Keystone Bank supports Lagos climate finance drive

L–R: Ibrahim Abdullahi Shelleng, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Climate Finance and Stakeholder Engagement; Chizor Malize, Managing Director, Financial Institutions Training Centre; Titilayo Oshodi, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy; Nnenna Anyim Okoro, Executive Director, Corporate Banking (South), Keystone Bank and Abiola Oshunniyi, Sustainability and ESG expert, at the Climate Finance Preparedness Clinic held at Keystone Bank headquarters in Lagos, recently.

By Vivian Okejeme

Keystone Bank Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing climate action and sustainable development in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State.

The bank made this known during a two-day Climate Finance Preparedness Clinic (CFPC), organised by the Lagos State government through the Office of Climate Change and Circular Economy (OCCE), held at the lender’s head office in Lagos, recently.

The initiative brought together key stakeholders from government, the financial services sector, and development institutions to strengthen the capacity of financial institutions to access, mobilize and deploy climate finance for sustainable development.

Speaking at the event, Nnenna Anyim Okoro, Executive Director, Corporate Banking & South, Keystone Bank, emphasized the importance of collaboration in mobilizing capital for climate action.

According to her, “For us at Keystone Bank, we believe that sustainable development can only be achieved when financial institutions take deliberate steps to integrate climate considerations into their core business strategies.

“Climate finance requires a collective commitment from government, financial institutions, development partners, and the private sector. Through initiatives like the Climate Finance Preparedness Clinic, we are fostering partnerships and building the capacity needed to move from conversations to practical action that delivers sustainable impact,” she said.

Anyim Okoro further noted that the bank remains committed to supporting innovative financing structures that will unlock funding for climate-resilient infrastructure and green projects across Nigeria.

“We are focused on enabling access to both local and international climate funds, while also empowering businesses to transition towards low-carbon and climate-resilient operations,” she said.

Also speaking at the event, Titilayo Oshodi, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, noted that the clinic reinforced critical systems required to drive climate finance.

“This clinic is not just about discussions; it is about strengthening the systems that connect policy, projects, institutions, data, and investment,” she said.

Oshodi added that Lagos State is committed to building a robust climate finance ecosystem that will attract investments, support sustainable projects, and position the state as a leader in subnational climate action in Africa.

She further emphasized the importance of partnerships between the public and private sectors in achieving long-term climate goals, noting that initiatives such as the CFPC play a vital role in bridging existing gaps.

At the ceremony, discussions focused on key areas including climate finance opportunities, climate risk management, ESG integration, transition and blended finance, green lending, waste management, energy efficiency, and emerging opportunities within Nigeria’s carbon market.

The Climate Finance Preparedness Clinic forms part of broader efforts to accelerate investments in climate-resilient and low-carbon development, while equipping stakeholders with the knowledge and tools required to develop bankable climate projects and unlock funding opportunities.