Bridge and Value Leads Nigeria’s Historic Debut at ChangeNOW 2026

Bridge and Value, the Paris-based international business development firm led by Mr. Abiodun Dominic Odunuga, has successfully led Nigeria’s first-ever official participation at ChangeNOW 2026, the world’s largest summit dedicated to sustainability solutions, culminating in the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Katsina State Government and LDN Advisory.

Held from March 30 to April 1, 2026, at the iconic Grand Palais in Paris, ChangeNOW 2026 convened over 40,000 participants from more than 140 countries, bringing together global leaders, innovators, investors, policymakers, and climate experts committed to accelerating solutions for the planet.

For the first time in the history of the summit, Nigeria was represented by an official national delegation, a milestone facilitated by Bridge and Value.

The Nigerian delegation comprised state government officials, public agencies, private sector leaders, innovators, and sustainability advocates, all united by a shared vision of positioning Nigeria as a serious contributor to the global sustainability and green development agenda.

Also in attendance was Mrs. Titilayo Oshodi, Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Climate Change and Circular Economy, who delivered an address at the Nigeria Meet-Up, ChangeNOW 2026.

Speaking on the significance of the achievement, Mr. Abiodun Dominic Odunuga, CEO of Bridge and Value, described Nigeria’s participation as a defining moment for the country’s international sustainability engagement.

“Nigeria’s presence at ChangeNOW 2026 was more than symbolic; it was a statement that our country is ready to engage the world as a solution-driven partner in climate innovation, sustainability, and green development. At Bridge and Value, our mission has always been to ensure that Nigeria is not merely included in global conversations but positioned to lead and shape them,” Odunuga said.

The groundwork for Nigeria’s participation began months before the summit. In November 2025, Bridge and Value wirh Azuretti Services and Distriburion facilitated a strategic meeting in Paris between the Executive Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency Dikko Umar Radda, and the Founder and CEO of ChangeNOW, Mr. Santiago Lefebvre. That engagement laid the foundation for Nigeria’s historic participation and Governor Radda’s eventual invitation as the first Nigerian leader to deliver a keynote address at the summit.
A defining highlight of the event came on March 31, 2026, when the Katsina State Government formally signed an MoU with LDN Advisory before an international audience at the Grand Palais.

The agreement establishes a strategic framework for the development of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) projects across Katsina State, guided by Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) principles. The partnership is expected to unlock climate financing opportunities, strengthen biodiversity conservation efforts, and create a pipeline of bankable environmental projects capable of delivering long-term economic and ecological benefits.

For Katsina State, one of the regions most affected by desertification in Northern Nigeria, the partnership represents a critical intervention aimed at restoring degraded lands, strengthening climate resilience, and improving livelihoods across vulnerable communities.
Commenting on the partnership, Odunuga noted that the MoU demonstrates the power of intentional international collaboration.

“This partnership between Katsina State and LDN Advisory is proof that when African institutions are strategically connected to global platforms and partners, transformative opportunities emerge. We are proud to have facilitated an agreement that has the potential to drive real environmental and socio-economic impact for communities on the frontline of climate change,” he added.

Signatories to the agreement included the Katsina State Government, led by His Excellency Dikko Umar Radda, the Executive Governor, Katsina State, Dr Hafeez Ibrahim Ahmad, Special Adviser to the Executive Governor on Power and Renewable Energy, Mr. Alain Retière – Co-Founder and CEO, LDN Advisory; Mr. Olivier Follin – Senior Partner and Co-Founder, LDN Advisory as well as Mr. Abiodun Odunuga, CEO Bridge and Value.
Bridge and Value says discussions and relationships initiated during ChangeNOW 2026 are already opening new pathways for additional investments, partnerships, and international collaborations involving Nigeria and other African stakeholders.

“This is only the beginning. Bridge and Value remains committed to building meaningful bridges between Africa and Europe, unlocking opportunities that create measurable value for governments, businesses, institutions, and communities,” Odunuga stated.