Enugu’s Executive Council approves pioneering Climate Policy, Action Plan

In a historic move towards sustainable development, the Enugu State Executive Council has unanimously approved the Enugu State Climate Policy and Action Plan (ESCPAP), signaling a commitment to economic transformation rooted in environmental sustainability, innovation, inclusiveness, and climate resilience.

Gov Peter Mbah of Enugu State

The approval follows a presentation by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, and underscores Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s visionary leadership in balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship. With a mission to elevate the state’s GDP from $4.4 billion in 2023 to an ambitious $30 billion by 2031, the policy ensures that key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and natural resources are climate-resilient and future-proofed against environmental challenges.

The ESCPAP represents a pioneering effort, making Enugu the first subnational government in Nigeria to adopt a long-term climate strategy that incorporates emissions modeling, microenergy audits, and extensive stakeholder engagement. This innovative approach aims to facilitate clean energy development, stimulate job creation, and foster green technology advancements.

Key Highlights of the Climate Policy and Action Plan:

Sustainable Economic Growth: The ESCPAP is poised to drive a 25-fold increase in the state’s GDP by 2060 through investments in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green technology.

Job Creation: Over 792,000 new jobs are expected to emerge in sectors like renewable energy, waste management, and afforestation.

Energy Transition: The state targets 80% renewable energy usage by 2060, with a 60% emissions reduction in the transport sector and a robust afforestation plan to enhance carbon sequestration.

Climate Resilience: The policy emphasises enhancing adaptive capacity and reducing vulnerability to climate-related challenges such as flooding and droughts.

Education and Awareness: The introduction of a climate change curriculum in Enugu’s flagship Smart Green Schools will empower future generations with knowledge and skills in green innovation.

The approved policy and action plan also include the establishment of an ESCPAP Implementation Committee, comprising representatives from the government, private sector, civil society, and international donor organisations, to ensure effective execution of the policy’s goals.

Enugu’s Climate Policy aligns with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and global climate agreements, positioning the state as a key player in the nation’s journey toward a low-carbon, sustainable future.

With the approval of the Climate Policy and Action Plan, Enugu State stands at the forefront of subnational climate governance in Nigeria, demonstrating that economic growth and environmental sustainability can go hand in hand.

The drafting of the Policy and Action Plan was coordinated by Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, who is the Senior Policy Adviser to Governor Peter Mbah on Climate Policy and Sustainable Development on behalf of the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP) with support from the SSG’s team and those of the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Professor Sam Ugwu.

Funding was received from the African Climate Foundation and the European Climate Foundation. The Policy and Action Plan will be unveiled in a public presentation in a date that will soon be announced.