Author Archives: sppnigeria

Four state Commissioners of Environment from the South-West, South-East and North Central geo-political zones of Nigeria have highlighted the need for political will and increased funding for climate action at the subnational level.

The commissioners spoke as panelists during the high-level panel session on subnational climate action hosted by the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP) in partnership with the African Climate Foundation (ACF) at the just concluded Nigeria Climate Change Forum which held in Abuja on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.

The panel session, which was moderated by Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, President, SPP, featured Commissioners of Environment and Climate Change from Enugu, Professor Sam Ugwu; Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ekiti State, Chief Mrs. Tosin Aluko; Commissioner for Environment, Niger State, Yakubu Kolo; Commissioner for Environment and Climate, Taraba State, Aishat Bard, alongside a representative from the Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Eddidiong Eyo.

The panel session was organised to enable the commissioners to showcase their states’ climate actions, share best practices, and discuss some of the challenges they face in implementing climate change initiatives.

In his response to the question on the status of state-level climate efforts, Professor Sam Ugwu listed the key actions taken by the Enugu State Government to include: the establishment of a stand-alone Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to strategically drive sustainable impact; the development of a pioneering climate change policy and action plan that was recently approved by the executive governor of Enugu State; and the appointment of Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, a globally renowned scholar on climate governance, as a Senior Special Adviser to the governor on climate change policy and sustainable development.

Aishat Barde, Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change for Taraba State, said the achievements of Taraba state include restructuring the former Ministry of Environment to incorporate climate change; developing a climate change policy and action plan which was recently validated by stakeholders; and banning of illegal mining to protect the environment and public health.

She further stated that Taraba State has allocated 5% of its 2025 budget to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change; launched a tree-planting initiative targeting two million trees, and advanced climate awareness through the “Greening Taraba Initiative.”

“However, we are grappling with challenges such as deforestation and desert encroachment,” she stated.

Erelu Aluko-Ajisafe, Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ekiti State, described the state as a pacesetter in climate initiatives as evidenced in the state’s performance in the recent Subnational Governance Performance report produced by SPP in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment, adding that the state is currently collaborating with local and international NGOs on several key climate change initiatives.

Yakubu Kolo, Commissioner for Environment, Niger State, highlighted the state government’s efforts to adapt to the impacts of climate change, describing Niger State as an agricultural hub, and emphasising that climate change poses a significant threat to this vital sector.

To address this challenge, he noted that the government has developed a policy blueprint during the Niger State Green Economy Summit to serve as a strategic guide for the state’s adaptation measures and created an agency on the green economy that is fully supported by the state governor.

Mrs. Edidiong Udo, Principal Scientific Officer, representing Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director, Department of Climate Change (DCC) at the Federal Ministry of Environment, shared some ongoing efforts at the national level to support state governments in strengthening their climate governance and policy.

All the commissioners identified inadequate climate finance, lack of public and awareness of climate change, and limited political buy-in from elected officials as some of the significant barriers to climate action at the subnational level.

Mrs Udo also advocated for a peer-to-peer knowledge-sharing system to enable states to learn from one another through best practices in addressing climate challenges.

The Nigeria Climate Forum, hosted by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, brought together several key stakeholders cutting across government, private sector, advocacy groups, civil society organisations, as well as local and international NGOs, to discuss innovative ideas to catalyse transformative climate action across Nigeria and Africa.

By Ugochukwu Uzuegbu, Communication Specialist, SPP

The Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP) is set to host a High-Level panel session in collaboration with the Africa Climate Foundation (ACF) during the foremost Nigeria Climate Change Forum in Abuja. This High-level panel session is part of SPP’s commitment to put the subnational actors at the frontiers of climate change action in Nigeria and Africa.

The Nigeria Climate Change Forum, hosted by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology to catalyse transformative action that will address climate change challenges in Nigeria and across Africa provides opportunity for Ministries, Government Authorities, Chief Executives, senior decision-makers, industry leaders, development partners and climate activists from various sector to share ideas and explore multilateral avenues to catalyse national development.

