Enugu climate policy targets $30 billion GDP by 2031

The new Enugu State Climate Policy and Action Plan (ESCPAP) will increase Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from $4.4 billion in 2023 to an ambitious $30 billion by 2031.

The Enugu State Executive Council unanimously approved the ESCPAP recently, signalling a bold commitment to economic transformation rooted in environmental sustainability, innovation, inclusiveness, and climate resilience.

The approval follows a presentation by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyi, which underscores Governor Peter Mbah’s visionary leadership in balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.

The policy ensures that key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and natural resources are climate-resilient and future-proofed against environmental challenges. Enugu is one of the subnational governments to adopt a long-term climate strategy that incorporates emissions modelling, micro energy audits, and extensive stakeholder engagement.

This innovative approach aims to facilitate clean energy development, stimulate job creation, and foster green technology advancements. Among the key highlights of the policy are ensuring sustainable economic growth, job creation, energy transition, climate resilience, education and awareness. The ESCPAP is poised to drive a 25-fold increase in the state’s GDP by 2060 through investments in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green technology.

Over 792,000 new jobs are expected to emerge in sectors like renewable energy, waste management, and afforestation, while the state targets 80 per cent renewable energy usage by 2060, with a 60per cent emissions reduction in the transport sector and a robust afforestation plan to enhance carbon sequestration.

The policy emphasises enhancing adaptive capacity and reducing vulnerability to climate-related challenges such as flooding and droughts. The introduction of a climate change curriculum in Enugu’s flagship Smart Green Schools will empower future generations with knowledge and skills in green innovation.

The approved policy and action plan also include the establishment of an ESCPAP Implementation Committee, comprising representatives from the government, private sector, civil society, and international donor organizations, to ensure the effective execution of the policy’s goals.

The climate policy aligns with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and global climate agreements, positioning the state as a key player in the nation’s journey toward a low-carbon, sustainable future.

With the approval of the policy and action plan, Enugu State stands at the forefront of subnational climate governance in Nigeria, demonstrating that economic growth and environmental sustainability can go hand in hand.

The drafting of the policy and action plan was coordinated by Prof Chukwumerije Okereke, who is the Senior Policy Adviser to Governor Mbah on Climate Policy and Sustainable Development on behalf of the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP) with support from the SSG’s team and Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Prof Sam Ugwu. Funding was received from the African Climate Foundation and the European Climate Foundation.