Officer of AP3 Advisory, Dr. Gori Olusina Daniel, said the initiative is designed to move transport businesses beyond climate awareness to practical implementation.

“The question is no longer whether businesses should respond to climate change. The question is how they transition and how they finance that transition. This framework provides that practical pathway,” he said.

Also speaking, Genevieve Ankunda of the SLOCAT Partnership emphasised that effective climate action begins with measuring emissions, noting that organisations cannot manage what they do not measure.

Dr. Jubril Adeojo of AP3 Advisory added that transport businesses seeking climate finance must develop credible, investment-ready projects backed by measurable emissions reductions and sound financial analysis.

He said climate finance is driven by well-prepared projects rather than good intentions, urging transport operators to strengthen project preparation to attract funding.

The project has also produced several practical resources, including the Integrated Climate and Clean Air Action Framework, an Emission Reduction Guide, a Climate Action Plan Template and guidance for developing climate-aligned transport projects.

The resources are expected to support transport businesses in reducing emissions, improving operational efficiency and unlocking financing opportunities while contributing to Nigeria’s commitments under the Paris Agreement.