As a pioneering environmental NGO, It is noteworthy to state that the SPP Team led by Professor Chukwumerije Okere in its attempt to galvanise awareness for climate action at sub-national levels in Nigeria and ensure improved climate change action and resilience among the state actors; it published the first of its kind mapping report on “Climate Impacts, Policies, and Actions at the Subnational Level in Nigeria” in close collaboration with the Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment and the Nigeria’s Governors Forum (NGF) in November 2023.

In 2024, The Society for Planet and Prosperity through collaboration with the Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment launched the first-ever climate governance performance ranking report “Climate Governance Performance Rating and Ranking of Nigeria’s 36 States”. The report which rated all the 36 states on 5 thematic areas: Climate Institutions and Governance, Climate Policy and Action Plan, Climate project Implementation, Climate Budget and finance and Online Visibility had Lagos, Gombe, and Ebonyi as the top three performing states with Borno and Ekiti states sharing the 4^th positions.

The SPP High-Level Panel session will feature Professor Sam C. Ugwu, Hon Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Enugu State; Ms Aishat Barde, Hon Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Taraba State; Hon. Yakubu Kolo, Hon Commissioner for Environment, Niger State; Chief Mrs Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, Hon Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ekiti State; and Dr Mrs. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director, Department for Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment to discuss “Subnational (State-Level) Climate Interventions in Nigeria”.

The High-Level panel session to be moderated by Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, President, SPP will provide an opportunity for the respective Hon Commissioners to highlight their state-level climate action, network with national and international stakeholders with the hope of attracting climate investment to their respective states,

Other distinguished leaders expected at the Climate Change Forum are Senator Kashim Shettima, Vice President of Nigeria, Hon. Wale Edun, Minister for Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Hon. Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Minister for Environment, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister for Budget and Economic Planning among other dignitaries.

It is expected that this transformative event will inspire collaborative action between government, private sector and international organizations towards driving sustainable development and achieving net-zero emissions in Africa and SPP is positioned as frontier NGO to provide the platform for subnational government to advance their climate action for sustainable development.

The Nigeria Climate Change Forum is scheduled to hold by January 28-29, 2025 at the Abuja Transcorp Hilton Hotel. The SPP High-Level Panel will hold on January 29, 2025 at the same venue

Ugochukwu Uzuegbu (Communication Specialist, SPP) and Gboyega Olorunfemi (Project Lead, SPP)

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 bold commitment to economic transformation rooted in environmental sustainability, innovation, inclusiveness, and climate resilience.

The approval follows a presentation by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, and underscores Governor Dr. 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 emphasizes 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 organizations, 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, Dr. 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 Honourable 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.

“Mastering International Climate Negotiations: All You Need to Know” is a free, self-paced, interactive e-course designed to equip participants—particularly youth—with the knowledge and skills for meaningful involvement in the UNFCCC climate negotiations.

Course Highlights:

• Duration: 3.5 hours
• Cost: Free
• Language: English
• Certification: Available upon completion
• Format: 12 video-based lessons
• Accessible: Self-paced and online

Why This Course Matters

Navigating the intricacies of global climate discussions can be daunting. This course breaks down the technicalities of the UNFCCC process and the Paris Agreement into accessible, video-based lessons. It is designed to build capacity, particularly for youth negotiators, activists, and anyone keen on contributing to climate policymaking.

What You Will Learn:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the international climate negotiation process and the UNFCCC institutional structure.
• Discuss key provisions in various negotiation areas, such as mitigation, adaptation, and climate finance.
• Learn how to engage in climate policymaking at both national and international levels.
• Navigate the UNFCCC website and access key information on climate processes.

