In what stakeholders have termed a show of force in the implementation of Nigeria’s numerous climate action-driven programmes, the federal government has started work on the country’s Second Biennial Transparency Report and Fourth National Communication (BTR2/NC4).
Participants in the BTR2/NC4 reports stakeholders workshop, which was hosted in Abuja by the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS)
Speaking at a workshop organised by the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS) in Abuja on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, the Director General of the Council, characterised the BTR2/NC4 as two crucial instruments for tracking climate progress and promoting strong alignment with more efficient data-driven climate action.
The DG, who was represented at the event by Dr. Chukwuemeka Okebugwu, an assistant director with the NCCCS, informed the participants that the meeting was held as a basic prerequisite for improving confidence and transparency in the execution of the Paris Agreement.
According to her, this process will eventually create a strong institutional framework that allows data and information to flow freely, enabling the realisation of high-quality reporting throughout the country.
Dr. Maduekwe, who also serves as the special presidential envoy on climate change, revealed that Nigeria has prepared and submitted three national communications to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), two biennial update reports, and the recently submitted first BTR in December 2024.
“Today, we have convened again to commence the preparation of the next circle of reporting in the BTR2 and NC4 as a combined implementation as required under the enhanced transparency framework of the Paris Agreement,” the DG stated.
The federal government and development agencies such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supported the technical sessions, which brought key stakeholders together to brainstorm, coordinate and establish a compliance procedure as well as data requirements to improve the BTR2/NC4 report.
Nigeria ratified the convention in August 2024, in accordance with the Conference of Parties (COP) resolutions. During the technical session, it was revealed that in 2023, Nigeria was ranked medium in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025 ranking results, ahead of South Africa. Nigeria has been consistent in reporting on major outcomes; nevertheless, analysts argue the policy does not provide adequate support for the initiatives.
During the analysis of the BTR1, attendees identified gaps such as collective data from relevant institutions, greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory setup, quantifying Nigeria’s climate resilience in access to clean electricity over the last four years, and climate reportage through reliable sources for wider information dissemination to improve citizens’ understanding, among other things.
In a major strike against wildlife trafficking in Nigeria, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), supported by the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), arrested five suspects and seized 3.765 tonnes of pangolin scales in Lagos, an amount estimated to represent the killing of over 1,900 pangolins.
The Pangolin. Pangolins are believed to be the world’s most trafficked mammals
This marks the largest global seizure of pangolin scales reported so far in 2025 and underscores Nigeria’s increasing role in tackling transnational wildlife trafficking.
The successful operation was driven by intelligence provided by the WJC and targeted a high-volume supply chain network based in Lagos, specifically the well-known Lekki Arts and Crafts Market (Jakande Market). On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, a suspected key broker was apprehended, along with over one tonne of pangolin scales.
Follow-up intelligence led officers to a warehouse in Efiran, where the alleged network leader, a second suspected broker, and two employees were arrested, and a further 2.762 tonnes of scales were recovered.
“This operation underscores the power of intelligence-led law enforcement in tackling transnational wildlife crime,” said Olivia Swaak-Goldman, Executive Director of the Wildlife Justice Commission.
“Congratulations to the Nigeria Customs Service on another outstanding result this year. These arrests were made possible because WJC and NCS followed the money, demonstrating how financial investigations are a critical tool in identifying choke points, exposing key actors, to enable systematic dismantling of the top tier layer of major criminal networks.
“By targeting key actors and disrupting criminal operations from the top down and across global supply chains, we can disrupt organised wildlife crime and help prevent species from being driven to extinction,” added Swaak-Goldman.
This latest success highlights a broader shift in Nigeria’s wildlife trafficking landscape. What was once viewed as a low-risk, high-reward activity is now increasingly recognised by traffickers as a high-risk endeavour, thanks to the strategic and sustained enforcement actions by NCS and the WJC.
