The News Chronicle reports that global revenues from carbon pricing have crossed the $107 billion mark in 2025, signaling that the world’s shift toward making polluters pay is no longer a policy experiment but a full-blown financial reality.
The 2026 State and Trends of Carbon Pricing report by the World Bank indicates a 2% rise in revenue from carbon taxes and emissions trading schemes last year, sustaining an amazing run that has seen earnings double from under $30 billion in 2016. From just 8% a decade ago, carbon pricing today covers over 24% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Although affluent countries still control carbon revenue collection, the trend is definitely changing. Japan’s new GX-ETS is already designated for investment in clean energy, and nations such as India and Vietnam are developing national frameworks before 2026.
Nigeria is getting ready to ride this wave. With government predictions indicating at least $3 billion in annual income by 2030, President Tinubu authorised the national carbon market framework of the nation in January 2026.
Given clear rules and reliable monitoring systems are established, experts claim that Nigeria’s vast woodland cover and renewable energy potential make it among Africa’s best candidates to become a major carbon credit centre.