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is designed for:

• Youth negotiators
• Youth-led and youth-focused organizations in climate negotiations
• Anyone interested in understanding international climate policies

Course Content:

1. Introduction to the Course
2. Mitigation
3. Adaptation
4. Transparency
5. Climate Finance
6. Technology Mechanism
7. Capacity Building and ACE (Action for Climate Empowerment)
8. Just Transition
9. Agriculture and Food Security
10. Gender
11. The Ocean
12. Navigating the UNFCCC Website

Certification:

Upon completing all videos, interactive lessons, and a final quiz with a score of 70% or higher, participants will receive a certificate of completion.

At the Global Youth Climate Action Fund believe in the importance of storytelling to inspire change and action. For this reason, the Youth Climate Stories platform was set up to give young people a voice to share their experiences, challenges they have endured, and how they overcame these challenges in the face of the climate crisis.

This is your opportunity to share your unique perspective on climate action and inspire change. Whether your story is about resilience, innovation, or solutions, your voice is essential to shaping a sustainable future.

Eligibility:

Climate Stories is a storytelling competition open to all youth aged 30 and under. Eligible contestants should submit their entries following these guidelines:

1. All stories must be original and may be submitted in English, Spanish, or French.
2. Stories must have a link to any of the GYCAF applicable categories (Figure 1).
3. Stories can be submitted in any format but must not exceed 1,000 words.
4. Formats can include video or audio, with a maximum length of 3 minutes.
5. All entries must be submitted via Google Forms.

*Special consideration will be placed on gender equality.

Categories

Participants are invited to submit their stories under one of the following categories, each reflecting key areas of climate action and environmental stewardship. These categories are designed to showcase diverse perspectives and approaches to addressing environmental issues and opportunities.

• Sustainaible Agriculture
• Clean Energy
• Oceans
• Capacity Building
• Nature-based Solutions
• Tech Innovation

Selection

Two (2) stories will be chosen as winners and will receive special publication in all of GYCAF’s social media pages.

1st place: Monetary prize, e-certificate and a sustainable water bottle.

2nd place: E-certificate and a sustainable water bottle.

If chosen as winner, an additional interview might be required to develop the story further and present it in the best, most impactful, way possible.

The winners will be selected by representatives from the GYCAF core team, along with members of the 2025 Youth Fund Board.

The selection of winners shall be based on the following criteria:

20% Communication: Was the storyteller able to convey a story within the set guidelines?

20% Creativity: How engaging is the story? What makes it unique from the competition?

20% Impact: Which story do you remember the most?

20% Relatability: Which story is most relatable and will possibly attract traffic to our public platforms?

20% Relevance: How relevant is the story to the current climate situation?

Timeline

The Youth Climate Stories competition will open for submissions on January 6th and will close on February 3rd, 2025.

During this period, participants are encouraged to submit their original stories in accordance with the competition guidelines. Following the submission deadline, entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges from the GYCAF core team and the Youth Fund Board. The winners will be announced in March, and their stories will be published on GYCAF’s platforms shortly thereafter.

Terms and Conditions

By submitting an entry to the Climate Stories competition, participants agree that if their story is selected as a winner, they grant GYCAF a non-exclusive, worldwide license to use, reproduce, distribute, and publicly display their stories in all media formats, including but not limited to GYCAF’s website, social media platforms, and promotional materials.

This license allows GYCAF to edit, modify, and adapt the stories as necessary to ensure clarity, impact, and consistency with the organization’s messaging. Winners retain the copyright to their original work, but GYCAF reserves the right to use the winning submissions for any purposes related to promoting the campaign and the organization’s mission without further consent or compensation.

Furthermore, participants must ensure that their submissions are original and do not infringe upon any third-party rights, including but not limited to copyright, trademark, or privacy rights. Any entry found to be in violation of these terms will be disqualified from the competition. By entering the competition, participants also agree to indemnify and hold GYCAF harmless from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from their submission.

These terms and conditions are designed to protect both the participants and GYCAF, ensuring a fair and transparent competition process while promoting the valuable stories of youth climate action.

Apply Here: https://shorturl.at/azkS7