According to the WJC, it has been working in close partnership with the NCS since July 2021, providing intelligence analysis, investigative support, and evidentiary assistance. To date, this collaboration has facilitated 18 joint operations, leading to 42 arrests, the seizure of more than 25 tonnes of pangolin scales and over one tonne of ivory, and 12 successful convictions.
Among those convicted are a Vietnamese kingpin, his two associates, and two high-level shipping facilitators who were working for many of the Lagos-based organised crime networks.
“Our technical assistance has contributed to 95% of all pangolin scales seizures reported in Nigeria during this period. Notably, no significant seizures of African pangolin scales have been reported at any seaports globally for over three years, signaling a major disruption in transnational trafficking routes. This disruption also helps reduce pressure on the species, allowing populations a chance to recover,” disclosed the WJC in a statement made available to EnviroNews on Tuesday, April 8.
To further inform the global response, the WJC noted that it would soon release a new report analysing ivory and pangolin scale trafficking trends over the past decade. Covering the period from 2015 to 2024, the report draws on seizure data, open-source research, and criminal intelligence.
“It offers critical insights into how trafficking operations have adapted and aims to support more targeted and effective law enforcement and policy responses worldwide,” submitted the WJC, adding:
“The WJC and Nigeria Customs Service remain steadfast in their commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal networks and ensuring that Nigeria is no longer a safe haven for wildlife traffickers.”
The Eleventh Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD-11) is set to take place in Kampala, Uganda, from April 9 to April 11, 2025, preceded by pre-events, such as the Africa Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Forum. This multi-stakeholder forum is jointly organised by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Government of Uganda, in collaboration with the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank, and various United Nations agencies.
The city of Kampala in Uganda is hosting the ARFSD-11
Under the theme “Driving job creation and economic growth through sustainable, inclusive, science-and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063,” ARFSD-11 aims to address the pressing need for concerted action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. With only five years left to meet these ambitious targets, the Forum represents a crucial opportunity to catalyse real change on the Continent.
While some progress has been registered on the SDGs as reported in voluntary reviews, the organizing experts worry that Africa, like many parts of the world, is currently off track with most SDG targets and has even seen regression in certain areas. The Forum is being held at a critical time when commitments to enhance the pace of implementation across the continent need to be revitalised. African States need to take bold, ambitious and accelerated transformative measures to improve development outcomes.
Furthermore, there is the urgency to implement the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (STYIP) of Agenda 2063, as it directly aligns with the overarching goals of the 2030 Agenda, with ambitions known as “moonshots” which include the attainment of at least middle-income status and the amicable resolution of conflicts in Africa by 2044.
Amplifying Africa’s collective voice on the SDGs and Agenda 2063
The annual Forum is coming in the wake of resolutions reached at the 2024 Summit of the Future and the need to push concrete actions for the implementation of the Summit’s outcomes. Additionally, the Forum will serve as a preparatory meeting for the Second World Summit for Social Development, set to be held in Qatar in November 2025. This alignment emphasizes the importance of Africa’s collective voice on global platforms.
The objectives of ARFSD-11 include a comprehensive review of progress, challenges, and opportunities in implementing the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063 with specific focus on five key SDGs:
SDG 3 (good health and well-being)
SDG 5 (gender equality)
SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth)
SDG 14 (life below water) and
SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals) and the corresponding goals of Agenda 2063 with a special focus on its second ten-year implementation plan (STYIP).
Furthermore, the Forum aims to strengthen learning and advocate for effective policy measures that promote sustainable, inclusive, and evidence-based solutions at national, regional, and global levels. It will also facilitate consensus-building and the adoption of key outcome documents, including the Kampala Declaration on sustainable development.
As a multi-stakeholder forum, ARFSD-11 will adopt a hybrid format, allowing both in-person and virtual participation from ministers, high-level policymakers, experts, and practitioners across various sectors. Participants will represent ministries responsible for planning, economic development, gender and social affairs, health, environmental management, and more. Additionally, stakeholders from civil society, the private sector, media, academia, and regional organisations will contribute to the discussions, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive dialogue.
