en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Abia State Government has announced the establishment of a dedicated Climate Change Department under the Ministry of Environment, as part of efforts to address climate change challenges and strengthen sustainable development across the state.
Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa, Senior Special Assistant to the Abia State Governor on Public Affairs, revealed this initiative during the 2026 World Environment Day celebration held at Imo State University, Owerri. In a speech titled "Urbanization and Climate Change: Building Resilient Cities for a Sustainable Future," Dr. Uzoukwa stated that the state government has integrated climate action into its development agenda through institutional reforms, scientific assessments, and strategic planning.
Dr. Uzoukwa noted that the establishment of the Climate Change Department reflects the government's recognition that climate change is both an environmental and developmental challenge requiring coordinated policy responses and long-term planning. He revealed that climate vulnerability assessments have been completed across all 17 local government areas in the state to generate scientific baseline data to guide climate planning and adaptation strategies. Additionally, Climate Community Assets Assessments have been conducted in all local government areas to identify resources and opportunities that can support community-level climate resilience and sustainable development initiatives.
In addition to the assessment work, Dr. Uzoukwa mentioned that Abia State has developed a 107-page Climate Change Investors Readiness Document. This document aims to enhance the state's competitiveness in accessing international and domestic financing opportunities related to climate adaptation, mitigation, and green economic growth to support environmentally sustainable projects.
Dr. Uzoukwa stated that the state government has appointed climate affairs officers in ministries, departments, agencies, and local government councils to strengthen institutional climate governance. These climate focal points are established to improve coordination, policy implementation, and monitoring of climate-related projects across all levels of government. He added that Abia State has submitted greenhouse gas emissions data to Nigeria's Biennial Transparency Reporting Framework, demonstrating its commitment to national and international climate accountability mechanisms. The state is also actively participating in national climate planning processes to align its environmental policies with Nigeria's climate commitments and global sustainable development goals.
The speech highlighted a framework he referred to as the "Abia Development Model," which aims to promote climate-smart urbanization, environmental governance, and sustainable urban development while enhancing resilience to the impacts of climate change. World Environment Day is celebrated annually to raise environmental awareness and encourage governments, institutions, and citizens to take actions that protect the environment and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
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