Union Bank Seeks Stronger Collaboration on Climate Action, Environmental Sustainability

Nume Ekeghe

Union Bank has called for stronger collaboration among businesses, policymakers and environmental advocates to tackle climate change and accelerate sustainable development, stressing that collective action remains critical to safeguarding Nigeria’s future.

The lender made the call during the 2026 World Environment Day Symposium it hosted in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) at the Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos.

The symposium brought together environmental experts, corporate leaders, policymakers and students to discuss practical solutions to climate change, biodiversity conservation and environmental stewardship in line with this year’s World Environment Day theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”

In a statement, Union Bank’s Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Mrs. Olufunmilola Aluko, said businesses must move beyond commitments by embedding sustainability into their operations and investment decisions, noting that financial institutions have a unique responsibility to support the transition to a greener economy.

She said: “As a Bank that has been part of Nigeria’s story for over a century, Union Bank recognises that sustainable development and environmental responsibility must go hand in hand. We believe businesses have a role to play not only in what they say, but also in what they do. Banks play an important role because they help determine where capital flows. The choices financial institutions make about what to fund and what to encourage help shape the kind of economy we build. This is a responsibility we take seriously at Union Bank, and it is one of the reasons gatherings like these matter to us.”

She noted that decisions made by financial institutions on lending and investment can significantly influence the pace of the transition to a low-carbon economy, underscoring the need for greater collaboration between the private sector and environmental stakeholders.