According to the organising team, Africa is at a pivotal moment, with the potential to significantly advance the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063 from the ground up. The Forum is being organised as one that needs to shape the future of sustainable development across the region.
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has partnered the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) to promote sustainable plastic waste management.
LAWMA partners UNIDO, and FIBRA
This is contained in a statement signed by Mrs. Folashade Kadiri, Director, Public Affairs, LAWMA, made available on Monday, April 7, 2025, in Lagos.
The statement said that the initiative, tagged “UNIDO Project 210184: Promoting Sustainable Plastic Value Chains through Circular Economy Practices,” is funded by the Government of Japan.
It said that the project seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for inclusive and sustainable industrial development by addressing plastic pollution at source.
“As part of the project, four plastic waste collection facilities and 30 designated collection points will be established across the Lekki and Lagos Mainland municipalities.
“While LAWMA will provide the land and essential infrastructure, as UNIDO and FBRA will co-finance the development, and lead public awareness campaigns under the zero plastic waste initiative,” it said.
The statement quoted LAWMA’s Managing Director, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, as saying that that the project required two land parcels each in Lekki and Lagos Mainland, which had been secured.
Gbadegesin said LAWMA was exploring a collaborative model with a local school to integrate an educational facility alongside the recycling centre, to foster environmental awareness and learning within the community.
The statement also quoted the National Programme Officer at the UNIDO Sub-Regional Office in Abuja, overseeing environmental projects and programmes, Dr Osuji Otu, as saying that they were united in ensuring the initiative’s success.
“LAWMA, UNIDO and FBRA are united in their commitment to the nation’s environmental progress, and we have chosen Abuja and Lagos as key locations for the initiative.
“In Abuja, we have the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, AEPB; in Lagos, we are working with LAWMA and FBRA to pilot the project.”
Otu explained that the goal of the project was to lay the groundwork for a nationwide waste management strategy.
“The aim is to implement a successful pilot that can be replicated across the country.
“The success of the initiative will serve as a benchmark for future efforts in Nigeria, which is why these two organisations must collaborate and ensure the project’s success.
“This will help attract additional funding and allow us to expand this model to other regions,” Otu said.
He also called for greater involvement of other sister agencies, urging them to embrace such initiatives.
Otu described environmental sustainability, particularly in plastic waste management, as a global priority.
“I encourage other agencies to align with these programmes and support both the Nigerian government and UNIDO in addressing this pressing issue,” Otu said. . The statement quoted the Executive Director of Finance at LAWMA, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, as saying that the project was initiated in 2022 by UNIDO, involving LAWMA and FBRA.
Adebiyi noted that the goal was to strengthen the state’s recycling capacity and fostering partnerships for the state’s broader environmental goals.
“This initiative aligns with LAWMA’s mission to promote efficient waste management and environmental sustainability in Lagos.
“We are optimistic that this project will contribute significantly to environmental sustainability,” Adebiyi said.
The statement said the collaboration was anchored by a cooperation committee made up of representatives of UNIDO, LAWMA, and FBRA.
According to the statement, the committee is tasked with monitoring progress, selecting private sector recycling companies to operate the facilities under lease agreements, and resolving challenges that may arise during implementation.
It explained that the facilities would be managed by private sector operators selected through a transparent process based on predefined criteria.
The statement mentioned that FBRA, a key partner in the initiative, is a Producer Responsibility Organisation, responsible for implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies in Nigeria’s food and beverage sector.
“FBRA’s role in the project also includes leading community awareness campaigns in Lekki and Lagos Mainland.
“With growing concerns over plastic pollution and its impact on human health and the environment.
“This collaboration represents a significant step toward strengthening a circular economy in Lagos and Abuja to reduce waste, promote recycling, and support green job creation,” the statement said.
According to the statement, the project is expected to run until September 2026.
