Sterling Bank is deepening its commitment to sustainable development through partnerships with the Lagos and Ondo State governments at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), scheduled for November 9–20, 2026, in Antalya, Türkiye.

The bank’s participation will centre on expanding climate investment opportunities, improving access to sustainable financing and linking state development priorities with international investors and development finance institutions.

The engagements highlight the increasing role of subnational governments in Nigeria’s climate response as states seek to develop resilient infrastructure while protecting communities facing the consequences of environmental degradation.

With financing remaining essential to Nigeria’s energy transition and infrastructure development, growing threats from coastal erosion, flooding and other climate-related challenges have further underscored the need for investment in practical climate adaptation solutions.

In Lagos, Sterling Bank will participate in the state government’s COP31 programme, which is designed to unlock an estimated $25–50 billion climate investment opportunity involving more than 300 potential projects.

The initiative, led by the Office of Climate Change and Circular Economy (OCCE), will convene international investors, financial institutions and strategic partners to explore investment opportunities across renewable energy, sustainable transportation, waste management, climate-resilient infrastructure, agriculture and green enterprise.

A key component of Lagos State’s participation will be the Lagos Climate Investment Day, scheduled for November 13, 2026. The event will showcase the state’s investment pipeline, facilitate discussions with prospective financing partners and examine funding structures that can advance priority projects towards implementation.

Sterling Bank is expected to bring its financial expertise to discussions covering project bankability, sustainable investment and opportunities for private-sector involvement in the state’s climate development agenda.

In Ondo State, the bank is supporting the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) in bringing international attention to the worsening environmental challenges confronting Aiyetoro and other coastal communities in Ilaje Local Government Area.

The engagement, scheduled to take place on the sidelines of COP31, will be held under the theme ‘Saving the Vanishing Coast.’

It will draw attention to the effects of rising sea levels, coastal erosion and environmental degradation while seeking international partnerships to support sustainable coastal protection, infrastructure development and economic recovery in affected communities.

Through its engagements with both states, Sterling Bank is focusing on connecting climate-related development priorities with financing opportunities and international partnerships to support sustainable infrastructure and address environmental challenges.

SOURCE:Independent