UNIDO selects Anambra state as Pioneer for Sustainable Development Initiative

Anambra has emerged as one of the core pioneer states poised to benefit from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization’s (UNIDO) innovative initiative, in alignment with UNIDO’s vision to foster sustainable industrial development across developing countries and transition economies like Nigeria.

UNIDO has launched plans to facilitate the state’s green and equitable transition to Net Zero by implementing circular economy practices.

A two-day assessment visit took place in Awka, with key representatives from relevant ministries and agencies, including the Anambra State Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Power, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, ASWAMA, and ANSEWCCA, in attendance.

In his address, Mr. Oluyomi Banjo, the lead of the UNIDO delegation and national expert, articulated the project’s objective to enhance access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.

He emphasized that the initiative is geared towards advancing circular economy practices to mitigate pollution and combat climate change and its repercussions in Anambra State and Nigeria as a whole.

The assessment visit aimed to evaluate the management of electronic waste, used batteries, and off-grid renewable energy solutions in both state-owned and private enterprises within Anambra.
This initiative falls under UNIDO Project 220145, Component 2, which aims to bolster the state’s green economy through UNIDO’s technical support, action-oriented research, policy advisory services, and funding from the European Union.

Welcoming the initiative, Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Dr. Felix Odimegwu said that this visit marks a significant opportunity for the state, noting that Anambra’s selection as a pivotal state in the groundbreaking program—alongside five others—enables access to a robust €9 million European Union-funded project.

Odimegwu stated that with the advanced circular economy practices introduced by UNIDO, Anambra could not only achieve a transition to Net Zero, thereby reducing the adverse environmental impacts associated with high greenhouse gas emissions but also promote inclusive and sustainable development throughout the state.

Additionally, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka, Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, highlighted the state’s shift from on-grid to off-grid renewable energy since the administration of Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo in 2022.
He noted that various government offices, healthcare facilities, and water stations are now powered by solar energy.
Chukwuemeka commended the UNIDO team for their timely intervention, expressing optimism about the ongoing transition towards renewable energy sustainability in Anambra.

The event concluded positively as the UNIDO National Expert Assessment Team acknowledged the suitability and readiness of all pertinent ministries, departments, agencies, and private sector partners for project implementation.