It added that the partnership between LAWMA and FBRA would continue beyond the official timeline, to ensure long-term impact and sustainability.
Over 400 million tonnes of plastic wastes are generated annually.
The Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, has revealed plans to replicate crcCARE, a renowned Australian research centre, in Ogoniland.
Visit to Ogoniland by Prof. Ravi Naidu, Managing Director of crcCARE
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, following a visit to Ogoniland by Prof. Ravi Naidu, Managing Director of crcCARE and academic at the University of Newcastle, Australia.
“They have a functional centre at crcCARE, and we intend to replicate that same model here at the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER) in Ogoniland,” Zabbey stated.
The crcCARE is a collaborative initiative involving multiple organisations dedicated to developing innovative solutions for the prevention and remediation of soil, water, and air contamination, including the management of solid and liquid waste.
Zabbey emphasised that Naidu’s visit to CEER, located in Wiiyaakara, Khana Local Government Area, marks a critical step towards reducing conflict and agitation in the region.
“The centre will serve as a hub for multidisciplinary, cutting-edge research in environmental remediation, as well as provide practical training and job creation opportunities for local youth and women,” he added.
He commended Naidu’s contributions to the development of remediation technologies, including Permeable Reactive Barriers, one of the advanced techniques that will be utilised for restoring high-risk and complex sites.
According to Zabbey, HYPREP is currently developing a model for environmental cleanup in the Niger Delta and across Nigeria, and as such, strategic partnerships with reputable global industry players are essential for long-term sustainability.
He noted that collaboration with crcCARE, one of the world’s leading centres for environmental remediation, is especially important, given the novelty of the Ogoni Clean-up initiative in the region.
The HYPREP project coordinator further stated that the partnership would offer targeted solutions to the environmental and socio-economic challenges in Ogoniland and Nigeria at large.
In his remarks, Prof. Naidu expressed confidence that CEER will continue to address environmental and public health issues arising from pollution exposure.
He confirmed that crcCARE would collaborate with HYPREP and CEER in areas including site assessment, characterisation, remediation, and capacity building.
The United Nations (UN) and the African Union (AU) have intensified efforts to align the African Union’s Agenda 2063 with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Agenda 2030.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Ms. Botho Bayendi, Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Delivery at the AU Commission, said this in a statement by the United Nations Economic Commission for African (UNECA).
Bayendi said the initiative, called ”Two Agendas, One Framework”, aimed to harmonise Africa’s long-term development plan with global SDGs for more effective implementation at national levels.
She spoke on the sidelines of the ongoing 11th Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, which commenced on April 7, 2025, and expected to end on the 12 in Addis Ababa.
The meeting is themed ”Accelerating Transformation through the Implementation of Agenda 2063’s Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (STYIP) alongside the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”.
Bayendi said that realities on ground demanded increased cooperation between the UN and the AU as both institutions target the same development indicators.
Similarly, Said Adejumobi, Director, Strategic Planning, Oversight and Results Division (SPORD) at UNECA, said Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030 had an 80 per cent convergence rate, necessitating joint efforts for effective implementation.
Adejumobi added that the UN system, through its Resident Coordinators in every African country, would drive national-level implementation of the STYIP in line with the ”Two Agendas, One Framework” approach.
Mr. Yacoub El-Hillo, Regional Director of the UN Development Coordination Office (DCO), praised the AU-UN collaboration.
He cited the ”College-to-College” strategic approach, a joint coordination mechanism in peace, security, development, and humanitarian sectors as a key achievement.
According to El-Hillo, the partnership holds significant promise for the continent’s 1.5 billion people, reinforcing the need for unified action.
In his remarks Amb. Maes Ennio of Côte d’Ivoire, representing Agenda 2063 Champion, President Alhassan Ouattara, said the synergy between the UN and AU could form the basis for Africa’s transformation.
“The 2018 Memorandum of Understanding signed between UN Secretary-General António Guterres and AU Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat remains a cornerstone of the joint efforts toward harmonising Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030.
