From Our Correspondent
Enugu, Jan. 26, ’25 (TNZ) The Enugu State Government has set up the Enugu State Climate Policy and Action Plan (ESCPAP), a significant step toward sustainable development and climate resilience.
TheNewsZenith reports that Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, Senior Policy Adviser to Gov. Peter Mbah on Climate Policy and Sustainable Development, announced this in a statement, Weekend in Enugu.
Okereke represents the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP).
He described the approval as a commitment towards economic transformation, built on principles of environmental sustainability, innovation, inclusiveness and climate resilience.
According to the statement, the decision follows a presentation, underscoring Gov. Mbah’s forward-thinking leadership in integrating economic growth with environmental responsibility.
Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), made the presentation to the state Executive Council.
“The policy reflects Gov. Mbah’s ambition to elevate Enugu’s GDP from $4.4 billion in 2023 to an ambitious $30 billion by 2031.
“It ensures that vital sectors such as agriculture, energy, and natural resources are future-proofed and resilient to environmental challenges,” TheNewsZenith quotes Okereke as stating.
Key Features of the ESCPAP
The ESCPAP is the first long-term climate strategy adopted by a subnational government in Nigeria.
It incorporates advanced tools like emissions modelling, micro-energy audits and extensive stakeholder engagement.
One of the key elements in ESCPAP includes sustainable economic growth to boost the state’s GDP 25-fold by 2060.
The committee will do this through investments in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green technologies.
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ESCPAP also projects creating more than 792,000 jobs in renewable energy, waste management and afforestation sectors.
The policy also targets 80 per cent renewable energy use by 2060 under the energy transition.
It also targets a 60 per cent reduction in transport emissions, alongside an afforestation plan to increase carbon sequestration.
For climate resilience, the policy will enhance the state’s capacity to adapt to flooding, droughts and other climate challenges.
Implementation and Alignment
Okereke stated that the ESCPAP has established an Implementation Committee.
The committee comprises representatives from the government, private sector, civil society and international donors. This is to ensure the effective execution of its goals.
It also aligns with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and global climate agreements.
It thus, positions Enugu as a key player in Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon future.
Okereke said he coordinated the policy development on behalf of the SPP, in collaboration with the SSG’s team and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
“The drafting process received funding from the African Climate Foundation and the European Climate Foundation.
“The government will unveil the ESCPAP to the public soon,” TheNewZenith quotes Okereke as adding. (TNZ)
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