The Enugu State Government, under Governor Peter Mbah’s administration, has approved two landmark policies aimed at driving economic growth, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience.
The policies of the Enugu State Climate Policy and Action Plan (ESCPAP) and the Off-Grid Electrification (OGE) Policy Strategy Plan position Enugu as a trailblazer in Nigeria’s climate action and energy transition efforts.
Announced by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, after the weekend’s State Executive Council meeting, the ESCPAP represents a bold step toward balancing economic transformation and environmental sustainability.
The policy outlines a long-term climate strategy that includes emissions modeling, micro-energy audits, and extensive stakeholder engagement. It targets the creation of 792,000 jobs in renewable energy, waste management, and reforestation by 2060.
“We started this process eight months ago, using surveys and data modeling. The ESCPAP will facilitate economic growth, focusing on job creation while ensuring climate resilience in key sectors like agriculture, energy, and natural resources,” said Prof. Onyia.
The ESCPAP projects a 25-fold increase in Enugu’s GDP by 2060, driven by investments in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green technology. The plan also targets 80% renewable energy use by 2060, a 60% emissions reduction in the transport sector, and a robust afforestation strategy to enhance carbon sequestration.
To ensure effective execution, the government will establish an ESCPAP Implementation Committee comprising stakeholders from the public and private sectors, civil society, and international donors. The plan also introduces a climate change curriculum in the state’s Smart Green Schools, equipping future generations with knowledge in green innovation.
Complementing the climate action plan, the Off-Grid Electrification (OGE) Policy Strategy Plan focuses on expanding electricity access to unserved and underserved communities. This initiative leverages distributed renewable energy solutions, such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass, to drive socio-economic growth and improve public services.
“The OGE Policy builds on the 2023 Enugu Electricity Law and provides a framework for catalyzing private sector investments to enhance the quality of life for our people,” said Prof. Onyia.
Both policies align with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and global climate agreements, positioning Enugu as a key player in the nation’s transition to a low-carbon, sustainable future. These initiatives also align with the administration’s ambitious goal of transforming Enugu into a $30 billion economy by 2031.
Governor Mbah’s administration has demonstrated a commitment to sustainable economic development through innovative policies that address energy access, environmental challenges, and job creation, setting a benchmark for other states in Nigeria.
