By Izuchukwu Mayor, Lagos
Sterling Bank has declared its deepening support for sustainable development through targeted partnerships with the Lagos and Ondo State Governments at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), holding from November 9 to 20, in Antalya, Türkiye.
The Bank’s involvement will centre on unlocking climate
investment opportunities, expanding access to sustainable finance and linking state-driven development agendas with global investors and development finance institutions.
The partnerships highlight the increasingly central role of subnational governments in Nigeria’s climate response, especially as states grapple with the twin task of building
climate-resilient infrastructure while safeguarding communities already counting the cost of environmental damage.
Although funding remains vital to speeding up Nigeria’s energy transition and infrastructure growth, the escalating effects of coastal erosion, flooding and other climate risks have made it more pressing to channel capital into practical adaptation solutions.
At COP31, Sterling Bank will take part in the Lagos State Government’s programme, which aims to drive an estimated $25–50 billion climate investment opportunity across more than 300 prospective projects.
Sterling Bank will contribute its financing expertise to discussions on project bankability, sustainable investment and opportunities for private-sector participation in Lagos climate development agenda.
Under the leadership of the Office of Climate Change and Circular Economy (OCCE), the initiative will convene international investors, financial institutions and strategic partners to examine opportunities in renewable energy, sustainable transport, waste management, climate-resilient infrastructure, agriculture and green enterprise.
A highlight of the State’s participation will be Lagos Climate Investment Day, scheduled for 13 November 2026.
The event will provide a platform to present the State’s investment pipeline, engage prospective financing partners and explore structures capable of moving priority projects towards implementation.
Sterling Bank will contribute its financing expertise to discussions on project bankability, sustainable investment and opportunities for private-sector participation in Lagos climate development agenda.
On Ondo, Sterling Bank is supporting the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) in drawing international attention to the growing environmental crisis affecting Aiyetoro and other coastal communities in Ilaje Local Government Area.
The COP31 sideline engagement, organised under the theme: ‘Saving the Vanishing Coast,’ will highlight the impact of rising sea levels, coastal erosion and environmental degradation while seeking partnerships to support long-term coastal protection, infrastructure development and economic recovery.
