The Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP) has called on State Commissioners of Environment and Climate Change to bolster subnational climate policies, emphasizing the need for enhanced technical capacity, collaborative efforts, and increased access to climate finance to address critical gaps in state-level climate governance across Nigeria.
The call was made during a high-level meeting with the State Commissioners convened under the auspices of the “Conference of Commissioners of Environment and Climate Change,” where the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP) outlined strategies to strengthen subnational climate governance.
Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, President of SPP, represented by Mr. Gboyega Olorunfemi, Project Lead at SPP, in his welcome remarks, acknowledged the Commissioners dedication to climate action. He highlighted persistent challenges in subnational climate governance, stating that “these gaps can only be closed by empowering local decision-makers with technical expertise, visibility, and access to funding.”
He further explained that SPP would deploy a dedicated technical expert to strengthen the Conference’s secretariat and enhance coordination of climate action across states. “We have identified key constraints limiting your ability to deliver effective climate governance. This is why SPP has decided to support and collaborate with you,” he added, urging Commissioners to collaborate and share best practices instead of working in silos.
In her opening address, Chief Mrs. Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, Hon. Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ekiti State, and Chairperson of the Conference, praised SPP’s commitment to raising subnational voices. “This is a great opportunity for us to enhance our productivity leveraging the technical expertise of SPP,” she said. “I urge my dear colleagues to be fully committed as we support our Governors to achieve our environmental goals.”
Participants at the meeting expressed appreciation for SPP’s support and shared ideas to improve the initiative. Dr. Olly Owens, Technical Advisor to the Governor of Ekiti State, stressed the need for unified efforts among states. “It will be good to help all of the states link together to access opportunities,” he noted. “The voice of the subnational is not being considered, any way you can assist to improve subnational participation at the international stage will also be welcomed.”
Dr. Felix Odimegwu, Commissioner for Environment, Anambra State, emphasized the benefit of collaboration in boosting capacity and fast-tracking development in less-resourced states. “This platform will go a long way in bringing states up to speed on available options and capacities,” he remarked.
Prof. Sam Ugwu, Commissioner for Environment, Enugu State, aligned with the vision of SPP and reiterated the urgent need for climate finance. “We launched our climate policy earlier this year, and the next step is implementation. We need this coordination from your organisation,” he stated.
Other contributions came from Hon. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna of Abia State, represented by Mr. Chris Ike, who underscored the poor level of climate financing at the subnational level. Hon. Aishat Barde of Taraba State acknowledged SPP’s role in developing the state’s Climate Change Policy and Action Plan. Hon. Chukwu Victor Uzoma of Ebonyi State pledged openness to collaboration and further development efforts.
SPP has over the years led various interventions to support state-level climate action. These include mapping climate impacts, launching Nigeria’s first Climate Governance Performance Rating, developing state policies and action plans in Enugu and Taraba States, and delivering capacity-building programs for Commissioners and climate officers across Nigeria.