Applications are open for the Officially Green Leaders Fellowship 2026, a fully funded national programme designed to build a new generation of sustainability and climate leaders across Nigeria.
Organised by The Green Institute, the fellowship will select 37 participants, representing each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The programme is designed to create a nationwide network of changemakers who can lead practical environmental and sustainability initiatives at state and community levels.
Applications close on August 26, 2026.
Building Sustainability Leaders Across Nigeria
Nigeria continues to face environmental challenges including climate change, energy access gaps, waste management, biodiversity loss and the need for stronger sustainability governance.
The Green Leaders Fellowship aims to respond to these challenges by equipping participants with practical knowledge in climate policy, renewable energy, green innovation, environmental governance and sustainable development.
Selected fellows will take part in a fully funded residential training programme covering several areas of sustainability leadership.
Key Areas of the Fellowship
The programme will focus on:
Energy Transition and Green Innovation
Participants will explore renewable and decentralised energy systems, circular economy models, sustainable enterprise development and climate-finance opportunities.
Climate Leadership and Governance
Fellows will receive training in climate science, environmental policy, subnational governance, institutional engagement and localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
State Green Action Blueprint
Each participant will develop a 12-month sustainability roadmap for their state.
The blueprint will include measurable targets, key performance indicators, partnership frameworks and monitoring systems.
Advocacy and Strategic Communication
Participants will also receive training in policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, media communication, public speaking and building influence across different sectors.
Fellows to Establish State Sustainability Cabinets
One of the distinctive elements of the programme is the establishment of State Sustainability Cabinets.
Each fellow will be expected to create a state-level team that may include leadership roles focused on renewable energy, circular economy, climate education, biodiversity conservation, community engagement and research.
The initiative is expected to result in 37 State Sustainability Cabinets across Nigeria.
These teams are intended to support environmental campaigns and state-level sustainability initiatives after the fellowship programme ends.
Fully Funded Fellowship
The programme is fully funded to make participation accessible to successful applicants from across Nigeria.
Funding covers:
- residential accommodation during the one-week programme
- meals and refreshments
- transportation to and from the residency location
The organisers say the structure is intended to ensure that fellows are selected based on merit rather than financial capacity.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to people who demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability or environmental action.
Applicants may come from:
- civil society organisations
- academia
- government and the public sector
- private-sector organisations
- grassroots initiatives
- climate and environmental organisations
Applicants are expected to demonstrate leadership potential, the ability to mobilise stakeholders and a commitment to measurable environmental impact.
Why the Fellowship Matters
Nigeria needs sustainability leaders who can translate climate commitments into practical action at community and state levels.
While national climate policies remain important, many environmental challenges are experienced locally, from flooding and poor waste management to energy access, biodiversity loss and climate-related livelihood disruptions.
Programmes such as the Green Leaders Fellowship can help close the gap between policy and grassroots implementation by creating leaders who understand both sustainability strategy and local realities.
For NGOs, foundations, sustainability organisations and young climate advocates, the fellowship also presents an opportunity to build stronger networks across Nigeria and develop locally led solutions.
Within 12 months of participation, the programme aims to support state-level environmental projects, national sustainability campaigns and stronger youth-led climate advocacy.
Applications for the Officially Green Leaders Fellowship 2026 close on August 26, 2026.
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