When I founded Climate Span Initiative, it was driven by a conviction that climate action in Nigeria and across Africa must become more practical, more collaborative and more connected to the realities of the people and institutions expected to drive it.
Over the years, my work across climate, energy, research, strategic communications, institutional capacity development, and stakeholder engagement has consistently shown me that many of our environmental challenges are not simply technical problems. They are also communication challenges, governance challenges, trust challenges and coordination challenges. Effective climate action therefore requires not only policies and technologies but also informed communities, capable institutions, credible public engagement, and systems that people can genuinely participate in.
Based in Abuja, Nigeria, Climate Span Initiative was established to contribute meaningfully to that process. We are committed to advancing climate integrity, environmental sustainability, emissions reduction, environmental data systems, and resilient development through research, innovation, partnerships, and community-centred engagement.
Nigeria stands at an important moment in its environmental and development journey. As infrastructure expands, urbanisation accelerates and energy systems evolve, we must strengthen our capacity to address climate risks while also supporting sustainable economic growth and social resilience. I believe this requires approaches that are evidence-informed, locally grounded and responsive to the realities of our institutions and communities.
My academic and professional experiences, from climate and energy research in the United Kingdom to field-based stakeholder and governance research involving communities in North-East Nigeria, as well as institutional consulting and strategic communications work across public-sector and humanitarian contexts, have shaped the philosophy behind this initiative. They reinforced my belief that long-term environmental progress depends heavily on collaboration, institutional credibility, public understanding and inclusive engagement.
At Climate Span Initiative, we are especially interested in strengthening work around methane reduction, clean air, environmental governance, climate resilience, energy transition, and public climate literacy. One example is the West Africa Methane Reduction Acceleration Initiative, which begins with a Nigeria-focused pilot aimed at strengthening civic engagement, media literacy, and community understanding around methane governance and infrastructure emissions. We believe that strengthening the civic and public-facing systems around climate governance is essential for achieving durable environmental outcomes.
I am also passionate about ensuring that climate conversations in Africa are not disconnected from African realities. Solutions must be informed by local contexts, cultural understanding, institutional realities and the lived experiences of our communities. Climate Span Initiative therefore seeks to contribute not only through programmes and partnerships, but also through thoughtful dialogue, knowledge exchange, and practical capacity-building that empowers institutions and communities alike.
Abuja provides an important base for this work. As Nigeria’s capital and a centre for policy, governance, diplomacy, and institutional coordination, it offers an opportunity to engage constructively with stakeholders across sectors while supporting conversations and partnerships that can create impact both nationally and regionally.
As Founder, I remain inspired by the resilience, intelligence, and innovation that exist across Nigeria and Africa. I believe strongly that with the right partnerships, stronger public engagement, and sustained commitment, we can build climate and environmental systems that are more transparent, more accountable, and better prepared for the future.
I welcome collaboration with governments, development institutions, researchers, civil society organisations, private sector actors, and communities who share this vision for a more resilient and sustainable future.
Fatimah Abba Wakilbe
Founder & Lead
Climate Span Initiative