Enugu state Government has launched
Climate Policy, Action Plan, and Climate Education Manual , being the first sub national climate policy in Nigeria, produced as guidelines to securing sustainable climate resilient for economic growth of the state .
Speaking at the launch held at the old government lodge Enugu, Monday,March 17, the State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah said climate change is not a distant threat, explaining that ‘ it is here with us, reshaping our environment, disrupting livelihoods, and challenging our collective aspirations for sustainable economic development.
Pix: Representative of Gov Mbah Deputy Governor, Ifeanyi Ossai.
He said the Enugu State Climate Policy and Action Plan, is a bold and forward-thinking framework that outlines the state government ‘s vision and trajectory for a resilient, low-carbon, and prosperous future.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Ifeanyi Ossai, Governor Mbah said the document represents a historic commitment by his administration to lead the way in climate action while fostering sustainable development, economic transformation, and social inclusivity.
“Enugu State is endowed with an abundance of natural resources, rich biodiversity, and a hard-working population determined to build a future of economic prosperity. However, like many regions across Nigeria and the world, we are increasingly vulnerable to the devastating effects of climate change , rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, flooding, erosion, and deforestation threaten our agricultural productivity, water security, and overall quality of life. Left unaddressed,,” he said.
These challenges according to him, could undermine the state government ‘s development trajectory. “But we refuse to let that happen. We envision an Enugu State where economic growth and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.
Speaking more on the Climate policy, Governor Mbah said, ” our Climate Policy and Action Plan is not merely a response to the challenges of climate change. it is a strategic blueprint for unlocking green investments, creating thousands of new jobs, and positioning Enugu as a leader in Nigeria’s low-carbon transition.
“This plan aligns with national and international climate goals, including Nigeria’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 and the global objectives outlined in the Paris Agreement.
“This policy is grounded in science, equity, and inclusive governance. It is the first subnational climate policy in Nigeria, developed through rigorous quantitative modelling and extensive stakeholder consultations”, he said .
Governor Mbah who said they had leveraged the perspectives of a diverse range of stakeholders, including the youth, business leaders, academia, civil society, and local farmers, to ensure the policy is reflective of the aspirations of all Enugu citizens , noted that .a critical component of the plan was ensuring that climate action contributes to economic expansion.
“Our vision is to grow Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion in 2023 to $30 billion by 2031. We will achieve this by harnessing the power of green industries, clean energy, and sustainable agriculture. By investing in renewable energy, promoting climate-smart agriculture, expanding public transportation, and modernising our waste and water management systems, we will not only reduce carbon emissions but also stimulate job creation and enhance our state’s competitiveness in the 21st-century economy.
Pix’ Prof Sam Ugwu, Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change
“This is not a plan for tomorrow—it is a plan for today. The Enugu State government is already embedding climate-smart measures into our annual budgets, fostering public-private partnerships, and establishing financing mechanisms such as green bonds and carbon market initiatives.
“We are determined to ensure that our commitment to sustainability translates into real action and measurable impact., ” he said.
On having a green scenario, Governor Mbah said tree planting is a formidable move to mitigate the effects of climate change, He disclosed that soon, tree planting in every home will be one of the criteria for building plan approval. The Governor also disclosed that the State Government and the House of Assembly would work together to enact a law that would illegalize cutting of trees in the metropolis without approval.
“Together, we can build an Enugu State that is not only resilient to climate change but also a beacon of sustainable development, innovation, and shared prosperity.”, Governor Mbah said.
He commended the experts, policymakers, and stakeholders who contributed to the development of the policy and action plan, saying their commitment and hard work will shape the future of Enugu state for generations to come. He also extend gratitude to the Africa Climate Foundation (ACF) and the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP) for their funding and technical assistance, respectively.
In his welcome address, the state commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Prof. Sam Ugwu said Climate change has become a global challenge with its consequential impacts on livelihoods and ecosystems distorting national and subnational socio-economic values and activities.
The Commissioner noted that climate change policy and action plans were essential in reducing and ameliorating the situation.
“The Enugu State Climate Policy serves as a comprehensive roadmap for integrating sustainability into every sector of our economy. It is a strategic framework designed to drive green investments, create thousands of jobs, and position Enugu as a leader in Nigeria’s low-carbon transition.
“Our Climate Action Plan outlines practical steps to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, enhance climate adaptation, and build a robust green economy. Furthermore, the Climate Education Manual underscores our commitment to empowering the next generation with the knowledge and skills required to champion climate solutions.
“This initiative is more than a policy document; it is a commitment to our people and our future. It reflects the aspirations of our farmers, business owners, students, researchers, and local communities who all contributed to its development. It aligns with Nigeria’s net-zero emissions target by 2060 and global climate agreements, ensuring that Enugu State remains at the forefront of climate governance and action, he said .
Prof Ugwu noted that ,”policy alone is not enough. Action is required at all levels. We must work together-government agencies, private sector partners, development organizations, civil society, and every citizen-to ensure the successful implementation of these frameworks. The success of this policy depends on our collective will to turn strategy into tangible impact, ” he said.
He commended Governor Mbah for showing interest in Climate Change by devoting a huge part of the Ministry of Environment to Climate Change.
Presenting the overview of the Climate Change Policy, Action plan and Climate Manual, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Policy and Sustainable Development, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke said the Climate policy and Action plan integrated an energy and economic framework. He spoke on the impact of climate change in Enugu state , which included increase in temperature, economic context, land use change among others
Prof Okereke disclosed that “Enugu State is already loosing the water body. He said that the biggest impact will be on agriculture,adding that Climate Smart Agriculture is one of the ways to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change.
In a remark,, the Chief Field Officer, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Enugu, Mrs Juliet Chiluw, commended Enugu government for its Smart Green School and launching of the climate action and policy.
“One of our mandate is to ensure that all children attain rights in all circumstances and context.
Pix: Mrs Chiluwe, UNICEF Rep
“So UNICEF is critical member of the table to ensure that social protection of child rights in alliance with the climate change,” she said.
In their goodwill messages , the Governor’s wife , Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah,who was represented by Mrs Chidimma Egeonu, the speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Uche Ugwu, represented by the chairman, house committee on Climate Change, Hon Pius Ezeugwu, representatives of the Director , Ministry of Environment, Nigerian Breweries PLC, Joy Ekolua, and African Climate Foundation,Zirrpia. all assured support for the policy.
In a vote of thanks, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, thanked the wife of the state Governor ,Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, the Commissioner for Education Prof. Ndubueze Mbah for their contributions to the creation of the climate manual.
He noted that implementation is the key to the success of the policy. “The time to act is now. Let us embrace this challenge as an opportunity to redefine our development trajectory. Let us commit to building an Enugu State that is not only economically prosperous but also environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient, ” he said.
Highlights of the event was the formal unveiling of the Enugu Climate Policy, Action Plan, Climate Education Manual by Governor Mbah’ s representative, and Deputy Governor , Ifeanyi Ossai.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama