The Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP) has convened a high-level meeting with Commissioners for Environment and Climate Change from across Nigeria, as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen climate governance at the sub-national level.
The virtual meeting was held under the auspices of the Conference of Commissioners of Environment and Climate Change.
The aim of the meeting was to improve collaboration, build technical capacity, and enhance state-level access to climate finance and global policy platforms.
In his welcome address, the President of SPP, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, represented by Mr. Gboyega Olorunfemi, Project Lead at SPP, highlighted longstanding challenges in sub-national climate governance and emphasised the need for collaborative solutions.
“Our engagements over the years have revealed persistent gaps in governance at the state level.
“These can only be closed by empowering local decision-makers with technical expertise, visibility, and access to funding,” Okereke said.
He noted that SPP would deploy a dedicated technical expert to the conference secretariat to enhance coordination and ensure that states are better equipped to attract climate finance.
Okereke added that the deployment of the technical staff would help the states to design robust policies and participate meaningfully in national and international forums such as the UN Conference of the Parties (COP).
The Chairperson of the Conference and Hon. Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mrs. Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe (Ekiti State), commended SPP’s efforts in amplifying sub-national voices.
“Today marks the culmination of several discussions. I urge my colleagues to be fully committed as we work to support our governors to achieve our respective climate goals,” she said.
Participants at the event welcomed the initiative and shared insights on strengthening the platform.
Dr. Olly Owens, Advisor to the Governor of Ekiti State, urged integration of state-level efforts and better access to international processes.
“The sub-national voice is often excluded from global climate discourse. We need SPP’s help to break these barriers,” Owens said.
The Commissioner for Environment, Anambra State, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, highlighted the platform’s potential to bring lagging states up to speed.
“This collaboration is critical for knowledge sharing and accelerated development,” Odimegwu said.
The Commissioner for Environment, Enugu State, Prof. Sam Ugwu, emphasised the urgency of climate funding to support implementation of newly launched policies.
Mrs. Aishat Barde, Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Taraba State, appreciated SPP’s support in developing the state’s Climate Policy and Action Plan, now ready for launch.
Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, the Commissioner for Environment, Abia State (represented by Mr. Chris Ike), reaffirmed the need for financing to drive sub-national climate action.
Mr. Chukwu Uzoma, Commissioner for Environment, Ebonyi State, pledged his state’s full support and openness to collaboration.
Over the years, SPP has implemented several initiatives to strengthen sub-national climate governance, including mapping climate impacts, actions, and policies across Nigeria’s 36 states.
It also developed Nigeria’s first Climate Governance Performance Rating and Ranking, while mobilising funds to support climate policy and action plan development in states like Enugu and Taraba.
The Society continues to provide technical support and platforms for capacity building for commissioners and climate officers across Nigeria, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in Nigeria’s climate journey.