LONDON/United Kingdom: Governor Peter Mbah has called on global investors and development partners to partner Enugu State in delivering climate-resilient infrastructure and accelerating the transition to a green economy, declaring that the state is positioning itself as Africa’s leading subnational destination for climate finance.
Speaking at the Nigeria Climate Investment Showcase during London Climate Action Week, Mbah said his administration had laid a solid policy and institutional foundation to attract sustainable investments capable of driving economic growth while addressing the challenges of climate change. The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said Enugu had embraced bold reforms designed to inspire investor confidence and unlock international climate financing opportunities.
According to him, the state has enacted a climate change law, established a dedicated Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and developed a comprehensive Climate Change Policy and Action Plan to guide its green development agenda. He noted that the government has also invested in clean transportation, urban greening initiatives and smart green schools powered by rooftop solar systems, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
Mbah identified key investment opportunities in waste-to-energy, climate-smart agriculture, clean urban mobility, green industrial zones and clean cooking solutions, stressing that these projects offer significant economic, environmental and social returns. He explained that the proposed waste-to-energy initiative would reduce methane emissions, improve waste management, create employment opportunities and generate both electricity and compressed natural gas, while investments in electric buses, CNG transport systems, charging infrastructure and sustainable mobility corridors would modernise urban transportation and reduce carbon emissions.
The governor further said climate-smart agriculture remains central to the state’s strategy for strengthening food security, improving rural livelihoods and creating greater opportunities for women and young people. He added that the planned green industrial zones would support solar-powered manufacturing, sustainable logistics and climate-resilient infrastructure capable of attracting environmentally responsible industries.
To strengthen investor confidence, Mbah disclosed that the state had developed a comprehensive Climate Investment Plan detailing priority projects, financing requirements and implementation responsibilities. He also announced plans to establish a Climate Finance and Carbon Markets Unit to coordinate project preparation, deepen investor engagement and strengthen climate finance tracking, while enhancing climate data, monitoring, reporting and verification systems to meet global standards.
Describing climate action as a catalyst for economic transformation rather than a burden, the governor said investments in the sector would expand energy access, create jobs, improve public health, enhance food security and build long-term resilience. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to forging strategic partnerships with international investors and development institutions to deliver projects that improve livelihoods and promote sustainable development across Enugu State.
The investment showcase attracted climate finance institutions, project developers, policymakers and technology companies, many of whom expressed interest in exploring partnership opportunities with Enugu State. Members of the state’s delegation included Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke and Ms. Sandra Gerge.
