The ongoing efforts by Spaces for Change | S4C and the Imo State Technical Committee on Climate Change to develop a climate policy for the state is attracting a groundswell of support from both state lawmakers and other governmental stakeholders. The support gained momentum following the Technical Committee’s recent advocacy visit to the Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Environment, Honorable Ikpamezie Innocent. S4C and the Ministry of Environment and Sanitation, together with members of the Imo State Technical Committee on Climate Change, met with the Assembly Committee Chair on March 25 to update on the progress being made toward drafting an inclusive and participatory climate policy for the state. The proposed policy consists of action plans, funding mechanisms and opportunities to promote renewable energy initiatives and reducing carbon emissions in the state.
During the meeting, the visiting delegation briefed the Chair about the steps the Technical Committee has taken so far and the roles of the various stakeholders involved in drafting the proposed policy under the stewardship of Imo State Ministry of Environment and Sanitation and S4C. The initial steps include constituting the broad-based Technical Committee populated by public and private sector stakeholders as well as community leaders and the civil society. Others include capacity-building for Technical Committee members, peer-learning engagements with other state climate policy departments and robust awareness creation and sensitization campaigns on climate change on two major state radio stations in the state. These initiatives have helped broaden both the Technical Committee’s and public understanding of climate change and its impacts in the state.
Speeches by both the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Sanitation and other Technical Committee members emphasized the importance of securing broader governmental support for the policy, both from the legislative and executive arms of government to ensure alignment between state environmental priorities and national climate targets. Underscoring the significance of a subnational policy on climate change, the proposed policy presents an opportunity to demonstrate Imo State’s commitment to environmental sustainability and a low carbon future.
The Chair, Honorable Ikpamezie, announced that the policy would continue to enjoy maximum support from stakeholders, including from the state legislature, provided it is well-crafted and clearly presented. He also committed to offering his insights and feedback on the initial draft to ensure it aligns with the state’s clean energy priorities. Other members of the state legislature present at the meeting also expressed support for the climate policy, but also insisted that the provisions must address the specific needs and environmental challenges faced by Imo citizens. Overall, the commitment and support of the state legislature towards the draft policy bodes well for the success of the initiative and the promotion of sustainable environmental practices in the South-east region of Nigeria.