“This side event also aims to facilitate the integration of STYIP priorities into the UN Country Teams’ Common Country Analyses (CCAs) and Cooperation Frameworks (CFs).
“This will further ensure alignment of national development plans with both Agendas,” he said.
The meeting brought together all UN Resident Coordinators across Africa, along with key development partners.
It was jointly organised by the AUC, UNECA, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), AUDA-NEPAD, and the UN Development Coordination Office (DCO), under the Technical Working Group for the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (STYIP).
The STYIP outlines Africa’s development vision from 2024 to 2033 and is designed to align with the UN’s global development goals as part of efforts to harmonise national development plans across member states.
The Dire Wolf, an extinct animal made famous in the TV series “Game of Thrones’’, has been brought back from extinction after more than 10,000 years, a biotech start-up has announced.
Dire Wolf
Texas Company, Colossal Biosciences, has said that its researchers had used cloning and gene-editing based on two ancient samples of dire wolf DNA to birth three modern dire wolf pups.
It included two six-month-old males named Romulus and Remus and a three-month-old female named Khaleesi.
Colossal’s chief executive, Ben Lamm, called the development a “massive milestone.”
“I could not be more proud of the team. This massive milestone is the first of many coming examples demonstrating that our end-to-end de-extinction technology stack works.
“Our team took DNA from a 13,000 year old tooth and a 72,000 year old skull and made healthy dire wolf puppies.
“It was once said, any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.
“Today, our team gets to unveil some of the magic they are working on and its broader impact on conservation,’’ he said in a statement.
Researchers at Colossal explained the de-extinction process involved taking blood cells from a living grey wolf, the dire wolf’s closest living relative, and genetically modifying them in 20 different sites.
The genetic material was transferred to an egg cell from a domestic dog, then the embryos were transferred to surrogate for gestation and, finally, successful birth.
Dr Beth Shapiro, Colossal’s Chief Science Officer, said: “Our novel approach to iteratively improved our ancient genome in the absence of a perfect reference sets a new standard for paleogenome reconstruction.
“Together with improved approaches to recover ancient DNA, these computational advances allowed us to resolve the evolutionary history of dire wolves and establish the genomic foundation for de-extinction.
“It’s specifically for selecting with confidence dire wolf specific genetic variants that establish our targets for gene editing.”
Distinctive traits of the dire wolf included light thick fur and muscular jaws, while they are also much larger than grey wolves.
Colossal said the animals would live their lives on a continuously monitored, secure ecological preserve that is certified by the American Humane Society and registered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The dire wolf is a mainstay of fantasy settings in pop culture, with mentions in role-playing games like “Dungeons & Dragons’’ and video games like “World of Warcraft.’’
However, the vehicle which truly shot dire wolves to fame was the HBO series “Game of Thrones”, based on the works of author George RR Martin.
Mr. Martin, an investor in Colossal and cultural adviser for the company, said, “Many people view dire wolves as mythical creatures that only exist in a fantasy world.
“But in reality, they have a rich history of contributing to the American ecosystem.
“I get the luxury to write about magic, but Ben and Colossal have created magic by bringing these majestic beasts back to our world.”
Colossal also announced it had cloned four red wolves using blood drawn from wild wolves of the south-eastern U.S.’s critically endangered red wolf population.
The aim was to bring more genetic diversity into the small population of captive red wolves, which scientists are using to breed and help save the species.
The Federal Government and the African Development Bank (AfDB) are set to commence implementation of agro-industrial projects in Kaduna and Calabar to boost food security in the country.
African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Akinwumi Adesina
The AfDB in a statement said it would kickstart the construction of the $538 million Phase 1 Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme in Kaduna on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
According to the statement, Vice President Kashim Shettima and African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, will attend the event which will be hosted by Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani.
It said the AfDB president would then move to Cross River, where the Federal Government and Gov. Bassey Otu would lead another groundbreaking event in Calabar.
