The Ministry of Environment, through the Department of Climate Change, in collaboration with the International Centre for Energy, Environment and Development (ICEED), on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, convened the second high-level stakeholder meeting to advance the development of the Abia State Clean Cooking Action Plan.
This gathering brought together a broad coalition of stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs), civil society organisations (CSOs), persons with disabilities, youth climate ambassadors, women’s groups, academic institutions, representatives of the manufacturing sector, relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and Local Government Climate Change Desk Officers.
A key highlight of the meeting was the ongoing process to establish the Abia State Clean Cooking Alliance, a multi-stakeholder platform that will drive inclusive, sustainable access to clean cooking solutions across the state.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Chris Ike, Director of the Department of Climate Change, emphasised the urgency of transitioning to clean cooking in order to address multiple challenges facing Abia State.
“Clean cooking is not just a climate imperative. It is a health gender and development issues millions of households still rely on firewooods and other pollucting fuels. Through this Action plan. Abia state is sending a clear message. Abia state is ready to lead by example in implementing practical solutions that benefit our people and the environment,” said Ike.
He also highlighted the department’s commitment to ensuring the process remains participatory and inclusive, calling on all stakeholders to maintain strong engagement throughout the plan’s development and implementation phases.
“Abia State is committed to being a serious player in Nigeria’s climate change response,” said Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, Commissioner for Environment. “We have adopted the National Climate Change Act of 2021 and are in the final stages of developing our State Climate Change Policy and Action Plan. The Clean Cooking Action Plan is a critical component of this broader strategy.”
The state also intends to develop a State Adaptation Plan, designed to provide a coordinated, multisectoral response to the growing impacts of climate change across Abia.
ICEED Executive Director, Mr. Ewah Eleri, praised the initiative, noting that clean cooking is not only a climate priority but also a public health and economic development issue. He reaffirmed ICEED’s continued support for Abia State’s leadership in building climate resilience and expanding access to modern energy solutions.
The meeting reportedly reaffirmed Abia State’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability, climate justice, and inclusive development. The Clean Cooking Action Plan, once finalised, will serve as a model for other states, integrating equity, innovation, and locally driven solutions.