The College of Law, McPherson University, Seriki-Sotayo, Ogun State, has contributed to national discussions on environmental sustainability and green economic development at the 57th National Conference of the Nigerian Association of Law Teachers (NALT), hosted by the University of Benin, Edo State.
The University’s delegation participated in discussions on the paper titled “Incentivising Green Innovation, Green Credit, and Green Finance Through Law in Nigeria,” examining how legal frameworks can promote sustainable investments and support Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
The research team comprised Ruth Adewale, Toluwani Mercy Francis, Dr Oluwanike Olufunke Oguntokun, Dr Abimbola Sokoya and Dr Olusola Salau. Their contribution explored the role of law in encouraging green innovation and financing, with emphasis on moving beyond punitive environmental regulations towards legal frameworks that actively promote sustainable investments through incentives, risk reduction and supportive policies.
The team also highlighted the need for a comprehensive and harmonised legal framework for green finance in Nigeria. Among the recommendations discussed were the introduction of a unified Green Finance Act to harmonise existing regulations across banking, capital markets, taxation and environmental governance, alongside fiscal incentives, research and development tax deductions, tax credits and public procurement measures to encourage private sector investment in green infrastructure.
During the question and answer session, Dr Abimbola Sokoya of the College of Law emphasised the need for increased public sensitisation and institutional awareness of green innovation, green credit and green finance. He also called on NALT to issue a communiqué to the Federal Government, conveying the recommendations made at the conference to inform policy development and implementation.
The presentation and contributions received commendation from senior legal scholars at the conference. Notably, Professor Ademola Popoola of the Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, commended the team and requested a photograph with the McPherson University delegation.
The participation of McPherson University’s College of Law at the conference highlights its commitment to academic excellence, legal scholarship and engagement with critical national policy issues. Through its contributions to discussions on green innovation and sustainable finance, the College continues to advance scholarly perspectives on the role of law in promoting environmental sustainability and Nigeria’s economic development.