The SAPZ Phase 1 programmme is spread across eight locations including Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Cross River, Imo, Ogun, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory.
Inaugurated in 2022, the initiative received $210 million from the AfDB, with support from the Islamic Development Bank, IFAD, and ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms.
The statement says the programme aims to increase food production, reduce imports, create jobs, and transform rural areas into productive economic zones.
It also said that, in 2023, Nigeria spent $4.7 billion importing food, adding that the SAPZ is designed to reverse this by boosting local production and strengthening value chains.
“The project will enhance agricultural productivity by more than 60 per cent, reduce post-harvest losses, and support agro-processing from farm to market.
“Kaduna and Cross River will host agro-industrial hubs, transformation centers, and aggregation facilities as part of the programme’s core infrastructure.
“Kaduna will focus on maize, soybeans, ginger, and tomatoes, while Cross River targets cocoa, cassava, and rice production,” it said.
It further said that the sites were located near key universities like Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Calabar to tap into research and skilled manpower.
“Each participating state is expected to generate more than 60,000 jobs, according to project estimates.
“Several federal and state officials, along with development partners, are expected to attend the ceremonies to mark this major step in agricultural development,” the statement added.
Cutting funding for emergency food assistance could result in a death sentence for millions of people, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Monday, April 7, 2025.
Cindy McCain, Executive Director, World Food Programme (WFP)
The organisation said it was deeply concerned by recent notifications from the United States (U.S.) indicating it had terminated emergency food assistance in 14 countries.
“If implemented, this could amount to a death sentence for millions of people facing extreme hunger and starvation,’’ the organisation wrote on X.
WFP was in contact with the U.S. administration to “seek clarification and to urge for continued support for these life-saving programmes,’’ it added.
Executive director, Cindy McCain, urged world leaders to weigh the consequences of aid cuts.
“Continued cuts to WFP’s emergency operations will deepen hunger, fuel instability, and make the world far less safe.
“With conflicts and extreme hunger surging, pulling support doesn’t just cost lives, it undermines global stability,’’ she wrote on X.
The U.S. was WFP’s largest donor in 2024, contributing $4.5 billion.
However, under President Donald Trump, the U.S. has cut spending on international humanitarian aid.
The government began dismantling the development agency USAID in early February and has shut down numerous programmes.
Globally, subnational governments are emerging as powerful agents of climate action. When national leadership falters or political shifts threaten climate policy continuity, state and local governments often step in to fill the void. As global climate governance evolves, the importance of subnational commitments is becoming increasingly evident. From integrating climate finance at the state level to fostering grassroots participation in international agreements, subnational entities play a crucial role in addressing climate challenges.
Timothy Ogenyi
While Nigeria has made significant strides in developing national climate policies and aligning with international climate frameworks, the success of these efforts hinges on subnational engagement. Translating national policies into tangible results requires integrating climate considerations into state-level governance structures.
Subnational governments, particularly state administrations, are pivotal in implementing climate strategies, given their proximity to communities and unique understanding of regional challenges. This underscores the urgent need to mainstream subnational climate governance as a core component of Nigeria’s climate action roadmap.
State governments, with their deep understanding of regional geography, economies, and social landscapes, are uniquely positioned to design and implement policies tailored to local environmental challenges. Their proximity to communities allows for targeted solutions, rapid policy execution, and meaningful grassroots engagement – essential components for effective climate governance.
The 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku reinforced this notion, highlighting the need for climate action beyond the national stage. As climate challenges intensify, the ability to drive impactful solutions increasingly rests in the hands of subnational governments. States and regions are better placed to implement policies that reflect local realities while aligning with national and global climate goals.
One of COP29’s pivotal outcomes was the introduction of the New Quantified Climate Finance Goal (NCQG), which seeks to increase access to climate finance for subnational entities. This presents Nigerian states with an opportunity to engage directly with international funding mechanisms, circumventing traditional federal bottlenecks.
