Abia Partners Global Stakeholders to Drive Climate Action, Unveil Policy Development Plans

The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with local and international partners in advancing sustainable climate action, environmental protection, economic transformation, and social well-being.

Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, made this known during the Climate Change Stakeholders Engagement Meeting themed “Driving Climate Action: A Low-Carbon Future for Sustainable Development.”

The meeting was convened by the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Climate Change and Sustainability, in collaboration with the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE), with support from the UK’s Department for International Development.

Ogbonna disclosed that the state has carried out vulnerability assessments, community climate change assessments, and greenhouse gas data collection to contribute to Nigeria’s Biennial Transparency Report.

He noted that Abia is the only state in the country with a Climate Investor Readiness Document developed under the current administration.

He further highlighted Abia’s participation in major national and global climate forums, including COP 29 in Azerbaijan, SB 62 in Germany, and a recent Circular Economy meeting in the Netherlands. According to him, the state is also engaging local communities in climate decision-making to ensure inclusivity and sustainability.

Speaking at the event, the PACE lead consultant emphasized the organization’s commitment to supporting the development of Abia’s Climate Change Policy describing it as a catalyst for transformative climate action. He stressed that PACE is working at the intersection of governance and climate to empower vulnerable populations, foster dialogue, and chart innovative pathways for a resilient future.

PACE climate experts added that the workshop was designed to generate robust inputs for the state’s policy framework, aimed at ensuring a smooth transition to a low-carbon economy, promoting sustainable land-use practices, and attracting partnerships with development institutions.

The engagement featured breakout sessions focused on reviewing and developing the proposed Abia State Climate Change Policy under the theme “Greening the Budget.”