Additionally, the strengthening of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement – focused on carbon markets – ensures the protection of Indigenous Peoples and local communities. This development creates new pathways for subnational governments to participate in carbon trading, further supporting climate initiatives at the local level.
These mechanisms offer Nigerian states critical opportunities to secure funding, foster inclusive projects, and leverage indigenous knowledge and local innovation to build climate resilience. To capitalise on this momentum, states must develop robust frameworks for accessing and managing climate finance.
For Nigeria to meet its climate goals, state governments must not only align with national policies but also address the unique needs and vulnerabilities of their local populations. The success of national climate strategies depends on effective implementation at the subnational level. Strengthening subnational climate governance requires several key actions:
1. Integrating Climate Education into School Curricula
Building awareness and capacity from an early age is vital. Climate education can equip future generations with the knowledge and skills to engage in sustainable practices, fostering a long-term commitment to climate action.
2. Coordinating State Climate Action Plans with National Policies
Aligning state-level initiatives with federal frameworks ensures coherence, prevents duplication, and maximises the impact of climate efforts. A well-coordinated approach will bridge the gap between national ambitions and local realities.
3. Enhancing Climate Finance and Budgeting
Transparent budgeting and resource allocation at the state level are critical to advancing climate initiatives. Clearly defined climate budgets ensure that funds are directed to the most vulnerable sectors and communities, improving efficiency and accountability.
4. Fostering Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration
Partnerships among governments, communities, NGOs, and businesses enhance innovation, resource-sharing, and the effective implementation of climate projects. Facilitating knowledge exchange between states can also accelerate progress by scaling successful initiatives nationwide.
5. Engaging Local Communities in Climate Resilience Approaches
Involving communities in climate planning and implementation fosters ownership, ensuring that climate actions reflect local priorities and drive meaningful, lasting change.
Nigeria’s climate governance structure requires subnational participation to complement federal efforts. While federal policies such as the Climate Change Act, the NDC and the Energy Transition Plan outline ambitious goals, the absence of complementary subnational frameworks weakens their implementation.
This misalignment hinders Nigeria’s capacity to meet its climate targets and underscores the need for coordinated action between federal and state governments. In essence, the absence of subnational strategies reflects broader systemic issues. National climate action plans cannot succeed in isolation. A bottom-up approach, where local and state-level actors contribute to shaping national policies, is essential for comprehensive and sustainable progress.
A major challenge facing subnational climate governance is the lack of political will, awareness, and funding. Addressing these gaps requires proactive investment in state-level governance structures and policies. Nigeria must recognise that its climate future starts at the state level. By developing and implementing region-specific climate action plans aligned with national objectives, subnational governments can serve as catalysts for meaningful progress.
Without structured subnational frameworks, Nigeria risks falling behind in meeting its climate targets. Effective climate governance at the national level relies heavily on integrating subnational perspectives into policy-making and development planning. However, the limited presence of administrative structures and dedicated climate institutions at the state level remains a significant barrier. Without subnational frameworks, national climate strategies risk becoming abstract concepts with minimal real-world impact.
Nigeria’s federated governance system demands that subnational initiatives complement and reinforce federal efforts. Climate change is primarily felt at the grassroots level, making subnational action a necessity for meaningful progress. By bridging the disconnect between national and state-level policies, fostering local innovation, and ensuring access to climate finance, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its states to drive impactful climate action.
Through a state-driven process, we can begin to strengthen state governments’ commitments and effectiveness to align with national and international climate goals. Rarely is there a successful national climate action without a subnational clear vision statement reflecting the commitment to climate action, green growth and sustainable development through a bottom-up approach from the local and state-level collaboration.
Nigeria can build a resilient climate governance ecosystem that aligns with federal and international objectives by empowering state governments to craft climate policies and develop green growth subnational strategies.
By Timothy Ogenyi, a climate governance expert and senior policy analyst at the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP)
